Safety Counts Before Storm Water Cleanup Procedures in Mahopac

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Putnam County, fix it, Don’t stress it.

SERVPRO Secures Your Mahopac Property During Water Damage Restoration

Before any stormwater cleanup procedures can start, the structure must be secured first. It is important for the restoration team's safety and guarantees the safety of the owner and other occupants. We perform a general assessment of the building to determine its stability.

When our SERVPRO technicians assess your Mahopac property during water damage mitigation, we check the extent of structural damage and identify possible risks caused by the storm. We check for situations such as broken windows, weakened floors, loose ceilings, and possible electrocution. Once identified, we perform the following activities to prevent the possibility of accidents happening:

• Switching off electrical power
• Putting up barriers to prevent the spread of contamination
• Posting warning signs
• Removing floating carpets
• Covering the tack strips

Stormwater can carry a lot of debris, such as mud, branches, leaves, and other sediments. Our SERVPRO technicians use shovels, brooms, and rakes to remove the dirt. If the area under contamination is so large, we can use more powerful tools like heavy-duty street sweepers and leaf blowers during water damage cleanup.

We have a clear plan for handling and disposing of the materials and contaminants that are removed from the site. Usually, we follow local waste management regulations for proper waste disposal. Working with licensed restoration technicians during stormwater cleaning is important since professional skills are needed for proper water extraction, disinfection, structural drying, and elimination of potential risks.

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we have the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary to handle all aspects of stormwater cleaning and restoration. We are available 24/7 to respond to any emergency and ensure your property is returned to its former state within the shortest time possible. Call us at (845) 228-1090 today to learn more about our moisture control services.

Nominate SERVPRO of Putnam County as your favorite Business to win the Best Business in the 94th Assembly District of the State of New York

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Our very own SERVPRO of Putnam County has been nominated by the New York State Assembly as among the best-run businesses in the 94th District.

We have served Putnam County and beyond with disaster restoration services for over 10 years with thousands of satisfied and repeat customers. Our services are an essential part of maintaining the vital infrastructure of Putnam County. We help get the homes and businesses in the area back up and running when disasters such as flooding, fire, or pandemics strike. Whether on an individual or regional level, we have been there to help clean up the mess, restore, and rebuild to put people’s lives back in order and make that disaster “Like it never even happened.”

The State Assembly would love to have your feedback on their nomination. If you will, please follow this link to vote for SERVPRO of Putnam County to win the Best of the 94th District!

https://rb.gy/fnwjsa

Premier Fire Damage Restoration in Mahopac

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO to effectively tackle the fire damage in your property. Call now!

SERVPRO Technicians Can Restore your Home

Housefires happen when stoves are left on, electrics malfunction, or candles and cigarettes are not put out. While these occurrences may feel like a disaster, they are often controlled quickly with minimal harm to the occupants. However, fire does produce smoke which can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and belongings. Much work is ahead to get your home back. That work includes removing charred materials, cleaning soot or smoke, and removing odor. SERVPRO technicians are experts for:

• Smoke Restoration
• Fire damage
• Odor control

Since the immediate impact of fire damage in your Mahopac home is smoke, it makes sense to hire professional technicians that understand how smoke behaves and how to remove its residues. High temperatures cause combustion, which releases smoke. The type of smoke it releases depends on what each material is made from. A fuel or grease fire releases oily, greasy smoke. Dry organic matter like wood releases a dry smoke. Each type requires a different set of cleaning equipment and chemicals to remove. 

Removing smoke residues is challenging, so we recommend waiting for SERVPRO technicians before tackling residues on walls or ceilings. General cleaning methods such as light vacuuming or ventilating the space can be helpful and are unlikely to exacerbate the damages. We usually perform these prep cleaning services first before moving on to tackle more stubborn damages. For odor control, our team uses various equipment and chemicals to remove burnt smells.

• Oily smoke deposits require the removal of oil-based cleaning solvents, sometimes called dry solvents.
• Dry soot can often be removed with vacuuming, scrubbing, or a household detergent.
• Odor-counteracting pellets, hydroxyl generators, and vaporizers are different methods of dispersing deodorants to counteract malodor.

For a quick solution to smoke and odor problems, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County for fire damage restoration at (845) 228-1090.

Water Removal Required for a Waterline Break in a Mahopac Clinic

12/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO gives you access to expertly trained water remediation specialists that put vast resources and years of experience to work for you.

Our Scalable Water Removal Services Mitigates Loss

Due to the nature of a physician's practice, clinics in Mahopac have running water in almost every room. When a water line breaks or a sink's drain leaks, your clinic needs fast water removal services so you can avoid changing your patients' scheduled appointments.

Many doctors want to accommodate as many patients as possible and their office hours reflect this goal. Because of this, it could be many hours before anyone discovers a leaking water line. You need water removal services in Mahopac when you open the doors to your now-drenched clinic. SERVPRO can help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

The amount of time the water remains standing in your clinic helps determine how much restoring your clinic might take. Calling us right away can reduce costs and make it easier for us to get things back to normal for you. Along with water removal and extraction, we also perform related tasks, namely:

• Carpet cleaning and other treatments,
• Repairing any plumbing or appliance leaks, and
• Drying the interior of your clinic.

Our carpet cleaning specialists can save your floor coverings from secondary damage like mold and mildew. Special applications leave carpet fibers and padding unable to support the growth of unwanted microbes. Other applications prevent odors and staining. Carpet cleaning can also help dry the carpeting uniformly and to avoid stretching.

We can replace any water lines or plumbing fixtures that caused the leak in your clinic. Sometimes, it is only the fastener that we need to replace.

Finally, after all the extraction and cleaning, we can concentrate on drying everything. Drying out sometimes requires the removal of drywall sections when water levels reach a few inches above the baseboards. After we finish making the necessary flood cuts, we clean the area up, also. Opening these spaces allows air currents to dry the interior of wall sections, further preventing mold and mildew.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is always on standby to help other businesses, especially our local doctors and other medical professionals, with water removal services. Call our emergency services line at (845) 228-1090.

SERVPRO Is Quick To Respond for Water Mitigation in Mahopac Homes

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's advanced drying equipment can mitigate water damage to your Mahopac property. We are always HERE TO HELP.

Treating Water Damage at a Mahopac Property

Sometimes, unwanted water makes its way around a home. This could be due to internal sources like burst pipes or exterior sources such as leaky gutters. When you notice some water on the floor, wet ceiling, or wall, you should not ignore it. There could be underlying issues way more serious than what you see on the surface. A burst pipe, for example, can put out more than 160 gallons per hour, spewing thousands of gallons when no one is in the house. Call an expert when you see telltale signs of moisture damage in your Mahopac home to prevent an escalation.

Professional water mitigation services in Mahopac homes ensure no further damage happens. The process can be done during or soon after the incident. Before anything else, experts should determine the moisture source in your home, as the severity level of each source is different. When SERVPRO offers emergency response to water incidents, we help minimize secondary damages, such as moldy drywall and buckled floors.

Different categories of water

• Clean
• Gray
• Black

Clean water does not contain any waste products. This is typically unused water from burst pipes, overflowing sinks, and defective appliances. However, if not removed and treated, it can become infested with microorganisms and become black water (contaminated) in days.

Preventing moisture damage from spreading

Proper mitigation measures enable the restoration process to run faster and smoother. SERVPRO crews run an inspection to determine the source of moisture. In case of a burst pipe, the obvious should be done - fixing the problem to prevent more moisture from spreading in the house.

Other tasks to mitigate damage include

• Check the home’s structure for stability
• Remove moisture by drying the environment and regulating humidity levels
• Remove damaged materials such as drywall
• Clean and disinfect materials and surfaces

Moisture damage can be a pain in the neck. When you need expert water mitigation, SERVPRO of Putnam County is here for you day or night. Call us at (845) 228-1090. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Select a Local Restoration Partner for All Your Repair Needs

10/12/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big or small. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today to schedule your estimate.

For All Your Repair Needs

There are so many advantages that go along with selecting SERVPRO for your restoration job. Our experts can execute rapid cleanup and repair services after a fire, a water emergency or a severe storm.

Suppose you have a mold problem growing in your house or business. In that case, we provide licensed mold remediation services to help you safeguard your property and eliminate the problem. And when you require unique needs, like the disposal of biohazards or the removal of graffiti, we can clean up the mess!

However, one element of SERVPRO that separates us from the competition: We’re local!

SERVPRO of Putnam County is here to clean up your mold damage. Why is this helpful, and how does it distinguish us from other repair companies? Here’s why a local provider is so important.

3 Reasons Being Locally Owned Is a Difference-Maker

When hiring a restoration company, you must consider various features, including consistency and a good history. However, it will help if you also have a team that is close by. Here’s why it’s essential:

• We Can Respond Fast

When your property is struck by disaster, you must act fast! Postponing repairs will only allow the damage to escalate and result in a much longer and pricier restoration process.

When you choose SERVPRO of Putnam County, that will never be an issue. Our 24-hour emergency services allow us to be on the scene ASAP. And since we are your neighbors, you won’t have to wait around for us to arrive.

• We’re Prepared for Local Weather Conditions

Since we operate right down the road, we follow your exact weather predictions. Our team gets everything needed to respond prepared when severe weather is predicted in Mahopac, so we can move quickly once the storm is over.

And since we respond to calls of damage from conditions like winter storms, floods and severe thunderstorms, our team has years of experience repairing the destruction left over.

• We Know Mahopac Front and Back

When you hire a restoration partner from out of town, they’ll arrive without any knowledge of our area. They won’t just be uninformed about our unique community; they probably won’t even know their way around town!

With our crew, this will never be a problem. We know exactly what makes our community, city and state so special. Lake Mahopac is the heart of our community, decorated with locally owned stores, a massive library and plenty of year-round activities.

Besides recognizing our town functions, we also understand local government rules and how to comply with them. This knowledge allows us to start and finish your restoration project quickly to return your house or company to its preloss state.

An Extra Benefit

You may be confident that we’ll be prepared to tackle any calamity that strikes our community. While we usually manage all restoration demands with available materials and nearby experts, there are occasions when a large-scale disaster impacts a lot of homes in a single area or even the entire city.

Here’s where the SERVPRO advantage comes to your rescue: We are both locally owned, operated, and supported by a well-established national brand. When a disaster strikes suddenly and results in widespread destruction in our area, we can alert other SERVPRO sites and ask for assistance as needed to dry it up making sure there is no moisture left behind.

When disaster strikes your home or your business, we’re the team you can trust—located right here, close to home. Get in touch today to get started!

Call us today!; Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090.

Give Us A Call Day Or Night In Carmel After A Flood

9/29/2022 (Permalink)

This celling was effected by high winds and torrential rains and our team arrived right away to begin restoration and prevent further damage.

Cleaning and Deodorization of a Flooded Carmel Basement

Knowing the best solutions for flooded basements in Carmel homes is not something that can happen without inspections and assessments of the environmental conditions. Our SERVPRO professionals commit to arriving at your house within four hours of the first notice of loss (FNOL), ensuring that no customer waits for experienced technicians longer than necessary. With flooding scenarios, cleaning and deodorization are vital components of returning a property to a safe condition. 

Both of these practices become intertwined during the recovery process, where cleaning flood damage in Carmel homes also affects the lingering odors in residences. In many situations, eliminating microorganisms can help to reduce the concentration and severity of flood odors. The technicians of our team must assess the best approach to dry out the damage so that cleaning and later deodorization efforts can be useful in your house.

Many of the basements in the area belong to older homes constructed decades ago. The inspiration had not spread for finished lower levels at this point, so even now, many basements remain with concrete block walls and flooring. When age and hydrostatic pressures compromise a portion of the block wall, extraction and drying are priorities of our responding team responsible for emergency services. Water from the outside can carry in the dirt, mud, debris, and other threats. Cleaning up after this mess can only begin once the floors have been cleared of excess water and moisture.

Cleaning up after these flood damage disasters involves many possible cleaning agents, but few are as consequential and direct as chlorine-based cleaners. Because of their disinfection properties, these agents can also begin to nullify odors. Additional deodorization products can get used in the basement in portable machines like our thermal foggers. These units heat deodorization solutions into a vapor and can disperse it wherever the moving SERVPRO technician takes it.

Overcoming the lingering effects of a flood loss begins with the extraction and drying of the area. With the damages that remain, our SERVPRO of Putnam County team can offer effective and efficient solutions designed to protect your home and its contents. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (845) 228-1090.

Protect Your Home From the Dangers of Lightning Strikes

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Putnam County to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.

Protect Your Putnam Home From the Dangers of Lightning Strikes

More than 70,000 damage claims resulting from lightning strikes were made in 2020. While it is relatively uncommon for us humans to be struck by lightning, your property is considerably more vulnerable. And when lightning does hit, it has the power to wipe out your electricity, destroy trees and even ignite a fire.

Fire damage in your Putnam home can be avoided; with the right fire safety gear, you can essentially guarantee your safety and safeguard your family. But while house fires frequently begin while cooking in the kitchen, your house is also at risk from natural hazards that are harder to prevent.

Approximately 6,000 lightning strikes are thought to occur per minute. This indicates that we could all be impacted by this hazard, and we should all be equipped to defend our houses and ourselves in the event of a storm.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is a massive flash of electrical current between clouds in the air and the ground. While lightning is always present during thunderstorms, it can also occur during volcanic eruptions, violent wildfires, and even severe snowstorms.

Although we equate lighting with extreme storms, it can strike even when the skies appear clear and the air is calm. “Dry lightning” occurs when there is no rain, which is hazardous since it commonly sparks wildfires.

So, as we prepare for the risk of hazardous weather, we should also plan for potential fires.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Fires

Lightning strikes could cause substantial damage to your property, including fires. When your home is struck, flames may ignite immediately due to the high temperature of the strike or the electrical charge caused by the strike.

When a fire begins due to a hit, it may not be instantly apparent as it will usually start behind your walls or in your attic. Inspect for burning after the strike, and notify the fire department when you spot black streaks or smell smoke.

A tool that can be useful when preventing lightning-related fires is a lightning rod. This metal pole creates a channel that directs the electrical current and heat produced by the impact straight into the ground.

When Lightning Strikes Nearby

Lighting is a frequent source of ignition for outdoor fires like wildfires. Varying parts of the country experience “peak” seasons for lightning fires, but around 9,000 fires are sparked each year by lightning.

Keep your property safe from the impact of lighting, keep a tidy yard free of decaying plants or excess debris, and utilize defensible zones to safeguard your property. Install smoke alarms in your home so you’ll be instantly notified if a fire starts.

Our team at SERVPRO specializes in fire damage restoration and can make the brutal aftermath of a fire much easier on you. Through specialized training and cutting-edge equipment, we can quickly restore any damage caused by flames and smoke. We will return you to your home as soon as we can.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090 to get the restoration finished fast.

Flood Protection for Your Property

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Putnam County to get the restoration process started right away.

Flood Protection for Your Residential Home

Regardless of where you live, flood protection is essential. A small amount of water—as little as an inch—can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. This can be costly and require repair and restoration services.

Depending on your geographic location, your home may be at a higher risk of flooding. Suppose you aren’t in a flood-prone area, though. In that case, there may not be many resources or insurance plans available to cover flood damage. It is even more critical to protect your Putnam property from flood damage before it happens.

Fortunately, there are things that can be done to the inside and outside of your home to prevent flood damage. The regional risks our area faces should be well-known. Putnam County often experiences flooding from excessive rainfall, closing roadways, and damaging homes.

Flood Protection Outside Your Home

Expected or not, heavy rainfall can leave your gutters overflowing. Take the time to prepare your home outside to prevent the water damage from spreading inside.

Regular maintenance to your gutters can ensure that water exits away from the property instead of building up and entering your home. An extended downspout can even be added to improve water flow on a budget.

Intentional landscaping, such as a garden, can help pull heavy rainfall into the soil down to the roots. This prevents overflowing grassy areas, which can ultimately enter your home. Mulch can also increase water absorption.

Protecting your home from flooding should be viewed as an investment. When you can, adding rain barrels and anchoring fuel tanks can be beneficial during severe weather events.

Flood Protection Inside Your Home

Sealing your basement and patching cracks in your foundation are the first steps to preventing water from entering your home. In areas at high risk of flooding, investing in a battery-operated sump pump will be beneficial if water enters the basement.

Sometimes, flooding is caused by internal factors, such as leaky pipes. In this case, maintenance is vital. Plumbing can become worn and fail without notice. When you notice a leak, act immediately to prevent floods.

Make sure to keep important papers and irreplaceable items in waterproof containers off the ground. They can become damaged quickly when wet, so keeping them out of the way in the first place is essential.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 today to get your restoration completed faster.

How Can My Fire-Damaged Home Get Cleaned After a Disaster?

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Even Fire Departments Rely on SERVPRO for Cleanup and Odor Removal from Garrison to Mahopac

Not All Mahopac Fires Require Extensive Restoration, but Our SERVPRO Team Can Help with Cleaning and Odor Removal.

Smaller house fires in Mahopac might seem like less work initially, but in many ways can be as time-consuming and demanding to restore as more significant structural disasters. Meeting the needs of the occupants of the house means prioritizing areas that could present health hazards to those exposed or might make comfortable living a challenge when the family does not relocate.

What Does Professional Cleaning Entail?

While there might be many ways to address the fire damage in Mahopac homes after a smaller blaze, a professional cleaning can often address the most pressing and immediate concerns. We have an entire roster of cleaning technicians accredited in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and Odor Control (OCT) through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC.) Some of the mitigation tasks that begin soon after arrival include:

• Debris Removal
• Surface Cleaning
• Dry Vacuuming
• Soot Removal

Get Rid of Foul Odors

Deodorization is one of the common elements of nearly every single house fire, regardless of its size or severity. Smoke and burning odors can become more intense without mitigation practices like the debris removal and surface cleaning mentioned before. Removing and neutralizing harsh noxious odors can fall to advanced tools of the trade like our:

Thermal Foggers--these units can superheat deodorizing compounds to a gas state, allowing the compound to penetrate porous materials and neutralize trapped odors in structural elements and contents.

Hydroxyl Machines-- using the power of UV cleaning, hydroxyl machines can neutralize odors throughout an open area. An onboard HEPA filtration system can also help to reduce circulating harmful particulates in the air as well.

No matter the size or severity, fire losses in your home can be a devastating force without the appropriate mitigation and cleaning response. Call our SERVPRO of Putnam County team 24/7 at (845) 228-1090.

Need Fire Damage Restoration in Mahopac? Call SERVPRO

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t let fire damage overwhelm you, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Why is SERVPRO the First Choice of Mahopac Residents for Fire Damage Restoration?

Looking at all the damage, you might find it difficult to determine how and where the restoration process begins. The first thing to do in such a situation is to call in the experts. SERVPRO's certified technicians can help you round the clock to manage the situation and minimize the loss.

Witnessing fire and smoke damage at your Mahopac home can be overwhelming. Yet, cleaning residue during a fire and smoke restoration and cleanup are difficult. Different types of residues require different approaches. The most common types of residue left after the fire, and smoke damage fits into one of the following three categories:

• Dry smoke residue - Often the easiest to clean, is formed by burning natural substances such as wood. 
• Wet smoke residue - Difficult to clean and is formed by burning synthetic material, including plastics and polymers
• Protein smoke residue is formed due to burning proteins such as meat and fish. It is not easy to clean and requires deodorization as well.

SERVPRO techs apply a different approach for each of these residues to get your Mahopac home to a state "Like it never even happened." Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We are here 24/7 to serve you. 

How to Dry Water Damaged Carpet in Carmel

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Not all water damaged carpet is lost. Call SERVPRO for our advanced drying equipment and restoration process.

Is a Carpet That Needs Water Removal in Carmel a Loss? 

One of the most common areas we deal with for water damage in a home is the flooring. The restoration services training and certification each of our team members undergoes extensively cover the techniques and equipment for handling water loss to the carpet. The training also includes subfloor, tile, and floor joists, the space between levels where excessive moisture has the potential to lead to weakening, odors, and mold infestations. 

When our SERVPRO location answers a call for water removal in a Carmel home, we arrive quickly to begin extraction. If it is safe to do so, we ensure the homeowner has turned off the water and sometimes the electricity or gas service to the home for safety. Once our team arrives on-site, we scope the property with our different kinds of moisture detection equipment to find all areas of migration to ensure we do not miss places retaining excessive moisture. 

Our technicians have specialized training in handling water extraction from carpeting and padding. Just because a hot water tank failed or a supply line broke upstairs does not mean the saturated carpeting is a loss if cleanup efforts begin within 24 hours or so. 

Specialized fittings on our equipment, such as weighted extractor heads, push the water to the surface of the carpet for removal. To limit the disruption to the home during water cleanup, SERVPRO technicians use a drying configuration known as "floating." This method involves loosening the carpet on one side and using our air movers to deliver warm, dry air to the underside, drying it in place while other air movers blow across the top. This process can also keep the pad in place during the drying. We can remove area rugs for in-plant drying and cleaning when required and approved. 

Once the carpet verifies as dry through our equipment, we clean and sanitize it using various methods as applicable to the type and condition of the carpet: 

• Bonnet Cleaning: used for short piles and rugs that are slightly worn
• Hot Water Extraction: deep cleaning method suitable for most carpet types
• Deluxe: Used in cases where soiled areas remain after spot cleaning 

If any residual water odors remain in the home after complete drying and cleaning, our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) have numerous applications for eradicating those and returning the house to its pre-damaged condition. 

When you need fast water removal and cleanup, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. Our technicians arrive quickly and work until the water loss in your home is "Like it never even happened." 

Three Most Common Forms of Storm Damage

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Putnam County your first call.

Severe Storms Can Be Terrifying For Homeowners

While many current houses are built to endure these dangerous weather hazards, most houses will experience some degree of damage when an extreme storm passes through town. Strong winds and wind-related disasters can throw debris everywhere and create cold rain, snowstorms, lightning, and flash floods, all depending on the kind of storm and the time of year. Any weather threat puts your property and structure at risk of severe damage.

Based on the kind of storm damage and events that may occur to your Mahopac home might be vulnerable to different levels of damage. The landscape surrounding your home, the area’s geography, and the quality of your home’s foundation or construction materials are just a few of the many variables that affect potential damage. (We admit, there is also a component of luck.)

Being aware of the many weather threats that impact homes can be helpful, but knowing what puts your own home at risk is even more crucial. Your Mahopac house could face the effects of snowstorms, thunderstorms, and severe winds.

Living inside a storm-damaged home is never safe unless safety professionals approve. Many types of damage will be visible right away, but others won’t be evident to the naked eye.

So that you are better prepared for them, let’s examine the three primary types of storm damage:

Wind

When violent wind gusts that blow at absurdly high speeds come in contact with buildings, this type of damage occurs. Strong winds are commonly created by tornadoes and hurricanes, but even thunderstorms can produce gusts of up to 100 mph.

Debris left in your yard may be picked up by strong winds and thrown into the side of your home or your car, and the winds themselves can rip shingles off the roof. It’s important to stay indoors during storms and stay far away from windows and exterior walls in case glass breaks or the walls are pierced by flying debris.

You can also take action before the storm to reduce the amount of wind-related damage. Keep your property free of limbs, big rocks, loose furniture, and dead trees, so storm winds have fewer things to throw around.

Water

Water damage can find its way into your home following a storm. Even a small storm can create heavy downpours that cause water to build up outside your home and seep into any openings around your property.

If there is enough water present, it may potentially seep into your foundation and seriously harm its structural integrity.

Try to utilize unique landscaping to allow water to run away from your home and reduce the amount of damage that water may do to your property. You could also try a rain garden, a creative way to enhance your yard and stop all that rainwater from becoming a major issue.

Additionally, to ensure that your gutters function as intended and to keep water off your roof, you need to continually keep them clean. A clogged gutter can send water down from the top, allowing water to collect and flow to the ground.

Impact

“Impact damage” is another typical storm damage that can affect your home. Strong winds causing downed trees or other debris to crash into your home are examples of this devastation. It basically refers to anything that hits or impacts your home and anything you own.

Trimming the trees surrounding your property and making sure any trees that are decaying are removed are the best ways to prevent this kind of catastrophe from happening.

Weather-related catastrophes cost more than $145 billion in losses in 2021, just in the United States. These suggestions could help you save a ton of time and money while also making your home safer by stopping these regular disasters in their tracks.

If your home is struck by sudden severe weather, do not hesitate to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Putnam County. Our restoration specialists are equipped to handle any size of the damage and develop a successful restoration strategy tailored to your specific situation.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County today to get your storm damage restoration started faster. Call now at (845) 228-1090.

Our Team Can Tackle Your Restoration Needs

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what type of disaster you face, SERVPRO of Putnam County is only a phone call away.

SERVPRO is a Successful Company Ready To Help With Disasters

As a locally owned and managed SERVPRO location, we recognize the challenges business owners must overcome regularly. When running a successful company, you will run into many obstacles, and an unexpected disaster is one of the most damaging ways to set your business off track.

However, while you cannot predict and most likely cannot avert disasters, you can be prepared for them. Putnam County is prepared to help with all your storm damage needs.

Besides the destruction that business owners deal with, we acknowledge that homeowners will eventually face disaster. Picking up the pieces after a disaster is difficult to handle regardless of the type of damage you are facing.

To prepare your family for dealing with the destruction, you need to come up with an emergency plan as well. Developing an emergency plan starts with awareness of the disasters that occur the most in your community.

The American Red Cross has created an amazing tool that collects information from national resources to assist you in planning for any disaster. There are plenty of Red Cross locations near Mahopac ready to prepare you for any disaster in your area.

Whether you manage a business or own a house, you will undoubtedly face the effects of damage eventually. In any case, you need to undergo repairs promptly to keep your situation from escalating. Here’s why we should be your very first call:

Why Choose SERVPRO?

We acknowledge that every situation is different. While disasters inflict damage on properties annually in the United States, every situation is extremely different.

For example, over 14 million homes are at risk of flooding yearly, but the destruction inflicted upon each home will vary. This is why we have an expert team on standby trained to handle damage of any size so that you can feel safe in choosing us to repair your property.

We can inspect the specific factors of your unique scenario to execute an effective restoration plan.

When it comes to repairing damaged homes, a quick response is essential. This helps not only restore your home or business fast but also keeps the damage from getting any worse.

When water infiltrates your home, it can result in significant damage to important valuables inside the home. And when water is left untreated for a long period, mold and mildew can speed throughout your property and compromise your home’s infrastructure. That’s why we are prepared to respond to any emergency around the clock.

We deliver much more than just damage repairs. Aside from repairing the damage left over from a disaster, we can handle every aspect of the recovery journey.

We help pack your belongings to keep them from being damaged, and we can work with insurance agencies to make the claims process as easy on you as possible. Our mission is to deliver quality assistance in any way possible to make the recovery process less overwhelming.

It doesn’t matter the size of the disaster; Call (845) 228-1090 to hire the local professionals at SERVPRO of Putnam County , they can tackle any damage with years of experience and training. Our restoration experts use specialized tools to restore your property and get you back to your property as quickly as possible. When your home or business suffer damage, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Remember These Precautions When Lighting a Backyard Fire

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Backyard Fire Damage Caused When Lit

Sitting around a backyard fire with your family is a great way to spend a summer evening. S’mores, scary stories, and hotdogs are just a few activities you can enjoy around the fire.

Backyard fires can be helpful for enjoyment, preparing a meal, controlling insects, or clearing out yard debris. However, even the most contained fires still have their hazards. The National Park Service states that humans ignite around 85% of wildfires.

Wildfires create fire damage in heavily forested areas of Mahopac. The leading cause of these outdoor fires is improper open-burning, which leads to the spread of flames.

Of course, if local laws permit, you can still burn your debris, light your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows, and grill your burgers. As long as you practice proper fire safety measures every time you burn, you can still enjoy your backyard fires and prevent the spread of flames.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Every open flame comes with its own set of hazards. Still, barbecues, campfires, fire pits, and fireworks are some of the most prevalent causes of outdoor fires. Grills are responsible for around 8,800 home fires each year, usually due to improper usage. Before firing up your grill, check the propane tanks and gas lines, and always supervise your grill even after you’re done using it.

When creating a campfire, locate it in a safe spot away from buildings or vehicles, and only use a match or lighter to ignite the flame. Once your campfire is burning, use only wood to fuel the flames. Never leave your fire unattended, even after you’re roasting marshmallows.

Fire pits are a simple way to create a camp-like feel in your backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as a regular campfire. If your fire pit is movable, make sure to place it away from an area with an overhang and off of wooden decks.

While it may seem like an easy way to get rid of construction or yard trimmings, you should only burn approved firewood.

If you plan to celebrate with fireworks, set them off in an open area and give them room to land away from trees, vehicles, or other debris. In Mahopac, some fireworks, like wood-based sparklers, are legal, but firecrackers and cherry bombs are not. Even though the 4th has already passed, ensure to only light legal fireworks when celebrating.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Fire and flammable materials can still be put to good use, even with their hazards. In the fall, if your yard collects many leaves and you don’t have a street pickup or garbage disposal option, burning your debris might be the only way to keep your yard tidy.

Before burning anything, make certain local authorities allow you to burn debris in the first place. Stay aware of any burn bans and apply for a permit if necessary. In Mahopac, a burn ban has been put in place until further notice, so you should refrain from burning until given the green light.

We all use our sheds or garages to store materials like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a disastrous impact. Only keep your gas in approved containers and reserve your container in an area where kids are unable to reach it. It would help if you only used gasoline for its intended purpose. If you’re having trouble lighting that campfire, don’t turn to your gasoline can for help.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the local weather forecast and your area‘s regulations. If conditions are dry or there are severe winds, reschedule your campfire and save your marshmallows for a better day.

If an outdoor fire impacts your home, contact our experts at SERVPRO. Our team has experience restoring fire-damaged properties and can repair your home as quickly as possible.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090 to get restoration started faster if you have experienced fire or smoke damage.

Carpet Restoration During Mahopac Water Cleanup

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for fast and efficient service.

Mahopac Water Cleanup Includes Carpeting

Carpeting is a standard installation in many area homes. Because of this, it makes it one of the materials that our SERVPRO professionals must prepare to restore and dry after disasters. These flooring elements can become quickly overwhelmed by migrating water, demanding fast action to preserve this installation if possible. 

Removing Water from Carpeting

Water cleanup in Mahopac homes often means materials far beyond the flooring, but given that this is among the heaviest impacted by standing water, it must be a priority. The first step to protect carpeting after water damage exposure is removing water standing beyond the fibers, or what has become trapped in the outermost layer and padding underneath it. We have multiple extractors, including specialty tools like carpet wands and weighted extraction devices to help. 

What Does Floating a Carpet Mean?

Floating the carpet is a process in which the perimeter of the carpeting is removed from tacking strips, and low-profile air movers are positioned between the rug and the padding to help promote the drying of both layers. This can be an efficient approach if the carpet has been deemed salvageable by the production management.

Carpet Cleaning Solutions

After much of the drying for the house is complete, deep cleaning of the carpeting will be necessary. It is likely that water damage has discolored, stained, or soiled the flooring. We have effective carpet cleaning strategies to follow after other restoration processes to improve the appearance and feel of this floor covering. Options can include:

• Bonnet Cleaning
• Hot Water Extraction
• Deluxe Conditioning

Restoring and recovering your home after water damage can include drying and cleaning the carpeted floors in affected rooms. With the premier equipment of our experienced Carpet Cleaning Technicians (CCT), many rely on SERVPRO of Putnam County to help after disasters. Give us a call at (845) 228-1090.  

How Do I Remove Water Damage from My Attic?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Attics are frequent locations of water damage. Inspect your attic often.

Mahopac Residential Water Damage Cleanup Pros at SERVPRO Stand Ready to Help 

Roof damage and storms are not the only causes of attic water damage. Pipe leaks and HVAC malfunctions can also affect this already vulnerable area of the home. A fast and proactive response is the optimal way to minimize repair costs and property loss. 

When HVAC or plumbing issues affect your home's safety and comfort, SERVPRO is ready to provide cost-effective water damage mitigation for your Mahopac residence. This team is available for cleanup 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist homeowners with any size disaster. 

What Can I Do to Prevent Attic Water Damage? 

Minimize attic water damage with ventilation, insulation, and maintenance. Keep these tips in mind: 

Ensure that your attic has proper ventilation. This ventilation reduces the humidity of the space, but it can improve overall indoor air quality.

Check on your insulation. Insulation in your attic should be thick, dry, and soft. Moist, thin, or flat insulation can create humid conditions that allow condensation to damage your attic.

Make sure appliances vent outside. IF vents in your home blow into the attic, your ducts may not be able to handle that much moisture. 

How Can SERVPRO Dry My Attic? 

This team uses a combination of centrifugal air movers and commercial-grade dehumidifiers to pull moisture out of surfaces and isolate it for disposal. Refrigeration coils and desiccant materials are common materials used for dehumidification. 

While low-grain refrigerant dehumidification is ideal for general drying down to approximately 20% relative humidity (RH), they are not ideal for every surface that needs drying. Desiccant dehumidifiers are an excellent option for drying structural materials that require even lower humidity levels for restoration, like hardwood and plaster. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County has the tools and techniques to keep your home looking "Like it never even happened." Call (845) 228-1090 for restoration services at any time of the day or night. 

What Causes Bathroom Sink Leaks?

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Inspect the plumbing under your sink often for signs of leaks.

IICRC-Certified Technicians Perform Water Restoration Services for Southeast Homes 

Whether the source is as simple as a loose connection or requires more thorough repairs, a bathroom sink leak can wreak havoc on your under-sink cabinetry and create a thriving environment for mold. Catching a leak too late can mean higher repair and replacement costs for Southeast homeowners without professional help. 

If your Southeast home needs bathroom water restoration services, SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to remove water damage, eliminate microbes, and restore or replace your cabinets. 

Troubleshooting a Bathroom Sink Leak 

Loose connections. One of the frequent causes of a sink leak in your bathroom is easily rectified by tightening the retaining nut with a pipe wrench and adjusting connections with channel lock pliers. Reapply plumber’s tape where needed.

A malfunctioning drain flange. The metal “collar” surrounding your drain can crack or erode over time, which can often be fixed by removing the old plumber’s putty and replacing it with new material.

Some pipes may require replacement. Before attempting replacement, shut off the water in your home and take your old assembly to a hardware store to determine what size sink trap and tailpiece you need. Make sure to have the plumber’s tape ready to cover visible pipe threads and get new slip nuts. 

SERVPRO Dries Bathroom Cabinetry to a Pre-Loss State 

SERVPRO technicians use a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers to address water damage after extracting the bulk of moisture with tools like extraction wands. Before drying can begin, however, technicians can prepare your cabinetry by removing the toe-kick and drilling small holes to facilitate an even distribution of airflow. We sanitize water-affected spaces with EPA-registered antimicrobials. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County helps homeowners save with mitigation services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (845) 228-1090 for cleanup 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Understand Weather Warnings to Stay Safe

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Putnam County.

There are about 42 various types of weather warnings, all grouped into seven different categories. That’s a lot of information to take in if a severe storm is on the rise!

Understanding what a weather advisory could mean for our community can help you keep safe in the face of disaster. You can also safeguard your home prior to severe weather to reduce potential property damage.

Knowing about the many types of weather situations can be helpful, but knowing what type of weather might touch down in Putnam County is even more vital.

How Alerts Are Issued

So, since weather forecasts are merely predictions, how is the intensity, location, and duration of a storm measured? How are these weather warnings issued, to begin with? There are many different factors that influence the issuing of these warnings.

The National Weather Service is in charge of weather predictions and issuing any required alerts as a result. To ensure these warnings are location-specific, there are six regional offices and hundreds of sub-offices located around the country that issue these alerts. Mahopac’s alerts come straight from nearby at the Eastern Region headquarters in Bohemia.

Meteorologists and other personnel with the NWS use many kinds of data to create predictions, including satellite radar, weather balloons, seismic activity meters, and even ocean buoys. While the type of information used changes pertaining to the magnitude of the weather emergency, meteorologists’ main goal is to make as accurate a forecast as possible.

The Most Important Alerts to Understand

You’ve undoubtedly received a weather advisory that contained the terms “watch” or “warning.” This is terminology that is used in almost all weather warnings, including those for thunderstorms, winter storms, and flooding.

A watch means you should start planning for a potentially dangerous storm that could pass through our area. A warning is given in a limited area, such as a county or city, whereas a watch is delivered in a larger area.

A warning indicates that a severe storm is impending and you should prepare yourself and your home immediately for a disaster.

Knowing what kind of weather our community faces on a daily basis will help you better understand the weather alerts given during severe weather. Mahopac, for example, gets snow often during the winter season. You can expect winter storm alerts to be sent throughout these freezing cold months when conditions worsen.

Protecting Your Home During a Storm

Being aware of the different types of weather warnings is the wisest way to ready yourself and your home for any kind of weather, but there are a couple of other ways you can safeguard your home to prevent property damage.

Clean your gutters regularly and secure any outdoor items to protect your home from extreme weather such as flooding or strong winds. Locate a shelter packed with supplies to survive a storm and have an emergency evacuation plan prepared in case you and your family need to exit.

After a storm, if your home is left with structural damage that needs to be repaired, give SERVPRO a call. We can be on the scene as soon as you need us to restore as much of your home as possible to return it to its original condition.

Being knowledgeable about our weather can help you ride out the next storm that comes your way. Learn the different warnings that might be issued during severe weather so you’ll know how you can prepare you and your family for severe weather conditions.

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

How Do Commercial Calamities Occur?

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.

Businesses are the foundation of the United States. Whether it's the one you work for, the one you visit every day, or the one you own, we all benefit from these local companies.

Throughout the day, business owners can expect a handful of unforeseen situations. Commercial Storm emergencies in Putnam County are one of the concerns that business owners and their employees sometimes face. Because these events are unavoidable, advanced planning is the greatest method to prepare your business for any emergency.

The devastation caused by these natural disasters only worsens in the United States. According to the NCEI, our country has suffered an average of $153 billion in damage annually over the last five years. This is a significant increase over the previous period.

In Mahopac, businesses can expect weather conditions such as severe storms, floods, lightning, and even snowstorms. In 2011, severe storms unleashed lightning, which struck three businesses and started a fire.

Be aware of all the disasters that may strike your commercial property to prepare your business for any catastrophe. Continue reading to find out more.

Water Damage

Water damage is a significant concern for businesses around the country. Flooding can wreak havoc, and even little leaks around appliances might become a massive water problem. Both types of water damage can result in difficulties such as infrastructure damage and mold growth.

Flooding from an overflown river or severe weather conditions can destroy your property. Floodwater can infiltrate your facility's floors, essential company data, and any equipment inside. Knowing your area's flood risk will help you understand how severely floods can affect your business when they strike.

Leaks within your facility can also cause water damage. Inspect your plumbing for signs of leakage, such as discoloration and corrosion. These precautions can save you from a minor leak turning into significant water damage.

Storm Damage

Every year, severe weather impacts several local businesses. Storms can rip down walls and uproot trees. Minor weather occurrences can bring down power lines and send branches flying, putting your business at risk.

Storms can generate winds ranging from 10 to 45 mph, but the worst storms can produce wind gusts reaching extreme speeds.

These more extreme storms can generate winds above 100 mph, resulting in a 100-mile-long path of destruction that can demolish anything in its way. These heavy gusts of winds can uproot large trees and tear your facility's roof!

To reduce the risk of damage, you can install storm shutters on your windows and anchor down your roof. However, these prevention efforts can be expensive.

Simple tasks such as tying down any outdoor equipment to keep it from blowing away and trimming any large branches that may hang over your property are easy ways to prevent damage. Consider turning off utilities and relocating essential appliances and documents away from windows to a secure location before a storm if it is predicted to be particularly severe.

Know Who to Call

Commercial disruption can be detrimental to a company. These disasters can cause significant financial damage, but there are ways to protect your firm from the unexpected.

Fortunately, our crew is trained to repair any water or storm damage. Our team is available 24⁄7 to respond to any size disaster. We can get on the job as soon as possible to determine a solution and begin the restoration process.

If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We're here to act fast, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Water Cleanup in Wall Systems of Mahopac Restaurants

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the size and destruction to your building, SERVPRO handles all commercial damage restoration projects. Call now!

Thorough Drying and Water Cleanup Solutions

After a water damage incident impacts your restaurant, you can be temporarily stopped to get the structure clean and prevent hazards like microbial or bacterial growth from your eatery.

Drying the Wall Cavity

Water cleanup for Mahopac restaurants requires immediate drying solutions. Drying a wall cavity and structural opening requires several things working simultaneously to help. Trapped water must get managed by removing the baseboard and drilling holes between each stud. This can help standing water find floor drains in your kitchen area if pooling is terrible enough. Next, we must infuse air into this cavity to promote evaporation. 

Can Wet Insulation be Restored?

Insulation is another element of the wall or ceiling system that becomes damaged by the present water. While some of these materials are better replaced than restored, fiberglass-based insulating can often be dried and reused, saving time and money. 

What Areas Are Impacted by Water Damage?

When water migrates into the trafficked areas of your restaurant, you must act fast to prevent permanent structural damage or considerable reconstruction and repair. These approaches can include:

• Containment: To keep your doors open after water damage when possible, SERVPRO professionals install containment barriers or use our equipment along the perimeter of the damaged areas to prevent spreading. 

• Rapid Extraction: To better protect areas of your business, we combine several extraction units to overcome standing water and pooling.

• Surface Cleaning: Surfaces must get thoroughly cleaned against bacterial and microbial growth, especially in the restaurant's dining and food preparation areas. 

• Mold Prevention: Preventing mold is a necessary step in protecting the property. We have multiple products that can help in this effort, including inhibitors. 

Damage to a restaurant after water damage can spread rapidly and force your doors to close for extended periods. Swift action in the face of bad leaks or burst pipes to get water cleanup started is critical in costlier restoration or prolonged closures. Give our SERVPRO of Putnam County team a call to get your business back in business at (845) 228-1090.

Our Experts Discuss Steps For Cleaning Up After A Fire In Your Carmel Home

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

We can deal with the destruction to make it seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Steps for Cleaning Up Your Carmel Home After Fire Damage

Firefighters in Carmel respond to many emergency calls often. Fires can fill homes with soot, debris, and ash, and without immediate action, the damage may increase. Restoring a property after a fire is often a significant operation that involves following a complex systematic process. It is sensible to hire professionals to complete the tasks required to restore your property to its pre-fire loss state.

Fire damage in your Carmel residence might have caught you off-guard with the challenges of cleaning up the ruined areas. The fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO can help you go through the restoration process in a straightforward and stress-free manner. Through our restoration efforts, you can minimize losses. The sooner you contact our professionals, the sooner we can begin getting your property back to normal. Before our crew arrives, here are a few things you can do:

• Prevent further damage in your house by boarding up openings.
• Limit movements to prevent soot particles from being embedded in the carpets.
• Use clean towels or linens to cover rugs, furniture, and carpeting in high-traffic areas.

Although flames cause the most apparent damage to a home during a fire, soot, smoke, and ash can be silent hazards. You should not overlook smoke and soot damage when evaluating the destruction a fire has caused. Smoke travels upwards, landing on cooler surfaces, and it may leave thick soot deposits. It may cause extensive corrosion, etching, and discoloration of your property and odors. Our SERVPRO crew can prevent this damage by removing smoke residues from all affected surfaces.

Our team can also deal with ash damage. Ash particles are easily disturbed and can spread throughout a building quickly, damaging different items and surfaces. Ash tends to build up in layers forming a lacquer-like consistency, which is hard to remove. Our team can remove the ash so that they do not build up. We test the affected surfaces for categorizing materials as either washable or non-washable. We wet clean washable materials and dry clean the non-washable ones. Our technicians can use dry cleaning sponges to dry clean non-washable surfaces and water-containing detergents to wet clean surfaces. The wet cleaning process usually involves three steps, namely, washing, rinsing, and drying.

If your Mahopac, Southeast, or Kent residence has fire damage, you should call the experts at SERVPRO of Putnam County. We can deal with the destruction to make it seem “Like it never even happened.” Our helpline is (845) 228-1090.

Preventing the Need for Mold Remediation in Mahopac Car Dealerships

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is not a fun thing to do. Leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO and let their team handle the dirty work.

Storing cars in Mahopac can lead to mold remediation needs.

If you run a car dealership, mold is the last thing you want to be faced with. One of the risks for fungal growth in your car dealership is storing cars in incorrect conditions.

You will need mold remediation in your Mahopac business if fungus starts growing in the cars you are storing there. Even keeping a vehicle for a short time can lead to mold growth if conditions are incorrect. Unfortunately, cars provide plenty of easy sources of mold food, including upholstery and leather. The fungus can also grow on plastic surfaces.

You can help prevent mold problems by:

• Ensuring the insides of cars do not get damp.
• Use dehumidifiers in your dealer and even inside the cars.
• Carrying out regular mold checks inside cars and also throughout the building.

If you spot signs of mold, call SERVPRO. We will remove surface mold, disinfect, and bring in dehumidifiers and fans to reduce moisture and prevent regrowth. If the mold is causing musty odors, we can also deal with those.

If you are concerned about mold remediation, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Clean Around the House to Avoid Fires

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Putnam County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need.

More than 20,000 house fires have happened in the United States since the beginning of 2022.  

Knowing what creates fires in your home and what you can do to protect your Putnam County property could save you from devastation. Decluttering your home is one essential step you can take to protect your property against flames:

Clear the Clutter

A cluttered home can quickly spiral out of control. Clothes, towels, and blankets may end up on your floor. When these items are near heating appliances such as a space heater or a water heater, they act as fuel for a flame and catch fire when in contact with the heat source.

Items scattered about the house may also obstruct doorways, hallways, and staircases. In the event of a house fire, a cluttered home would be dangerous since it would be difficult for you to make a timely exit.

Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

Because California experiences multiple wildfires each year, defensible space is required to slow the spread of these fires, trees and plants are grown in strategic places to act as a fire barrier, slowing the spread of fires and making it easier for firefighters to approach homes in the event of an emergency.

Living in Putnam County puts you at moderate risk of wildfires, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have safeguards in your yard to control the spread of any outside fires. In the case of a fire, a well-kept yard could save your home. Remove any dead plants and dried leaves, and trim any overgrown branches. Because dried grass can quickly catch and spread fire, frequent mowing and watering your lawn will help.

Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

Cleaning up fights fires in more ways than one. Dust bunnies are an unexpected cause of house fires. One way to prevent flames is to thoroughly dust your home, ensuring no dust covers outlets or space heaters.

Dusting and vacuuming your home regularly will not only leave it spotless but it may also prevent dust from gathering in certain spots and lighting a fire. It’s also a good idea to have your chimney and fireplace cleaned out and inspected yearly since they can be fire hazards on their own.

There are numerous methods for protecting your home against fires. Cleaning your home is one preventive measure you should regularly take to ensure your safety.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is there for you when you need fire remediation services. If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (845) 228-1090.

SERVPRO’s Experts in Mahopac Are Skilled at Resolving Fire Damage

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and experienced technicians.

They Chemically Clean Up Mahopac Fire Damage 

When a fire impacts your Mahopac residence, it generally leaves behind damaging residues and foul odors. Fortunately, it is possible to resolve these troublesome issues. Fire-related residues can be removed by chemically altering them, and odors are often effectively counteracted and neutralized with the appropriate gases.

SERVPRO has successfully cleaned up and restored fire damage in the Mahopac area for decades. Our highly-trained professionals have routinely addressed fire and smoke damage and performed the services fire-damaged homes typically require, like smoke remediation and fire restoration. They employ various measures to perform their work and specifically target the particular fouling elements involved. Some of the chemically counteractive actions SERVPRO technicians take are:

• Digesting protein residues, like blood, sweat, eggs, dairy products, and other bodily fluids and protein-containing foods, with living organisms known as enzymes and then removing the residues with detergents, ammonia, or water
• Bleaching staining soils, with either oxidizing (oxygen adding) or reducing (oxygen removing) bleach, to remove them from materials and thereby eliminate stains without adversely impacting the materials’ colors.
• Using Brown Out (#257) to remove water stains from synthetic carpets/materials and Natural Fabric Brightener (#153) to eliminate those impacting things made of natural fibers like wool and cotton
• Removing rust from carpeting and another cotton, wool, linen, silk, and synthetic fibers with the strong oxalic-phosphorus acid solution Rusticide (#116)
• Oxidizing and breaking down offensive odor particles with ozone gas to neutralize unpleasant, fire-related smells

In each way, we alter the chemical structure of residues and problematic particles to better deal with them and return your home to its pre-fire state.

So, with all of this in mind, remember that your neighbors at SERVPRO of Putnam County are always ready to help you with your fire damage. Call us anytime at (845) 228-1090.

Leave It To The Professionals To Remediate Your Water Damaged Home in Carmel

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes water damage is not immediately evident. But when it becomes visible, it’s time to contact the technicians at SERVPRO.

Is It Time To Call For Water Removal For Your Carmel Property?

If you notice water damage anywhere in your home, it is best to determine whether or not the issue is old or new. The quicker you determine whether you are dealing with recent damage or an older problem, the faster the water removal can begin.

Calling SERVPRO to help you assess the potential water damage in your Carmel home is essential if you are unsure where the issue stems from. Water removal in Carmel can help you to eliminate the moisture and also make it easier to locate the source of the intrusion. The following are helpful steps that you can use to find out if the signs of water damage are new or if it has been brewing for some time:

Determine the Materials

SERVPRO technicians can show you how water can impact different materials in various ways. Brick, tile, and other sturdy materials show if water damage has been around for a while because it takes time for the signs of wear to show up and create leaking. However, if you see damage on hardwood flooring, carpeting or drywall, this could be new damage.

Spot Rings

With materials like wood floors, drywall, and other soft materials, they could develop rings if the damage has built up over some time. Water soaks in and starts discoloring the material, leaving a stain behind as it dries. Once this pattern goes on, it leaves several rings showing the pattern of water damage.

Touch the Area

When water damage is newer, the area can be wet but not yet soft. Should you touch your drywall or ceiling and the material is soft to the touch, water has had ample time to soak in, ruining its integrity. This is when it is time to think about detection services and water removal in Carmel, which is where SERVPRO is more than happy to help. 

Contact us today at SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for high-quality water cleanup. We are available 24/7 to help, including emergency calls.

Mahopac Neighbors Breathe Easier When SERVPRO Is on the Scene for Cleanup and Restoration Services

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Whether your property damage is from water, fire, mold, or storms we are loaded and ready to role to your location at a moment's notice.

High-Quality Disaster Restoration Services: Why SERVPRO Is a Valued Resource for Mahopac Residents

When water, fire, mold, or storm losses challenge the Mahopac community, hiring reliable local restoration professionals is crucial. Not only is it easier to research the reputation of an established company, but it is also essential that you can contact your restoration contractor even years after the work completes with concerns. Our roots grow deep here in Putnam County, and you can rely on us to be here for you now and far into the future.

Mold Remediation

Summertime presents unique opportunities for mold damage in Mahopac. Mold spores need water to grow. Warm, sticky weather can raise relative humidity levels inside your home to over 60 percent, enough moisture to impel some strains of mold to begin multiplying on an organic surface such as drywall, woodwork, or insulation. If you run an AC system, the cold air near a warmer exterior wall can offer mold spores water if it condenses. A clogged drain on an air conditioner can drip as well.

Water tracked in from backyard pools and wet towels stuffed in duffel bags or behind bedroom doors are great mold incubators. Unvented dryers and steamy kitchens also increase the moisture load mold seeks out. When we work with you on a mold remediation plan, we sometimes spend more time advising on microbial limiting moisture control than completing the removal itself. This attention to resolving, not just responding to the problem, is why SERVPRO is highly rated by customers.

We use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol when mold remediation, first locating the mold, then containing it with physical barriers, and often sealing the area with harmful pressure air scrubbing equipment. The mold scapes or bushes off and porous surfaces can respond well to gentle abrasives like soda blasting. A surface antimicrobial approved for this purpose by the EPA is used to inhibit the rebound of mold growth.

Water Damage

When most people think of Mahopac water damage, they imagine gallons of water pouring through a hole in the roof, backed up sewer pipes, or ruptured water heaters, flooding a house with inches to feet of water and contaminants. Although these severe events can happen, and we respond quickly when they do, many water losses seem less extreme yet can still cause significant harm, both to the structure and the contents of a residence.

Looking up at your ceiling or inspecting a wall can reveal signals that all is not well. Staining, bulging, and peeling paint are common signs of hidden water damage. Tiny leaks in pipes or connections can be the cause, or dried-out, cracked caulk around tubs and sinks might be allowing water to flow into cavities. Migration of water is inevitable and wet moves to drier areas. Permitting water to saturate building materials eventually leads to substantial deterioration and even collapse of everything from drywall and ceiling tiles to the framing and subflooring of your home. 

When you notice something that makes you suspect water leaks scheduling an assessment by one of our experienced project managers is a smart move. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained employees have many resources available to detect water losses challenging to trace, which is why SERVPRO is the call to make. Thermal imaging and moisture meters help map out a waterscape you had no way of knowing flowed out of sight. Once we sketch out the extent of the damage, we devise a plan and implement it immediately.

Fire Damage

Smoke and soot cleanup for your Mahopac home must proceed quickly, starting within hours of the firefighters leaving. Water removal usually happens first for safety reasons, but our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) shift seamlessly to their roles as Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT). Categorization of the sooty residues left on every surface is the key to appropriate cleaning, and our team is skilled in both evaluation and removal.

Hot and swift burning of wood and paper results in an ashy, crumbling soot that we vacuum or dry sponge to remove. The fire that smolders in fabrics and padding, electrical cords, or connections produces a thick, sticky "wet" soot. We use agitation, surfactant, and wetting agent-infused cleaners to loosen and wipe away. Protein-based soot from food and grease fires is thinly deposited and hard to dislodge. Solvents and abrasives help clear the almost colorless but pungent residue.

Odors cannot be ignored or merely masked with distracting perfumed agents. Our inventory of thermal foggers, hydroxyl generators, and access to ozone machines means we can eliminate the odor in the tiny particles carrying it through chemical changes at the molecular level. Our deodorization specialists' experience and skill in using these devices are why SERVPRO has success in neutralizing the malodors that otherwise would remind you and your family of the fire despite successful smoke and soot cleanup.

Storm Damage

Storm damage results in Mahopac due to high winds and heavy precipitation 12 months out of the year. The form the water takes as it batters your home might change, rain one month and snow another, but the harm your residence suffers is devastating regardless. Straight line or rotating winds can topple trees and utility poles, crashing into the exterior of your home and causing significant damage. It would help if you had the gaping holes in roofs and siding secured and broken windows and doors tarped or boarded up.

Our team can answer that call and take care of a broad range of other issues, including water removal after overland flooding or the draining of rainwater through breaches of your home's structure. The IICRC training of our managers and technicians master supports our efforts to evaluate water categories and contain and dispose of contaminated floodwaters appropriately.

Flood water can include sewage, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can put your family in harm's way. In addition to containing and disposing of the fluids as hazardous waste following local regulations, we treat the affected areas with EPA-registered antimicrobials after a thorough cleaning. Our extensive training and experience with Category 3 water are why SERVPRO uniquely qualifies as an efficient and effective responder when your home suffers from storm damage.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is well-prepared to meet the needs of our community during and in the aftermath of a disaster affecting the safety of your household and the integrity of your home's structure. Call us at (845) 228-1090 to schedule an assessment and get the recovery rolling.

If You Need Restoration Services, You Can Trust Us

5/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we pride ourselves on having a team of experienced professionals who make all the difference in restoring your home or property. In our line of work, we meet individuals when their lives are turned upside down, and the experience that we bring to the table is important.

Our professionals will work closely with you during the restoration process to have as little disruption as possible to your daily activities as possible following these types of damage.

Water Damage

Did you know floods cause $10 billion in damages nationwide every year? Flooding is something that will likely affect your home at some point in time.

When water overflows into a property, it does not discriminate, and any item within reach is submerged. However, the damage it causes in different items within the affected area varies. It is necessary to follow the right procedures to save valuable items in your property after a water loss incident.

That’s why you need to call up SERVPRO of Putnam County—we have the tools to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water. In addition, we will help you put together a water damage restoration plan to make sure your home is clean, dry, and restored to preloss condition.

Fire Damage

Threats to your home or business can come in all sorts of forms, which is something that home and business owners know all too well. However, have you thought about the threats that a fire could pose?

While often underestimated, fires occur every 23 seconds in the United States and can cause extreme amounts of damage. They caused roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide in 2020.

We will help you deal with this damage by performing an inspection and damage assessment and progress through all the necessary, in-between steps before starting repairs and construction.

Storm Damage

During severe weather events, the damage caused by debris can be exacerbated by wind-driven rain entering your home through the hole in the roof. Massive amounts of erosion can also take place.

Oftentimes, the remnants of hurricanes or tropical storms can hit the county due to New York’s proximity to the coast. For example, Tropical Storm Ida led to multiple flooded homes, businesses, and roadways last year.

Storm damage to your home or business is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

We can help. Just one phone call can set you up to get your property back into pre-storm shape quickly, helping you save potentially thousands of dollars and rest easier at night knowing that you’re in good hands.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

As a locally owned and operated company, SERVPRO of Putnam County can get to your home quicker.

SERVPRO of Putnam County not only delivers the best restoration services at the most competitive rates to homeowners but also offers commercial services to help property owners recover from extensive water, fire, and storm damages. We have the knowledge to clean and restore your property—and most importantly trust that our team is here for you.

Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.

Develop a Severe Weather Attack Plan

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Putnam County right away.

Extreme weather is a daunting scenario. Thunderstorms can bring about all kinds of dangerous consequences, and considering that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, they happen very often.

In the spring and summer months, extreme changes in heat can trigger severe thunderstorms. Putnam County is an area that can see this issue a lot, as the temperatures can change 20 degrees in a single night.

Even though we can in no way manage the weather, we can take action to prepare for storms. From an emergency kit to a communications strategy to a plan for the aftermath, taking action to put together plans for storms is a critical way to reduce their effect on you and your home.

Your Extreme Weather Communication Strategy

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, having a way to talk with all of your family and being able to receive alerts from officials is essential. You should know the difference between weather watches and warnings so you know if you need to be on the lookout or sheltering from the storm.

It’s also smart to have more than one way to receive alerts from officials, including an NOAA weather radio and your cellphone.

Make sure you’ve got a communication plan in place for your household. Have a delegated safe location in your home that everybody knows to get to in severe weather conditions.

Additionally, make a plan for communicating in case one or more household participants are away from home when a storm strikes. You don’t want to get caught in a situation where you don’t know whether family members are safe or not.

Your Severe Climate Emergency Kit

The best thing you can do to prepare for severe weather is put together an emergency kit, packed with all of the necessities that your family individuals want for a minimum of 72 hours of sheltering in place. It should be stored in your at-home storm shelter location.

The kit, includes nonperishable food, water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, and all other items anyone in the household might need.

Your After Storm Checklist

After intense weather, it’s critical to make sure you’re taking steps to improve your safety plan and swiftly deal with any damages to your home’s structure. As soon as it’s safe, check your property for damage, paying close attention to your roof and the seals around home windows and doorways.

If you do discover damage, you need a crew of reliable restoration experts! You can find the best in the business at SERVPRO of Putnam County. We will act fast.

When you are able to get all of your household members together, it’s a great idea to do an audit of your whole security plan. Collect feedback on how effective the plan was so that you can improve the plan to keep everybody safer the next time severe weather happens.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ to spring into action—get in touch with us today.

Emergency Actions Before Fire Damage Restoration in Mahopac Homes

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Fires leave smoke and soot damage behind. But no worries! SERVPRO can tackle the damage.

Early Mitigation Helps Fire Damage Restoration for Mahopac Properties

Fire recovery and restoration is often a complicated and involved process utilizing multiple tools of our inventory and strategies of our experienced FSRT-Certified technicians. Before much of this restoration work can begin, however, there are often pressing concerns in the residence that must be addressed through a series of emergency services our rapid response team can complete. Using a combination of experienced mitigators and our general contractor license, we can prepare a property for fire restoration. 

Clearing Fire Debris

Among the first obstacles to restoring fire damage in Mahopac homes is the present debris and bulk materials throughout the structure. Combustion destroys many materials and surfaces, leaving behind harmful byproducts that negatively impact the property. Debris removal focuses on:

• Ash
• Soot
• Smoke Solids
• Charred Materials

Indoor Air Quality

Airborne contaminants are another concern for responding technicians. These migrating carcinogenic products or toxic solids can be hazardous for the house's occupants, and it can create a volatile environment for even our experienced restorers. Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) begins with the calculated placement of HEPA 500 air scrubbers. These units trap solids and microscopic contaminants to make a worksite safer. 

Controlled Demolition and Temporary Construction

Structural concerns are another focus of the emergency response team, and this is where our contractor license benefits the homeowner and their respective residences. A damaged structure should be removed when it cannot be repaired. The controlled demolition process and temporary construction solutions should be completed before other mitigation actions. 

Content Relocation

Whether it is removing carpeting from a fire damaged living room or cleaning surfaces of a kitchen, the loose contents of a workspace are an obstacle to the restoration process. It is often advisable to relocate these belongings to a safe place on the premises or transport them to our SERVPRO facility if focused cleaning and restoration is necessary. 

Fire damage must be managed quickly, so getting emergency services started fast helps Mahopac homes. Our SERVPRO of Putnam County team is ready to mobilize 24/7 when you call (845) 228-1090.

What Everyone Must Know About Flood Damage Remediation in Mahopac

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Floods and storms can be extremely challenging to clean up without the right knowledge and equipment. Save yourself the headache and contact SERVPRO.

Flash Flooding Can Threaten Mahopac Homes

Flash flooding is a phenomenon that is more and more common in the Mahopac area as years go by and is as challenging as ever to protect your property adequately. With so many properties in the valleys and the lower-lying regions throughout this region of the Hudson Valley, flash flooding can send massive waves of dangerous water toward neighborhoods, causing substantial damage to structures. With the speed that homes can become damaged by this powerful force, it is essential to reach out to trained responders like our team so that the right equipment and personnel get in route immediately to help.

Our professionals have considerable experience with the flood damage occurring in Mahopac, arriving with a broad inventory of recovery equipment designed to address the most pressing concerns within a flooded house. Flash floods can often bring contaminants, mud, debris, and other hazardous substances into a property depending on the path it travels to reach the residence. Damage assessment is one of the most critical restoration phases. It shows both our SERVPRO team and the homeowners what must get accomplished to return a compromised property to preloss condition.

When our team first arrives at your home during the emergency, we work to establish the damage boundaries to get the appropriate containment strategies started. In flooding situations, it is critical to prevent the spread of contaminated water to new areas of the property when possible to protect and preserve as much of the original construction materials and contents as we can.

Our SERVPRO estimator takes the time to determine the full extent of the damage while mitigation work gets underway to remove standing water. In black water situations where contaminants could be present, the solution is often to remove materials that could house bacteria and germs rather than attempt to restore or clean them.

Flash floods can create multiple problems for a single residence within its path. Our SERVPRO of Putnam County rapid response team has the expertise to get effective mitigation and restoration started immediately upon our arrival. Give our professionals a call anytime at (845) 228-1090 to make flooding “Like it never even happened.”

The Complete Guide to Water Damage in Mahopac

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Whether water damage has affected the foundation or other parts of your home, the best recourse is to contact SERVPRO for water damage remediation.

Untreated Water Damage in Mahopac Can Lead to These Safety Risks

Water damage to your Mahopac home may not seem significant at first but can have significant consequences if left untreated. Some of these long-term damages may even pose safety hazards or be challenging to repair without special protective equipment and efforts. Services like SERVPRO exist to help solve water damage crises with minimal risk of additional problems developing later. If necessary, we can also come in to take care of any lasting after-effects that may have beset your home.

Damaged Foundations

One of the most expensive possible consequences of water damage in your Mahopac home is damage to the building's foundation and structural components. When significant amounts of water seep into foundations and other supporting elements of the structure, they can form cracks and break down materials, potentially leading to a collapse if left untreated. Foundational restorations are costly and time-consuming, so your best bet is to avoid them entirely by calling SERVPRO soon after the initial damage occurs.

Mold Growth 

Mold can start to grow from even the most minor types of water damage, such as leaks below a sink or behind a wall. With just a bit of excess water, large fungal colonies can start to take over your home and may cause health effects. Signs of mold growth include discoloration of any materials in your home and a foul, musty odor originating from an area of damage. SERVPRO technicians use preventative anti-mold treatments and products to keep your home secured against mold infestations after a water damage incident.

Electrical Damage

Some water damage scenarios can cause damage to electrical lines and features within the home. While most of these issues result in nothing more than a few dead power outlets, they can also create fire hazards in your home. Many cases of water damage we see happen in the kitchen, where electronic appliances may soak up water and create a fire hazard. Our safety inspectors can help identify these threats and provide recommendations on handling any risks they see.

SERVPRO of Putnam County can help you take care of water damage in your home before anything else can happen. Call us as soon as possible after an incident at (845) 228-1090.

A Water Damage Timeline

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Putnam County has the tools and team to quickly help your home return to a normal state.

A leaky tap in your master bath may seem insignificant at the moment but never underestimate the destructive effects moisture can have on your home. An average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.

The length of time a property is exposed to water determines the extent of its destruction. Understanding how quickly water damage spreads can motivate homeowners and business owners to promptly address a water damage issue sooner rather than later.

There Is 1 of 4 Causes Behind Every Flood

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Putnam County has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster, and it claims more lives in the United States per year than hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning. It can affect everything from individual homes where property collects excess water to vast swaths of communities and cities.

While flooding affects all 50 states and every U.S. territory, there are similarities in the types and reasons behind each flood. In general, three types of flooding occur for four different reasons.

Reading, Writing, and Water Damage in Mahopac

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam county is always available to restore commercial water damage.

SERVPRO Brings Efficiency and Thoroughness for Mahopac Schools Facing Water Damage Problems

Water damage at schools in Mahopac can be a difficult challenge even for veteran SERVPRO technicians. Fast turnaround times are essential to keep the school in session and classrooms open for use. Still, exceptional care must be taken to comply with strict safety regulations and keep both students and teachers safe from the effects of incomplete care. Thanks to our significant resources and national infrastructure, we can offer local school districts fast and reliable water damage mitigation services to keep facilities in use and classes in session.

Efficiency Through Technology

We use only the most up-to-date and high-quality water damage restoration tools for schools in Mahopac and other local communities. Thanks to our national network of SERVPRO franchises and significant investment in the research and development of new treatment techniques, our arsenal of high-tech equipment has expanded in recent years. Our technicians' arsenals now include UV ray projectors to sanitize large areas, infrared imaging devices to identify pockets of water damage, otherwise hidden from sight, and advanced chemical cleaning agents designed for specific materials, finishes, and types of damage. We combine these tools into one of the fastest and most cost-efficient damage mitigation and restoration services in the country.

Thorough Work and Long-Term Solutions

Less-experienced water damage mitigation services may miss many details that veteran SERVPRO technicians know to look for in each job they take. Warping and discoloration of carpeting skipped pockets of moisture behind walls and furniture, and failure to restore rather than replace furniture and devices are many mistakes that our technicians avoid. Calling us guarantees service that is both fast and reliable so that we do not need to make a return trip for the same issue.

SERVPRO of Putnam County maintains 24/7 readiness to respond to and take care of damages on local properties with as much speed and efficiency as possible. Contact us at (845) 228-1090 for our services or a quote.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration provided by SERVPRO in Mahopac

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090 if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Clean Up and Repairs to Commercial Buildings in Mahopac

Building managers dealing with commercial fire damage in Mahopac business buildings often assume that the building is a complete loss or, at the very least, will need to endure controlled demolition before it can be recovered. Every fire is different, and not all smoke damage is the same. The type, extent, and fire retardants used must be assessed to determine the best fire damage restoration approach.

Our experienced SERVPRO technicians take all of these factors and more into account before initiating commercial fire damage restoration to business buildings in Mahopac. Hot fires produce light fluffy smoke residues, while slower burning fires or grease fires produce heavier oily ash that sticks to everything. Smoke odors are carried throughout the building and may impact neighboring businesses.

Heavily damaged materials and structures are removed, eliminating much of the smoke odor. Undamaged surfaces must be cleaned, considering the type of surface and the type of smoke residue adhering to the surface.

For example, dry cleaning rubber sponges are excellent at removing light fluffy residues and ineffective in removing oil-based residues. These residues tend to smear when a dry cleaning sponge is used. Different cleaning techniques are used on porous and non-porous materials, glossy surfaces vs. surfaces with a mat finish. Fabrics present additional challenges. Fabrics must be cleaned without causing further damage to the fabric.

Fully trained SERVPRO technicians deal with these variables to clean and restore your fire-damaged commercial building as quickly as possible. We also offer a variety of building repair services in addition to those listed:

• Smoke damage remediation
• Commercial building fire clean up
• Water and fire damage restoration and repair

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County and nearby areas for commercial fire damage repair and restoration assistance. We can help 24/7. Call (845) 228-1090.

Mold Removal is Best Left to Reputable Companies

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

If mold is left unchecked, it can spread very quickly. Contact our IICRC certified mold damage remediation team for an assessment today.

Trust SERVPRO When Looking for Mold Removal Companies Once Your Mahopac Home Has an Outbreak.

Putnam County is where you will find Mahopac, New York. This is a hamlet located within the town of Carmel, which is situated just under 50 miles to the northern region of New York City. Due to the location, residents have access to a wealth of entertainment, dining, and other activities while also enjoying the ability to take in their natural surroundings. 

If you are a nature-lover or simply someone that likes to get out for fresh air once in a while, Mahopac has plenty of beautiful sites to explore, including:

• Mahopac Lake – This is a lovely place within walking distance from local neighborhoods. People visit for boating, fishing, and taking in all of the sights.
• Mahopac Point – Located on the cusp of Mahopac Lake, this is a great spot to watch local fireworks in the summer and Christmas light displays during the winter due to the outstanding views.
• Mahopac Hiking Trails – There are also many beautiful hiking trails in and around the Mahopac area, including various parks and nature preserves.

Notable People from the Mahopac/Putnam County Area of New York

There are several famous names that many people may know who have come from the Mahopac region, including:

• Richard Yates
• Lou Albano
• Albert L. Ireland
• Keith Hughes
• William J. Brewer
• Alex Garbowski

Whether you will be visiting the hamlet of Mahopac as you travel through or are looking to put down roots, you will never run out of lovely places to go for a bite to eat. The area is well-known for brunch culture, with many diners and restaurants in the area providing an excellent spot for breakfast or brunch with friends. Some of the top eateries in and around the Mahopac area include:

• Carriage House Restaurant and Tavern II – This is a classically-styled restaurant featuring American cuisine and a full bar. 
• Kobu Asian Bistro – If you are looking for sushi or Asian fusion cuisine, this is an excellent choice, well known for perfectly sliced sashimi and classic sushi rolls.
• Countryside Kitchen – When you know you want a good, old-fashioned breakfast or brunch, this place is cozy and features a menu filled with breakfast, brunch, and lunch favorites.

Why Mahopac Residents Choose SERVPRO – The Best Technology and Methods of All Mold Removal Companies

Many Mahopac homeowners may not realize that mold removal and water restoration often go hand-in-hand. Where mold and mildew colonize, there is usually an underlying water leak or moisture problem as the root cause. 

Something mold removal companies in Mahopac, like our team at SERVPRO, work to cover when handling mold remediation includes addressing things like:

• Containment
• Removing Standing Water or Addressing Hidden Leaks
• Reducing Relative Humidity
• Air Movement/Airflow
• Application of Anti-Microbial and Anti-Bacterial Agents

The relative humidity (RH) in the air is the amount of moisture that holds at a specific temperature. If the relative humidity is too high, it presents a breeding ground for mold and mildew. We also utilize powerful drying equipment, dehumidifiers, and moisture detection tools to restore your interior.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 when you seek the help of the best mold removal companies.

The Business Partner You’ve Been Searching For

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County is your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

It’s no surprise you can use all the help you can get when it comes to operating a company. As a manager or owner of an organization, you are well aware of how difficult it is to keep operations running smoothly. Businesses like yours may be forced to permanently shut their doors after downtime or losses as a result of a disaster.

On the other hand, when your business needs assistance with cleaning and restoration, it already has a committed business partner, and we’re right here in Putnam County. SERVPRO can handle a wide variety of business demands. It’s essentially like having a loyal friend caring for an entire aspect of your success.

Here’s what we mean:

Large loss recovery. Fires, storms, and floods are among the most prevalent causes of financial loss for businesses throughout the country, and they have the potential to cause far more damage if prompt action is not taken. When you call SERVPRO, you are contacting a top-tier professional team that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to deliver proven emergency services and aid you in recovering your footing quickly after a disaster.

Emergency Ready Plan. If your company is prepared, restoration can begin before a tragedy occurs. We can assist you in determining the most efficient strategy by implementing an Emergency Ready Plan for when the time is right. During a crisis, you may need an emergency chain of command, alternative meeting or workplaces, or other services—and we’ll set you up with a single button press that begins all of those preparations.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We have a cleaning solution for any circumstance, from trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to regular cleaning and restoration like carpet and upholstery. We’ve been doing this a long time and have seen and cleaned almost everything.

Restoration Services. Storms may result in flash floods. Interns might unintentionally start a fire. Flooding might occur as a result of a burst water main. All of these problems need cleaning and restoration, which SERVPRO specializes in. You can count on us to restore the luster to your company after a property damage event.

Industry Specialization. We are capable of aiding any business since we have spent decades gaining an understanding of their demands of every industry. We are equipped to handle any cleaning or restoration needs your company may have, regardless of how unique or particular they are.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

Storms and Weather Hazards in the Spring

3/20/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Putnam County is a click away if you experience any damage.

The United States is one of the world’s largest countries, second only to Russia and Canada in overall size (but China is bigger if all outlying U.S. territories are excluded).

With such a large region under one cover, seasonal weather isn’t a monolith—various sections of the nation encounter distinct weather patterns, and hence different weather threats, to differing degrees.

As spring approaches and warm and cold air masses meet throughout the country, let’s take a look at what different weather phenomena may be anticipated in some important regions and especially what we need to be aware of here in New York.

During the spring months, the Pacific Northwest is prone to severe rain, which may create floods and water damage. Higher altitude areas will have snow, and the melting and runoff from that will pose issues of its own.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast regions, including here in New York, have the longest continuation of winter’s chill, and cold weather will hang on there fully throughout the season. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas can expect an extreme cold, and the possibility of snowstorms and blizzards until late spring or even early summer brings temperatures up.

Extreme precipitation events are expected to become more frequent and intense, possibly increasing the frequency and severity of floods. Heavier precipitation raises the likelihood of spring floods, which may be especially damaging to New York’s agricultural economy.

The southern West Coast, on the other hand, will have to be on the lookout for excessive heat waves that can endanger lives and safety, while the South Pacific, including Hawaii, will be on the lookout for possible tsunamis caused by tectonic activity.

Windstorms, derechos, and the potential of wildfires, which can readily spread when winds are strong and seasons are dry, will be a risk for the middle of the nation from Iowa to Texas. And, of course, part of this region is Tornado Alley, which has a high concentration of tornadoes.

Finally, the Southeast might see a variety of extreme weather, ranging from tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in landlocked areas to hazardous rip currents and early-season hurricanes later in the spring.

Extreme weather is a real hazard in the United States, regardless of where you reside. Yours may differ from a friend’s a few states away, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire, or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Which Water Restoration Steps Are Necessary for a Mahopac Toy Store?

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage of any scope can impact your business. SERVPRO can quickly be on site and begin the restoration process.

SERVPRO Facilitates Moisture Removal and Drying During Water Restoration in Mahopac

Whether the intrusion at your Mahopac toy store is a leak, spray, trickle, or water pooling, it can create all kinds of problems. Potential damage to merchandise would be a concern after the moisture exposure. The damage can also lead to disruptions to store operations. SERVPRO can help by providing rapid water damage restoration.

An Experienced Water Restoration Company in Mahopac, Such as SERVPRO, Knows the Best Way to Respond to Water Emergencies

Our main concerns are hidden water damage in Mahopac and moisture underneath the floors or behind the walls. Properly removing water prevents the risk of mold growth and material deterioration which can easily ruin the brightness and vibrancy your store is known for.

Inspection Devices to Help Identify Moisture

• Moisture meters
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Thermo-hygrometer
• Moisture sensors          

Managing the Moisture in Contents and Structure

Our technicians can carefully measure the moisture content and the extent of water damage on various items and structural materials using the different moisture inspection tools. After assessing the situation and level of moisture in a building, we determine which extraction tools to use. Using a wet vacuum or a light wand, we can remove excess water from the floor. 

SERVPRO monitors and documents the drying process until optimal drying standards are met. Our knowledge of water drying techniques enables us to effectively carry out the drying process. 

Documenting the Drying Process Involve Steps Such As:

• Inspecting and documenting wettest readings
• Identifying a drying goal
• Document the changes

SERVPRO Works to Minimize the Potential for Any Additional Damage

This process may include securing stock items impacted by prolonged exposure to moisture. For convenience purposes, we can also set up non-intrusive equipment such as dehumidifiers to facilitate drying the items without moving anything.

SERVPRO of Putnam County offers quick and effective inspection and drying to prevent further water damage to your property. Call us at (845) 228-1090. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. 

Do You Have a Disaster Preparedness Strategy?

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes when your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of Putnam County will be there to help.

Running a company is often a profession that demands working more hours than you might have anticipated. Maintaining a workforce, paying employees, and keeping up with a constantly shifting environment are some of the challenges you face as you compete in the market, strive to innovate, and maintain a positive online presence. Trying to balance all of this is like balancing on a tightrope.

That’s why it’s so common for a single business interruption to alter a company’s trajectory permanently. As many as 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a natural disaster. Also, 25% of those are forced to shut down within a year, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

It is now more critical than ever for companies to have a well-thought-out strategy in place in the event of an emergency or disaster, given the recent memory of pandemic shutdowns and concerns about the future. There has to be a paradigm shift in how small companies deal with natural disasters since 75% of them don’t have a strategy.

SERVPRO is delighted to assist companies in Putnam County in developing an Emergency Ready Plan. We’ll work with your business by assessing your specific needs and concerns.

We’ll cover everything from major disasters to data recovery and backup so that you can push “go” and the plan begins working immediately to minimize downtime and impact. You and your teams will have a clear understanding of the hierarchy of authority, what has to be done and when, as well as alternate suppliers, work locations, and more.

Don’t make your business journey even more difficult by not having adequate disaster preparation in place. Allow the SERVPRO professionals in our area to assist you in developing an Emergency Ready Plan. When a disruption occurs, you don’t want your company to be one that can’t bounce back. 

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

We Can Repair and Restore Your Fire Damaged Home in Mahopac

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our skilled technicians have the certifications and training to handle any type or size fire damage. “Like it never even happened.”

Getting Fire Damage Home in Mahopac Ready For Rebuilding

An essential part of reducing loss from fire damage is retaining as much of the structure as possible for rebuilding. This process saves not only time for property owners but also out-of-pocket costs.

When our SERVPRO technicians answered a call from a Mahopac homeowner to mitigate fire damage to her home, just under half of the house was a loss. An overheated plug caused a fire inside a wall which raised upwards and burned through the attic and roof.

Our experts placed a tarp over the damaged roof area. They then contained the affected area from the portion of the home without charring. Still, the entire premises had a strong smoke odor. Our technicians arrived within hours of the initial call and immediately carried off-site the charred home contents and building materials with no potential for restoration through our proprietary techniques.

The home had no electricity due to the fire. We brought our generators to power our portable extractors while removing water and powering our other necessary equipment. Using a technique known as "controlled demolition," we removed the damaged sheetrock. Still, we were pleased to find the framework unharmed so the homeowner could rebuild their home without the need for replacing the structure in the fire loss areas.

Deploying air filtration equipment that included HEPA filtration to remove dangerous particles from the property during drying helps speed the restoration process. Once SERVPRO technicians completed that phase of restoration, it was time for odor removal.

Sometimes, in the case of strong scents, more than one removal technique to successfully remove deeply embedded smoke odors is needed. There is no point in rebuilding over residual odors as they can permeate fabrics, furnishings, and other porous materials.

Our technicians first used hydroxyl generators, which is a safe machine that uses the same hydroxyls as our sun. These elements bind to odor molecules and change them, eradicating the odor. The framework and rest of the home carried a light, smoke odor, so we used thermal fogging to neutralize the remaining odors and thoroughly cleaned the ductwork to give the house a fresh start for rebuilding.

SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 when you need assistance with fire damage. Our skilled technicians have the certifications and training to handle any type or size of fire damage. "Like it never even happened."

We Have The Required Training To Restore Your Mahopac Home After A Flood Damage Disaster

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

We have the necessary equipment to handle drying in order to get your house back to looking like a home. We are available 24/7 to assist you.

Intense Storms Deliver More Than Flood Damage in Mahopac

After flood damage happens in a home, the faster cleanup efforts begin, the more potential there is to limit water loss for both building materials and contents. If the cleanup efforts fall short or are otherwise incomplete, secondary issues such as foul odors and mold become issues.

Our SERVPRO team responded to a call to assist with flood damage in a Mahopac home. A tree limb broke a window during a storm, and rainwater soaked one section of a room while the homeowner was at work two days prior. She cleaned the water up, used fans to dry the carpet, and repaired the window.

When we arrived, it was immediately apparent that water alone was no longer the most significant issue. The homeowner showed our technicians where the water damage occurred, the carpeting felt dry to the touch, but our probes showed excessive moisture underneath. An upholstered chair near the window also showed signs of moisture retention and a strong odor.

SERVPRO technicians have training and certifications in the science of applied structural drying. We know that ordinary household fans do not have the power to dry water-logged objects thoroughly. Higher velocity air is needed to pull out deeply seated moisture.

First, we used weighted extractors to push any remaining water out of the carpet and padding. Then with the homeowner's permission, we lifted one side of the carpet in a technique called "floating" so adequate airflow from our air movers works to pull moisture from the padding and carpet underside.

We used our air movers with dehumidifiers. This method works to lower moisture levels in a room quickly as the air movers cause water vapor to rise. The dehumidifier removes it and ports it away from the area. This way continually dry air blows as the humidity levels in the room progressively lower, resulting in faster drying.

Complete drying of the carpet, padding, and chair substantially reduced odor levels in the room. Our technicians have different odor control equipment when more substantial efforts are required. We chose to use an ultra-low volume (ULV) fogger. We use a water-based deodorizer that spreads like fog and neutralizes odors, leaving the room without pungent reminders of water damage.

When flood damage happens, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090, and our technicians can be on-site within hours to mitigate your water loss and make it "Like it never even happened."

The Services We Offer at SERVPRO of Putnam County

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of Putnam County to get the job done.

When you see our big green truck rolling through, you probably have some understanding of what we’re being called in for. Someone had experienced some damage at their home, and our big green truck is heading to clean it up. Maybe there’s some hose involved?

Most have the idea of SERVPRO as some cleaning company. Still, when you take a deeper look, that’s only a fraction of what we provide, which does include full-service cleaning, but also provides restoration and reconstruction.

Let’s take a look at the comprehensive services we offer:

Water damage recovery. No matter what type of water damage you’ve encountered, from floods to leak damage, we will get you back to dry.

Fire damage recovery. Fires happen every 23 seconds in the United States and can be disastrous, but we’ve got the experts to help.

Mold removal. Mold grows quickly after water damage and can threaten the structure of your home if left untreated or if improperly treated. That being said, it isn’t safe for you to remove by yourself. You could potentially put yourself in danger and even spread the mold more severely. Let the pros in green take care of it.

Storm recovery. You’re familiar with the large-scale damage and destruction storms, and natural disasters of all types can cause. We provide your recovery needs from the day the storm hits to get you moved back into your home or business.

Commercial needs. We deliver businesses and commercial spaces of all kinds with the same services we provide to homeowners. And there are also a few extra business-specific services, including specialized cleaning for commercial spaces, to give you and your customers pride in your business.

General cleaning. Whether at your home or your business, we all need help with heavy-duty cleaning from time to time. We can help you with carpets, upholstery, and so much more. We can give you the clean you need to tend to better and more important things.

Specialty cleaning. We also provide specialized services, including document restoration, duct cleaning, and even biohazard cleanup! The bottom line? We can clean anything.

Construction. There are times when your home or business, unfortunately, can’t be restored. Even in those times, you can trust SERVPRO to rebuild or restore what’s possible to its preloss condition. 

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

The Desired Dryness of Mahopac Office Buildings

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County knows the damages that can take place in a commercial building after water damage.

Restoration objectives after water damage in Mahopac businesses require powerful drying tools. 

From burst pipes to sprinkler system malfunctions or damage, water can be a destructive force in your facility. Even with stopping the flow fast, the damage is often widespread. Restoration begins with establishing a dry line for recovering impacted building materials and construction elements, including the flooring, wood framework, and electronics.

Drying Equipment for Large Loss Projects

The water damage to Mahopac office buildings must get addressed as fast as possible, and often with large loss equipment. We have tools and machines exclusively designed for facilities with open floor plans and thousands of square feet. Our technicians arrive at the damaged site with many of these units like:

• Air Movers
• Trailered Desiccant Dehumidifiers
• Trailered Generators

How Do You Know Moisture is Removed?

It is vital to know with certainty that the evaporative drying efforts conducted by our SERVPRO professionals have reached the dry goals set in place during the initial estimation process. We document the entire progress of this process through proprietary software like our SERVPRO DryBook program, and monitoring equipment shows areas that require greater attention.

Is It Dry? 

This simple question dictates much of the work and follow-up actions that our SERVPRO team must implement. We must determine if the efforts to this point have been enough to salvage affected materials and contents or if further measures, including demolition or discarding the material, are still needed.

Water damage exists in many different forms, making it critical to have an experienced team that will respond fast and has the equipment and products to manage damage sites efficiently. Your business depends on how rapidly loss effects can be minimized and contained to keep the office running while forms of restoration continue. Our SERVPRO of Putnam County team is here to help when you call (845) 228-1090.

Cleaning Ceilings and Walls of Carmel Homes After a Fire

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Call ERVPRO of Putnam County when it comes to your fire damage needs. We know what your home needs.

Smoke damage can affix to surfaces during a fire in Carmel properties. 

Fire and smoke damages can be formidable for even experienced restoration professionals. Despite the extensive training and education necessary to produce our FSRT-Certified roster, it is vital to immediately start mitigation and restoration to avoid irreparable harm.  

The Movement of Smoke Damage

There is undeniable turbidity to the airflow during smoke and fire damage of Carmel homes. Active fires churn the hot and cooler air, rocketing smoke particle-laden warmer air towards the ceiling. 

Clearing Loose Debris 

Mechanical action and preparing a surface are critical elements in protecting the underlying substrate and providing more efficient house restoration. Debris and soil deposits are the first obstacle in restoring a property from post-fire effects. These must be managed with direct actions to remove buildup and reach the marrying residue underneath the soils. Some of the mechanical actions possible include:

• Vacuuming
• Brushing
• Wiping
• Pressurized Air

Dry Cleaning Solutions

There are times where high-heat fires produce less thick, formidable residual soot damage and instead have a thin chalky film on surfaces. Cleaning drywall and painted surfaces with this type of damage lean on dry approaches instead of introducing restoration products. We use tools like chemical sponges whose composition grabs this film and clears it from the surface.   

Powerful Wet Cleaning Products

Wet cleaning cannot often happen right away, but once the debris and loose soil have been managed with mechanical actions, introducing solvents and detergents is possible. Dissolving residues is an effective cleaning approach to managing oil-based deposits on building materials and contents. 

After a structure fire, much of the house can be overwhelmed with soot and smoke debris and residues. These soil deposits can heavily coat ceilings and the upper portions of walls. Our SERVPRO of Putnam County team can address formidable soot obstacles quickly with effective cleaning products and approaches. Call today at (845) 228-1090.

What Can I Do to Prevent Water Damage After my Pipes Freeze in Mahopac?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Storms are hard enough without adding ice to the mix, call SERVPRO of Putnam County we can help.

SERVPRO Provides Water Removal Services in Mahopac

When the temperature plummets in the winter, the water supply lines running into your home could freeze and crack if sections get too cold. On average, property damage claims due to pipe freezes cost homeowners and insurance companies about $5,000. The high cost is normally due to the issues caused when water pours out into your home over a long period. 

Problems caused by frozen pipes and ice damming in Mahopac can be avoided or lessened if you conduct some procedures once you notice an issue. For example, if you see that your water only trickles when you turn on a faucet, you could take steps to thaw out your water lines before they break. Or, if you realize an ice dam has formed on a section of your roof, you can remove it before moisture backs up and leaks into your house. 

If you think your pipes could be frozen, it is wise to follow them and feel for cold sections. Start inspecting your water lines from areas where they run close to exterior walls or your garage. Once you find the cold spot, you can take a hairdryer to thaw out the lines or set up a space heater in the area. 

You can spot ice dams if large icicles start forming on one section of your roof. If your roof is still covered in snow, then you can use an aluminum rake with a long handle to get the snow off of the top. You can also de-ice your roof by filling pantyhose with a calcium chloride ice melter and placing it on the roof. However, if you notice a water leak despite your efforts, our SERVPRO technicians can help you with the following:

• Water Extraction
• Applied Structural Drying (ASD)
• Water Damage Repairs
• Fixing Leaking Roofs
• Attic Mold Inspections
• Black Mold Remediation

If water ever gets into your house after a major freeze or snowstorm, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

Teaching Kids Fire Safety at Home

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Putnam County.

In the case of a fire at home, there are a lot of things you may be thinking about in the moment. Emotions are heightened, blood pressure rises and thoughts can scatter.

One thing you definitely don’t want to have to worry about is whether your children know what to do. If a fire occurs, you want to know they’re ready to react, just as you are.

So what do your kids need to know, and how can you keep them ready for fire emergencies at home? Let’s look at a few of the most important things.

Maintain smoke alarms. Yes, this part is technically something you do, but part of keeping your kids safe involves making sure smoke alarms are installed and working properly. After you’re sure of that, educate your kids about what smoke alarms do, let them hear their alerts in a non-emergency situation, and make sure they associate the sound with the need to spring into action and not to freeze in fear.

Know the plan, practice the plan. Ensure that your kids know exits, both main and alternative—this may include window and ladder drills, and you might even consider exercises that teach them to leave the house by feel rather than sight, knowing that smoke may cause low visibility indoors. Teach them specific plans and meeting places, and practice the drill at least twice a year, if not monthly.

Get out, stay out. Teach the young ones that once they’re outside, no toy or belonging is important enough for them to re-enter the house. Make sure they understand the danger of smoke inhalation and risk of explosions and let that impress on them the importance of staying out and letting firefighters handle the rest.

Other practices. Teach kids how to open their windows, check doorknobs for heat and find alternative routes if doorknobs are hot. Show them how to use towels to cover their faces or mouths for ventilation and protection, and to use them for handling any items to avoid burns.

Nobody wants to think about these kinds of scenarios, but thinking about them in advance will truly help you to better equip and prepare your family to be ready to escape in the event of a fire.

Should the unfortunate occur and you find yourself in need of fire restoration, SERVPRO is here to help you recover and restore the damage done to your home. Click or call anytime; we’re available ²⁴⁄₇ for emergency help.

SERVPRO Will See You Through Water Damage Restoration

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of Putnam County for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

An unwanted water source breaches a home several times a minute—an average of 14,000 times a day. It happens through flooding, bad plumbing, or an appliance malfunction, and it happens a lot.

Should the need ever arise for water damage restoration in your household, you can rely on SERVPRO to get you back in the dry, and here’s how we’ll do it.

Emergency Contact. Our initial conversation will consist of some questions to help us understand the nature of the situation and the potential damage present. Then we’ll figure out how quickly we can meet up with you in person.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we get to your home, we’ll go through and look over the affected area, make judgments about the damage and the necessary recovery process, and let you know if any items may require replacement due to the extent of the damage.

Water Removal. Say hello to our little pumps. Our high-powered pumps will remove what could be thousands of gallons of water from your flooded home (even a tiny pipe crack releases 250 gallons a day), and we’ll make sure every last bit of it is removed.

Damaged Material Removal. Now that it’s safe to move around a bit, we can help you remove the items and materials that have sustained too much damage to be restored. We’ll haul them away to help expedite the rest of the process.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorization. Water leaves stains, odors, and depending on the nature of the issue, toxins behind even after it’s extracted. We won’t let it stand—we’ll quickly scrub affected areas clean and ensure that no contaminants are allowed to stick around.

Drying. Your home needs thorough drying to discourage mold growth in dampened areas. Even when water is extracted, there’s leftover moisture you can’t see, and our specialized equipment will remove it.

Monitoring. We’ll be in touch daily, making sure everything is running as smoothly as it should and helping the process flow most efficiently.

Repairs and Construction. The final touch of the process is restoration and rebuilding. From flooring to drywall and even more, we won’t be finished until your home looks Like It Never Even Happened. When you call SERVPRO to take care of water damage, we’ll take care of you from start to finish.

When water damage strikes, call SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look “Like It Never Even Happened.”

The 4 Foundations of Fire and Extinguishment

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Putnam County is ready around the clock to help you recover.

If you happen to recall the tetrahedron shape from geometry class, you’ll remember that it’s a three-dimensional triangle shape with four triangular faces. You had it—we know you did.

If you’re wondering why we brought it up, it’s because we want to introduce you to something called the fire tetrahedron, which is a shape scientists use to represent the four things fires need to start and survive.

These things are all equally important, and without a single one of them, fires can’t start—which gives us insight also into how fires can be extinguished.

The Numbers Don’t Lie When It Come to Water Damage

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County.

If you have ever lived through a disaster or accident that has struck your home, you know what it’s like to simply want your home back to normal.

As a homeowner, you try to do everything you can to protect and maintain your home. And while you think you have everything taken care of, sometimes life deals you a hand you weren’t prepared for.

The best you can do is take steps to limit your risk. You can stay prepared by ensuring your pipes and appliances are well-equipped and maintained. Every little step you take reduces the chances you’ll become a part of these statistics:

24. This is the percentage of all home insurance claims related to water damage. This means that almost one out of every four insurance claims is because of water damage.

48. This is the average number of hours you have before water damage can become mold damage. It often doesn’t even take this long, so an immediate response is better for you.

98. This represents the percentage of homes with basements that will incur water damage at some point. Because basement water damage is so common, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of a leak, including a musty odor or a discolored ceiling.

10,234. This is the amount, in dollars, of the average claim for water damage. When you consider the items in your home that can be ruined from water damage, this number might actually seem relatively small.

14,000. This represents the number of Americans who experience water damage each day. In essence, this means that at every six seconds someone in America is dealing with a new busted pipe or something that they probably weren’t prepared for.

13,000,000,000. This is the amount of money paid out each year for water damage. In the United States alone, that’s $13 billion in costs associated with water damage.

These numbers can be overwhelming, but most water damage can be prevented. That is why it’s so essential to keep your home and possessions well-maintained by regularly checking the pipes, appliances, and plumbing.

If water damage catches you off-guard and leaves you all wet, you’ve got help on your side. Contact SERVPRO to see how we can quickly and fully restore water damage to your home or business.

Reasons to Hire a Company that Performs Water Removal in Mahopac

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs use the latest technology and equipment for every water damage mitigation service. Pre-loss condition is our goal.

Hiring a Company Like SERVPRO to Perform Water Removal in your Mahopac Residence Ensures Success

Water damage is one of the unfortunate events that can wreak havoc on your property, especially if you do not take steps to receive it quickly. Prompt water removal is a priority because it can become a health hazard. Water can shrink leather, ruin carpets, warp wood and cause mold infestation. SERVPRO can provide you with immediate water cleanup services so that the water does not destroy your residence further.

Our water restoration technicians (WRT) understand that you need to get your life back to normal quickly. We offer a straightforward water removal process in Mahopac homes that can put your mind at ease. We can explain our water removal and cleanup plan clearly, and you, therefore, have nothing to worry about.

SERVPRO has competent technicians who can make educated assessments of the remediation efforts that your property requires. Our technicians consider the depth of water to be removed, the distance within a home, and the availability of power to determine which extraction equipment to use.

The other essential area that our SERVPRO team is trained in is the mechanicians of moisture movement. Since we understand the four mechanisms of moisture movement, we can devise an effective drying plan for your residence. Moisture can flow in the following ways:

• Liquid flow – This causes the most amount of moisture to get into an area in a short time.
• Air transport – This is when air movement carries moisture through openings.
• Vapor diffusion- This is when moisture moves in a way to attempt to equalize pressure. The pressure of water vapor then causes moisture to move through airspaces.
• Capillary suction – This is the absorption of moisture through capillary walls.

Extraction is a vital step in removing moisture from a home. Our SERVPRO technicians usually extract as much water as possible so that we can spend less time evaporating and dehumidifying the moisture that remains with drying equipment.

SERVPRO of Putnam County has the expertise and tools required to dry your home. Call us anytime at (845) 228-1090.

How Can Homeowners Handle Storm Flood Damage in Carmel Effectively?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the training and experience for every storm and flood damage restoration project. Call now!

They Should Hire a Qualified Firm Like SERVPRO to Perform Storm Flood Damage Restoration in their Carmel Homes

A storm can knock out power and flood streets as well as homes. Storm damage may also lead to severe property damage such as wind and hail damage. Such an event can disrupt your normal way of life. After a storm causes flooding and other kinds of damage in your home, you need a local restoration firm like SERVPRO that can respond fast and assist you to bring things back to normal.

Our team is flexible and can address any storm flood damage in your Carmel residence. We handle standing water, and if there are holes on the walls of your home, we can board them up. If the roofing is damaged, we can apply roof tarps on it to prevent additional destruction. As a premier storm damage restoration company, SERVPRO provides the following services while eliminating the headache of juggling several contractors.

• Emergency water removal
• Structural drying
• Odor removal
• Reconstruction

We are a locally-owned and operated firm that has professionally trained technicians. We use state-of-the-art equipment when restoring flood-damaged homes. From the start to finish, our experienced team can work with you to complete your storm damage repairs efficiently and quickly, with minimal disruption to your busy life.

Our SERVPRO team can move personal items that can be salvaged, such as heirlooms, furniture, and antiques, to unaffected rooms to give way for a thorough restoration. We can also remove and dispose of the unsalvageable items. Effective remediation of flood-damaged or microbially contaminated homes involves using proper techniques to enhance complete drying and removing contaminated materials. If the drywall is damaged, our restorers can make cuts a few inches above the waterline. After the affected rooms are clear, our water restoration technicians (WRT) can use portable pumps to remove the standing water.

Our SERVPRO technicians take time to dry a home properly using high-volume air movers and dehumidifiers. We spread the equipment around the affected rooms and point them at the walls or flooring.

Do not allow the stress of storm flood damage to keep you from enjoying your home. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for effective restoration.

The Importance of Performing Water Mitigation in Mahopac Homes

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top notch. We use the latest technology and equipment for every job.

Using Water Mitigation Services in Mahopac from a Company Like SERVPRO Can Prevent Severe Damage

Several different sources or events can cause water damage, but it all has several things in common. One of them is that water intrusion incidents are among other leading causes of home insurance claims that cost millions of dollars annually. The other thing is that if homeowners ignore water damage, it can lead to other hazards. Therefore, it is essential to call professionals from SERVPRO to mitigate water damage as soon as you notice it.

Water mitigation in Mahopac homes involves preventing water damage from spreading further by extracting standing water and drying the affected structures and contents. You can complete some water mitigation tasks on your own, but most of it necessitates the services of water mitigation specialists. SERVPRO’s water mitigation process can involve the following steps:

• Inspection
• Water removal and drying out.
• Removing damaged materials.
• Low-scale repairs to affected building materials.

Inspection

Before our SERVPRO team starts extracting water, we need to know what we are facing. We usually categorize water damage in classes. Class 1 is the lowest amount of water damage, meaning that only a part of the room has absorbed a minute amount of moisture. Class 2 means that an entire room, including the walls and carpeting, has absorbed moisture. Class 3 means that water damage is in the ceiling, walls and has saturated a large area. Class 4 water damage occurs when materials like hardwood, concrete, and stone are ruined and require specialized equipment to dry them.

Water removal and dry out

Our SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) choose the right equipment to remove the water based on the water damage class. For instance, if the carpeting has absorbed water, we can use light wands to remove it. We can use air movers and refrigerant dehumidifiers to dry the affected areas. Refrigerant dehumidifiers function similarly to air conditioners.

Removal of ruined materials

Our team can remove damaged materials or possessions like carpet, furniture, and drywall. We dispose of such items appropriately.

If you need water mitigation services, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We can make the water intrusion incident seem, “Like it never even happened.”

Staying Safe During the Winter Season

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County for fast, restorative solutions.

It’s getting colder, which means the season is changing. With this change, our lives kick up into high gear and we are working double-time trying to keep up with everything.

While our minds are going 90 to nothing, there’s one thing that can’t fall by the wayside—safety! Winter is typically wet and cold, which means that we need to prepare our homes and family for any extreme weather that might hit us.

That’s why we want to review a few important things to help keep these items at the forefront of your mind.

Protect Your Family

As you prepare your family for weather hazards, the most important thing you can review is communication. Now is the time to ensure that your family knows the emergency action plan. More communication about these things now will help reduce fear when the time comes that you have to actually use it.

Let’s start with your vehicle. You want to ensure that everything is in good working condition. You can start by checking oil and tires and keeping emergency kits available in the vehicle.

You never know what may happen, but there could come a time when you will have to shelter in your vehicle and that’s why it’s important you have done your due diligence.

Protect Your Home

Frozen pipes are one of the greatest threats of winter weather for homeowners. They could burst once they freeze or when they start to thaw, which is why it’s important to know how you can help prevent this from happening to you.

With cold temperatures outside, there’s nothing better than coming into your warm home. Make sure your heating source is well-maintained and properly working.

If you enjoy a fireplace with real crackling wood, ensure that your fireplace has been cleaned out and is well-ventilated. Also, it’s important to use only the proper fuel or igniting technique for your fire.

Protect Your Pets

Pets can’t physically care for themselves, so it’s important to remember that during winter weather (especially extreme weather), we need to create a safe place for them to shelter.

Some pets can be brought indoors, but there are other animals like livestock that don’t have that opportunity. You need to ensure that they have a place to get out of the weather, along with plenty to eat and thawed water!

Watch for Melts and Flooding

Here in Putnam County, we know a thing or two about snow and ice, and one of the most important things to remember is that they melt.

When these things melt, it can happen quickly and has the potential of causing dangerous floods. Once the snow and ice melt, it can cause major problems to your home.

In order to stay prepared for melt-related flooding, make sure you are keeping up with local emergency officials and their warnings.

If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO for fast, restorative solutions.

Mahopac Residents Should Be Aware of Common Hazards After Experiences Storm Flood Damage

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

Flood and storm damage restoration to your home is no DIY project. SERVPRO techs are ready at a moment's notice.

SERVPRO Acts Fast in Mahopac to Limit Hazards and Damage After Storm Flooding – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

With any Mahopac storms, your property might suffer from flooding on some level – especially if you live in a zone that sees rising waters from time to time. Some of the apparent effects of storm flooding may include:

• Wet carpeting
• Wall stains
• Lifted flooring
• Furniture watermarks

You may feel that many problems related to storm flood damage in Mahopac can be solved by letting everything dry. Unfortunately, flooding can bring any number of other issues that may not be obvious right away. Excessive damage may occur from not acting quickly, while others can arise by using the wrong methods for water damage remediation.

Some of the hazards that our team at SERVPRO always take the time to address include:

• Black Water – Floodwater coming into the home, including river and lake water, storm floods, and sewer backups, is considered black water. Even an overflow from a kitchen source may quickly turn into a black water situation depending on what the water comes into contact with. SERVPRO knows how to contain and handle all black water situations to keep our crew and your family safe from potential hazards. 
• Damage Wiring – There can be invisible danger even after floodwater subsides. Wiring within the walls may become damaged when exposed to moisture. It is imperative to keep power disconnected until a professional can analyze the wires and possibly replace them.
• Debris – Flooding that occurs during severe weather brings dangerous debris. Building materials, downed trees, cans, chemicals, bottles, and other items can clog drains and cause damage to your property. SERVPRO’s technicians take the time to remove debris carefully to dispose of it so that we can safely move through the process of water extraction, drying, and deodorizing.

Once you hire SERVPRO of Putnam County for storm flood damage restoration, we make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (845) 228-1090 to have a crew dispatched to your property as soon as possible.

The Leading Causes of House Fires

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Putnam County is here for you if your home is affected by a fire.

Home is where your heart is—that is the famous quote, and it’s very true. Your home is where you go to enjoy your life and keep your valuable memories. But while we all try to practice safety precautions every day and take care of our investment, more than a quarter of all reported fires still occur in the home.

So, as you snuggle in for the evening, let’s review some of the top causes of house fires and do what we can to help bring that number down.

Cooking. This is the top cause of house fires and injuries! Almost half of all house fires are started because of unattended cooking. While it may seem like common sense not to leave something cooking while you fold laundry, life gets busy and we tend to forget. The best thing you can do is stay put. Devote your time to your family meal so that you can sit together and enjoy it.

Heating equipment. Heating implements contribute to14% of all house fires. There are several reasons why this can happen, including mishaps or malfunctions, but the most likely reason is space heaters that have gotten too close to flammable materials.

Electrical fires. Older homes weren’t built with the safety precautions in place today, so if you live in an older house, have it inspected regularly. Faulty wiring or circuits being overloaded are big factors that can contribute to the risk of house fires. It’s also important to ensure that electrical cords are not frayed and that you’re using the right wattage in lamps.

Intentional fires That’s right, you read that correctly. Believe it or not, there are more than 28,000 intentional home fires started every year. This type of fire isn’t set for another reason before getting out of control; these fires are set specifically with the intent of destruction.

Smoking materials. Smoking materials are only responsible for 5% of house fires, but they are the leading cause of civilian fire deaths. This type of deadly fire often occurs when someone falls asleep while smoking.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by a fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Property Managers in Mahopac Can Cut the Stress with Skilled Fire Restoration

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service.

Commercial Fire Restoration from SERVPRO Gets Your Mahopac Building Back to Normal Fast

If you have recently encountered fire and smoke damage within your Mahopac rental or business property, you should call for professional help ASAP. SERVPRO offers fire and smoke remediation for apartments, commercial properties, and much more using the latest technology and equipment. We have the skillset and workforce to get you back to normal faster than any DIY methods alone could ever achieve. When you need solid results, and you need them quickly, nothing matches up to the expertise and training that the IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) have to offer.

We are available for 24/7 response when you need commercial fire restoration in Mahopac. This gives you the added peace of mind to get the cleanup started, and less and stress and worry will be on your plate. When you have a fire at your business or rental property, these are some of the recommendations we make that will allow you to expedite recovery:

• Follow along with all safety protocols given by your local first responders.
• Take a headcount of tenants or employees, moving everyone to a safe space out of the range of the fire.
• Get in contact with your insurance broker and other property owners/tenants.
• Contact SERVPRO for fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup so we can begin the recovery process.
• Remember that damaged and vacated buildings are often targets for vandals and thieves. We can handle all tarping up and boarding of your property to protect it during the restoration process.
• Once the local fire department gives the green light, you can enter the building to remove any valuables carefully.

You must have an ally on your side for all commercial fire damage restoration needs. SERVPRO of Putnam County is in your corner and ready to get to work whenever you need us! Reach our office by dialing (845) 228-1090.

Why Is Professional Mold Remediation Best for Carmel Residents?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

Mold remediation is a job for SERVPRO. Our IICRC certified technicians have all the training and equipment for any size disaster.

Carmel Homeowners Can Count on SERVPRO for Thorough, Efficient Mold Remediation

It can be a real nightmare for a homeowner to have significant water damage or flooding in your Carmel property. Even if there is a slow leak that has been happening behind a wall, you need to address it adequately so that you can limit loss and secondary damage. However, simply trying to empty the impacted zone and drying it out with fans or a dehumidifier is rarely going to be enough. Once the water issue gets fixed, black mold remediation must happen as soon as possible to clean and disinfect any areas where spores are colonizing. SERVPRO is the team you need in your corner to restore your property, leaving it Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Suppose you wonder why SERVPRO for mold remediation in Carmel, a large part of the answer is our proven methods and attention to detail. Mold can make its way in beneath carpeting, behind paneling, and walls, all in areas where an untrained eye may not find it. Mold can cause health effects. Hiring our team gets you the professional assessment and action necessary to get results so that you can keep your family and pets safe.

SERVPRO Mold Specialists for Remediation

Should mold inspection reveal an issue, hiring our team will get you a remediation plan:

• Our IICRC-certified technicians know the proper procedures, tools, and products to use for attic mold, basement mold remediation, and more.
• We formulate an action plan that details areas our team needs to address for isolation to help contain the contaminants.
• Throughout remediation, we remove damaged or wet materials and clean all non-porous furnishings and surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobial cleaning agents.
• Some contents may get packed up and moved outside or off-site for cleaning and disinfecting.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is there for you when you need mold remediation services. Call (845) 228-1090 to dispatch a crew to your property.

What Is a Good Water Mitigation Approach When There Is a Ceiling Leak in Your Carmel Home?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

When water damages your ceiling, call SERVPRO for fast and immediate water damage restoration services for your home. Call now!

SERVPRO Plans a Gradual Restoration Process to Help Protect Unaffected Areas and Contents

If the pipes passing through the ceiling space spring leaks, damage to insulation, ceiling tiles, among other materials, is inevitable. Roof leaks can also have the same effect. The right response is necessary to restore preloss conditions at your Carmel property.

Although initially, damage may be contained in the ceiling, there is a potential for spreading further, thus increasing the cost of water mitigation in your Carmel home unnecessarily. Your efforts to deal with the water intrusion might also cause unexpected damages if you destroy essential utilities such as power cables or release trapped water and debris over vulnerable contents. Our SERVPRO teams can help you mount a response without creating such additional problems.

Some of the main processes necessary to deal with the damage include:

• Identifying utilities such as electrical running through the ceiling
• Demolishing the affected parts to remove deteriorated ceiling panels
• Protecting contents in the rooms below from water exposure and soiling

Our SERVPRO teams have the expertise and equipment to handle such tasks with ease. For instance, we bring tarps or plastic sheets to the loss site, which help cover contents like furniture exposed to water and debris once we start demolishing the ceiling. 

We locate utilities safely by relying on our vast experience and handy tools. For example, stud finders ease the task of identifying electrical placement if the ceiling has not collapsed but requires demolition. Elevated access equipment such as foldable ladders also helps ease the demolition process and prevent accidents since technicians do not have to strain to reach affected areas.

Once the water trapped in the area is released and the deteriorated materials removed, we set up moisture management equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers to dry excess moisture before the area can be rebuilt and refinished. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County is well equipped to manage water mitigation in any property. Call us at (845) 228-1090. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Our Actions Prove You Can Trust Us

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of Putnam County.

As we have all come to learn (most likely the hard way), life doesn’t always go like we plan. At some point or another, there’s a chance that you may need damage restoration for your home or even mold mitigation.

When disaster strikes, you’ll need to make a quick decision about who can help you take care of such issues.

Whether you do this in advance of an emergency or when one occurs, you’ll want to be sure to carefully vet restoration providers. Start with these three questions:

Are They Legit?

If you’ve had the unfortunate opportunity of dealing with an emergency, you will know that not everyone who shows up has your best interest in mind. When people are down and out is when scammers love to come around. These people are known for chasing storms and ripping people off when they are in their most vulnerable state.

At SERVPRO, we know that you are vulnerable and all you want is to have your home and life back to normal. We have been in this business for over 50 years, and we continue to stay well-known because of the reputation that we work so hard to protect.

We will not stop until we know that you, our customer, are satisfied with the outcome!

Are They Available When Needed?

When disaster strikes, it tends to happen at the most inopportune times. There is no greater feeling than knowing that you can call someone, no matter the day or time, to immediately begin working on your restoration.

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week because we know that when something disastrous happens, you have no time to waste.

Do They Have Sufficient Backup?

SERVPRO of Putnam County is locally owned and operated, which means we are readily available to be at your service. And when a disaster impacts the entire community, we’re prepared for that, too.

If something major occurs, causing a surge of activity, we can fully count on the nationwide network of other SERVPRO franchises. We can sound an alert and have a plethora of resources and support ready to go.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

How Lengthy Does an Incident Have to Be for Significant Fire Damage at a Mahopac Hotel?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size commercial damage restoration job. We are here to help.

SERVPRO Can Help You Respond to Unexpectedly Severe Damage From a Flash Fire

It is common to think of severe fire damage as something that takes time. However, even a fire that burns briefly and is extinguished in seconds or a couple of minutes can significantly impact. For Mahopac hotels, flash fires from grease or open flames are the most likely to cause such immediate damage.

The fire damage in your Mahopac hotel after a flash fire might be localized because, on average, the conflagration usually lasts less than 3 seconds unless the initial blast ignites other materials in the surrounding areas. However, it tends to leave surfaces caked with thick soot residues. Light residues and odors might also spread to the rest of the property, necessitating a thorough cleanup exercise. SERVPRO helps proprietors identify and resolve all the problems from such an incident.

Other problems associated with flash fires include:

• Tiles falling off stove backsplashes from the intense heat
• Airborne soot particles affecting indoor air quality
• A strong stench in the entire property

Renovating your hotel after such an incident is a priority for several reasons, including ensuring food grade cleanliness and getting approval from the health department. SERVPRO helps by removing all deteriorated materials safely. Dislodging charred tiles from the backsplash is a typical task since cleaning cannot restore the physical deterioration and deep soiling of such materials. 

Deep cleaning is also necessary to remove soils. Since most of the soils are likely greasy, the use of solvents is essential to eliminate soils. Our SERVPRO technicians are well prepared to handle such often risky cleaning tasks. We take various precautions, including wearing appropriate PPE, ventilating the facility properly, and turning off the HVAC system to prevent spreading vapors. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County can help you respond to any type of fire damage at your business premises, making it "Like it never even happened." Call us at (845) 228-1090.

Can Hiring Professionals Help Keep Costs of Water Removal Manageable in Mahopac?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians have the know and experience in all phases of water damage restoration for your home.

SERVPRO Capitalizes on Experience, Skills, and Equipment to Deliver Cost-Effective Restoration

Water intrusions can affect any property from various sources, including leaky roofs, faulty appliances, or burst pipes. Such intrusions are not only inconvenient but might also occur at inopportune moments, especially considering the restoration that follows at your Mahopac home may be costly.

One crucial thing to note about the cost of water removal from your Mahopac home is that the actions you take or fail to take greatly influence the overall costs you incur. Therefore, starting the process quickly and getting every step right presents the best chance of completing the process cost-effectively.  Since you may not be well-versed with water restoration procedures, involving a professional such as SERVPRO from the start presents a better chance of getting things right.

Professionals manage water removal more appropriate because:

• Assessment is prioritized
• Sufficient resources are dedicated for each task
• More than one technician is involved

At face value, these aspects may not reassure you since it might seem that they might drive costs up. For instance, you may believe the provision of more restoration resources or technicians is likely to translate to higher costs. However, since a restorer like SERVPRO already has resources such as various pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers, the number used at your loss site does not drive costs higher than usual. 

Other advantages of professional restoration that keep costs manageable include:

• Faster turnaround
• Minimal unintended damage to structure and contents
• Prevention of secondary damage

SERVPRO of Putnam County can help you manage water removal cost-effectively. Call us at (845) 228-1090. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Know the Fire Hazards of Fall

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful of fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Putnam County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

Can you feel that crisp in the air first thing in the morning or in the late evenings? It’s about to be that time of the year where leaves start to fall from the trees, and we all enjoy sitting by campfires and discussing life.

As you dream about that scenery, let’s discuss the fire hazards that accompany this time of the year.

Campfire Safety

With cooler temps starting to sneak in, this is the perfect time to get away and go camping or hiking! When you do that, it’s almost a given that you must add a campfire to either keep you warm, cook a little something or maybe simply create the perfect ambiance.

We all can become a little impatient when we are trying to create the perfect scene, but it’s best to not ever use an accelerant like kerosene or lighter fluid. Make sure you keep your fire contained and away from anything flammable. And before you head in for the night, ensure that it is completely out.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are one of the biggest causes of fires in the fall and winter. They come in handy in so many ways, but if you aren’t careful, they can cause serious damage.

When using a heater, make sure you keep it away from flammable items, kids, or play areas. These space heaters can put out major heat, so it’s important to make sure you have a heater that has an automatic shutoff capability any time it tips over.

Halloween

While Halloween can be quite spooky, what’s even spookier is the fact that all that cute front porch décor can be a fire hazard. While decorating your home, whether inside or out, make sure you are attentive to these items as they can easily catch fire.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

How to Combat Flood Damage in My Carmel Home?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

When your home is affected by flooding, quick water removal is what you need. Contact SERVPRO for effective flood damage remediation services.

Leave the Flood Damage in Your Carmel Home to SERVPRO! We're Experts!

Intense storms can bring sudden flooding to many homes with short notice. In some cases, it's not possible to avoid rushing waters impacting your home, especially when debris breaks a window or a tree falls onto your home. When freak accidents happen and cause a headache for you, help is nearby and ready!

Sudden storms, intense rainfall, and flash flooding can cause flood damage to your Carmel home very quickly. Some rains are capable of creating flooding conditions in under an hour, especially when riverbeds overflow. Though help could be delayed due to driving conditions, it is best to call immediately for aid in these situations.

You may wonder, "what's the point?" The roads are flooded. Therefore help cannot come quickly. However, here at SERVPRO, knowing the situation is the first step to remedying it. We can arrive as quickly as we can by getting the earliest knowledge of what is happening. If you call after the water recedes, we still have to take essential information. On the contrary, if you call promptly, we can be ready to go as soon as the roads reopen. We commit to helping you as fast as we can!

Our IICRC-certified technicians use advanced equipment for every job. To remediate the flooding inside your small home, we can use extractors and wet/dry vacuums to remove flood waters from your floor. After, we can daisy-chain drying equipment together to help pull as much water out of the foundation of your home. Simultaneously, we can make flood cuts, remove possessions, and dry furniture, tackling multiple aspects of remediation in one go. When disasters happen, we have your back. 

Call us now if you need flood removal services. Dial (845) 228-1090 to contact SERVPRO of Putnam County. We're available 24/7 for you!

Where to Look for Potential Water Damage Culprits in Your House

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of Putnam County team if you are dealing with any water damage.

Water damage is obviously a problem if you experience it in your home, especially if you’re not sure where it’s coming from. Usually, there is no advanced notice of a water disaster, so when it happens, it creates a stressful situation for all involved.

There is a common saying that knowledge is power. Knowing the places where water may enter your home is good knowledge to have. Let’s look at a few common sources of water damage in the home.

Toilet flapper. The toilet flapper is a rubber seal on the tank that opens and closes to flush the toilet. This is commonplace for leaks, as the flapper must seal cleanly every time it’s used. In many instances, you can audibly hear water leaking from the flapper.

Dishwasher. Dishwashers are heavily used appliances that can save a significant amount of water compared with handwashing. But there is also the opportunity for leaks since the appliances have supply valves, a tub, door gaskets, and a drain system. Some of these components are mechanical, and all of them have the potential to leak.

Clogged gutters. Proper gutter maintenance is a critical component of the roof system. Debris in the gutter is a major cause of gutter overflow. Overflow results in water pouring outside of the drain system, creating the opportunity for leaks. Always keep your gutters clear of obstructions. Failing to do so can lead to expensive repairs.

Roof damage. Wind can cause serious roof issues. Usually, the wind will lift shingles, and in some cases, the shingle will fall off, or the nails that hold the shingle to the roof become stressed. If the wind is strong enough, it can also create small holes in the shingle where the nail is placed. Your roof should be inspected periodically to ensure shingles are in place and no damage has been incurred.

Sewer line invasion. Some older homes used clay piping, and over time, roots and vegetation could infiltrate the sewer line. This will cause an obstruction and, eventually, consumption of the open space where the wastewater from the house flows.

Disposal drain clog. The wrong kind of food or excessive amounts being put into the garbage disposal can clog the appliance. And fixing the problem can cause bigger problems. Drain systems through the disposal are gravity-fed, and plunging with too much pressure can stress seals and has the potential to create leaks.

It’s smart to stay on top of the systems that protect your house from water damage. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Where Do I Find Good Fire Restoration Services in Mahopac?

9/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did a recent kitchen fire affect your home? Team SERVPRO has the certified technicians and equipment to help remediate the fire damage.

SERVPRO Can Supply Expert Fire Restoration Services to Your Mahopac Home

Cooking gone wrong can be the reason for many fires inside of American homes. You work all day, are tired, and forget to turn the stove off. Or, you end up leaving a crockpot plugged in all night. Accidents can happen to anyone, no matter how cautious they are. Imperfection makes us human. Fortunately, help is not far.

When it comes to the damage in your house, you need expert local Mahopac fire restoration services to do the job. Here at SERVPRO, we want your experience to go as smoothly as possible. Our ultimate goal is to get in your home and restore your home as swiftly as we can. As an example, imagine leaving the stove on by accident after you finish supper. Nearby paper towels are knocked over just close enough to catch fire.

By the time you smell the smoke, your kitchen backing has been blackened by soot. What is left of the food has all but been burned to char. Flakes of ash from the paper towels coat the counter and the floor. It may seem like a significant mess, but here at SERVPRO, we're fire and smoke remediation experts.

Our technicians can start by removing debris, such as the ash. We can use specialized cleaning agents to remove soot from your counters, walls, and flooring. Finally, using devices such as air scrubbers or thermal foggers can help us trap malodorous airborne particles. Even if the smell has truly leached into the surrounding walls, we can use odor-locking priming paint to seal the scent. We hope to restore your home to something close to its previous state and leave you feeling happy. 

Never wait if you need fire restoration services. Dial (845) 228-1090 to call SERVPRO of Putnam County. We're ready to assist you.

High Humidity Can Leave You Needing Mahopac Mold Remediation Experts!

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Finding mold in your home can definitely be frightening. Call the experienced technicians at SERVPRO for efficient mold damage remediation services.

SERVPRO Has Fast and Expert Mold Cleanup Services For Your Mahopac Home!

When your home requires expert technicians to combat microbial growth, you want to find professionals who care about more than just the job. Your home is where you spend most of your time, and sharing it or losing access to it during remediation can be stressful. Here at SERVPRO, we understand that.

Our expert technicians are available for you no matter when you need local Mahopac mold remediation services. Timing is everything, and we want to be here for you no matter if it is day or night, weekend or weekday. When you work with our technicians, you can expect: 

• Highly trained individuals, certified by the IICRC (Institution of Inspect, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)  AMRT--applied microbial restoration technicians
• Technicians ready to work no matter when we get your call
• Advanced technology, designed for your home's needs

For the sake of an example, let's say you have discovered mold in your home. The hot summer months have brought humid weather to Upper New York State, and your basement has suffered the consequences. Our technicians can do the following to aid you during your time of need: 

• Remove affected drywall and insulation--controlled demolition
• Spray antifungal agents to help prevent regrowth 
• Use air scrubbers to help reduce active mold spores floating freely

You can trust us to help you feel "Like it never even happened."

Call today if you find mold in your home. Speak with SERVPRO of Putnam County by dialing (845) 228-1090. We're here to help you!

Summer Storm Safety

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Putnam County is on the line, ready to make things right.

The summer months bring family vacations, pool or beach days, and family movie nights!

But summer can also bring thunderstorms, and it may even seem that it happens more often during this time. If it seems that way, it’s because it’s totally true.

In most parts of the country, there are atmospheric conditions that create moisture and warm air, which helps create thunderstorms.

We are all well aware that Putnam County gets a lot of rain every year. But it increases significantly in April and stays pretty high until November.

SERVPRO's Fire Restoration Service Saves Carmel Homes from Permanent Damage

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

Odor particles travel quickly in a fire and leave a foul odor behind. Our SERVPRO techs have the training and tools to restore you home.

How do SERVPRO Techs Combat Odors During Fire Restoration in Carmel Homes?

One of the biggest challenges that a restorer faces during a house fire cleanup is getting rid of the lingering odor left behind. SERVPRO technicians use several deodorization techniques during fire restoration of your Carmel home, leaving it smelling "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO techs encounter several types of odor-causing particles during fire restoration of your Carmel home. Most of the particles can be as small as 0.1 to 4 microns in size. Consequently, they can penetrate surfaces easily. The deodorant particles must also find a way to reach and combine with the particles to neutralize them. To achieve this, SERVPRO fire restoration experts end up recreating penetration conditions but with the deodorant particles.  

Factors Causing Odor Particles to Penetrate Surfaces After Smoke Damage to Your Carmel Home

Apart from the size of the particles, several other factors also help them to penetrate the surface in your fire-damaged home in Carmel:

• Temperature- Odor penetrates much deeper if the temperature of the fire is higher. The heat can cause porous surfaces to expand, causing more odor molecules to penetrate. SERVPRO technicians use thermal foggers to break deodorant into tiny particles with enough thrust behind them to reach and neutralize the odor effectively. 
• Humidity- Higher humidity allows the odor particles to dissolve in the air's moisture carrying them to the nose. It is for this reason that odors in humid air seem more pungent than those in dry air. 

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090; our experts are available 24/7 to help you.

What Makes SERVPRO Different?

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of Putnam County is your local restoration expert.

Isn’t life easy when things run according to plan? But the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. So, we do our best to ensure things run smoothly.

When disaster strikes, everything about our “plan” is thrown out the window. Your new focus becomes more about emergency steps rather than normal activities. That’s when you start to feel the pressure that you weren’t quite ready for.

But we can help ease the pressure! How?

Disaster recovery is what we do best. So, when life decides to throw you a curveball, call us to help.

At Your Service

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case you need us.

When disaster strikes, no one wants to wait or has time to waste. When your house or business is out of commission, you want it back to normal ASAP.

Fast Response

Being in the disaster recovery industry, we know better than anyone that when disaster hits, every second counts.

Every minute that passes provides an opportunity for more mold growth, more water damage or more smoke smell permeating your home. A fast response is crucial, and because we’re located right here in Mahopac, we can respond fast.

Residential & Commercial Services

Home and businesses alike can have damage from disasters or from accidents. We offer custom solutions for all situations, and we will have your place back in working order.

Expanded Service Offerings

COVID-19 has changed the way the world works, and disease prevention has become a top priority for everyone, especially business owners. We understand this, which is why we are offering a cleaning that goes above and beyond your normal janitorial services.

With people being more contentious of their health and well-being, the cleanliness of businesses matters even more than normal. That’s why we make it our job to offer you peace of mind with a hyper-clean space.

Disasters happen. When one occurs, it’s nice to know that you have a local company who knows and cares about it.

Regardless of the what, where or why, SERVPRO has the tools, technicians and training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to let us tackle the hard stuff, get in touch with SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Why Is SERVPRO the First Choice of Mahopac Residents for Flood Damage Restoration?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Stains on walls and ceilings are often a first sign of water damage. SERVPRO techs are trained to dry your home.

SERVPRO is Fast and Efficient in Providing Flood Damage Removal to Mahopac Homes

Flood damage to your Mahopac home can present many hidden safety and health hazards. A team of professional restorers such as SERVPRO has the necessary training, experience, and technical knowledge to identify and deal with these situations.

When SERVPRO technicians arrive to restore flood damage to your Mahopac home, they identify various types of hazards on the property. Some of the dangers that SERVPRO techs encounter in a flooded home include electric, structural and biological hazards. The process of identifying the issue and managing the associated risk is known as HARM (Hazard Assessment and Risk Management).

Potential Hazards During Water Cleanup at your Mahopac home that SERVPRO Techs Want You to Know

It is essential to wait for the SERVPRO professionals to arrive for flood damage restoration of your Mahopac home. Trying to remedy the situation by yourself can jeopardize the safety of the occupants of the property. Some of the potentially dangerous problems that might arise after flood damage to your Mahopac home include:

• Ceilings filled with water might collapse if disturbed
• The floodwater might intrude the electrical systems leading to the electrical shock hazard
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards due to wet floors or deteriorated wood sub-floors might also be present
• Floodwater is contaminated 

SERVPRO professionals have years of training and experience to deal with these situations safely. We work hard to ensure the safety of our restorers as well as the occupants. Give us a call, and we can be at your home in no time; after all, We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090; We are here to help you 24/7.  

Carmel Businesses Save Time and Money in Water Damage Repairs by Hiring SERVPRO

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let a burst pipe cause downtime to your business. Call SERVPRO for fast water damage remediation.

SERVPRO Provides a Premier Water Damage Restoration Service to Carmel Businesses

A water damage incident at a business place can happen for many reasons, including burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or faulty plumbing. However, if you are not prompt in recruiting professionals such as SERVPRO, water damage at your Carmel commercial space can bring your operations to a screeching halt.

IICRC certified SERVPRO restorers have the experience and expertise to mitigate water damage to your Carmel property while ensuring minimum possible downtime for your business. The potential to restore any material after water damage depends on factors, such as exposure time, the nature of the material, and the category of water damage. The longer the water stays in contact with the surface, the more damage it can potentially cause.  

How do SERVPRO Experts Determine the Restorability of Material During Water Damage Repairs of Carmel Properties?

SERVPRO technicians abide by the IICRC S500 guidelines regarding water restoration of your Carmel commercial property. The restorability of different structural components can differ significantly with water damage and the construction of the material itself.

• Drywall- According to the water standard, drywall can be restorable in category 1 and 2 water and if the seams are intact with no visible mold growth.
• Plaster- Plaster exposed to category 1 and 2 water is restorable. In case of category 3 water damage, plaster applied on wood or metal lath is restorable.
• Wood framing- Wood framing is restorable regardless of the water category. However, long-term exposure to moisture can cause warping and swelling.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 with any questions regarding water damage restoration.

How Can Business Owners Perform Commercial Fire Damage Restoration in Carmel Businesses?

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Bio-hazardous waste left after a commercial fire4 is a job for SERVPRO. Our team is IICRC certified and has experience in all-size disasters.

Investors Should Involve Professional Restorers to Help them Handle Fire Damage Restoration in Carmel. 

Fires may be devastating. The bio-hazardous residue left behind after the unfortunate incident can cause severe damage to your property if not handled on time. It can lead to serious health effects and more property damage problems if not handled by professional restorers like SERVPRO.

Commercial fire damage restoration in Carmel businesses is a lengthy procedure that entails much more than a simple clean-up. When the unfortunate happens, having a fire restoration plan in place can save you time and money. The first 48 hours following a fire are crucial for healing. Our SERVPRO restorers are always available to help you handle the unfortunate incident professionally.

How SERVPRO technicians clean inventory affected by fire

Using specialized skills and tools, we can clean your inventory on time. However, the severity of damage determines the outcome of the repairs. When inspecting the damage, our restorers look at several things, including:

• Preexisting damage
• Heat damage
• Water damage

Since some walls and inventory have sensitive surfaces, our SERVPRO team of restorers can use the wall, and all surface cleaner, which is slightly alkaline, and a cloth to clean the surfaces. We involve a special team of restorers during this process to make sure your inventory and business are back to their preloss state.

The secondary damages of fire begin to take effect immediately after the flames are out. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 to avoid more losses in your business and ensure efficient fire damage restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Is Defensible Space? | SERVPRO® of Putnam County

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of Putnam County is ready and able to repair any damage.

Wildfires happen more than people think, and they often cause property damage! Since your home is one of the most valuable investments you’ll ever make, it’s important to be aware of safety measures to protect it in the case of this type of natural disaster. Wildfires can spread at incredible rates, and it’s in part because of the combustible materials our world is made up of.

Wildfires are usually beyond anyone’s control, but we can help a good deal by simply being more careful. You can also practice a home protection philosophy called “defensible space.”

Whom Should Homeowners Trust With Water Removal in Mahopac?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage restoration to your home is a job for SERVPRO. We use the latest technology and equipment for every size job.

They Should Hire Expert Restorers to Perform Water Extraction in their Mahopac Homes

Water intrusion is a common and often destructive issue that homeowners can deal with. It is crucial to act fast to mitigate the problem to prevent permanent loss, especially in highly trafficked areas of your home. The water damage restorers from SERVPRO can help you to recover.

To perform water removal in their Mahopac homes, we can use powerful pumps or wet/dry vacuums. During the water extraction process, our goal is to mitigate the damage, but also to:

• Minimize the risk of permanent damage to valuable possessions
• Prevent mold growth that can pose health effects
• Remove affected structures like flooring, drywall, and upholstered furniture.
• Conduct moisture and humidity testing
• Restore your property to its former condition

The team at SERVPRO can remove visible and non-visible pockets of water on all affected surfaces. Water extraction is a series of tasks that requires a variety of uses. Our restorers can use self-propelled extraction tools powered by an independent motor that moves the unit over carpeting consistently. The device compresses the carpet and pad to squeeze out water and extract moisture through an extractor's vacuum system. A self-propelled extraction system can move either backward or forward. Weight is vital for the tool's effectiveness, and they are therefore designed to allow restoration professionals to ride on them.

Our SERVPRO team can also use axial-type air movers with built-in ventilators and exhaust fans to dry your property. We can also use moisture probes to check for moisture in hard-to-access areas.

After a water intrusion incident, you need expert assistance to get things back to normal. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We can make the water intrusion seem "Like it never even happened."

Severe Storms and the Cost to Americans | SERVPRO of Putnam County

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County to start the restoration process.

Damage From Severe Weather

The year 2020 brought about many challenges, and in the weather world, it became a record-setting year for weather and climate disasters. Of all the years in history for which we have data, 2020 was the most financially destructive.

There were 22 official weather disasters in 2020, which are storms causing at least $1 billion in damages, plus other damaging storms not counted in that statistic. Some astounding information is that in 2020 there were so many hurricanes and tropical storms that the NWS had to revert to the Greek alphabet in order to name all of them.

As we have all seen, hurricanes bring immense destruction and large amounts of monetary damage, but the high costs are not only from hurricanes. In fact, the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Of the official weather disasters in 2020, 14 of them were severe thunderstorms, and some wreaked havoc with ravaging tornadoes. Thunderstorms are normal, and they can happen during any season and in anywhere in the United States. And as of lately, it’s becoming quite normal to see them with the intensity that we see now.

A single storm system can become quite dangerous and disastrous without any warning. In August 2020, a seemingly typical line of thunderstorms in eastern Nebraska exploded into a derecho, which is something like a tornado but with straight winds instead of swirling ones, and this impacted more than 10 million acres of cornfields. This is almost half the state’s corn crops—that’s over 11% of the entire country’s cornfields.

While we may not typically deal with hurricanes in New York, it’s safe to say that storms definitely can take a toll. In 2020, we survived two tropical storms (Isaias and Fay), along with other storms throughout the year. One was the winter storm that happened right before Christmas.

Is This the New Trend?

We can’t help but ask ourselves, is this weather the new normal? 2020 was the 10th consecutive year with at least eight billion-dollar disasters.

2018 and 2019 combined saw a total of $136 billion in damages, and 2017 saw a total of over $300 billion, which was the highest total on record!

Thunderstorms are expected, and they’re bound to happen. But what is becoming scary is that the frequency and their intensity are showing no signs of relief. So as a home or business owner, it’s imperative to take whatever precautions are possible in order to minimize the damage to your property.

You should know that if precautions fail you, you’ve got friends in the restoration industry whose goal is to recover your valued items and restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County to see how we can help.

How Homeowners Can Handle Water Damage in Carmel at a Cost-Effective Price

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is second to none when it comes to disaster restoration. Water damage remediation is a specialty of ours.

A Certified Restorer Like SERVPRO Can Handle Water Damage Restoration in Carmel Effectively

Most property owners disregard minor water leaks, believing that they cannot cause any damage. Mold development and odors, on the other hand, are possible in the property. You may avoid these problems by contacting a professional restoration company like SERVPRO as soon as possible to assist you in restoring your property to its former glory.

SERVPRO is one of the most reputable water damage restoration companies in Carmel. Water damage in your property never happens at a convenient time. The more you delay the restoration process, the more severe the damage. Contact our response team at any time of the day to minimize damage and manage the consequences. SERVPRO is:

• A trusted leader in the restoration industry
• Open around the clock
• Has a highly trained team of restorers

How Our Team Dries The Affected Areas

No matter the magnitude of the problem, SERVPRO restorers can handle the damage and get you to a safe condition. We are well equipped with innovative technology that helps us deliver services that exceed our customer’s expectations. Our technicians can use several centrifugal air movers to dry even the hard-to-reach areas. The device moves dry air from outside into the property to increase the rate of evaporation.

Water damage can cause costly damage if not handled properly. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for professional restoration. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

A Better Way to Clean Your Business

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, reach out to the SERVPRO of Putnam County team.

There’s a lot of good news these days! Areas of our country that were previously hotbeds for COVID-19 transmission are now experiencing major turnarounds. Hopes are high that “real life” is here, and businesses are starting to look forward to the future.

Part of that future? Meeting expanded customer expectations. As more customers make their way back into stores, they bring with them a new understanding of how fragile our health is. In many cases, that means they’re looking for businesses that take the extra step to protect them.

How can your business meet customer needs? SERVPRO can help.

What Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Does

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program offers peace of mind to your business by taking worries over sanitation out of the equation. But its value goes beyond that, because we do more than simply clean.

Imagine your business as the cleanest it’s ever been. Now double that feeling because SERVPRO has advanced biohazard techniques and technologies that go beyond your traditional cleaning and janitorial services.

What makes Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned a better program than the others? Take a look at the three C’s:

Consult. Your business is unique, which means your cleaning should be unique to meet your particular needs. We will meet with your team and do a thorough review of your business to understand specifics. Since SERVPRO of Putnam County is locally owned and operated, we have a leg up—we know the ins and outs of how our community works.

Clean. Once our SERVPRO specialists establish the specifics, we get down to business. We show up on site with proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning solutions you won’t find anywhere else. We provide your business with solutions meeting (or exceeding) the CDC standards. These cleaning tools go beyond simply protecting your employees and customers from COVID-19; our certified clean also clears out other viruses and bacteria.

Certify. Once our technicians have completed the job, you can proudly display the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield. Having this shield proves to your customers that you care for them and their well-being. You’ll receive physical signage to place on your window or door, as well as a digital emblem for your website and social media. Show your customers safety is a priority before they even walk through the door!

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Can Chamber of Commerce Membership Strengthen Both Member Companies and the Community in the Hudson Valley Area?

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County joins forces with The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce, supporting residents and businesses in the region

SERVPRO of Putnam County prioritizes the well-being of the communities we serve, involving ourselves in causes, events, and celebrations as well as lifting up businesses and residents when disaster strikes. Participation in The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce enhances our ability to be there for those who need our loyalty, protection, and assistance under all circumstances.

Do SERVPRO’s Goals Align with Those of The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce?

The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce’s stresses that members “are engaged and work alongside us on community events, networking events and local advocacy while keeping our Chamber in position to always help our Members.” The Chamber’s mission and vision complement ours at SERVPRO. As a local, family-owned business, SERVPRO stands with other commercial endeavors to “advance economic development” as well as guiding home and business owners through stressful structural and content recovery challenges after fire, water, storm, or mold crises.

Our solidarity with other area businesses through Chamber of Commerce membership benefits our customers daily. Give SERVPRO of Putnam County a call at (845) 228-1090 to evaluate your needs after a disaster.

Smoke and Fire Damage Remediation in Your Mahopac Home

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can leave soot debris on the contents of your home and the walls. Call SERVPRO to assess the situation and remediate the damage.

Types of Smoke Damage That Could Occur in Mahopac Homes

When fires occur in Mahopac homes, the effects that occur are not always the same from incident to incident. Smoke damage, for example, can vary based on the type of materials involved in the combustion and ultimately the heat of the flames spreading through the property. Our professionals have experience overcoming each of these varieties of smoke damage, and identifying the proper approach begins with a thorough inspection of the property after the first responders and firefighters have left the scene.

While many fire damage effects in your Mahopac home that professionals must overcome after an incident, one of the most potentially hazardous and widespread of these is smoke damages. With two primary varieties of this damage, wet and dry, unique approaches and equipment must be used to address these effects in your home to return it to preloss condition.

Wet Smoke Damage

Wet smoke comes from a slower and smoldering type of fire. The heat of these flames is much lower than the other type of smoke damage, and as a result of the slower moving progression, residues are much thicker and harder to overcome. Much like soot staining that can also be problematic for our SERVPRO professionals, we must address wet smoke residue with a combination of high-powered vacuums and effective cleaning agents to prevent staining.

Dry Smoke Damage

While dry smoke effects are much easier for our SERVPRO team to overcome when addressing the damage, the conditions that leave dry smoke residue can often be more damaging overall to the house. Dry smoke scenarios leave chalky dust along uncharred surfaces and contents, usually only requiring wiping and cleaning agents to remove successfully. As it comes from a much hotter and faster-moving disaster, a greater area of your home may have smoke and fire damage.

While there are multiple effects our SERVPRO of Putnam County professionals must overcome in your home after a fire, smoke damages can be among the most challenging. We have the experience and the equipment to make any symptom of a fire “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime at (845) 228-1090.

Mahopac Businesses Stay Open with SERVPRO Mold Damage Remediation

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Did you find mold in your office common area? Contact our certified SERVPRO technicians for mold damage remediation services.

Several Challenges from Mold Damage in a Mahopac Office

Mold damage smells and looks unappealing. When an office has a colony infestation, it does not get better with time and instead continues to spread.

Restoration for mold damage in a Mahopac office requires several levels of expertise from SERVPRO technicians. First, the mold needs discovery, then the remediation of existing infestation, and finally treatment against any further establishment of colonies after the cleanup.

Containment Before Remediation

Mold spores spread quickly, and to inhibit this from occurring, SERVPRO technicians put up barriers around the work area. The technicians remove items with evidence of mold growth and determine whether they can restore through cleaning or require disposal. If sheetrock and other building materials show signs of infestation, they get removed through a controlled demo tear-out to halt any further spreading. For a light surface infestation, we attempt to remove the mold growth and preserve the underlying materials.

Standard Cleaning Solutions for Items with Mold Damage

SERVPRO technicians are certified as Applied Microbial Remediation Specialists (AMRT) and know the best course of action for any mold infestation. We follow the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) best practices to ensure a successful outcome. Not every object with mold growth has to be discarded. Through various antifungal and antimicrobial treatments, we can clean and sanitize many items in the office, such as upholstered chairs in a conference room, saving the business owner the cost of replacing these pieces.

Drying and Cleaning Surfaces with Mold Damage

Mold cannot exist without moisture. Our technicians dry the areas with mold growth and carefully remove the desiccated matter. Post-drying treatment with their antimicrobial solutions assists with limiting any reestablishment before repairs happen.

Odor Control Measures

Mold may have a particular, musty odor that lingers in some cases, especially in porous objects such as furnishings. Our SERVPRO technicians have access to various deodorization and neutralization equipment to render these pungent scents a non-issue. In some cases, they need to apply multiple applications to eradicate odors.

SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 is ready to handle any size mold damage. Our technicians have the knowledge and equipment to make the mold damage to the property, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Restoration Includes Smoke Remediation in Carmel

5/30/2021 (Permalink)

Affected by a recent fire and smoke damage situation? Call our SERVPRO team for the certified technicians and the equipment to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Handles Fire Damage and Smoke and Soot Clean Up for Carmel Residents

Invasive in nature, soot and smoke can make their way into various cavities throughout your Carmel home. This makes it challenging to eliminate with DIY methods, but you run the risk of lasting foul odors and corrosion from soot and smoke residue acidity. SERVPRO has highly-trained technicians that will tackle your fire restoration, ensuring no area gets left unaddressed where smoke, soot, and indoor air quality (IAQ) are concerned.

When handling fire damage in Carmel, our technicians understand that there is a lot to remember about soot and smoke. Not only will there be charred debris, but several facts about smoke particles and soot residue include:

• Smoke travels into upper levels of a building and cooler areas
• When traveling, smoke can get into plumbing and HVAC systems, as well as holes where piping is networked from one floor to another
• The kind of smoke present will impact how our technicians proceed

Understanding Different Types of Smoke

There is both wet and dry smoke that our fire damage restoration team encounters. We determine which residue is present before selecting equipment, tools, and cleaning products for the job.

• Dry smoke is fast-burning and comes from materials like wood and paper
• Wet smoke occurs at lower, smoldering temps and comes from rubber and plastics
• Protein-based smoke is not detectable to the naked eye, and it comes from kitchen fires and material evaporation rather than the fire itself

Trust the restoration of your fire and smoke damage to the trusted team at SERVPRO of Putnam County. You can reach us at (845) 228-1090, and we will dispatch a crew as quickly as possible.

Is My Basement Showing Signs of Water Damage?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County is a full restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

Many Mahopac and Cold Spring area residents love their basements. They’re a very versatile addition to many homes, and they’re useful for extra storage space, an extra living room or a place where the kids can watch their shows while the adults Netflix and chill upstairs.

But by their nature, basements are prone to developing water problems—due in part to the fact that basements are dug into the ground and also to the fact that any water leak in your home is going to try to find the lowest spot to settle.

It’s not set in stone that your house will encounter a serious basement water situation, but it’s likely enough that you need to be aware of situations that may arise, and how to identify a burgeoning problem. Below, we’ll examine the most common signs of a water damage issue on the rise.

The Most Frequent Signs of Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. Regardless of whether water that gets in your basement is clean or dirty, it will eventually develop bacterial growth, leading to a certain musty smell that is so widespread it’s often just considered “the basement smell.” While this may sometimes be true, it shouldn’t be, at least not in a safe, clean home. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, which means water has settled in to stay. You may not see mold right away, but if you smell it, it’s there.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Even a waterproof paint won’t prevent a steady leak or invasion of water from creating bubbles, cracks and flaking of your interior paint. And even worse, a waterproof paint may simply mask an issue until it has become something worse. If the paint if bubbling, act immediately to locate a water leak.

Foundational cracks. While it’s true that homes can shift over time, a crack in your home’s foundation should never be ignored Cracks may show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, often indicating that your home’s structural integrity is being compromised by a crack in the foundation, causing interior cracks to form under the pressure. Hairline cracks are nothing to panic over, but if they grow, they should be treated immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

Soot and Odor Residues in Your Mahopac Home.

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and odor removal by SERVPRO is second to none. We have all the equipment and services needed for your home.

SERVPRO can help you with house fire clean up in Mahopac

Many fire-damaged homes can contain several burnt materials that restorers must remove safely. During a substantial blaze, many building materials and contents could get covered in soot. Residues can find their way into even the smallest openings, and it is possible that items in boxes could get affected.

During fire cleanup in Mahopac, our SERVPRO technicians start by inspecting the entire structure to see where the smoke traveled. House fire clean up procedures can be conducted while also providing the following services:

• Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Smoke Remediation
• Fire Restoration

After we determine where the smoke traveled and what items got affected by soot residues, we can start the cleaning process. In some fire and smoke damage situations, we can set up a containment chamber with negative air pressure created by an air scrubber. The air scrubber will trap any loose soot particles that get dislodged during the cleaning and debris removal process so that the soot does not spread to previously unaffected areas. Air scrubbers can also be used to clean the air if there is a large amount of soot present in fire-damaged homes. 

If you ever notice smoke damage in your house after a fire, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

Roof Damage Done by a Storm to Your Mahopac Home.

5/9/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage restoration services by SERVPRO are top botch. We have all the manpower and services needed for your property.

A Leaky Roof from Storm Damage Can Sabotage a Mahopac Home

During the spring, it is possible to see both cold temperatures and vicious rainstorms. If a substantial amount of rain comes down quickly, it is possible that water can leak from your roof and into your dwelling. Moisture entering from above can cause several problems as it follows gravity to your house's floors.

During storm damage mitigation in Mahopac, our SERVPRO technicians can use specialized equipment to test moisture content in your building materials and contents. If we find moisture inside your home, we can conduct the following procedures to return your structure to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."

• Emergency Services Water Damage
• Basement Flooding Cleanup
• Ceiling Repairs from Water Damages
• Water Removal Services
• Water Clean Up
• Water Damage Repairs

The first step we take when dealing with a leaking roof from storms is to repair the damage source so that no more moisture can enter. If part of your roof is damaged, we can temporarily seal it while we conduct our water damage remediation efforts in the rest of your structure. 

If you ever find out that your ceiling leaks after a heavy rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

When Is a Thunderstorm Dangerous?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County if you experience any damage.

That’s really a trick question. Any thunderstorm, at any time, can be dangerous.

It’s hard for us to think about, really. Thunderstorms occur so frequently that we often disregard them as insignificant. But with conditions such as high winds, lightning, hail and flooding, these storms can quickly become a danger.

What even is a thunderstorm? It’s exactly what it sounds like! A thunderstorm is any storm that includes thunder. By extension, that means the storm also has lightning, since thunder and lightning work hand-in-hand at all times.

Regular thunderstorms occur all the time, but occasionally, they turn severe. Severe thunderstorms are defined as storms that contain hail that is one inch or larger and straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour or more.

The Facts About Thunderstorms

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. We mentioned above that thunderstorms always have lightning. In fact, lightning is one of the most dangerous elements of a storm. Reportedly, lightning strikes cause around 300 injuries every year. In addition to causing bodily harm, lightning can also lead to property damage from fallen trees or even fire.

Property damage due to hail. When you hear about hail, you probably first think about damage to cars. But car damage isn’t the only result from hail. These ice pellets range in size from tiny to very large, and the bigger they are, the more dangerous. How hard they come down is also a factor. Large hail pummeling your house can cause damage to the roof and the siding, which can eventually cause leaks and water damage.

Harm from flash flooding. Flooding can occur any time there’s a large amount of water. While your property or home may flood due to excess rain or other factors, flash flooding is also a concern. This type of flooding literally occurs in a flash, as high levels of water accumulate, presenting a danger to everyone in the surrounding area. It’s particularly dangerous for drivers, so if flash flood conditions are possible, stay off the road.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Fire and Odor Damage in Your Carmel Home.

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has all the manpower and experience needed for your fire damage restoration project.

SERVPRO can provide fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup in Carmel

People have inhabited Carmel, NY, for several centuries, with the first known settlers being the Wappingers tribe. In 1697, a wealthy New York merchant purchased all of the lands that are now Putnam County. 

During the Revolutionary War, the town made the history books when 16-year-old Sybil Ludington rode on horseback through Carmel and Kent to summons her father. Her father's "Ludington's Regiment" then went to work to fight off a British attack on Danbury, Connecticut.

After the Revolutionary War was over, the region broke into several towns, and Putnam County was formed. The city of Carmel was not officially established until April of 1785.

Carmel prides itself on having an exquisite parks system.

Now the small city of a little more than 30,000 people has a lot to offer to locals and visitors. The town has the following parks that people can enjoy:

• Sycamore Park: This facility is located between Long Pond Road and Long Pond. The park is 32 acres in size, with 18 being developed for land and water activities. The grounds contain a baseball/football field, four tennis courts, picnic and playground areas, a spacious beach, a dog park, a concession stand, and a paddle ball/handball court. 
• Jimmy McDonough Memorial Park and Skate Park: This complex sits off Long Pond Road at the end of Angela Drive. The facility has a 60-foot diamond, a 90-foot diamond, three football/soccer fields, and a skate park. The park is open from March to November, and it also contains restrooms and concession buildings.
• Chamber Park: This facility is located in downtown Mahopac at the corner of Routes 6N and 6. The waterfront park is a carry-in and carry-out facility that is open year-round from dawn until dusk. The park has benches, walking trails, a gazebo, a fountain, and a playground.
• Red Mills Park: These grounds span about seven acres and are located at the corner of Hill Street and Route 6N. The facility contains watercourses running through it with walking bridges leading over the water. The park's features include benches, a gazebo, walking paths, and an open meadow.

SERVPRO can help with fire restoration in Carmel

One main problem with fire-damaged homes is the presence of unpleasant aromas. Smoke damage can come in the form of burnt aromas when the particles penetrate your contents and building materials deeply. 

In many cases, fire damage restoration can include cleaning and deodorization procedures. Our SERVPRO technicians can assist with the following services:

• Fire Restoration
• House Fire Clean Up
• Water & Fire Damage Restorations
• Smoke Remediation

The first step to restoring fire and smoke damage is to secure the work area and remove any burnt debris. Next, we can clean any surfaces in your home that have soot residues.

If foul odors still exist after these first two steps, we can then conduct deodorization procedures as a part of the smoke remediation process. Ultra-low volume (ULV) and thermal foggers break down deodorants into microscopic particles so they can move through your structure in the same way the smoke did. Ozone generators can be used to neutralize malodor particles.

If you ever need fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

We Take Pride in Our Expert Restoration Technicians

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly.

The first call you make after your home is damaged can make a big difference.

That’s the call you make to a restoration partner who can help you get your home back to its original state.

No one likes to think about their home being damaged, but it’s wrong to think home damage is an uncommon occurrence. The facts just don’t support that.

The Insurance Information Institute states that every one in 350 Americans will have to file a fire damage claim annually. The fire statistic includes things like lightning damage, appliance fire damage or furnace accidents—basically any possible fire cause.

That doesn’t sound like a large number. But fire damage claims aren’t the only type of damage homeowners deal with.

When you add fire damages in with other types of household issues, such as water, wind, storms and general accidents, nearly one in 20 Americans will have to file a damage claim within the year.

That is why we train our teams extensively, so homeowners can trust in our team’s expertise and quality of work when they choose to work with us.

You Can Trust Our Restoration Experts

We’re proud of the quality of services we provide. It’s important to us that residents of Putnam County know that we’re here to help and support them and that they can trust us to provide the highest possible level of restoration service.

In addition to training from SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians also receive certifications Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC is a non-profit that has set the industry standard when it comes to restoration and cleaning technician credentials, and they always provide the most up-to-date knowledge in their training.

Our commitment to training means you can trust that everything we offer and suggest is in line with the industry’s best practices. It will give you added peace of mind when you reach out to us. You can be sure we’ll do everything possible to restore your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Can We Rescue Photos from Water Damage in Carmel?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment when it comes to water restoration for your home.

SERVPRO helps Carmel residents with water damage

Water damage can sneak up on you before you know it. Sometimes it is from something dramatic like a flood or a damaged roof. Other times, a leaking appliance or broken pipe is the culprit.

If you suffer water damage in your Carmel home, you might assume your photographs will be beyond repair. We understand how upsetting this is. Pictures are treasured family heirlooms, especially if they are older photographs from the days before digital images. However, do not despair. It is possible to save water-damaged photos.

Whether or not a photograph can be salvaged depends on:

• The type of water and if there are any contaminants present in it.
• How badly damaged the paper is.
• Whether the photographs have got stuck together.

Damage gets worse the longer you leave it, which is why it is vital to call SERPVRO at once. Do not wait for the structural integrity to worsen or mold to set in. We have access to state-of-the-art freeze-drying technology, which can dry out damaged paper and photographs.

If you are worried about water-damaged pictures, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Stop Heavy Rains From Damaging Your Valuable Home

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County today.

Is your home ready to withstand rainy weather?

If you haven’t already, you should put some thought into the ways you are protecting your home from water damage. After all, statistically, you or someone you know will be dealing with it over the next year.

One out of every 50 American homeowners will have to file a water damage claim in 2021.

So if you have to file a claim for water damage this year, you’ll have a lot of company. Statistically, it’s like that someone you know will have to file a water damage claim this year, too. Depending on the size of your network, it might even be more than one person.

When asked how the water damage happens, homeowners cite various problems like severe floods and storms or problems in the home, like a burst pipe. But there are other common sources, as well.

Getting Your Home Ready to Deal With Wet Weather

Use these basic home maintenance tips to ensure your yard looks its best—and that your home is prepared to withstand rainy weather.

Correct yard drainage problems when you find them. Proper yard drainage is vital to protecting your home. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, talk with an expert about ways you can protect your yard.

Find ways to make your landscaping into another form of protection. Your yard can be more than a way to ensure your home looks nice in photographs or is noticeable from the road. It can protect your home, too. Research different varieties of protective native plants and use them where you can.

Be sure your roof is ready for a rainstorm. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Mahopac Residents Need Water Restoration after Sewage Backup

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Water and sewage restoration is a specialty of SERVPRO. Our techs are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

Sewage backup and water restoration in Mahopac are preventable.

Mahopac is a cozy Carmel suburb of just over 8,000 residents. Carmel is a lovely, laid-back place to live or work, and it is close enough to New York that you can reach the big city easily if you want to.

Adolphus Philipse, the son of a wealthy Anglo-Dutchman, patented a massive parcel of land in the Mahopac area in 1697. Families migrated from all over the place to rent land from Philipse. Many incomers were farmers, but the area was also home to blacksmiths and wheelwrights, who assisted the farmers. Through the American Revolution, Mahopac was strategically important, with many troops stationed nearby. 

From the mid-nineteenth century, the area became famous as a summer resort. Today, Lake Mahopac's beauty, combined with easy access to gorgeous rolling countryside, makes Mahopac and Carmel popular with those who want to escape New York and enjoy some time in the country.

Explore Mahopac and the Hudson River Valley

Mahopac makes a fantastic base for exploring the wider Putnam County and Hudson River Valley areas. There are several fascinating towns within reach of Mahopac, so why not take a tour of the place? Be sure to stop and visit:

• Poughkeepsie is a fascinating college town filled with educational history and beautiful luxury homes from America's Gilded Age. You can visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, enjoy the hundreds of trees at Vassar College Arboretum, or stroll along the Hudson.
• White Plains is a popular city just 30 minutes from NYC, and it is a shopper's paradise. The famous Westchester Mall features several luxury flagship stores. If you get tired of shopping, the city has a wealth of outdoor leisure options, including parks, hiking, and even an aquatic playground.
• Hopewell Junction is a tiny, wealthy hamlet with excellent schools and a gentle pace of life, an ideal destination for a quiet afternoon.

Enjoy the best hiking and views near Mahopac.

Mahopac also offers easy access to stunning hiking trails and nature destinations. Be sure to check out:

• Wonder Lake State Park is home to artificial Wonder Lake and also boasts miles of walking trails. You can spot otters, ospreys, and even turtles in the area.
• Mt. Ninham State Forest has well-signposted trails through the trees and a fire tower that offers fantastic views.
• Fahnestock State Park offers the perfect balance of rugged mountain hiking trails and easily accessible clean beaches. There are lots of benches, picnic spots, and even camping spots so that you can enjoy yourself at your own pace.

Can you prevent sewage backup?

No one wants to deal with sewage backup in their home. Several causes of sewage backup include clogged drains, damaged lines, or tree roots growing into the sewer system.

A sewage backup is a potential biohazard, which is why you should call SERVPRO as soon as it happens. Our team will arrive equipped with personal protective equipment and anti-microbial treatments.

There are things you can do to prevent sewage backup, too:

• Dispose of paper products correctly and do not flush anything that is not flushable.
• Do not pour cooking oil down any of your drains.
• Maintain your sewer system – deal with suspected tree roots or other maintenance issues quickly.

For help with sewage backup, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Giving Help and Support to Patterson Business Owners

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County to learn more.

Do you own and operate a business in Patterson or one of the surrounding communities?

If you do, we’re here to help and support you. In fact, we’re passionate about it.

Why do we place such a priority on local businesses? It’s because our SERVPRO is locally owned and operated.

We know firsthand how much hard work goes into running a business in our community. Plus, having a strong business community ensures our whole community is strong and vibrant.

Your personal success is important, too. We know you’ve worked hard for it, after all.

Building a business takes time and dedication. That dedication leads to long days and nights and time spent planning and looking for new ways to grow.

Knowing how to tackle challenges is part of owning a business, too.

Even if you’ve put together a thorough five-year plan, it’s impossible to take every possibility into account. The COVID-19 pandemic is a powerful example of unpredictability. If you own a business, you’ve likely spent a lot of time lately looking for new ways to reach and serve your customers.

While some local businesses have found new ways to serve customers digitally and work from home, others opt to open up restaurants, stores and companies for in-person services.

You can get help and support for a safe reopening regardless of how you’ve decided to move forward.

Putting the Priority on Safety During Reopening

The good news is that a lot of people are here to cheer on and support business owners. There are business loans and tips, advice and more from sources you can trust.

Businesses choosing to open for in-person interactions also deal with the challenge of providing customers and employees with a safe environment. That’s where our team comes in.

We’ll do the work to ensure your business location is “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” Here’s how we do it:

First, our team will consult with you about your business’ needs. Then we’ll suggest an individualized cleaning plan.

Next, we’ll work to clean your space. We work with a high-level system to ensure you’re ready for customers. We use proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Plus, we use cleaning and decontamination standards directly from the CDC.

The last step is when we certify your business. You can open again with confidence.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is Highly Recommended on Alignable

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Several businesses and a number of professionals in the area who have used our services have recommended us on Alignable. We have provided property damage restoration and construction services to hundreds of businesses and homeowners in Putnam County. In business in both Dutchess County and Putnam County NY for over 20 years, this is our home, and we are very much involved with our community.  

When is a Water Spill an Emergency?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can begin to grow within 72 hours of a water damage in your Mahopac home. Call our certified water damage technicians for assistance right away.

All water spills in your Mahopac home must be addressed fast – Contact SERVPRO for rapid water restoration

If you have ever had an overflowing sink or tub, you may just think that a few towels or a mop will do the trick. However, water likes to migrate into dry spaces where it can saturate your subfloor and behind baseboards. It would be best to have skilled technicians ensure moisture does not create secondary damage or mold infestation within your Mahopac property. SERVPRO is here to help!

When you contact us for water restoration in Mahopac, we never leave anything to chance. We have a variety of moisture inspection devices to ensure nothing gets left behind, such as:

• Moisture meters
• Moisture sensors
• Thermo-hygrometers
• Thermal imaging cameras

Once we arrive at your home:

• We assess the situation to avoid all slip, trip, and fall hazards
• We also work to contain the water so that it does not migrate into unaffected zones
• Water extraction begins as we carefully follow the path of migration to stop moisture in its tracks
• Air movers and powerful dehumidifiers get set up to work in tandem to speed the process and achieve our drying goals

There is nothing like the advantages of having skilled water restoration technicians (WRT) on the job. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County 24-hours a day for emergency service at (845) 228-1090.

Has Your Business Suffered from Fire Damage?

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO professionals are trained to handle every level of fire damage. Call us today, we are always available.

Mahopac commercial properties benefit from speedy, reliable fire damage assistance with SERVPRO

When you run a Mahopac business, a whole lot rides on your ability to stay open. Once you have a fire emergency, you have a great deal to clean up, along with the worry of your employees being out of work. Let SERVPRO handle the cleanup so that you can get everything back to preloss condition sooner!

Owners and managers alike know that the very last thing you want is foul odors lingering from the fire damage in Mahopac at your place of business. We use a broad range of deodorization products and equipment to help facilitate odor removal, such as:

• Odor counteracting beads
• Deodorant granules or pellets
• Water-based wet mist deodorizers
• Water-based odor counteractants
• Thermal fogging equipment and solvent or water-based deodorizers
• Sealants

Depending on your commercial space circumstances, we may also utilize air filtration, air scrubbers, or ozone generators to help pull odorous particles from the air. Everything gets done in a manner that helps to restore your business interior to pre-fire condition. Once we wrap up the job and all materials have been cleaned and restored, there will be no lingering odors as a reminder of the fire. Everything will be left “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Putnam County leaves no stone unturned when you are dealing with fire damage and stubborn smoke odors. If you need assistance at your commercial location, call our team at (845) 228-1090, and we can send out our Green Fleet as soon as possible.

These Projects Can Help Protect Your Home From Spring Storms

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Are you ready for winter to be over? If so, you aren’t alone. Most of us are ready for another cold, snowy New York winter to turn to spring.

And since it’s already March, spring is definitely in the air. With spring comes many new ideas and projects for many. Maybe you’re looking for new ways to cook some old favorites on your grill. Or you might be planning to hit a few parks and hiking trails as the weather warms up.

Regardless of how you’re planning to spend spring, it’s a good idea to make time for home maintenance now, so you’re protected for one of spring’s weather threats—strong thunderstorms.

It would be nice if we could change the weather, but we haven’t been able to do that yet. Instead, we have to look for ways to ensure our homes are safe when thunderstorms hit.

Seasonal Projects for Your To-Do List

Check out your seasonal to-do list to see if these important projects have a place:

Check for problems with your roof. Don’t let the first time you realize your shingles are loose or your roof is leaking be when it starts storming. Check for missing shingles and signs of leaks first. Repair them to keep your home safer.

Don’t leave items around your home unsecured, either. Don’t let unsecured furniture or other similar items become tools for wind damage. Trim back trees that need it and secure everything you can.

Remove tree limbs and branches that can cause issues. Branches and limbs overhanging your roof or garage can fall during heavy winds. You can fix them before they become a problem, though. Cut down limbs or branches hanging over your garage and roof.

Ensure your sump pump is working (if you have one). Every homeowner doesn’t need one of these. But if you do need one to regulate water levels in your basement, it’s vital to keep it working. Be sure yours is in good shape before it starts raining.

Declutter any debris that’s in your gutters. Clean, clear gutters keep water around your home flowing the right way, instead of causing water damage.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

The Next Step Kent Business Owners Need to Rebuild After a Natural Disaster

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County knows the commercial restoration process inside and out. Here are some of our best tips in choosing the right company

If you’re a Kent business owner, we have a question for you: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Many business owners will answer the question with some variant. You can’t always plan for the future or know what will happen that can impact your business. While that’s true, you can always find ways to reach your customers, be agile and provide services in new and different ways.

It’s a powerful lesson. And it’s true in other parts of the business as well. In some cases, it may have spurred business owners to put plans in place to deal with more predictable types of natural disasters (problems like fires and floods and severe winter storms).

We want to support Putnam County businesses, so our team of local experts has pulled together a list of some of the most powerful things business owners can do after disaster strikes.

How to Make the Recovery Process Easier

It’s possible to open your business again after a disaster and to even be more successful in its aftermath. Here are some steps you can take to make it a reality:

Know and follow your disaster plan. Spend some time learning and studying your disaster plan before you need it, so you won’t be caught in a stressful situation without knowing your best next steps. In some cases, you might even think about moving your business to a backup location, so you can continue serving customers.

Work as closely as you can with your insurance company. Be ready to provide what your insurer will need to help you move forward. In most cases, that will be photos of the damage (before it’s cleaned up) or an inventory that details lost or damaged items. If you can, include their value, too.

Stay in contact with stakeholders. Updating your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your wider community is vital to keeping your business moving forward. You can do this with an email, a social media post or a phone call (depending on your relationship with the stakeholder).

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

A Strong Carmel Storm Can Leave Your Home with Interior Damage

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm water is no easy task to do yourself. Call the professionals at SERVPRO, their IICRC trained and experienced technicians for the job.

SERVPRO Handles Removal and Restoration Following a Storm

Heavy storms can make their way into the interior of your home. Rain can come through a ceiling or under a doorway causing damage to drywall or flooring. After the heaviest of storms, homes are often left with a lot of dirt and other debris. Professional home restoration services like SERVPRO can help you deal with damaged building materials and the mess left behind after a storm.

Storm damage removal from your Carmel home requires quick attention to mitigate further damages to your home. The more prolonged moisture lingers after a storm, the higher the chances of secondary damage occurring. 

When removing stormwater and cleaning the impacted area, it is essential to remember:

• Stormwater (from flooding) is contaminated black water (category 3) and needs proper disposal according to local and state regulations.
• To wear appropriate PPE to protect against contaminated water and cleaning chemicals.
• Some materials and items may require replacement if too severely damaged. 

For assistance restoring your home after a storm, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Cleaning Carpets after a Water Leak

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water removal is the first step in water mitigation. Leave it to the professionals for this dirty job. SERVPRO can handle any size disaster.

Are You Dealing with Soaked Carpets in Your Mahopac Home?

You may assume that you need to rip out your carpet after a leak in your home. However, there are ways to extract excess moisture and thoroughly clean carpets to foster restoration rather than having the expense of replacement. Our trained professionals at SERVPRO have the equipment, products, and knowledge to take care of your home after a water leak. 

Our SERVPRO technicians manage water removal in your Mahopac home. Removing water is the first step to cleaning your carpets. After our team removes water with extraction equipment, they can go about the task of cleaning the carpet.

Here are some steps in cleaning carpet:

• Remove any lingering dry soil.
• Identify the types of soil on the carpet to determine the appropriate cleaning agent.
• Use cleaning agents to suspend and dissolve the soils.
• Thoroughly rinse the carpet to remove both the soils and cleaning agents. 
• Dry the surface of the carpet using extraction equipment and air movers to facilitate evaporation. 

For 24/7 assistance with water removal, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How to Deal with Flood Damage in Carmel

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Floods are no easy task to handle by your own. Call the professionals of SERVPRO for the water mitigation services needed for your home.

Flooding in the Hudson Valley Can Cause Damage to Your Home

Carmel New York is within commuting distance to New York City and a great place to visit if you are looking for some time away from city life. It is just over an hour from Manhattan to Carmel, where you can find lush state parks, golfing, and the Walkway Over the Hudson. Fahnestock State Park is a gorgeous state park featuring hiking in the mountains and along the beach's trails. There are picnic areas and campsites for the outdoor lover. 

There are some historical sites, including the Vanderbilt Mansion and Crown Point Historic Site. The Vanderbilt Mansion, Hyde Park, is a fantastic visiting option if you are interested in history or architectural design. The mansion that was home to America's wealthiest families at the time and became a historic site in 1940. Before the Vanderbilts purchased it in 1895, it was owned by George Washington's personal physician Dr. Samuel Bard. Hyde Park had formal gardens, greenhouses, and lawn tennis games, and other characteristics of Hudson River mansions. 

Crown Point was a military stronghold dating back to before the American Revolution. The French built Fort St. Frederic at Crown Point in the 1730s and used it as a base to raid the British settlements nearby. In 1759, the British took control of Crown Point and renamed the Fort His Majesty's Fort of Crown Point. Fast forward to 1775, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, the American colonists took the Fort until the end of the war. Now it is a museum and historical site.

Interestingly enough, Carmel is home to a Buddhist monastery, Chuang Yen Monastery. It sits on 225 acres of property. The monastery houses the largest indoor Buddha statue outside of Asia. The founder purchased the land in 1975 and built the monastery in 1981.  The 14th Dalai Lama participated in the Great Buddha Hall's opening. Since the opening of the original building, the Woo Ju Memorial Library and several other halls. It is a fully functional monetary campus with learning and volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can stay at the monastery during extended visits. 

Here are some activities often hosted by the Chuang Yen Monastery:

• Group meditation.
• Courses about all different aspects of Buddhism.
• Ceremonies for the lunar calendar. 
• Vegetarian lunches on the weekend.

Melting Snow Combined with High Elevation Draining Into the River May Cause Flooding

If you experience flooding in Carmel, our trained professionals at SERVPRO can help you repair the damages to your home. Our technicians have experience removing floodwater appropriately and adequately drying the affected area. 

Technicians Mitigate Damage After Flooding By:

• Extracting the contaminated floodwater and disposing it into the appropriate sewer lines according to local ordinances.
• Performing flood cuts in the drywall ensure the drying of wall cavities and prevents moisture from spreading higher up the walls.
• Using industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers to dry and lower humidity levels in your home adequately. 

For assistance with home damage in Carmel and the surrounding areas, Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Get Some Fresh Air On The Putnam Trailway Near Mahopac

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Call on the services of SERVPRO for the fire restoration help that is needed for your home. Our technicians are IICRC certified.

Get Fit And Enjoy Time Outside in Mahopac This New Year

If you need to blow away the cobwebs and get in shape this New Year, look no further than the Putnam Trailway. The Trailway is a paved cycling and walking path that follows the old New York Central Railroad route.

The Trailway runs for 12 linear miles across Putnam County, starting at the Westchester Border and running to Brewster village. Along the way, you can see some of the original station stops, at:

• Tilly Foster
• Carmel
• Mahopac
• Lake Mahopac
• Baldwin Place

If you are starting at Mahopac, you will find the old Mahopac station site at the American Legion Post Building, situated on Bucks Hollow Road.

There are plans to add some active branch lines so trains can run in the area again. Until then, however, it is an ideal place to walk or cycle.

Even when the weather is cold and damp, fire is still a risk. If you need help with fire restoration, call SERVPRO of Putnam County (845) 228-1090.

Tips to Help You Spot Water Damage at Home in Carmel

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your walls or ceiling? Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County, we will help guide you through the restoration process.

If you filed a water damage claim last year, then you weren’t alone.

You were one of literally millions of American homeowners who needed to seek water damage restoration services in 2020. One in 50 American homeowners file one of these claims each year.

Did you know water damage claims have been growing steadily every year?

And even before the number of claims started rising, they were some of the most common claims made by homeowners.

Helping You Fight Home Water Damage

Homeowners don’t often know where to start if they notice the early signs of water damage. You may be wondering when a leak and the resulting water becomes an issue that requires professional services.

There’s a team of specialists here in Putnam County who can help you need water damage restoration.

Here’s what you might see when your home has water damage that needs remediation by professionals:

You notice your home has an unusual odor. Have you noticed a musty smell? That can be among the first signs of mold damage, meaning if you notice that scent, it’s time to call in a professional to help you deal with remediation issues.

Your windows or walls are damaged. Wood in your home, like your window panes and walls, can start to warp if the water damage is severe. That means it’s vital to get remediation help if you notice these signs.

The floorboards or furniture are warped. Wet wood will start to warp within days. If that happens in your home, it’s best to start seeking help from professionals who can help you restore your home.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Find Peace With A Buddhist Meeting In Mahopac

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can be very detrimental to everyones health. Call SERVPRO for their expertise and updated equipment for the mold remediation needed.

Find Your Inner Zen In Mahopac This Month

If you have ever been interested to learn more about Buddhism, you can do so from the comfort of your own home with a virtual class. The Center at Mariandale, in nearby Ossining, is offering regular sessions on Eastern Wisdom For Today’s Times.

• Listen to Buddhist monks read relevant Buddhist texts.
• Learn about Buddhist philosophy and how to apply it to everyday life.
• Suitable for beginners and the more knowledgeable.

Sessions take place twice monthly on a Saturday. January meetings are on January 16 and 30, 2021. The fee per session is $10, and you can book your slot at the Mariandale Center website. The classes are held over Zoom so that you can join from your couch!

A reading list will be provided, but this is optional as all essential topics will be covered in the class.

While you are at home this winter, please be mindful of the risk of mold damage. If you suspect fungal growth and need a mold removal company, call SERVPRO of Putnam County (845) 228-1090.

Get Away From The Bustle Of NYC In Picturesque Carmel

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no laughing matter. Call the IICRC trained professionals of SERVPRO for the fire restoration services you need.

Carmel Is A Charming Historic Town With Plenty Of Open Space

When people think of NYC, they naturally think of the hustle and bustle. The city's vibrant busyness is fun, but sometimes you need a quieter place to relax and take some time out. Carmel is situated just an hour away from midtown Manhattan, but spend an hour here, and you will think you are in the country, far away from the rush.

Explore Picturesque and Historical Places In and Around Carmel

Carmel is full of exciting and pretty places to visit. A trip here is a lovely way to spend some leisure time and unwind from everyday life stresses. While you are in the area, why not check out:

• The Reed Memorial Library is the oldest in Putnam County. In 1911, local woman Arietta Crane Reed donated the money for a dedicated library building in her husband's memory. The library is a one-story stone building with a slate roof and three gables. The library is the only prominent example of Tudorbethan architecture in the Carmel area. It features an oak-paneled oval lobby, marble trims, and a rather unusual mantel carved in the shape of monks' heads.
• The Putnam County Courthouse is a historic courthouse in downtown Carmel that was built in 1814. In 1847, architect James Townsend undertook extensive renovation. Townsend added a Classical Revival style portico and columns, and copies of column sections from the Monument of Lysicrates, near the Acropolis in Athens. The result is a striking looking building which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Carmel Hamlet is a village that is home to both the Putnam County Courthouse and the statue of Sybil Ludington. You can also enjoy viewing several historic buildings or relax beside the picturesque Lake Gleneida.
• Visit the village of Mahopac, which is contained within the bounds of Carmel. Mahopac is home to a library with a reading room overlooking beautiful Lake Mahopac. It is also home to the Carmel Historical Society Museum, where you can see many interesting artifacts. You might also recognize some famous filming locations. For example, several scenes from the 1982 movie Tootsie were filmed outside the Mahopac Farm Playhouse.  

The area is also home to several lakes and waterfalls where you can get fishing and boating permits. There are many lovely lakeside homes in and around Carmel, and you can find plenty of pubs and restaurants to relax in the evening and enjoy the views.

Find Your Inner Peace At A Nearby Monastery

Anyone seeking peace will want to schedule a stop at Chuang Yen Monastery in nearby Kent. This peaceful place, whose name means "majestically adorned," is a working monastery, so it is advisable to check online when it is open for visitors. Once you are there, you can:

• Walk around the peaceful grounds and sit by the lake for some contemplation.
• Visit the Woo Ju Memorial Library with its extensive collection of Buddhist books.
• Book a place on a retreat or class.

You can also view the largest Buddha Vairocana statue in the Western Hemisphere. Buddha Vairocana is a celestial Buddha, and the figure stands 37 ft tall. 10,000 smaller Buddhas surround it, and there are other statues throughout the temple and grounds – indeed an impressive site and an unforgettable place.

A Local War Hero Warned Putnam County Residents About British Fires

Of course, things have not always been peaceful in Putnam County. The Carmel area is home to a unique Revolutionary War hero named Sybil Ludington. Ludington was born in 1761 in nearby Fredericksburg, NY, which is now named Ludingtonville in her honor.

Sybil's father fought in the French and Indian War, so he volunteered to lead local militia during the Revolutionary War. Sybil and her siblings saved her father from capture when Ichabod Prosser led a band of loyalists to attempt to capture her father. The Ludington family, led by Sybil, lit candles around the house and then marched around it militarily. This fooled Prosser and his loyalists into thinking the house was under military guard, and they made no captures that night.

In 1778, when she was just sixteen years old, Sybil undertook a ride of 40 miles to warn militia in the Carmel and Putnam County areas that the British were coming. Her father had learned of a planned British raid on the town of Danbury and dispatched Sybil to sound the alarm. As she rode, she banged on the shutters of the homes she passed, shouting, "The British are burning Danbury!"

By the time Sybil rode through Carmel and on to Mahopac and Farmers Mills, she was soaked through and suffering exhaustion. However, by the time she got home again, she had 400 troops ready to march. Although the forces could not prevent the attack on Danbury, they were able to drive the British to Long Island Sound. General George Washington himself congratulated Sybil on her bravery.

Sybil died in 1839 and was buried in Patterson Presbyterian Cemetery, Patterson, NY, where you can still visit her grave. There is also a statue in her honor right here in Carmel.

SERVPRO Helps Residents Deal With Fire Damage

Unfortunately, we do not all have a Sybil Ludington to warn us of approaching fire. However, SERVPRO understands that Carmel Residents are worried about the effect of fire damage, and we are here to help.

We are Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we aim to arrive at your home within four hours of your initial call to us. Time is of the essence when dealing with fire damage because:

• The longer soot is allowed to sit, the harder it is to scrub it away.
• Your home and contents might be wet from firefighting efforts, which increases the risk of mold growth.
• The sooner we start cleanup efforts, the better the chance that we can save your personal belongings.

Our experienced technicians take care of every aspect of fire damage repair. We scrub and vacuum away soot and can also use media blasting on exposed brick or wood. We restore as many of your belongings as possible and send textiles and clothes out for specialist cleaning. We also dry out any areas that are wet from firefighting, and we can talk to your insurers on your behalf.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is here to help you deal with fire damage in your home. Call us today at (845) 228-1090.

Our Team Can Help Putnam County Residents Overcome Fire Damage l SERVPRO® of Putnam County.

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage due to a heating malfunction or other issue, count on SERVPRO of Putnam County to fully restore your home.

Putnam County residents like you can rely on a team of local experts if your home ever needs fire damage restoration or repairs. We’re prepared to work with you to remediate and repair in the aftermath of a fire.

No one likes to think about dealing with the aftermath of a house fire, but millions of them happen here in the U.S. every year. And that number could include members of the community here.

Why Your Risk Rises in the Winter

Fires happen more often during the winter than they do during any other season of the year. Many of them are due to the way we heat our homes or celebrate the holiday season.

Christmas tree accidents are a leading cause of house fires over the holiday season..

If you’re using a space heater without an automatic shutoff mechanism, it can topple over and cause a fire. Broken furnaces and mishaps with other appliances happen sometimes.

The SERVPRO Difference

Want to know why so many customers in Putnam County trust us? Here’s how we’re able to provide excellent service:

We can help with all your restoration needs. House fires can damage everything from your walls to your furniture’s upholstery. Issues resulting from water and smoke are common problems, too. We have the tools and resources to remediate these issues.

We believe in restoration over replacement. Our team helps families recover from fire damage in a way that’s both logical and economical. Experts help through each step of the process, working to save your family time and money on the repair process and insurance premiums.

We’re available to help ²⁴⁄₇. Beginning the restoration process quickly is an important step in getting your home back to its original state and ready for you to make good memories once more. When it’s an emergency, we’re available at any time. Our team is here when you need us most.

We are a local business. SERVPRO locations are everywhere—all across the United States. But this location is locally owned. It’s staffed by team members who live in the Putnam County area. But since we are a SERVPRO location, we can use the resources, equipment and training you would find at a leading-edge company.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

You Can Protect Your Home From Winter Water Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a leaky roof or another cause, contact us right away. SERVPRO of Putnam County is available 24/7.

According to industry experts, about one in every 50 American homeowners will file a water damage claim in 2020. Water damage claims cover a variety of issues—from major natural disasters to busted pipes.

With regular maintenance, you may be able to avoid some of the common problems that cause homes to need repairs.

Homes can suffer water damage at any time during the year. But it’s important to keep in mind the seasonal dangers that are unique, especially in places with harsh winters like we have here in Putnam County.

The Power of Preventive Maintenance

If you want to protect your family’s investment from hazards like water damage, there are steps you can take to do so.

What should you do before the weather gets colder? Experts have some advice about places to look when you’re getting your home ready to weather winter’s unique home maintenance needs:

Preserve your home’s pipes. Plumbing problems are the most common reason homeowners file claims during the cold winter months. You don’t have to be one of them. If there’s a winter storm or particularly cold night coming, leave the faucets in your home dripping. It doesn’t have to be much. All you need is water flowing to protect your plumbing.

It all starts with getting the gutters clean. Most articles about protecting your home from water damage will mention cleaning out your gutters. This is especially important in the winter when leftover fall debris and colder temperatures can lead to overflowing water and ice.

Check your foundation. Water damage in basements is a common reason homeowners need remediation services. Additionally, water seeping into cracks during the winter, and freezing can cause cracks to widen. That happens because water expands when it freezes. You can stop the process by ensuring your foundation doesn’t have cracks to allow water into your home.

Find spots that need to be sealed. Like checking the foundation, this step is important because water expands when it freezes. If shingles, siding or window panes aren’t secure, they can allow water to seep into your home and freeze. As the ice thaws and the water melts, these cracks gradually allow water into your home and cause problems that lead to repairs and remediation.

If a busted pipe, leaky gutter, or other winter hazard damages your home, our team is here to help you restore your home. You can get in touch with us ²⁴⁄₇.

Carmel Residents Can Build Their Career Skills

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remove the flood waters from your Carmel home while you study for your IT exam.

Danbury Marketing Training is Available to Professionals in Carmel

Professionals from Carmel and the surrounding area are cordially invited to learn the ins and outs of digital marketing at Tech Training Solutions’ IT Training Center in Danbury, Connecticut. The only prerequisite skill you need is a basic ability to navigate your computer and Internet browser.

This instructor-led digital marketing course covers such topics as:

• Search engine optimization and marketing, also known as SEO and SEM, respectively
• Social media marketing and optimization, which is also referred to as SMM and SMO
• Branding, sales, and customer service
• Tracking metrics and drafting analytics reports
• Industry-standard digital marketing tools

The 35-hour training course starts on Monday, December 14, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST. After that, the class lasts for six weeks, two hours each on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. The last session is on January 15, 2021.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is a phone call away from providing flood damage cleanup for Carmel homes. Contact the team any time of the day or night at (845) 228-109o.

Mahopac Locals Receive Bionutrient and Gardening Education

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can remove the mold from your Mahopac property but not from your garden plants.

Workshops for Homesteading and Cultivation Open to Mahopac Residents

Mahopac horticulture aficionados can visit the Westchester/NYC Bionutrient Food Association (BFA) for a thorough education about raising crops, soil health, and the steps necessary to cultivate nutritious produce on December 17. The meeting lasts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and takes place at the Westchester Land Trust on Harris Road in Bedford Hills. BFA chapter founder Doug DeCandia hosts this meeting.

Topics covered during this upcoming meeting include such end-of-season activities as:

• What to look for when testing soil, how to do it, when to do it, and why you should
• Properly covering crops
• Making amendments to soil on your property to help your crops thrive in the coming season

Members are encouraged to invite family and friends to meetings and other BFA events such as potlucks.

SERVPRO of Putnam County renders mold remediation services for Mahopac entrepreneurs within hours of their initial contact. Call (845) 228-1090 to start the cleanup process.

Disaster Mitigation for Mahopac Homeowners is Only One Phone Call Away

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Read a book at your local Mahopac library while SERVPRO mitigates the water damage to your home

SERVPRO of Putnam County Offers IICRC-Certified Cleanup and Rebuilding Services for Mahopac Homes 24/7

Mahopac, New York, is an idyllic hamlet that 8,000 Putnam County residents call home. This quiet southeastern New York resort town sits less than 50 miles north of The Big Apple and occupies much of Carmel’s southern half. Mahopac was developed in the 19th century as a summer resort town, but its history goes back centuries prior.

Before colonists settled the land, Lake Mahopac was home to an Algonquian tribe known as the Wappinger, who agreed to fight for the British in the French and Indian War. After the war, most Wappinger tribespeople relocated permanently to the Stockbridge, Massachusetts area due to the British’s refusal to return their land.

The land was owned by the Anglo-Dutch Philipse family, who purchased it with the 1697 Philipse Patent on behalf of the British crown. Settlers from all around New England came to rent land and grow crops there. However, the Philipse lost the land after the American Revolution due to their British ties. It was seized by the State of New York and resold to land speculators and farmers.

Today, Mahopac is a year-round resort area and commuter town for residents who travel to New York City for work.

Famous people from Mahopac include:

• Acclaimed semi-autobiographical novelist Richard Yates, who wrote such books as Revolutionary Road, A Good School, and Cold Spring Harbor
• Actor Henry Winkler, most known for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days
• Tampa Bay Rays pitcher CJ Riefenhauser
• Singer and The Voice contestant Amanda Ayala
• Comedian Michael “Sour Shoes” DelCampo, part of Howard Stern’s “Wack Pack”

Mahopac: A Resort a Stone’s Throw from the City

Mahopac’s roots lie in providing a break from the hustle and bustle of New York City life, especially considering its proximity to Manhattan. In the early days of the resort, carriage races and steamboat rides across Lake Mahopac’s tranquil waters were common. By the mid-20th century, weekend visitors could easily move to Mahopac for good with the construction of Interstate 684 and the Taconic Parkway.

One of the most popular summer camps in southeastern New York lies in Mahopac at Kiwi Country Day Camp, which opened in 1952. This summer camp getaway for kids is also well-known for its ziplining courses and year-round cooking classes for both adults and children. The December 2020 season hosts the year’s most popular workshop, which focuses on holiday cookies.

The lake, of course, is a central feature of the town’s recreation opportunities. Whether anglers or water skiing enthusiasts want to enjoy the verdant waters of Lake Mahopac, there is plenty of room for visitors to indulge in their favorite recreational activities. The local marina stages “float-in” movies on a massive projector screen for boaters to watch during the summer.

Fishing in Lake Mahopac

Mahopac has plenty to offer both novice and seasoned fishing enthusiasts. The lake spans almost 600 acres with nearly four miles of shoreline. The water is on average 28 feet deep, with maximum depths reaching 62 feet.

Some of the species found in Mahopac include:

• Largemouth bass, rock bass, smallmouth bass
• Several species of sunfish, like bluegill, pumpkinseed, and redbreast
• Black crappies, brown bullhead, panfish, and yellow perch

Fishing access on Lake Mahopac’s shoreline is limited to two marinas off of South Lake Boulevard, which charge fees for launching boats from there. However, Lake Mahopac does allow for the use of gas-powered watercraft when fishing. This waterbody is renowned for having excellent bass fishing opportunities, and there are even annual tournaments for bass fishers.

Not far from the marinas on the south shore is a vibrant downtown community filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Popular stops include gastropub Dish and the health-centric Freight House Cafe in an old freight depot.

However, if you want to go fishing in Lake Mahopac, you need a New York State Fishing License. These can be ordered online or over the phone from an official state License Issuing Agent. Several exist in the Hudson River Valley region, including in Mahopac.

Fishing licenses are required for those age 16 and older that want to catch freshwater fish or frogs, as well as baitfish. For saltwater fishing, a marine fishing registration is necessary. Fishing licenses are not required for such situations as fishing during a free fishing weekend, at a free fishing clinic, or on an authorized fishing preserve.

How Does SERVPRO’s Sanitation Process Make Mahopac Residential Water Damage Cleanup Safer?

Certified SERVPRO technicians perform water mitigation for Mahopac properties with the help of commercial-grade tools and EPA-registered biocides. Sanitizers are crucial for such tasks as killing mold and controlling water damage odors. SERVPRO uses a diverse array of proprietary solutions and equipment designed to tackle various facets of water damage and microbial growth that can affect a home. The broad range of tools available to technicians allows teams to formulate a mitigation and restoration plan unique to your situation.

Sanitation products and equipment available to SERVPRO professionals include the following:

• Luminometers, which can help determine if organic contaminants are present in a water damage situation
• HEPA filter air filtration devices (AFDs) can remove 99.97% of microbes and other air contaminants from an affected area. AFDs can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns in size: a fraction of the diameter of a human hair
• Odor-Cleanz cartridges in AFDs are specially-made to filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are highly effective for mitigating VOCs in a water damage situation
• Hand-pump or electric sprayers can implement antimicrobial solutions at an average of 50 psi

SERVPRO of Putnam County is committed to providing Faster To Any Size Disaster service to homeowners in need of mitigation and restoration services. Homeowners can call (845) 228-1090 for emergency-response cleanup.

Visit Chamber Park’s Gazebo on Lake Mahopac’s Waterfront for Beautiful Pictures

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy the beauty of Mahopac’s Chamber Park while SERVPRO teams assist with every level of fire damage in your business property.

A Small Park Gives Mahopac Residents a Set of Gorgeous Backdrops for Family Photos

Although the Holiday at the Park might not take place this year, residents in Mahopac can still enjoy the scenery. Calls to (845) 628-5553 can provide you with the latest info on Santa’s plans. There are many locations in one small area, meaning you are sure to get the perfect shot for your business or family’s holiday greeting card. 

Here are some ideas for poses:

• Use decorations with vivid colors to surround everyone inside the gazebo. Make sure to take them down before leaving!
• Use the weeping willow trees near the shore. An assortment of larger-sized wrapped gifts arrayed at your feet makes things more festive.
• Dress your youngest family members in holiday colors and snap several of them playing. Make a collage of these, instead of only one shot. For businesses, employees might dress as elves, instead. Get creative and have fun!

SERVPRO of Putnam County wants everyone to enjoy a safe holiday season. Even with the best efforts, accidents involving fire from decorations still occur. Call (845) 228-1090 for assistance in getting your business back to normal after a fire.

Mahopac Business Professionals – Don’t Miss the Spins Bowl Mixer

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO strikes swiftly to remove water spills from Mahopac property

The Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce is Hosting an Exclusive Bowling Mixer

Gathering with other like-minded business professionals just got a little more fun! If you are a professional in the Mahopac area and love bowling, you do not want to miss the chance to connect with others at the Bowling Mixer hosted by the Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce. Social distancing in accordance with local guidelines will be in place - six people per two lanes, with masks being a requirement. Advanced reservations are required for this event. Included: one beer or wine, one hot dog or pizza, and a game of bowling.

• Date: November 18, 2020
• Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
• Location: Spins Bowl Carmel, 23 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY
• Cost: $20 per person

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we love to make sure we support our local community, all of the businesses, professionals, and the fantastic team at the Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce. If you find that you need assistance clearing out any standing water or damage from an incident, you can trust our skilled technicians. Call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (845) 228-1090 to have a crew sent to your property to handle all of your water restoration needs.

What Facts Should You Know about Fire Damage Restoration in Carmel?

10/31/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning and remediating your home after a fire is urgent. Contact our experienced technicians for services.

Carmel Residents should be Armed with all the Fire Damage Facts

People living in the Carmel area hope that a disaster will never befall their property, but unfortunately, tragedy is not always avoidable. SERVPRO of Putnam Country believes that education is essential not only for our skilled technicians but also for our customers. The more you know about disaster remediation, the better placed you are to choose a reliable remediation company, and the less stressful the process will be.

If you need fire damage restoration in your Carmel home, it is useful to know a few critical facts about remediation and what to expect.

How quickly should a remediation company come to you?

Fast action is essential when it comes to Carmel fire damage restoration. This is because:

• Soot is corrosive and damaging, and the longer you leave it, the worse the damage can become
• Ash can discolor plastic, metal, and fabric in a few hours, and within a few days, the discoloration can be irreversible
• Lingering smoke odors can get worse if they are left untreated for too long
• Fire can leave your home structurally unsound, and it is better to have someone assess and secure it quickly
• Firefighting can leave parts of your home wet, and mold can start growing in as little as 48 hours

SERVPRO will call you back within an hour of your first call to arrange a time to come to your home. You can expect us within four hours, and you can expect a full assessment and plan of action within eight hours.

Why does the kind of soot matter?

The incomplete combustion of materials creates soot during a fire. The kind of soot makes a difference to the cleanup process, so it is crucial to choose a company like SERVPRO whose technicians understand the different soot types and how to clean each of them. Types of soot include:

• Dry soot from the fast, hot burning of natural materials is the most straightforward kind to clean, and we can usually brush it away
• Wet soot from slower burning fires is thick and smeary and requires damp-wiping and the application of cleaning solutions
• Oily soot from burning rubbers and oils is stubborn and clings to everything, requiring more vigorous cleaning
• Protein soot from burning proteins in a kitchen fire is incredibly smelly and hard to get rid of and requires extensive cleaning
  

Fast action is essential, especially in the case of protein soot, because the longer it has to set in, the harder it is to get the stink out.

Why is training so necessary?

Fire damage cleanup is not a DIY job. There are health risks associated with smoke fumes and soot, and your home may be structurally unsound after firefighting efforts. Firefighters sometimes have to cut holes in walls to check the fire has gone out, or make holes in the roof to vent smoke from the building. Do not attempt to enter the building or start cleanup yourself. Instead, wait for the trained professionals to arrive.

SERVPRO offers extensive Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training to all its staff. The IICRC is a non-profit body that provides standards and procedures for the remediation industry. When you call on a company with IICRC-certified remediation experts, you are getting a company that knows the best techniques and practices.

Why is mold a concern during fire damage restoration?

Fire damage remediation is not only about cleaning away soot and getting rid of smoky smells. We need to be aware of the dangers of mold, too. After a fire, there may be many damp spots as a result of firefighting efforts. Those spots can quickly become home to mold colonies, which can propagate rapidly and spread throughout your home.

We will check for wet areas during our assessment. We can use a range of meters and probes to look for hidden moisture under the carpet, on the subfloor, and across the walls' surface. If we find any problem areas, we will set up drying equipment and dehumidifiers to restore moisture levels to preloss conditions.

Why should you choose restoration over replacement?

The heart of SERVPRO's philosophy is to restore your items rather than replace them. That could mean:

• Vacuuming and wiping residue from your furniture
• Spot-cleaning damaged upholstery to remove smoke stains
• Employing ultrasonic or hydraulic cleaning to get out the more stubborn soot stains
• Deep-cleaning carpets, rugs, and drapes
• Calling in a technician to restore electronics and test them before use

In most cases, restoration is the cheaper option, and it is the option preferred by most insurers, too.

For a fire remediation service you can trust, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

What Are Cost-Efficient Remediation Strategies for Your Shop?

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

When you find mold in your Mohopac property, don't wait! Call the professionals at SERVPRO right away--we are always available.

Mahopac structures can battle mold formation at any time of the year, so knowing the right professionals to help can save time and money. 

The annual climate and weather conditions can leave many Mahopac shops on the wrong side of flooding and mold growth. Understanding how quickly these conditions can develop in moist conditions can help you to appreciate the need for water restoration and remediation services as soon as colonization is possible. 

Mold remediation for Mahopac homes and businesses describes multiple actions taken immediately when our professionals arrive. Not only are you concerned about your stock and wares, but your shop is also at risk of allowing structural deterioration on construction materials and fixtures without moisture removal and efficient remediation techniques beginning as soon as possible. Some of the most common remediating approaches we utilize include: 

• Surface Cleaning – With the use of antimicrobial products in our inventory, we can eliminate light colonization and onset spotting from impacted surfaces. We can also use this approach as an inhibitor to spreading colonies. 

• Abrasive Cleaning – There are times where more direct and aggressive measures are necessary to combat active colonization when it is still plausible to save the hosting material. Soda blasting and sanding can fit into this category. 

• Controlled Demolition – Sometimes, the only solution to highly compromised construction material is removal, discarding, and replacement. We have in-house contractors to help in this regard to limit the spread of microbial threats in your business. 

Can Contents Get Protected from Fungal Exposure? 

Through on-site and off-site recovery techniques, we can protect your shop and its contents. Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) catalogs damage, item worth, and location to have thorough records of your valued possessions. 

Microbial threats are a substantial concern for businesses, as widespread development can force your doors closed. Our SERVPRO of Putnam County team can help with a fast response when you call (845) 228-1090.

What Type of Damages Occur in a Burnt Building in Carmel?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Turning a burnt structure back into a home requires professional expertise, resources, and equipment.

Fire Damage Restoration is a Multi-faceted Task. SERVPRO Technicians Work Diligently to Return your Carmel Home to its Pre-loss condition.

What are the core methods used in fire restoration?
When a resident of Carmel experiences a house fire, it can be a traumatic event. The initial appearance of a burnt property may be tough to assess without professional assistance. When structure or contents burn, several complex reactions are occurring, which can lead to considerable damages. Many materials combust completely after catching fire. Others show charring or exterior blackening. Even walls and ceilings several meters away from the fire source can become soiled by hot smoke and soot residues. Our technicians are capable of dealing with various damages associated with a property fire and are confident of getting your home back to its normal condition, “Like it never even happened.”

What do fire restoration services offer for residential properties?
    •    Mitigation services to prevent further harm occurring and to secure it during the interim period of restoration.
    •    Cleaning the structure of the home to remove soot residues from walls, ceilings, floors, and windows
    •    Removing smoke residues and fire odors from the contents of your home, including furniture, fabrics, and ornaments

Can the firefighting procedure cause harm to a property?
Firefighting procedure secures your home from significant harm, but fire damage restoration technicians in Carmel may need to mitigate against water losses after the fact. The presence of moisture can often set soots into soft furnishings like mattresses, carpets, or upholstery. Water can also enhance unpleasant burnt odors and complicate issues relating to restoring power. SERVPRO has a roster of technicians with the skillset required to mitigate water losses in a burnt property. These often involve systematic drying of the affected area and emulsifying powders to draw moisture, and soils, from damaged surfaces.

What may additional services be required to deal with fire damage?
Some contents cleaning services may require specialists to deal with expensive artworks or furniture refinishing.
Electrical repair is usually conducted by a third-party
Reconstruction of some parts of a home, for example, staircases or kitchen fittings

Turning a burnt structure back into a home requires professional expertise, resources, and equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

What are the Best Steps to Take When a House Floods in Mahopac?

9/27/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding occurs where you sleep, fast action is necessary. Contact our experienced team for water damage remediation services.

When Your Mahopac Home Floods After a Storm, Calling in SERVPRO to Address Flood Damage is the Best First Step

Many disasters can happen to your home, but flooding happens to be the least predictable when thinking of the potential damage that may develop. Many homeowners can salvage most of their interior and belongings while only having to dispose of some items, including curtains and carpeting. In other cases, the devastation of water intrusion after a major storm can bring hundreds of thousands of dollars with significant repairs. Of course, the threat of potential mold development behind walls and other small spaces means that you need to help trained professionals. SERVPRO is available for help to ensure that you can save as much of your Mahopac home as possible.

What About Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage?

When it comes to flood damage in Mahopac, many people may not realize that their current policy does not offer flood coverage until it is too late. Even if there is the chance to qualify for a bank loan or disaster relief, such sources may sometimes fall short of all costs involved - which includes ensuring that your water-logged home is not only safe, functional, and sanitary once again.

SERVPRO knows how scary and disheartening it can be to get displaced from your home once flood damage occurs. You may worry if the structure is compromised and safe to occupy. Then, there is the worry that your family gets subjected to potential health effects from mold onset. This is where we spring into action to get to work on water extraction, drying, and sanitizing your home so that you can get back to life before the flood. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and our crew is here to inform you of your options for handling your flood-damaged home.

Are There Risks of Contamination with Flood Water?

When there is a massive storm, and the waters get high, there is potentially a broad range of contaminants, including:

• Mud
• Debris
• Bacteria
• Sewage
• Chemical toxins, and more

When flooding occurs in Mahopac, it generally disrupts local sewage disposal and water purification systems. This, along with chemical spillage and overflow from toxic waste sites, creates a perfect storm for harmful contaminants.

Once this contaminated floodwater gets absorbed by the porous materials throughout your home, they bring potential hazards to your health and anyone living in your home. SERVPRO will help you to determine what must get disposed of, including items like:

• Rugs
• Carpeting and carpet padding
• Upholstered furniture
• Saturated belongings
• Vinyl flooring, and more

Some of these items might especially call for disposal if they have been submerged in water for longer than 24 hours. Any salvageable items like those made with plastic, glass, porcelain, and concrete will have to be thoroughly cleaned, dried, and disinfected as soon as possible.

What Other Hazards Could Be Present?

Once you have a flood, it is essential to note that there may be a risk of fire in addition to water damage. Fire can become a problem because of:

• Attempting to use any electronics or appliances that have been exposed to floodwater or moisture
• The improper use of a generator
• Gas line leaking
• Water that is electrically charged
• The inappropriate use of heating devices, and more

When SERVPRO is on the job, we can handle all of your flood damage needs. We come in so that we can fully assess your interior, never leaving any area unaddressed. During our inspection process, we take a look at:

• Walls and ceilings
• Electrical systems
• Flooring and floor coverings
• Behind baseboards and cabinets
• HVAC (heating and cooling) systems
• Air ducts, and more

Time is of the essence when extracting water from and drying your home. We work fast to include mold prevention while ensuring that we can preserve as many of your personal belongings as possible. All of our crew wear the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) for our safety and keep tracking of contaminants to a bare minimum.

When cleanup and restoration begin, we set up a staging area to have our equipment handy and ready to go. Our crew will also seal off zones within your home to keep flooded areas and unaffected areas safe from cross-contamination. The specialized methods and planning that we have in place allow us to mitigate the flood effects while continuously adjusting our course as we go along. Everything is done in unison so that we can achieve our drying goals faster.

To wrap up your restoration project, your interior is fully finished with the help of repainting, refinishing, and deodorization. All traces of the storm and subsequent flooding get removed so that your interior is back to preloss condition, just “Like it never even happened.”

Never wait when you have flood damage looming in your home. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090, and we will send out a crew to get to work as soon as possible.

Does Water Damage Repair by Mahopac Professionals Differ from Using Other Approaches?

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Helps Simplify the Renovation Exercise by Using Superior Resources to Handle Various Processes

Since water damage in Mahopac leads to financial loss and the repair processes also cost money, it is common to look for ways to minimize costs. You might wonder whether hiring a professional to handle the restoration for you increases or minimizes the costs of repairing your home. However, when you understand how a professional restorer helps improve the renovation process, cost becomes a secondary consideration.

How do professionals help during water damage repair in Mahopac properties?
    •    Establishing the true extent of damage
    •    Utilizing superior restoration procedures
    •    Safe removal of damaged materials

Although, in most occurrences, you can readily observe the areas of your property affected by the water intrusion, and damages can extend to hidden areas.  For instance, moisture can affect wall cavities, subfloors, and installations such as cabinets. Without training and specialized equipment, it is difficult to pinpoint such areas. At SERVPRO, our technicians are IICRC certified, meaning they are updated on the current water restoration procedures. We also have a variety of equipment to trace moisture spread patterns, including:
    •    Thermal cameras
    •    Pin-less or pin-type moisture meters
    •    Thermo-hygrometers

Which superior restoration procedures do professionals use to deal with water damage?
The method used to restore water loss depends on the level of damage involved. For instance, the water pooling around a property requires extraction. Stains and soiling, on the other hand, require various clean-up procedures.  Performing the procedures on your own or involving a handyman might offer only a limited set of options. For instance, apart from using mops and wet-vacs to remove water, a professional team also has specialized extractors, thus simplifying the process. Our SERVPRO team is equipped with:
    •    Weighted water extractors such as ride-on rovers
    •    Drying mats and Injectidry systems  
    •    Cavity drying equipment

Such equipment not only eases the process but can also limit the need to teardown materials during restoration.

SERVPRO of Putnam County can help simplify restoration after water damage affects your Carmel, Southeast, or Kent home. Call us at (845) 228-1090 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Mahopac click here.

Why Does a Homeowner See Smoke Webs After a Carmel Fire?

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage to your Carmel home can be tricky to deal with. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for professional remediation and mitigation services.

SERVPRO Cleans All Types of Smoke Residue in Carmel

After a plastic fire in your Carmel house, smoke particles can become electrically charged. These particles travel throughout your home to attach magnetically to oppositely charged surfaces. The smoke from plastic burning has a stronger electric charge than smoke from paper or wood. These smoke particles attract themselves to surfaces around the home, creating a web-like formation. At first glance, you may think it is a spider web. However, the smoke tags are formed by ionized smoke particles spread out over surfaces.

What Do Ionization and Magnetism Mean?

Smoke Residues Attach to Surfaces with Opposite Electric Charge

During your fire restoration project in Carmel, you may notice smoke residue sticking to different surfaces throughout your home. Ionization means that smoke particles, usually from a plastic fire, become electrically charged. Then, these electrically charged smoke molecules attach magnetically to opposite-charged surfaces. Synthetics tend to hold more of a charge than natural fibers. For example, a plastic bag might have more residue than a linen or silk dress. Ionized smoke particles also attract to metal surfaces similarity to a magnet. You may notice smoke particles attaching themselves to nails, coat hangers, and metal fixtures around the home.

How About Furnace “Puff Back?”

Oil-based fuels in heating furnaces can “explode” when the equipment is not properly maintained. This buildup includes sooty deposits, with high electrical charges, that can cause a dramatic “spider web” result in cooler corners of a structure. The soot, as aerosol particles, can also leave thick, unsightly films on surfaces like ceilings and walls. This cleanup may require painting an odor-killing primer as part of the restoration process.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Smoke Webs and Other Ionized Smoke Particles?

• Technicians typically perform a surface test to determine the most effective way to remove the smoke residue. 
• SERVPRO technicians attempt dry cleaning with a vacuum or broom to gently remove the smoke webs.
• If dry cleaning smears the webs, technicians use wet cleaning techniques with cleaning solvents and water.
• In some cases, technicians may remove items from the home for more extensive cleaning in our offsite facilities.

For help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about Carmel.

How Should We Handle Contaminated Materials After Flood Damage Incidents in Mahopac?

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage can result anywhere in your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

SERVPRO Helps in Evaluation and Restoration of Affected Properties Removing All Traces of Contamination.

Contamination of surfaces and materials is a common phenomenon after flooding incidents. Knowing how to deal with contamination is necessary to restore sanitary conditions at your home. SERVPRO helps with cleanup and removal of contaminated materials from Mahopac properties. 

How far does contamination spread in the flooded property? 

To remove contaminants after flood damage affects your Mahopac home, you need to know where to look. Although you can assume all soiled areas are contaminated, dangerous materials can spread further within your property. Common interest areas when investigating contamination include: 

• The indoor air where particulate matter might accumulate 
• Areas in the house where water stagnates 
• Sections deteriorated materials than might release dangerous substances 

Since contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, as well as dangerous chemicals, are difficult to identify through physical observation, you need a way to confirm which sections are contaminated. Even when decontaminating the entire property, confirmation is necessary after the process to establish that the effort was sufficient. 

Our SERVPRO technicians use different approaches to confirm what kind of contaminants are present in your property. For instance, we use a tool such as a Luminometer to test stagnant water or surfaces for traces of organic contamination.  We can also rely on our training to identify areas within the house that might contain harmful materials such as asbestos. Some typical sections of a house might contain asbestos which can be released during flooding include: 

• System insulation around ducts, tanks or boilers 
• Unique surface finishes such as textured paint coats  
• Floor materials such as flooring felt and joint compounds such as sheetrock mud 

Is there a decontamination solution that removes all types of contaminants? 

Contamination is a complex issue that requires separate processes to resolve. The needs change on a case by case basis, so there is no single solution for all contamination-related problems.  Some of the actions necessary to eliminate contaminants include: 

• Stopping biological processes such as microbial growth 
• Physical removal of contaminated materials 
• Chemical action 
• Standard cleaning  

When our SERVPRO technicians discover organic contaminants such as bacteria or other microbes which continue developing if left undisturbed, we look for ways to limit or stop such growth. Antimicrobial products such as germicides, virucides, fungicides, or disinfectants help stop such growth. We combine such intervention with conventional cleaning processes to help remove all traces of the contaminants.  

Sometimes, mechanical intervention is the only way out of a contamination situation, especially when there are porous materials involved.  Items such as carpets, pad, and drywall readily absorb floodwaters accumulating high levels of contaminants. Physical removal of such porous materials helps eliminate all traces of the harmful materials flooding introduces into the house. Our technicians also handle the menial work involved in such removals, including cutting carpet seams, making flood cuts on walls, or slicing pads into small pieces for convenient disposal. 

Does decontamination provide satisfactory outcomes in the long term? 

Since the harmful materials introduced by floodwaters into your house can pose serious health problems, you might be concerned about the effectiveness of the decontamination efforts. Since our goal is to resolve the issues caused by the incident, “Like it never even happened,” our SERVPRO technicians take several steps to guarantee a positive outcome whether you consider the short term and long-term state of the house. The main factors that help include: 

• Use of EPA-registered products 

The standards established by the EPA require that products meet the absolute minimums to be registered. The use of such products guarantees that the expected outcome is achieved. 

• Ensuring physical contact with all affected materials and surfaces 

When decontaminating your flooded property, our technicians apply generous amounts of cleaning products to ensure there is the necessary physical contact that destroys harmful materials. 

• Following product labels 

Manufacturers provide instructions on the best set of conditions for using products when they release them into the market. Our technicians follow such instructions to the letter during mixing and application to ensure maximum efficiency. 

• Observing dwell-time, pH and temperature requirements 

The effectiveness of the best decontamination agents can be diminished if external factors such as the temperature, pH levels of the cleaning solutions, and dwell-time provided are not appropriately regulated. Our technicians make careful considerations when mixing and applying the products to ensure minimal interference.  

If a flood has contaminated your Carmel, Southeast, or Kent, property heavily, call SERVPRO of Putnam County to help with cleanup and other restoration processes. You can reach us at (845) 228-1090, at any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

How Does Fire Restoration In Mahopac Work?

8/23/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage on your own can leave room for many mistakes. Contact SERVPRO for professional restoration services.

To Handle Fire Restoration, SERVPRO Technicians Utilize a Range of Methods and Equipment While Working on Your Mahopac Property

Nobody wants to see their house or prized possessions ravaged by fire. However, once this happens, having a team on your side that you can trust for rapid, reliable restoration services is priceless. At SERVPRO, we understand the difficult time you are having and how overwhelming it can be. This is why we have perfected our processes to execute the handling of the restoration to your Mahopac home once you call us for help.

Can I Start Cleaning Up on My Own?

While it might be tempting to try fire restoration in Mahopac on your own, the damage goes well beyond the charred items and materials that you see.

• Within minutes of the first spark of the blaze, your walls, ceilings, and surfaces start to discolor
• Smoke and ash continue causing damage as well as corrosion to the materials inside the home
• Within hours after the fire gets extinguished, appliance finishes begin to yellow
• In just a short time, smoke tarnishes metals and creates etching on glass surfaces
• Smoke odors remain in affected rooms for an extended period after the fire event, continuing to create problems if not adequately addressed

SERVPRO takes care of many aspects of the fire restoration process, including services such as:

• Cleaning of carpeted and upholstered furniture
• Tarping and boarding up
• Washing of walls, cabinetry, and ceilings
• Fabric and clothing cleaning
• Soot and smoke damage
• Water extraction and chemical cleanup
• Controlled demolition, and more

It is vital that you understand not all fire damage is the same from one incident to another. As part of our restoration process, we identify the source and type of fire so that we can adjust our techniques accordingly. Our team also works to remediate any water damage or chemicals left behind by first responders working the fire. Everything gets handled so that your interior is left “Like it never even happened.”

Call (845) 228-1090 to talk with a member of our team at SERVPRO of Putnam County. We will discuss your need for fire restoration and send out a crew as soon as possible for an assessment.

Click here for more information about Mahopac.

How Should I Remove Water After a Flood?

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know floodwater is contaminated? SERVPRO has the training and protective equipment to remove the water.

SERVPRO Technicians Use Several Techniques to Remove Flood Water in Mahopac Properties 

As a homeowner in Mahopac, dealing with the mess and damage from floodwater after the water recedes is daunting. It is essential to reach out for professional assistance as soon as possible to mitigate possible secondary damage such as mold growth, warped flooring, and now needed demolition. SERVPRO's emergency response team is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. While waiting for the professionals to arrive, you can sop up excess moisture with old towels or rags to begin the cleanup process. We only suggest this if you wear sufficient personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves and boots, facemask, and clothing to prevent contact with the probably contaminated water. 

Is Flood Water Contaminated?

Water Present in Flood Damage is Black Water (Level 3)  

Although floodwater may look clear after flood damage in your Mahopac house, it is essential to note that the EPA considers floodwater Category 3 contaminated water. Since the water comes from outside, it can contact harmful microbes like bacteria or viruses. Groundwater always contains contamination, however it is crucial to maintain safety considerations. Allow SERVPRO to inspect for risks and hazards. 

What Are the Components of Water Removal?

• Extraction: Technicians remove the water with extraction equipment such as portable hand-held extractors, or roving extractors that remove more substantial quantities of water. 
• Disposal: Technicians dispose of water according to local and state regulations. Depending on the volume of water, we may need to take it offsite for proper disposal. 
• Drying: Through the combined use of dehumidifiers and air movers, technicians dry the air to standard RH relative humidity levels. Flooring, upholstery, and other surfaces also dry more fully using this equipment.  

For 24/7 assistance returning your home to preloss status after a flood, Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

More about Mahopac.

What Processes Are Necessary to Complete Water Removal in Carmel Homes After Pipes Leak?

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage due to a pipe leak can get extensive, SERVPRO will help you with the damage.

SERVPRO Helps Expedite Water Extraction, Locate Hidden Moisture Pockets and Perform Finishing Services Like Deodorization 

A pipe in your house can spring a leak at any time because of reasons such as changing temperatures or high pressure. Although the water is released into the house almost instantaneously, the process of removing it might not be that easy, considering it might cause some damages in the areas it reaches. SERVPRO can help restore your Carmel home to its preloss state by providing highly trained technicians and other critical resources.

Are there crucial steps that must be performed during water removal from Carmel homes?

• Extracting all visible water
• Scoping the property for hidden moisture
• Performing water remediation

After realizing there is a water leak in your Carmel home, the steps, you take next play a significant role in determining the outcome. Extracting any standing from the structure fast can help prevent the spread of damages or limit the extent of any damages that occur. A quick extraction is indeed crucial because the absorption rate of most materials in the house, including wood and concrete, is much faster compared to the drying rate. Completing the extraction before the materials become saturated cuts down the recovery time and costs. For instance, it can take over 4 days to reduce 85% moisture content in wood to around 25%, so removing water before it causes such high saturation brings down the recovery time. 

Our SERVPRO technicians use high-powered water extractors that can cut down the time it takes to remove all standing water from your house. We chose the extraction equipment based on the circumstances of the incident. We have a vast stock of equipment that we can use to extract water, including:

• Truck-mounted water extractors
• Portable wet vacs
• Submersible pumps
• Weighted water extraction tools

How often does water reach hidden areas within the property?

Water moves through openings or materials. Even the air can transport water through the processes of evaporation and condensation. Therefore, there is always a possibility that water might end up in the ceiling, wall, or floor cavities. Water can also pass through the grout, thus penetrating beyond impervious surfaces such as tiles. 

Our SERVPRO technicians check for signs such as sagging ceiling panels, peeling paint, or soft drywall, which are indicators that the spilled water might have found a way into hidden areas within the property. Sometimes we also use tools such as Borescopes or thermal cameras to inspect areas where we suspect there is damage beyond the surface. 

Removing water hidden within cavities requires some form of demolition to help release the water. In case of water within the wall or ceiling cavity, our crew drills weep holes to release the water through a gravity-aided flow. We can also create broader vent holes to help push dry air into the cavities using specialized cavity-drying equipment. In a case of significant flooding, flood cuts are necessary. We cut a few inches above the waterline, removing all the soaked drywall and insulation. 

Is water removal enough to restore my home?

When a water spill is significant enough to require assistance from professional water restoration companies, it is also likely to require additional remediation processes apart from the removal of standing water. For instance, the excess moisture is likely to spark mold development within the property. Our SERVPRO team can help address this in three different ways, including:

• Preventing mold development
• Cleaning areas where mold develops
• Removing moldy materials

If possible, prevention is a better solution since it is less tedious and cheaper. Since mold starts developing 24-48 after materials are exposed to water, taking proactive steps can help prevent development. In addition to expediting water removal and drying, our technicians also apply products with antimicrobial properties in the areas we remove water from because such products help stop microbial growth. 

The house might also develop unpleasant odors after a water intrusion, mostly due to microbial growth processes, soils, or finishing products such as paints.  Deodorization can help eliminate such odors. Our technicians take different approaches to deodorize the affected property. For instance, we mix specially formulated water-based deodorizers with the cleaning solutions we use to wash soiled areas ensuring that we not only remove the dirt but also leave a sweet scent. We can also spray or fog a deodorizing agent into the house after cleaning.

Water removal is an elaborate process that requires the right resources to accomplish the intended goal. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 to help address any issue that you face after an incident at your Mahopac, Southeast, or Kent property, "Like it never even happened."

What Should I Do if a Pipe Breaks Inside My Mahopac Tire Shop?

7/25/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur at any time to any business. Make sure you contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation for your business.

For Water Removal Inside Your Tire Shop in Mahopac Call SERVPRO

If a pipe running to your bathroom or waiting room inside your Mahopac tire store gets a crack inside it hundreds of gallons of water could pour into your building. If your tire shop is mostly constructed out of concrete and cinder block, the damages could be minor since those materials can withstand small amounts of moisture.

What happens if my concrete or cinder blocks get wet?

During most commercial water removal projects in Mahopac, moisture can soak into many of your shop's building materials and structural components, including your concrete floors and cinder block walls. Your cinder blocks or concrete masonry units (CMU's) are made of cement gravel and water, which makes them porous. However, most cinder blocks get coated or painted with a vapor barrier that helps them withstand moisture.

How can you tell if my cinder blocks got wet?

• Initial Inspection- Since cinder blocks, all have large gaps inside them, water can sit in the cavities. Our SERVPRO technicians can use a non-penetrating moisture meter to find out where the moisture went inside your cinder blocks. However, the paint on the outside of a cinder block can work as a vapor barrier and hold moisture inside the cavities. Therefore, in some cases, we can drill holes on lower mortar joints to let water drain out.
• Restorability- According to the industry's standards, cinder blocks can be restored when dealing with clean, grey, or black water sources.
• Drying Procedures- To dry out your cinder blocks, holes must first be drilled into lower mortar joints to drain all of the liquid H2O. If necessary, we can drill larger holes into the mortar joints so that air can get pushed into the cavities. We can also use injection drying equipment to push air into the cavities in your shop's cinder blocks if needed.

If your cinder block walls and concrete floors in your tire shop ever get wet after a pipe breaks, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 any day of the week.

Click here to learn more about Mahopac.

A Leaking Water Heater Caused Water Damage in My Property. Where Should I Seek Help?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include water damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Contact SERVPRO Technicians in Southeast to Help You with the Water Damage Restoration Process

In the past, it was common for people to consider the homes that water had devastated as lost. Fortunately, the technological innovations that professionals use these days can restore your Southeast home to its former state. The process is challenging since it involves a thorough inspection, water removal, drying process to ensure no pockets of moisture remain.

How do you restore a property?

After inspecting water damage in your Southeast property, our SERVPRO technicians can begin extracting the stagnant water using portable pumps. We extract as much water as possible to hasten the drying process. If water remains standing in your home for over 48 hours, microbes can multiply. Items in your property, such as furniture and carpets, can also sustain significant water damage. 

Can you prevent mold growth?

The best way to prevent mold growth is to begin the drying process quickly. Stagnant water creates the ideal habitat for mold to thrive. Therefore, it is essential to take countermeasures as soon as possible. We have advanced products that help us treat affected areas and make it unfavorable for mold growth. We can use concrobium, which is an antimicrobial product that destroys 99 percent of organisms it comes across on the surfaces where we apply it. If we come across mold, we use the most effective technique of treating the affected area. This includes removing moldy materials. 

How can you dry my property? 

After a water intrusion incident, water can get to many different places. Therefore, even after using pumps to remove the water, your property may still have moisture, especially in confined spaces. Over the years that we've been in business, we have learned various drying techniques that we use depending on the level of the damage. We can use air movers to speed up evaporation at the surface level and minimize the drying time for porous materials such as:

Wood

Carpets

Furniture 

Drywall

Our SERVPRO technicians can also use refrigerant dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. These dehumidifiers work similarly to an air conditioner. It may be necessary to rebuild parts of your water damaged home. We can remove and replace severely damaged structures and contents such as drywall, shelves, carpets, and ductwork. 

It is possible to incur costly losses due to water damage. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 to save your valuable items and restore your property to its preloss condition.

More information about Southeast.

Can Soot and Smoke Odors in My Mahopac Business Be Eliminated Without Replacing Everything Affected?

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you ever need help cleaning up in the aftermath of a commercial fire, call SERVPRO of Putnam County.

Soot and Smoke Odors in Mahopac

SERVPRO, a Local Mahopac Company, is Often Able to Successful Remediate Fire-Damaged Businesses Without Having to Replace Everything Impacted by the Fire.

Fires at Mahopac commercial properties are a relatively common occurrence. Carelessly discarded cigarette butts, spontaneously combusting flammable inventory items, wind-blown wildfires, and fires spreading from neighboring establishments are all potential causes of these commercial disasters. These unforeseen situations usually arise without much warning and can lead to substantial losses. Fires can close your firm for extended periods, robbing it of revenue, damage or destroy your valuable inventory and business document, and even lead to the failure of your entire enterprise. With that said, companies like SERVPRO can help you avoid, mitigate, or overcome these catastrophic issues.

What Kind of Fire-Damaged Business Properties Can Be Successfully Restored?

SERVPRO’s technicians are highly trained and experienced in handling commercial fire damage in Mahopac and its environs. The firm itself is certified by the trusted Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), and the organization has credentialed company experts in such fields as Fire and Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, and Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning. Our company has extensive experience in effectively remediating fire damage in the following types of commercial, industrial, and residential structures:

    •    Large, high-rise office towers
    •    Small office buildings
    •    Hotels and motels
    •    Big-box retail stores
    •    Small retail establishments
    •    Restaurants of all sizes
    •    Industrial & manufacturing sites
    •    Apartment and condo complexes of all sizes

SERVPRO, from its experience, clearly understands the different measures necessary to successfully deal with fire damage in each of these types of buildings.

What Time and Money-Saving Services Does SERVPRO Offer?

In remediating your commercial structure, our workers first try to restore fire-damaged materials instead of simply replacing them.  This allows us to save you time and money. Some of the services and areas of your home we focus our efforts on are:

    •    Fire damage mitigation
    •    Removing smoke soot from structural elements like floors, walls, ceilings, and attic rafters
    •    Fire-related odor control
    •    HVAC system cleaning
    •    Furniture and personal property restoration
    •    Destroyed component reconstruction

All of these services seek to minimize the effects of a fire, restore damaged structural elements and personal property, eliminate airborne fire-related particulate matter, and control odors.

How Exactly Does SERVPRO Cleanup Soot and Neutralize Smoke Odors, Without Having to Discard Most Fire-Impacted Materials?

SERVPRO technicians handle all commercial fire damage in a methodical way. They employ various sophisticated cleaning and restoration measures to save as many fire-damaged materials as possible. This also enables us to get jobs done more quickly. The following list details some of the many ways we work to return your property to its pre-fire condition:

    •    Cleaning glass and windows with low-alkaline glass cleaners
    •    Removing non-grease-based residues with dry sponges
    •    Cleaning dry and oil-based residues from wooden, metal, and painted surfaces using wet methods
    •    Using both wet and dry methods to remove soiling from various structural elements and household contents
    •    Employing peroxide active cleaning methods to remove thick soot from fragile surfaces
    •    Remediating HVAC systems with general-purpose detergents and deodorants, and ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers

The results of all these efforts are that we save more damaged materials and restore your home to its pre-fire condition more quickly.

As a Mahopac business owner, the last thing you ever want to experience is a catastrophic fire.  Even relatively small blazes can do substantial long-term harm to your bottom line. Inventory could be impacted or destroyed, the structural integrity of your business facility could be compromised, and, if a fire is severe enough, your commercial site might be closed for days or weeks as repairs are completed. With all that said, you should not ignore the very real possibility that one day your site might suffer fire damage.  Therefore, as a responsible business operator, you should know what can be done if such a disaster befalls your commercial structure. Also, in order to limit losses, you should prepare to act quickly in the event of a fire. In general, the sooner you address the resulting fire damage, the faster and cheaper it can be repaired.

Commercial fires often affect owners, customers, employees, and communities. They rob these various parties of income, service, and economic contributions. As a result, business fires can be traumatic for numerous people in a town or city. If the impacted firm is big enough, it may even affect an entire town, city, or region. It is for all of these reasons that business owners should remain vigilant against fire risks and remediate any fire damage done to their businesses as soon as possible.

If you ever need help cleaning up in the aftermath of a commercial fire, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Why Can’t My Cleaning Crew Handle My Carmel Office’s Mold Damage?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Mold Removal Companies Like SERVPRO Follow EPA Protocols Resulting in the Best Outcomes for Carmel Businesses

Mold growth is unlike other kinds of dirt or staining found in your Carmel business office. Your housekeeping staff might express a combination of embarrassment that the mold or mildew exists, and reassurances indicating they feel confident they can eradicate the microbial growth. Without taking anything away from their dedication to your business, it is a far more reasonable plan to seek for a mold remediation expert.

What Is Mold Remediation?

When you struggle with a fungal infestation on the walls, floors, or other areas of your Carmel offices, hiring mold removal companies with proven positive outcomes is critical. It is essential to understand that, strictly speaking, it is not possible to remove all mold spores from typical office environments. Our focus is to mitigate the conditions contributing to the mold proliferation and to remediate the damage done by active mold colonies. This forms the basis of mold remediation protocols developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

    •    Locate the mold
    •    Contain the mold-infested space
    •    Remove the mold
    •    Clear away the debris
    •    Apply EPA-registered antimicrobials to minimize rebound
    •    Eliminate the cause of mold growth to inhibit future outbreaks

What Is the Number One Predictor of Mold Growth in Any Space?

Whether in residences or commercial buildings, active and progressive mold growth always requires a water or moisture source. SERVPRO crews arriving to address your mold damage inspect your structure to determine where the moisture comes into the equation. Even as we take steps to remove the current mold outbreak, we are mindful that a plan must be created to fix the leak, lower the humidity, avoid the spills, or take whatever steps are needed to remedy the moisture problem.

The mold remediation team at SERVPRO of Putnam County reacts quickly to your current mold issues but urges long term protection to avoid future problems. Call us at (845) 228-1090 to discuss your options.

Why Should I Call Trained Restoration Technicians After a Fire?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage creates a stressful event for homeowners. SERVPRO has the equipment and experience to make your home, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Addressed by SERVPRO Cleans Up Your Mahopac Home Faster and Safer Than DIY Methods Alone 

A Mahopac house fire is devastating no matter the size or the cause, so you must act fast to minimize loss after extinguishing the fire. Waiting too long to start the cleanup leaves you with lingering odors and the chance of secondary damage. There is also the potential threat of mold growth if moisture is left behind from the process of dousing the flames. Calling in trained experts gives you the prompt action you need to make it just "Like it never even happened." 

The Fire is Out, What Now? 

SERVPRO is here when you need us with 24/7 emergency services to help you face the Mahopac's fire damage that ripped through your home. We come in to assess the debris and structural damage throughout the home, while also remaining mindful of airborne threats and hidden moisture. Our crew chief works with the team to formulate a plan using our specialized process to determine the best tools and equipment in our arsenal to address your cleanup project. Early mitigation and specialized techniques for cleaning up stubborn soot and smoke residue cut back on the damage severity and any potentially hazardous and long-last effects. 

What is Your Company Able to Do for Fire Restoration? 

We remain mindful of any cracks or crevices throughout your interior where the residue from soot and smoke may have traveled. Our skilled technicians remove all debris and damaged materials so that we can smoothly transition into the restoration and replacement steps. We always treat each job as unique and utilize our resources in the best way possible, such as: 

• The removal, or pack out, of any personal belongings that would benefit most from off-site cleaning at our facility.
• Inspecting structural elements thoroughly to ensure safety.
• Inhibiting corrosive action and further damage to all surfaces by carefully removing soot.
• Cleaning all ceilings, walls, and other surface areas safely to salvage whatever possible.
• If smoke permeated into the walls and insulation, we can remove the first few inches and replace it with new insulation. 

Why Call Your Team Rather than Cleaning the Damage Myself? 

Charred debris and stubborn odors linger for a long time after a Mahopac fire, primarily when they do not get addressed with professional techniques. We recommend intervention from our IICRC-certified team after a fire in your home for several reasons: 

• Toxicity left behind from charred debris and residue is a potential health hazard for you and your family after a fire. SERVPRO arrives and gets to work fast while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to work as safely as possible for you and our team.
• It is not uncommon for ceilings, walls, and floors throughout your home to be unstable after a fire. We carefully assess your structure to determine what needs attention first.
• Whatever chemicals or water used to put out the flames need cleaning to inhibit secondary damage. We use specialized extraction techniques and moisture detection tools to be sure nothing is left behind.
• Our detailed plan of action tells us the cleaning agents and methods required on all of the different materials and surface areas throughout your home. This plan is essential so our team can salvage as much as possible while also determining what must be entirely removed and replaced.
• Disinfectants and cleaning agents approved by the EPA allows our team to effectively clean and disinfect your interior so that everything is ready for you to enter once again. 

We Address Charred Building Materials  

Charring is a common find with fire damage restoration, and our team has the skills and experience to address everything to get your structure back to preloss condition. 

• If the wooden studs within your walls are slightly charred, we have special techniques to remove the charring only. We can strip away the charring so that it can be sealed and refinished, if necessary.
• Should we find that the charring is substantial, we may be able to use steel brushes. In some cases, we use soda blasting or dry ice blasting to pull away more charring successfully. 

What About this Discoloration and Sticky Residue on My Belongings? 

Our skilled crew's cleaning methods to clean this smoke and soot residue depend on several factors. During a fire, the hot smoke travels through the home to flow through walls and penetrate porous materials. The type of smoke created plays a role in the exact measures taken during restoration. We can use wet or dry-cleaning methods to pull up this residue and restore your belongings and surface areas to like-new condition. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County is here when you need help with harsh fire damage in Mahopac. Have a crew deployed to your location in as little as four hours or less by calling (845) 228-1090.

What Should I do When a Pipe Bursts in my Mahopac Home?

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Flood Damage in Mahopac

After shutting off the water supply to prevent further losses, contact your insurance provider and professional restoration service. SERVPRO is an expert restoration company that can bring your Mahopac home back to its preloss condition.

How Much Water Spills from a Burst Pipe?

When a water pipe bursts, it can eject up to four hundred liters an hour into your home. It can be challenging to move gallons of water from your property without using a professional flood damage restorer in Mahopac. SERVPRO responds quickly to emergency call-outs and can efficiently drain your property to prevent further damage. Our crew chiefs have extensive experience in dealing with flood recovery and can quickly assess the situation before putting in place a sound restoration strategy.

Should I Worry About Water Contamination from a Burst Pipe?

Problems in your home's plumbing system are frequently clean water emergencies. This means that there is a low chance of water contamination with many of your possessions and building materials salvageable. However, even clean water contains some microbes. These microbes can reproduce and escalate a clean water emergency into a grey or black water emergency overtime- as little as seventy-hours in some cases. You must reach out to professional restorers as soon as you discover flooding in your property to limit loss.

What Damages can Occur from Burst Pipes?

    •    Large amounts of water in a property can put pressure on a building's frame and warp natural construction materials like wood
    •    Mold thrives in the presence of moisture which can quickly spread throughout the house
    •    Water migration into subfloors and wall cavities can require lengthy structural cavity drying procedures
    •    Water stagnation can affect possessions and items like carpets causing permanent damages.

How can you Prevent Water Damages after a Pipe Bursts?

The strongest method of mitigating loss is to remove excess water and thoroughly dry the affected area. SERVPRO can deploy powerful electric submersible pumps to transport water out of the property. In smaller areas, our team can use water extractors as well as equipment like air movers to increase the drying procedure and restore your home.

If a water emergency strikes, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Who Can I Call to Apply a Disinfectant in My Mahopac Office?

5/24/2020 (Permalink)

Remind employees to wipe down everything on their desks. When the job calls for more, call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Teams Can Disinfect Offices in Mahopac on Your Schedule 

The US Department of Homeland Security has created guidelines to designate certain businesses as essential, which will remain open and operating during the mandatory shutdown. They provide the things we need to maintain some level of consistency for basic living including, grocery stores, all food and beverage stores, laundromats, gas stations, hardware stores, healthcare offices, and skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and vehicle repair shops. Essential infrastructure in Mahopac is also vital at this time, including utilities, garbage pickups, and public transportation, as well as services such as law enforcement and companies with the resources to support businesses with preventing the spread of germs.

SERVPRO can help keep the environments that essential businesses occupy clean to protect the Mahopac employees and the public who need to utilize these services.

What sanitizing agents does SERVPRO use to help with the cleaning and application of a disinfectant?

• We utilize EPA-Registered List N cleaners and disinfectants
• To effectively apply these products, SERVPRO technicians adhere to instructions specific to each cleaning agent, including application methods, dilution requirements, contact and dwell times, and viral pathogen cleanup instructions approved to mitigate any contaminants.  
• Our SERVPRO crew administers products to high-touch surfaces with powered applicators such as thermal and ULV foggers, misters.  
• Our equipment and crews are suitable for any size facility from large manufacturing plants to retail stores, food preparation facilities, or even a small medical office.

SERVPRO of Putnam County provides cleanup service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster so that your facilities stay safe. Whether you need a one-time cleaning service call or want to set up a more regular schedule, please call us today at (845) 228-1090.

Advice from the medical and scientific community regarding how to deal with the coronavirus is based on present knowledge, which is subject to change as the situation continues to develop. There can be no assurance that disinfectants alone will be adequate to fully eliminate the virus. We are not physicians or infectious disease professionals. Consult your medical professionals for individual medical advice.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open in Mahopac, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Will My Flooded Mahopac Home Ever Get Back to Normal?

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

When our area faces flooding, many homes can be affected. If your home gets flooded, call the certified technicians at SERVPRO right away.

Calling in the Help of Trained Technicians at SERVPRO Ensures Your Mahopac Home Is Restored Quickly After Flood Damage

Water infiltration due to heavy storm rain in Mahopac can wreak havoc throughout the basement or first floor of your home. This potentially contaminated water is not only a threat to your health but also your home’s structure and all of your belongings. Hiring trained flood restoration technicians like our SERVPRO team gets you the prompt service you need.  We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we are available when you need us, 24/7.

How Do You Assess My Property After the Flood?

Following flood loss, your interior must be thoroughly assessed. Once SERVPRO arrives to determine the level of flood damage in Mahopac, we can put a solid plan into action. Because safety hazards are common with floodwater, we take all of the necessary precautions before starting the water remediation and restoration plan. Some of the steps that we take to ensure a safe environment for everyone on the worksite includes:

•   Scoping the property for any potential electrical hazards
•   Testing the flood water to determine the level of contamination 
•   Placement of ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) on various electrical equipment
•   All of our team members wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE)
•   We work diligently to locate any areas where mold can grow.

How Does the Flood Cleanup Work?

Once our team onsite has a plan in place, we use professional-grade pumps and extraction tools to bring as much water out of your home as possible as quickly as we can. After all standing water is removed, our team then uses a unique formula that tells us how many drying implements to place throughout the flood loss zone in Mahopac. We use drying equipment, such as:

•   Industrial fans
•   Air movers
•   Dehumidifiers

While some homeowners try the DIY route for cleaning drying their interior, you should know that there is a significant difference between industrial-strength and consumer equipment. SERVPRO uses high-powered centrifugal air movers that help increase airflow in the space so that any embedded moisture rises. From there, the dehumidifiers work to capture the moisture from the air.

What Do You Do to Stop Foul Odors from Developing?

Along with the use of powerful pumps to extract the standing water in your home, our skilled technicians also remove any porous materials such as carpeting and padding. In most flood water situations, these materials must be disposed of and replaced entirely. Here is what we know about microbial growth and how it can impact your home:

•   All surfaces are susceptible to mold and mildew growth, with saturated porous materials and hidden moisture pockets posing the most significant threat
•   Microbial growth can begin to develop within about 24 to 48 hours of the start of the flood loss
•   The application of antimicrobial agents to the surfaces throughout your house help to slow and inhibit microbial growth

Why is Moisture Such an Issue?

Any humidity or moisture left in your home after flood loss should never be ignored. Failing to locate and address all water and hidden moisture pockets can bring about dangerous mold. It is our goal to keep all clients safe from the infestation of mold by providing same-day cleanup. If any of the walls within your home show water damage, flood cuts are made just above the waterline. The damaged drywall is removed to allow for ample drying, then replaced to make the walls look like their preloss condition.

We Implement Special Drying Methods When Necessary

If you have hardwood floors within your home impacted by the flood, we have specialized drying methods. A drying application known as “tenting” may be used to extract moisture from floorboards. By using plastic sheeting taped to the floor and placing air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers, our team can force warm air in and then extract the vapor. 

In some instances, we may use drying mats strategically placed on the floors. These drying mats must be moved regularly throughout the drying phase so that the boards do not suffer permanent damage from over-drying, such as splintering. After the humidity levels and moisture content is back to normal, any slight crowning or cupping of the flooring can be sanded lightly before the surface gets refinished.

How Can I Be Sure My Interior is Safe?

For the final steps of the flood damage cleanup, our trained technicians double-check to ensure structural integrity. We inspect all areas that were impacted by water, and each surface gets thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with EPA-registered products. Our team also generates a detailed report of the cleanup for you to have that goes over all repairs. 

Whenever you find yourself in need of emergency flood damage restoration, you can trust our team at SERVPRO of Putnam County to be there. We are available 24/7 for water cleanup and restoration to make everything “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (845) 228-1090, and we will send a team out as soon as possible to get started with your assessment.

We Have The Best Techniques To Restore Your Mahopac Home After A Flood

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

This homeowner experienced major storm damage to their home after a tornado ripped through the area. We arrived right away and began restoration.

Flood Damage Restoration In Mahopac Could Involve Spot And Stain Removal

Winter storms that come through the Mahopac region can bring with them high-speed winds. When it gets windy during a storm, it is possible that objects like rocks or branches can get blown into your roof's shingles or a window and create a hole for moisture to enter. If the breach in your structure occurs in the middle of the storm, there is a chance that rain or snow can enter your home.

Broken windows or roof shingles can also cause other water on the roof of your house to enter your structure. Before beginning any flood damage work in Mahopac, a professional restoration company such as SERVPRO first finds the leak and seals it to keep moisture from entering. Next, we can take several steps to mitigate any moisture-related issues present.

When the contents and building materials inside your house get wet, your carpets especially can start to attract dirt and soils. Water coming into your home from the outside can also contain dirt and cause your carpets to stain. After our SERVPRO technicians remove all of the moisture from your structure using extraction and drying procedures, our last step is to conduct a final cleaning process, which can include cleaning your affected carpets.

When cleaning carpets, our SERVPRO crew pays extra attention to any stains or spots that exist on your floors, caused by flood damage. We can treat high-traffic areas, stains, and spots before we clean them to help remove them. The first step to removing spots is to vacuum up all of the loose debris on the carpets.

Next, we determine what type of soiling exists. Soils can either be tracked in or dropped in, and we start by trying to figure out what made each stain. Once we know what caused the staining, we can then implement the best carpet cleaning detergent and spot removal agent for each specific spot. The general rule is that like cleans and dissolves like so oil-based stains are best removed with oil-based products, and water-based spots get cleaned well water-based solutions.

If you ever have rain or snow enter your home during a winter storm, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 24/7. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Mahopac.

Did You Know SERVPRO is Certified for Lead Cleanup in Mahopac

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

We are certified and have the expertise to remove lead from your home. Call us today!

Get EPA-Licensed Lead Cleanup From SERVPRO 

Historic homes offer a unique charm and character that contrasts with the way homes are constructed today. However, these gorgeous buildings often have lead-based paints. An estimated 87% of homes built before 1940 have lead paint on their walls. When disturbed, these surfaces can produce chipping or hard-to-detect dust that can affect the safety of a structure. 

If your Mahopac residence requires lead abatement, SERVPRO technicians are available 24/7 to clean your home and make it a safer space for occupants. Your local SERVPRO is an EPA-certified lead-safe firm (#NAT-F114159-2) and is RRRP certified, meaning they are licensed to offer cleanup and renovation for homes with lead-based paints. This team complies with both EPA and Institute of Inspection, Cleanup and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards for safe, effective removal of lead materials from your home.  

Protecting Your Family from Lead 

To minimize your family's exposure to lead dust and paint chips: 

• Clean walls, windows, floors, and other surfaces regularly. You can use an all-purpose cleaner with warm water or specialized cleaners made for lead-painted surfaces.
• If you notice paint chips, clean them immediately. 
• Wash sponges, mop heads, cleaning rags, and other multi-use cleaning materials after cleaning.
• If you are renting your property, contact the landlord immediately if lead paints are peeling or chipping 

SERVPRO's EPA-Approved Lead Cleanup

Cleanup protocols break down into three steps:

• This process ensures that lead dust and paint chips do not contaminate the air, water, or other areas of the home.
• We perform renovation with tools and procedures that create minimal additional lead dust or chips.
• Lead materials are thoroughly cleaned and removed from the property for safe, EPA-approved disposal methods.

As of 2000, EPA regulations on lead disposal requires storage in sealed trash bags, containers, or covered mobile dumpsters. SERVPRO technicians can then coordinate with local authorities to determine the best disposal site for leaden materials.  

SERVPRO of Putnam County provides cleanup and rebuilding services that leave your property looking, "Like it never even happened." Call (845) 228-1090 at any time of the day or night for reliable mitigation from certified professionals.  

More about Mahopac.

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Mahopac After A Fire

3/1/2020 (Permalink)

This chimney fire was minimal and we were able to get the homeowner's back into their home as quickly as possible.

Restoring Mahopac Homes After Fire Damage

Despite having Lake Mahopac and Kirk Lake inside the city limits, Mahopac residents understand that fire can still strike any home. A swift, expert response can mean the difference in thousands of dollars in repair and restoration costs in even a small fire.

Fire damage in Mahopac can be everything from a cigarette fire in the bedroom to the thick, pungent residues generated by a fire in the garage that spreads through the home. SERVPRO response crews train their personnel as Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians, or FSRTs. These specialists use the latest cleaners and equipment to clean every surface in a home from drywall to upholstery and linoleum to wood.

Each team member is highly qualified to perform four primary actions. Each is designed to loosen residues from surfaces after fire damage. Depending on the type of residues and surfaces, specialists use Chemical, Lubrication, Mechanical, and Suspension and Dispersion methods.

Chemical methods alter residues after FSRTs apply a cleaning agent. The alteration allows them to more easily remove them with sponges, vacuums, and extraction wands to pull residues off floors and out of carpets.

Lubrication methods break the link between surfaces and residues by making the contaminants slippery. The detergents and other cleaners surround residues so they nearly slide off surfaces by wiping them off with a sponge or cloth. Lubrication is especially useful on metal and glass surfaces.

Mechanical methods break up the residues with stronger cleaners and devices that agitate the residues on diverse surfaces such as fabrics, metal, stone, wood, and marble. Where certain surfaces like fabrics and wood absorb cleaners, FSRTs use scrub brushes or mechanical agitation devices exclusively to remove not just fire residues, but soil and other contaminants as well.

Suspension and Dispersion is the most common method used by team members, however. They loosen and suspend residues within the cleaning product, which becomes suspended in the solution, and eventually disperses into the mixture. It is a method especially useful for drywall and other building materials.

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we understand that a home is far more than four walls and a roof. Our response teams use every method available to clean and restore property and memories for homeowners here and in Southeast, Kent, and Carmel. To schedule a service call and receive an estimate, call today at (845) 228-1090.

See more about Mahopac.

We Have The Best Drying Practices In Mahopac After A Flood

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

High winds mixed with torrential rains can cause a significant amount of damage to a home. We have the state of the art equipment necessary.

Post-Flood Cleaning Tactics for Mahopac Homes

Even though floodwater can get removed from the floors of your Mahopac property, there are many other steps still left before this house can feel like home again. The process can feel overwhelming, especially to those unfamiliar with the professional restoration process, but our SERVPRO team can help. We have strategies and tactics for cleaning and recovering flood-damaged properties that can begin as soon as extraction efforts complete.

The faster that cleaning and restoration tactics can begin, the less threatening that flood damage in Mahopac home continues to be. With concerns like contamination and bacteria present in the intruding water, saturated materials and structural elements can host both the bacterial microorganisms, as well as microbial threats like mold and fungus. Cleaning up the mess that a flood has left behind is an immediate approach that can reduce the severity of these contaminants and mold threats.

Muck-Out Cleaning

Much like fire losses, our SERVPRO team must contend with high volumes of debris and material remnants throughout the property after a flood. Muck-out helps our team to shovel out this debris and work to clean and clear mud and other solids carried in with the water coming into the house.

Controlled Demolition 

With potential contamination, there is little work that can get done to protect surfaces like drywall and flooring from staying installed once exposed. It is often more cost-effective to remove and replace these items than the testing and deep cleaning necessary to ensure that surfaces have gotten appropriately disinfected.

Media Blasting 

Our professionals have numerous strategies designed to remove soiling and even microorganisms from surfaces of damaged areas of the house without compromising the top layer of the material. With media blasting, we use products like baking soda along with pressurized water or air to thoroughly remove surface contaminants and reduce odors.

After extraction nears completion in a home, flood damage recovery is still in the early stages. We have advanced techniques and equipment to help get your property back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Give our SERVPRO of Putnam County team a call today at (845) 228-1090.

See more about Mahopac.

When Water Damages Your Mahopac Commercial Property

2/15/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let water damage ruin your venue bookings. SERVPRO has the expertise to dry your business.

Honor Reservations Despite Water Damage at Mahopac Event Center  

Every type of business handles exposure to water loss differently. Moving operations off-site or closing for a few days while our team addresses the water removal and drying can work for some companies with only minor ill effects. Other businesses have their physical location wholly integrated with their products and services. A Mahopac event center cannot deliver what you promised if a water emergency compromises the building.  

Special Celebrations Cannot Wait 

When water damage invades your Mahopac business, a fast response is crucial. Your clients reserve the space and catering service for once-in-a-lifetime events like weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and the like. Rescheduling is impossible in nearly all cases, and merely reneging on the contract you signed with your customers destroys your reputation and chases away future bookings. 

A Professional Team  

SERVPRO responds as soon as possible to your call for help. Our employees hold multiple certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), preparing them to apply mitigation and remediation best practice strategies. We can scale our response concerning the extent and intensity of the damage, supporting your responsibility to provide the services promised. 

Top-Notch Resources 

When we arrive at your site, our signature green service vehicles contain the water detection and extraction tools needed to clear the liquid water from the space. Moisture detectors map the dimensions of the water migration, and moisture meters establish the amount of water absorbed by structures. SERVPRO focuses on fast water removal, using commercial-grade submersible pumps and truck-mounted or portable extractors. For wet carpets, our technicians use an in-place technique leveraging the combined weight of our extraction equipment and the weight of the workers to force as much fluid out of both carpeting and padding as possible. If hardwood floors are soaked, we rely on negative air pressure (suction) to pull water from several layers, including the subfloor using tightly adhered floor mats. 

Efficient Drying Strategies 

Once the liquid water is gone, SERVPRO technicians calculate drying goals. We use the moisture data from the metering done during the assessment and compare that to the levels in similar materials in unaffected areas of the building--the drying standard. We use a combination of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers to reach the drying standard. The heat and air movement accelerate evaporation while the dehumidifiers capture the resulting vapor for disposal.

 Count on SERVPRO of Putnam County to address water damage fast so that your event pavilion is ready for the celebrations booked without delay. Call us at (845) 228-1090 to set up an evaluation and immediate intervention. 

More about Mahopac.

Why Quick Water Extraction Prevents Further Damage in Mahopac

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

Undetected water leaks can cause mold growth. SERVPRO is always available locate the leak and dry your home.

Water Extraction Mahopac – Fast Response, Detection, and Drying

Once water leaks onto a floor, it can spread quickly, into other rooms, into crevices and under furniture and cupboards. Water and moisture in humid conditions can quickly become the perfect environment for mold to grow, and if left in place long enough, cause structural damage. Mold and mildew may also cause health issues for some people.

SERVPRO provides water extraction services in Mahopac and surrounding areas. We educate our team members in the art of removing water and moisture from your home or commercial building. We believe that fast response, early detection, and thorough drying can mitigate the potential damage caused by water leaks. We are available to respond on a 24 hour / 7-day basis and aim to be onsite in less than four hours.

Detection and Extraction of Water and Moisture

Liquid water is easy to identify and remove with our high capacity vacuums. But what if water and moisture reside in a carpet or under cupboards or inside walls? Detection of moisture in these hard to access areas is incredibly important to prevent further water damage. Mold can also grow in these spaces and become an infestation. We use moisture measuring equipment to detect moisture in these areas.

We use weighted water extractors to remove moisture from carpeting and underpads, without removing the carpet in many cases. If moisture is detected inside walls or under cupboards, SERVPRO may drill holes into the area. We can insert small wands to vacuum excess water from the area, which avoids causing more damage to the structure.

Complete drying is the last step in the process. We use specialized hoses to blow dry air into hard to access cavities. Air movers blow dry air across or under carpeting to remove moisture from the flooring. Our drying technicians calculate the dehumidification requirements. We then place dehumidifiers in the space to reduce the humidity to normal levels.

Our objective is to restore your home, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Lake Carmel, Cold Spring, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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You Can Rely on Us After Storms Roll Through | SERVPRO® of Putnam County

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

If storms are on the way, it is normal to feel apprehensive about what comes next. Storms can cause serious damage to homes and property—in fact, they resulted in $2 billion in damage costs in 2018, and are one of the top reasons that homeowners must file insurance claims.

Because every storm has the potential to cause damage, homeowners should consider putting a plan in place for how they will recover, including the restoration company they would like to work with. Because of our ²⁴⁄₇ emergency number, you can always count on us to be there for you after storms come through.

How You Can Count on Us After a Storm

You’ll Receive Comprehensive Restoration
Damages that storms cause are complicated, and often compound on one another to lead to bigger issues. The good news is that we can handle any type of damage, and are fully certified to help you with everything from water buildup to structural issues. By approaching all damages with a comprehensive mindset, we can ensure that everything is correctly and completely restored.

You’ll Work With Well-Trained Technicians
We invest heavily in our technicians because we understand just how important the work that they do is. We base our training on the industry standards put in place by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and we also provide e-learning courses, seminars and other continuing education opportunities so our technicians are fully aware of the most recent restoration developments.

You Can Count on Enough Resources to Be Available
As a local business, we have the benefit of getting involved with the community and caring deeply about our neighbors. However, when severe storms impact the area, we are able to scale our resources to match the demand thanks to our national SERVPRO® partners. This means that regardless of how large-scale the damage is, everyone will receive the attention they need.

You Do Not Have to Worry About Post-Disaster Scams
Whenever a disaster or severe storms occur, there are always post-disaster scammers that enter an area and attempt to take advantage of the community. Our reputable business history speaks for itself, so when you work with us, you will not have to worry about whether your restoration will be completed.

If you have experienced storm damage or want to learn more, you can call us ²⁴⁄₇ for more details.

We Get You Back In Business In Mahopac After A Fire

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew is trained and equipped to handle your fire remediation. Call us at 24/7 if your business is hit with a fire disaster and we will act fast.

Contact Experts to Perform Commercial Fire Damage Cleanup in Your Mahopac Retail Store

In as little as half a minute, a small fire can turn into a full-blown fire that ravages a retail business and threatens the lives of the people in the building. You rely on your store for income, and you have a great responsibility to your customers and employees. When a fire strikes, it is crucial to address the damage and keep your employees and customers happy.

SERVPRO has the experience required to deal with commercial fire damage in your Mahopac retail store. We can minimize downtime by performing professional containment. This can keep your business running while we are performing cleaning and restoration. Our remediation methods ensure that you can continue keeping your employees working and providing services to the community.

We understand that that apart from being a place where consumers buy goods, a retail store is also a source of livelihood for your employees. We can act fast to bring things at your retail store back to normal. Retail space restoration demands a high level of expertise. Our team is trained to restore commercial properties quickly and safely. We take care of all aspects of retail store damage, which may include the products in stock, fixtures, and the building itself.

After a fire, smoke damage can be severe. Smoke particles can permeate different items, and the foul odor can be challenging to eliminate. Water from fire hoses or the building’s sprinkler system can also increase the damage in your retail store, and mold can grow in damp areas. Our team can use moisture meters to determine the extent of water penetration in floors, ceilings, and walls. After extracting the water, we can set up air movers and dehumidifiers in the affected areas to ensure adequate drying.

Ash may stick to walls and floors and cause further fire damage because of the caustic by-products found in burned materials. We can perform efficient clean-up using mechanical actions that produce mild agitation. These actions are safe to apply to a majority of affected surfaces. For instance, our crew can use feather dusters to remove excess residues from shelves. We can also use the cleaning brush attachment of vacuum cleaners to vacuum deposits of loose particles from wall and ceiling surfaces.

Some items in your retail store may be salvageable. We can perform content restoration for such items using various specialized cleaning techniques. Our crew can use specialized equipment to restore hard-to-reach surfaces. For instance, we can use high capacity vacuums to decontaminate the HVAC system if it is affected. We can also eliminate odors using odor counteractants or thermal fogging equipment. At SERVPRO, we also know that affordability is a primary consideration for our valued clients. Therefore, we offer our services at competitive rates.

Now that you know something about our commercial fire restoration services, you can call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for help. Our technicians can help you restore your retail space quickly. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Mahopac.

We Have The Most Effective Techniques To Restore Your Mahopac Home After A Water Damage Disaster

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians removed the affected carpet in this home and restored it so the homeowners could live normally again.

Water Damage Mahopac – Leaks Can Affect Materials Differently

Whenever there is a water leak, many consumers focus on whatever is assumed to be the most important. Some clients mop up water to avoid water migrating to carpeting and other rooms. Many wait for help to arrive. What is the right approach to take?

SERVPRO has been providing help to customers in Mahopac deal with water damage events for many years. Our team of restoration experts has studied the best approach to deal with water damage, the effect on various materials, and the best method to removing liquids and moisture from the area of the home where the leak has occurred.

Initial Steps

If possible, SERVPRO recommends that the source of the water leak should be controlled quickly. Shut off water valves that are connected to the area of the leak. Consumers may need to turn the main water supply off. Sometimes valves cannot be located, or seized valves cannot be turned due to corrosion.

Next, mop up as much water as you can. Focus on areas adjacent to hardwood floors and carpeting. Call for help to dry out your floors and any other items or structure exposed to moisture.

Permeance of Materials

Permeance measures how quickly water vapor passes through a material. Carpeted floors absorb water and moisture quickly. Particleboard commonly used for subfloors and cupboards absorbs water faster than hardwood floors. While hardwood floors absorb moisture more slowly, this type of flooring is also more challenging to dry once it has absorbed moisture and swelled.

SERVPRO can respond to water damage events in most cases under 4 hours. Consumers can mitigate the amount of damage by mopping up as much water as possible and keeping the moisture away from hardwood flooring. While carpeting can absorb moisture quickly, it can be dried relatively rapidly as well. We also aim to reduce the level of humidity in the home to normal levels to avoid secondary damage to ceiling tile, wallpaper, and other highly porous materials.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Peach Lake, Brewster Hill, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Mahopac.

How to Perform Fire Odor Removal In Your Mahopac Residence

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let odor from a fire keep you from occupying your Mahopac home. Call the Experts at SERVPRO today.

We have what it takes to improve the air quality in your home and provide you with an odor free living space

During a fire, smoke and soot are emitted at a high rate and travel to other rooms of the affected property fast. The smoke can access void spaces and cracks in the property, leaving a distinct charcoal-like odor. Do not allow the situation to make you feel desperate because SERVPRO can help you to remove the scent.

An intense smoke odor can make your property uninhabitable even after the fire cleanup process. Fortunately, we have highly trained and experienced technicians who can perform fire odor removal in your Mahopac residence effectively. Our technicians can eliminate the smoke odor within a short time, leaving you and your family breathing fresh and healthy air.

Improper odor removal can cause odors to remain in the property for an extended period, becoming trapped in the fabrics, upholstery, cavities, and furniture. During summer, extreme temperatures can cause the pores within porous materials to re-open and release the odor in the air. We have state-of-the-art odor removal equipment and products. We can also use unique restoration techniques to handle the fire odor effectively.    

Generally, most of the odor lingers on damaged surfaces and furniture. To decrease the fire odor, our crew can demolish the affected building materials and remove them from your home. We can also remove all damaged contents out of the building. We can separate the salvageable items and the ones that cannot be salvaged. Our crew can adequately dispose of the extremely damaged items and help you list the extremely damaged items for your insurance claims filing process.

Cleaning all surfaces with smoke residues in the building is also essential. We choose the right cleaning and deodorization procedures depending on whether the smoke residues are heavy, medium, or light. Our team can use dry cleaning sponges to clean non-washable surfaces like the ceiling. However, for the other surfaces, our technicians can use liquid crème cleaners that not only clean but also deodorize the affected surfaces.

After cleaning the smoke residues, fire odors may persist. To remove the odor, our SERVPRO team can use equipment like air scrubbers to remove odor particles from the air. The machine takes dirty indoor air through a series of filters to capture odors, particles, and gases. It then blows out clean air back into the building. The HEPA filters in air scrubbers capture particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Fire odors are challenging to remove. For professional fire odor removal services, call SERVPRO of Putnam County today at (845) 228-1090. We can remove the smell to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about Putnam County.

Our Fire And Smoke Damage Professionals Can Handle Any Size Disaster In Carmel

12/21/2019 (Permalink)

Together, we can leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

What Is That Foul Smell In Your Carmel Home?

Not surprisingly, the hustle and bustle of the holidays and winter months can bring added risks for your family.  Everything from someone slipping on an icy sidewalk to a touch of frostbite to a small fire erupting as you cook for friends and neighbors, it is all possible in the next weeks.  Even when the incidents seem small, the repercussions can be long-lasting.  For example, fire damage from the kitchen fire can leave behind a plethora of problems far beyond what's evident to the naked eye.

When your home in Carmel is the one suffering from fire damage, you can count on SERVPRO to help you get everything back to normal.  Our fire restoration technicians specialize in the latest and most advanced industry techniques focusing on restoring your home after flames, smoke, and soot have descended upon it.  As small as the damage appears, it takes an expert team to avoid further damage during the cleanup process.  All you need to do is contact our 24/7 hotline and rely on our assessment and action plan to return your home to mint condition.

It is common for our SERVPRO team to hear that the worst part of a small fire is the resulting smell.   Due to ventilation systems, fabrics, and the chemical composition of all that burned, the odor permeates beyond what seems commensurate to the size of the fire.  Analyzing and acting in the interest of our client is where we excel.  Our technicians have at their disposal the latest in deodorizing techniques and the training to identify the best solution for your situation.

When we arrive, we may choose from a wide variety of options.  Perhaps one of the more straightforward options, odor-counteracting beads are easy to disperse, and their impact is evident as time goes on.  The beads release an aroma that helps mask the smell of smoke and gives your home a fresh scent.  Similar to the beads, we may use deodorizing pellets, which absorb the odor instead of masking it.  These are but two of the treatments readily available to you through our SERVPRO staff, and they show that fire damage does not have to be catastrophic to benefit from the input of a professional service.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is at your service this winter.  Call us at (845) 228-1090 as soon as the incident happens and let us work for you.  Together, we can leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Carmel click here.

Give Us A Call Day Or Night In Carmel After A Flood

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

This celling was effected by high winds and torrential rains and our team arrived right away to begin restoration and prevent further damage.

Cleaning and Deodorization of a Flooded Carmel Basement

Knowing the best solutions for flooded basements in Carmel homes is not something that can happen without inspections and assessments of the environmental conditions. Our SERVPRO professionals commit to arriving at your house within four hours of the first notice of loss (FNOL), ensuring that no customer waits for the experienced technicians longer than necessary. With flooding scenarios, cleaning and deodorization are vital components to returning a property to a safe condition.  

Both of these practices become intertwined during the recovery process, where cleaning flood damage in Carmel homes affects the lingering odors in residence as well. In many situations, eliminating microorganisms can help to reduce the concentration and severity of flood odors. The technicians of our team must assess the best approach to dry out the damage so that cleaning and later deodorization efforts can be useful in your house.

Many of the basements in the area belong to older homes constructed decades or longer ago. The inspiration had not spread for finished lower levels at this point, so even now, many basements remain concrete block walls and concrete flooring. When age and hydrostatic pressures compromise a portion of the block wall, extraction and drying are priorities of our responding team responsible for emergency services. Water from the outside can carry in the dirt, mud, bacteria, debris, and other threats. Cleaning up after this mess can only begin once the floors have gotten cleared of excess water and moisture.

Cleaning up after these flood damage disasters involves many possible cleaning agents, but few as powerful and direct as chlorine-based cleaners. Because of their disinfection properties, these agents can also begin to nullify odors. Additional deodorization products can get used in the basement in portable machines like our thermal foggers. These units heat deodorization solutions into a vapor and can disperse it wherever the moving SERVPRO technician takes it.

Overcoming the lingering effects of a flood loss begins with the extraction and drying of the area. With the damages that remain, our SERVPRO of Putnam County team can offer effective and efficient solutions designed to protect your home and its contents. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (845) 228-1090.

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How Water Damages Hardwood Flooring in Carmel

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Water and hardwood flooring don't mix. We have the equipment to your flooring. Call us today!

Stages of Wood Flooring Water Damage in Carmel Homes 

No water loss situation starts as bad as it can get, and that is especially true when considering the stages of damage that can affect wood flooring in Carmel homes. Depending on the stage of damage that your flooring type might be in when our SERVPRO team first arrives to begin mitigation and recovery, the approach and necessary response changes. Each material cycles through these phases at different rates. These cycles depend on the porosity of the wood and the severity of the water loss incident. 

Our assessment of the spread and severity of the water damage in Carmel homes when we first arrive dictates the appropriate restoration response. We have a team of qualified Water Restoration Technicians (WRT) and those accredited in Applied Structural Drying (ASD) as well. This experience, combined with the information obtained through testing of the affected materials with discovery devices such as our surface moisture meter and thermography, can guide our team in the best available approaches for damaged wood flooring. 

Surface Water 

There are many instances where the worst of the water damage that our SERVPRO team faces exist on the surface of flooring materials. If reached quickly enough, our professionals can avoid excessive penetration into the wood or to the subflooring materials altogether. For this stage of water damage, we would utilize our extraction and drying tools like pumps and air movers. 

Free Water 

Free water has penetrated the wood planks, often through the seams or through direct absorption. During this phase, the molecules of water and moisture have not bonded or changed the composition of the host material. This free water still needs to dry, and our restoration process includes installed drying mats and other advanced techniques. 

Bound Water 

Once water chemically bonds to the wood, it can be a considerable challenge to dry out and restore. In most situations, it is easier for our SERVPRO team to remove the damaged portions and reinstall them rather than spend our time and excessive resources on drying that might not solve the problem. Our team started as a construction unit back in 1997, so we can manage controlled demolition and build back in a fast and cost-effective manner as well. 

No matter what damage your wood flooring endures, you have experienced SERVPRO of Putnam County technicians to help when you call (845) 228-1090. 

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Some Steps Towards Carmel Fire Damage Remediation Success

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be overwhelming to deal with. Partner with SERVPRO to remediate after a fire in your home.

Combatting Dry and Wet Smoke Residue in Carmel Homes

Knowing what to expect after a fire loss incident in Carmel homes can feel impossible, especially considering that no two disasters affect properties the same way. Even the smoke and soot residues that can be a staple of the combustion within your household can vary from one residence to the next, with the most typical difference being dry and wet smoke residues. The two are significantly different from one another, which requires specific products and practices to remove successfully. 

Wet and dry smoke residues can both be challenging obstacles of fire damage in Carmel properties for our experienced Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) to overcome. With our unique and extensive training through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), we can confidently determine the type of residue we are dealing with and the ideal approach to clean it from affected surfaces. Several factors can determine whether a smoke residue is wet or dry.

• The rate in which materials burn or combust in the house.
• The volume of available oxygen during the fire.
• Which materials and substances burned during the disaster.

Dry smoke residues are often easier to clean from surfaces because the residue is lighter and has a dry dusting across affected surfaces. These particulates are not as likely to stain surfaces as wet smoke, and deodorization is not as severe of a need. While the cleanup might be easier, dry smoke comes from a faster burning, hotter fire. Dry smoke residues can often indicate more widespread and devastating structural damage.

Wet smoke is a considerable challenge to clean, as it is a slower moving event that can smolder rather than speed through a home. These residues contain solvents and liquid components, leaving a thicker and more problematic film on surfaces. Though there are practices for removing this residue, our SERVPRO team might have to resurface and refinish affected materials instead of attempting to remove wet smoke effects directly.

Many factors play a role in the behavior of smoke and the residue that combustion events can leave behind in your home. Our SERPVPRO of Putnam County team can work to address whatever you face after a fire. Give us a call anytime at (845) 228-1090.

Click here for more about the town of Carmel.

Our Storm Damage Experts Discuss the Least Invasive Technique For Drying Your Carmel Home

11/17/2019 (Permalink)

Give Our professionals a call whenever disasters strike at (845) 228-1090.

What Is the Least Invasive Technique for Drying Carmel Homes?

There are many practices for reducing moisture and recovering your Carmel home that is very direct and can require the reinstallation of portions of materials, the repairs of probing holes, or the refinishing of surfaces. Not all of the water loss incidents and flooding that your Carmel home might experience requires these invasive approaches, no matter how efficient they might be. Our objective as professional restorers is to protect your property and keep costs as low as possible for the recovery efforts necessary after disasters.

Minimal invasiveness is a staple of the effective customer service our SERVPRO professionals strive to provide after flood damage to Carmel homes. Because of how quickly floodwater can migrate through a property, especially in situations where structural breaches must get repaired, the least destructive drying and extraction approaches can reduce more considerable reconstruction and build back costs. We have several options that can reduce our impact on your property while still effectively eliminating moisture and saturation threats.

Because of the threats of contamination, it might not be possible to avoid the removal of exposed surfaces and materials entirely. Carpets and padding, for example, do not get disinfected and restored in place. Instead, they get entirely removed, and the structural supports and subflooring get dried and disinfected if necessary.

The least invasive drying method is the use of air movers and dehumidifiers. We can connect multiple units together to minimize our need to run cords throughout the property and maximize our total airflow output. Direct air mover blasting on wet surfaces or moisture-damaged contents can quicken evaporation so that deterioration and degradation do not become an obstacle our SERVPRO team must overcome as well. After minimal flood cutting to drywall where necessary, this same strategy can help to continue drying out exposed areas of the house.

While we have many strategies for drying out properties after flooding, including our positive pressure systems and air movers, we utilize whatever method is most efficient and cost-effective for our customers. You can count on the expertise and industry-leading equipment of our SERVPRO of Putnam County team. Give Our professionals a call whenever disasters strike at (845) 228-1090.

For more about Carmel click here.

We Provide Expert Cleaning And Restoration In Carmel

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

High winds mixed with torrential rains can be a dangerous combination for homeowners. When disaster strikes we are one call away.

Answers To Flood Damage On Your Carmel Area Property

Water intrusion into your Carmel home can be a traumatic event. One that often disrupts your healthy lifestyle, creating stress and uncertainty for your entire family. A professional flood damage restorer can provide guidance and assistance that help you make quality decisions through the difficult times ahead.

When dealing with flood damage on your Carmel area property, you want access to a company that is prepared, experienced, and completely capable of handling the situation you find yourself facing. Luckily, there is a team of trained mitigation professionals, only a phone call away. 

Floods fall into three categories, including; 

1. Sanitary
2. Significantly Contaminated
3. Grossly Contaminated

During your flood damage restoration, SERVPRO technicians can deploy remediation procedures for dealing with contaminated water that help ensure your protection and safety. Both significantly and grossly contaminated flood damage remediation procedures require the use of Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, respirators, water-proof boots, eye protection, and full-body suits to reduce potential exposure.

Since the spread of contaminants can happen with foot traffic, equipment movement, debris disposal, or even air movement, SERVPRO technicians use various techniques to prevent contaminants from spreading into other uncontaminated areas of your home. We understand that once work begins, contaminants can easily dislodge or aerosolize, so we minimize cross-contamination by establishing containment areas with negative pressure.

SERVPRO can erect containment by sealing off doorways or openings of all affected areas with 6-mil polyethylene plastic sheeting. It helps to go beyond the affected area, utilizing a decontamination chamber that allows workers to enter and exit while removing debris. Your HVAC or ventilation system must remain turned off, and the supply or return registers sealed with plastic to ensure containment.

Our technicians use a piece of equipment called an air filtration device to blow air out of the affected areas. This device helps us control airflow, allowing clean air into the area, without mixing with contaminated air. Once done with containment, we can begin to extract standing water and remove bulk materials contaminating your home. Our technicians provide a variety of services designed to adjust to your unique situation, giving you much-needed solutions to a stressful event.

SERVPRO of Putnam County stands ready to provide expert cleaning and restoration services, along with flood damage mitigation throughout the area. We proudly service Mahopac, Kent, Patterson, and surrounding areas, call today. (845) 228-1090

See more about Carmel.

SERVPRO Cleaning Products for Post-Water Loss Recovery

9/29/2019 (Permalink)

We have all you need when it comes to your Carmel home water loss.

SERVPRO will be there to show you how it's done, with your water loss in Carmel. 

Cleaning up after water loss incidents damage your Carmel home is often more complicated than many property owners initially believe. Because of how important a task this is for the recovery of properties, even our SERVPRO team has a division of certified cleaning technicians accredited in multiple facets of the restoration industry, including Carpet Cleaning (CCT), Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning (UFT), Odor Control (OCT), Rug Cleaning (RCT), and even biohazard recovery.

No two loss incidents are the same, so water cleanup for Carmel homes varies as well. Because of how different these situations can be and the people that could become affected, our professionals have an extensive line of cleaning agents designed and distributed through our parent brand. These products have all met the approval of OSHA, giving us a full spectrum of cleaning agents that can target specific materials, effects, and residues. We categorize our line of cleansers based on their task in your damaged home.

Disinfectants 

These cleaners are an everyday staple in the arsenal of our SERVPRO cleaning technicians, as they can destroy nearly all of the organisms they touch when they are applied. Depending on the material and the product used, it might even eliminate bacterial or fungal spores present on the surface.

Sanitizers

Unlike disinfectants, sanitizers are used to decrease microbial threats within parameters. Often these parameters have been established by health authorities regarding safe exposure levels.  

Antimicrobials

These products have been specially formulated to prevent the production or slow/stop the growth of microbes. While the literal definition of these products implies working against microbial threats, it can also be a general term to refer to all products designed to eliminate microbes as well, including disinfectants, fungicides, and sporicides.

Biocides

We have many products in our cleaning product arsenal that end in the suffix -cide. These products detail an ability to eliminate organisms on contact, though it most often indicates the ability to control the growth of microbes rather than eliminating them.

Now that you can see how many of our cleaning products have gotten distinguished and labeled, you can better appreciate their role in restoring your water damaged home. You can count on our SERVPRO of Putnam County professionals to help however you need it. Give us a call today at (845) 228-1090.

To learn more about Carmel Hamlet, click here.

We Discuss The Equipment Used In Flood Damaged Schools In Mahopac

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Give our skilled professionals a call whenever you need us at (845) 228-1090.

Extraction Equipment Used In Flooded Mahopac Schools

Flooding can be a detrimental situation that completely ruins areas like carpeting and linoleum tilework of a Mahopac school. With how quickly these effects can spread throughout your institution, it can easily exceed the reach and resources of your custodial and maintenance staff. Our SERVPRO professionals have a fast response to flooding and water loss emergencies that affect our area schools because we know that hundreds of people get impacted by loss incidents like these.
 
Standing water can often be one of the most hazardous effects of flood damage in Mahopac schools, as this can continually damage the surfaces exposed and saturate structural elements until this high volume gets removed. Our professionals have a massive inventory of recovery tools and equipment, including a wide selection of extraction machines and devices. From light wands to trash pumps, we have the equipment to suit the specific needs of your building. It is our objective from the moment that mitigation work begins to get your doors back open to students and faculty as promptly as possible.
 
Flood loss scenarios can be widespread and destructive, spreading beyond the penetration point throughout other rooms and communal areas on the same level of the school. Our professionals can begin extraction work as soon as we arrive, especially using wet-vacs and light wands to prevent the further spread of debilitating water damage. Our prompt response with these extraction tools can help us to reach the point where the combination of air movers and dehumidifiers can remove the lingering moisture.
 
High-capacity extractors can protect flooring in your school, such as linoleum, from succumbing to water penetration and popping tiles loose. As a standard flooring option for public schools, our protection of these materials can help to get the facility cleaned quickly and ready for the return of students and your employees.
 
We have multiple extraction tools that can suit the specific needs and immediate effects in your area school. It is our utmost priority to clean and restore this loss quickly, so you can count on our SERVPRO of Putnam County team to show that We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. Give our skilled professionals a call whenever you need us at (845) 228-1090.

For more about Mahopac click here.

The Best Ways to Remove Water From Hardwood Floors in Carmel

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

We have the training and experience to restore your water damaged hardwood floors!

Efficient Water Removal from Hardwood in Carmel Homes 

Standing water in your Carmel home can absorb quickly into specific materials exposed, such as paneling, drywall, and other porous surfaces. Authentic hardwood can also fall into this category, though porosity of this material varies based on the specific wood used and if installed correctly. With cutting-edge equipment and fast response to water losses, our professionals can help to reduce the need to remove or repair flooring options, including hardwood and carpeting. 

Contending with high volumes of standing water can present widespread obstacles for our technicians to overcome, including water removal in Carmel homes. As pressing as the need for extraction might be, many other factors play a vital role in protecting the exposed materials, flooring, and other structural elements throughout the house. Our SERVPRO professionals have a ready trailer that arrives with our Green Fleet stocked with solutions for drying and water removal. 

For flooring concerns such as saturation, moisture meters get used initially to determine the saturation and exposure once the extraction has taken place. Some finishes on hardwood can help to make the surface less porous, so it resists water penetration better. The state of your flooring when we clear outstanding water guides our professionals on-site to the best approach for your house. In many cases, our fast response to these emergencies only requires drying mats to bring the moisture content level to acceptable parameters. 

In more extreme cases where saturation began almost immediately, and this moisture persisted for a prolonged period, the only solution remaining might be controlled demolition and reinstallation of this flooring. Our SERVPRO team originally began as a construction outfit in 1997, so we know how to provide quality general contracting services for our customers that match our experience and cutting-edge equipment in the restoration fields. We can repair hardwood, linoleum, tile, marble, and carpeting following water loss incidents. 

As much as water losses can be a damaging situation for your home and its contents, our fast and confident response can help save both time and money on the restoration of your property needs. You can trust our SERVPRO of Putnam County team to help, however you need. Call us at (845) 228-1090. 

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We Are The Leaders In Carmel Flood Damage Restoration Services

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

High winds mixed with torrential rains can be a dangerous combination for homeowners. We are here to help right away after you experience this.

Common Damages Seen After Flood Damage in Carmel Homes

When SERVPRO cleans up and restores a home from flood damage in this area of New York, each job site is unique. However, there are common damages left behind, in some cases are preventable by taking action before we arrive.

One of the first things a Carmel homeowner with flood damage can do before help arrives is to prevent staining on a carpet affected by water. Printed materials and the stain on wood furnishings are two frequent culprits of this type of carpet discoloration. Other helpful actions to take include:

• Blotting up water if possible
• Picking up small objects from the floor and setting them aside for inspection and cleaning
• Putting foil or plastic under furniture legs to get them off the wet carpet

Why SERVPRO? You do not want to hand off the mitigation of water damage anything less than a certified, professional restoration company. Our technicians undergo extensive training in a diverse array of cleaning and repair technicians to ensure the best outcome for every type of home disaster we work on.

SERVPRO technicians spend extra time on the water extraction step because it lessens the amount of time needed to dry a property thoroughly. We most often rely on portable pumps and utilize attachments such as weighted extractor heads to pull embedded moisture from within carpet padding or upholstered furnishings.

Another concern many homeowners have during flood damage restoration is they have no control over what is happening in their home. Our technicians do not discard any items without prior approval of the homeowner or adjuster, and we are careful to work within the scope of coverage, so there are no surprise charges.

Mold is always a concern after water damage. We take steps to be certain spores do not germinate by controlling the interior humidity levels and using our proprietary antimicrobial cleaners after drying.

When your home has water damage, contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. Our emergency response team is ready 24/7 to clean up your property and make the water loss "Like it never even happened."

See more about Carmel.

How Fire Damage Burns up Profits in Your Carmel Business

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

After the fire, you need a professional restoration team. SERVPRO of Putnam County is at your service!

Commercial Fire Damage Repair and Restoration in Carmel 

Carmel is, perhaps, in the perfect location for both commuting to work and as a weekend getaway. Regardless of how long a person spends in town, local delis are an essential part of daily life. When one of these, or any, the commercial operation is shut down for an extended length of time, it can mean the end of the business. 

Commercial fire damage in a Carmel business can include everything from physical damage due to the heat, to flooding from the fire department’s efforts to stop the blaze. When it comes to remediation and repair, SERVPRO response teams can handle all of it up to major construction. 

Every business needs our type of full-service support. Almost any agency can clear away scorched furniture, appliances, and other debris. Not every agency has the training and experience to examine a set of chairs that look ready for the dumpster and understand they can be cleaned using powerful chemicals and intense methods like immersion to break apart the layers of smoke residues and return them to a useful condition. 

Since this is a business involving food preparation and service, SERVPRO technicians also clean every surface to county and state health standards. Among our inventory of cleaning agents are sterilants more potent than bleach that eliminate the threat from smoke residues and mold spores that can contaminate food and serving dishes after a fire. 

In some cases, remediation and repair are not enough. When an oven, refrigerator, or other appliance suffers catastrophic damage, team members can quickly remove the damaged item for disposal according to state regulations. Our administration personnel then work with the insurance company to make sure the customer has access to the full replacement cost to buy a new one, and then help install it. The team leader then schedules an inspection with the local utility company to have their work approved. 

It’s not just about customers for us. The owners of SERVPRO of Putnam County grew up here. If you need our services in Carmel, Mahopac, Kent, or Patterson, we are the agency to help return your home to its pre-fire condition. Call us today at (845) 228-1090 to get started. 

More about Carmel.

Call Our Water Damage Experts To Remove Any Foul Odors From Your Commercial Property In Southeast

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for immediate assistance.

Do Not Let Malodors Affect Your Reputation, Arrange Commercial Water Cleanup In Southeast Now!

In situations where water has entered areas of your commercial business property, the odors can often be as unpleasant as the moisture itself. All types of water contain microbes, which may be the root cause of the odor. At the same time, when moisture comes into contact with tables, chairs, or carpets, it can loosen moisture. During warmer periods of the year, excess moisture can raise humidity levels, which increases our perception of odors. These can be problematic for small-business owners that serve food or drinks.

Restoring your business to its preloss condition means enlisting professional services for commercial water cleanup in your Southeast business. Our pool of technicians is locally-based with qualifications in odor control awarded by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) body. Bringing odors under control can be a primary concern for public service industry business managers that seek to provide a welcoming environment for their customers.

Since moisture and its effect on loosening pre-existing odorous particles from furnishings is the source of the problem, SERVPRO makes removing moisture and drying the property a priority. In many situations, proper drying of the internal structure, which may involve floating carpets with air-moves, or accessing wall cavities using Injectidry systems, results in the offending odor dispersing. However, sometimes an odor can remain even after drying of the property is complete.

When odors remain after drying is successful, a SERVPRO odor control technician (OCT) can utilize a range of professional deodorization methods. In water damage scenarios, the two primary means of dispersing deodorants is direct spraying, using hand-pumps, or wet fogging with Ultra Low Volume (ULV) foggers. In high concentrations, deodorants can be harmful. To ensure temporary closure is kept to a minimum SERVPRO deploy box fans to ventilate the structure allowing staff and customers to return to the structure sooner.

An uncontrolled odor situation can negatively affect your business. Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 for immediate assistance.

For more about Southeast click here.

Water Damage in Carmel? We Can Help Right Now, Call SERVPRO for Restoration Services

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Water Getting You Down in Carmel? SERVPRO Promises Excellent Extraction and Restoration Services!

SERVPRO Provides Expert Water Removal in Carmel and Surrounding Areas

One of the best things about our restoration company in Carmel is our commitment to responding fast to your call for help during emergencies. Our promise to customers is to schedule your restoration job immediately and to arrive on-site within four hours. A commitment like this helps prevent additional damage and dramatically increases your home’s chance at a full restoration.

If you are looking for a quality restoration company that provides reliable, professional water removal services in the Carmel area, your search is over. We have all of the restoration personnel, extraction equipment, and resources necessary to return your home to a quality condition you’ll enjoy. Our restoration team uses time-tested water removal services in a fast, efficient manner without ever skimping on quality.

SERVPRO technicians eliminate any dangerous situations before starting work, posting signs, and ensuring your safety throughout the restoration process. We move and block furniture, appliances, and any other household contents covering the floor that may lead to stains, such as books, papers, area rugs, and curtains. Our goal is to remove anything that could cause or suffer secondary damage as a result of exposure.

SERVPRO uses both hand-held and truck-mounted water extractors to remove as much water from the affected area as possible. Extraction is far more efficient than dehumidification for removing moisture from your saturated contents, which makes extraction essential for producing quality results. It also helps reduce drying time and limits the chance of rust and furniture stains and fabric bleeding and reduces the chances of mold growth.

SERVPRO technicians inspect your carpet, upholstery, rugs, and other flooring options carefully. After initial extraction, we raise your carpet, extract moisture from the padding and subfloor underneath, and check the carpet, padding, and subfloor for damage. Each section receives anti-fungal treatments to eliminate the possibility of mold growth and to prevent future problems.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County for additional information about our services or to schedule your home’s initial inspection, today. We offer quality full-service solutions throughout Mahopac, Southeast, and Kent and make the same rapid response commitment to every member of our local community. Our emergency response teams are available 24/7, 365, day or night for your convenience. (845) 228-1090

https://www.ci.carmel.ny.us

You Can Depend On Our Specialists To Save Your Flood Damaged Home In Mahopac

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO stands ready to assist local homeowners with flood damage mitigation and make it “Like it never even happened.”

How SERVPRO Saves Items From Flood Damage In Mahopac

Water damage from floods that enter your home can be overwhelming. Saving furnishings, clothing, and personal treasures is a priority for most homeowners.

When SERVPRO mitigates flood damage in a Mahopac home, our first concern is for the health and safety of homeowners and our employees. Flood water has the potential to carry toxins and contaminants, and we determine the restorability of saturated items on a case by case basis.

Our goal is always to assist homeowners by restoring items whenever possible to keep replacement costs down. We have several methods for cleaning even extensive water damage and doing controlled demolition for sheetrock and other building materials counted as a loss by the adjuster. SERVPRO technicians work hand in hand with both homeowners and insurance adjusters to ensure the most favorable outcome for restoration and mitigation of water loss in the home.

SERVPRO provides a Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) that gives homeowners a detailed list of your belongings as a room-by-room inventory with photos and if necessary, barcodes to identify items. This action assists the adjuster in seeing the preloss list of items and values as well as helping claims settle more quickly.

We have different methods for cleaning and treating surfaces and items in the home ranging from hand cleaning with wet and dry sponges to foam to prevent bleeding or shrinkage of fabrics or the immersive method which involves dipping items into a solution for thorough cleaning.

In cases where a home requires extensive restoration efforts, our technicians perform move-outs or pack-outs as needed. This allows for a faster remediation process and protects items from any further damage from exposure to water. Best of all, upon completion of the restoration on the home, we coordinate with the homeowner with a "move-in," and this is often covered by insurance as part of mitigation. Check with your carrier to see if your individual coverage allows for this.

Electronic equipment is not automatically a water loss. While devices should not be tested on-site, we arrange to have qualified electronics technicians inspect water-damaged electronics to determine restorability of televisions, computers, and more. Photographs are memories and books are like old friends to many people, and the prospect of losing them can feel stressful. When either receives damage in a water intrusion incident, We can restore documents, photos, and books on a case by case basis.

SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 stands ready to assist local homeowners with flood damage mitigation and make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Mahopac click here.

Why We Are The Leader In Carmel Flood Damage Restoration

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

High winds mixed with torrential rains can be a dangerous combination for homeowners. We are available 24/7 to help, so don't hesitate and call us.

The Importance of a Fast Response for Flooding in Carmel Homes

There might be multiple choices for Carmel residents combatting flood loss effects in their home, and after a traumatic disaster like this, it can be challenging to feel like you are making the best choice for your property. While many homeowners would like to offer the attention and restorative actions their house needs after a loss incident like this, it is rarely feasible and effective to do so. Our professionals can offer a full-service approach to restoring your property after a substantial loss event like flooding, and we can help you through every phase of this recovery process.

While there might be multiple reasons why our SERVPRO team can be a wise choice for flood damage in your Carmel residence, one of the largest considerations that homeowners should make is the speed of response to the emergency. With a 24/7 rollout to all loss incidents in every niche of the restoration industry, we offer our customers a full-service solution to the damages their property experiences at any time of the day or night.

This quick response to emergencies can help to protect your property. With the speed in which flood damage can spread throughout your home, and the potential contaminants and bacteria that natural disasters like this can introduce to your house, it is critical that the right steps get taken quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse. We have a crew of biohazard cleaning technicians, but immediate mitigation, including extraction and drying efforts, can reduce the need for these trained professionals.

Containment is a large factor in successful mitigation and recovery of your flood damaged property. Our SERVPRO team can work to address these conditions with advanced extraction tools like our gas-powered and submersible pumps, as well as rapid drying solutions with our air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers.

Flooding can greatly damage your home without a fast response from trained professionals like our SERVPRO of Putnam County team. With how quickly these situations can get out of control, you can trust that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call today at (845) 228-1090.

See more about Carmel.

Our Highly Skilled Water Damage Technicians Can Restore Your Carmel Home

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

You can depend on our knowledge and water damage experience to get the job done right. Give us a call anytime at (845) 228-1090.

Extensive Training Makes Carmel Water Recovery More Effective

Carmel houses. You may think most water loss incidents only require a mop and drying efforts. It is often more complicated and involved than this. In many cases, water can spread far beyond the source and affect materials, contents, and provide the appropriate conditions for even more hazardous and concerning effects. Understanding when a situation is out of your skill set to correct can save you time and money on the restoration that your property often requires after a water loss incident.

These same homeowners often question not only if professional restoration is the right response to water damage in their Carmel residence, but if our SERVPRO team is the right choice when professional intervention is necessary. We have spent numerous years serving the area and have worked to build your trust and our reputation as a team that can respond immediately with confidence and skill to any emergency that threatens your home or business.

We seek to provide every customer with skilled and knowledgeable technicians for water emergencies or any disaster that could be hazardous to their properties. Every one of our team members must complete some facet of training through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) organization. This group sets the standard for the restoration industry, and our team members responding to this type of emergency have accreditations as both Water Restoration and Applied Structural Drying Technicians.

We encourage every staff member to pursue continued education opportunities to understand the best new practices and equipment available for water damage recovery. The better prepared our technicians are for these emergencies and their symptoms, the faster we can complete our projects and keep them within budgetary confinements.

Our SERVPRO of Putnam County team can help every home throughout the area navigate the often stressful times that water loss incidents can present. You can depend on our knowledge and water damage experience to get the job done right. Give us a call anytime at (845) 228-1090.

Click here for more about Carmel.

Mold and water damage restoration at your Brewster, NY business

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage in your Putnam County office is not only inconvenient, it can shut down your business and cause you to lose money.

Time is essential in keeping your financial losses to a minimum and re-opening your doors when a water or mold emergency strikes your Cold Spring, NY area business. At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we use our twenty years of experience to get the job done fully and efficiently so that disruption to your business is minimal.

Call us immediately upon discovering a mold infestation or water damage at your business. Whether it be a Carmel shopping center in which mold behind a shared wall affected multiple businesses, a store under construction in Brewster with water damage due to a plumbing malfunction or an apartment complex in Mahopac in which a kitchen sink leak damaged 4 apartments, our team is specially trained and has the equipment to mitigate the damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 immediately  if your business experiences a toilet overflow, leaking pipes or electrical fire. We are on call 24/7 and can respond to emergency and get your company back in business as soon as possible.

Freezing temperatures cause pipes to burst in Putnam County, NY

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

If your pipes freeze and burst, call SERVPRO of Putnam County to restore your home.

Discovering that the pipes have frozen and burst in your home or business is always a surprise. As devastating as this might experience can be, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the damage while you wait for help to arrive. 

Turn off your water and electricity. 

If you live in a house, turn off your water supply. (and don't wait until a pipe bursts to locate it!) as well as the electricity  to the area of the house where the burst has occurred. If you live in an apartment building or condo, be sure to alert your building manager immediately as the water could also affect neighboring units. 

Place a catch bucket under the leak 

If water is coming through the ceiling, place a bucket or garbage can under the leak to catch the water. If the ceiling is bulging or the leaking is widespread, piercing a hole in the sheetrock will allow the water to flow through one spot.  

Drain your pipes 

Run all of the faucets throughout your house with cold water to clear as much water from the pipes as possible. Flush the toilets as well. Turn off your hot water heater and run the hot water from all faucets.  

Call a plumber 

Again, preparing ahead will work in your benefit. It can be difficult to find a plumber who is   immediately available to respond to your frozen pipe emergency.  Choosing a plumber and establishing a relationship with a local Putnam County plumber ahead of time will go a long way in getting quicker service. 

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County 

Our water mitigation team will respond quickly and begin the clean up process. The sooner we are called to dry the home out and remove wet sheetrock, carpets, flooring  and other materials, the less the damage can spread and cause additional problems. 

Call your Insurance Agency 

The sooner you submit a claim, the quicker you will be reimbursed for payments made to plumbers and contractors.  Our experienced office staff, Keri and Bianca, will handle insurance negotiations and paperwork from our end so that you don't have to.  

We've been told by many customers throughout our twenty years as a franchise that having our team come out quickly and efficiently mitigate the damage has taken much of the stress out of the situation.  Give us a call  at (845) 228-1090
 24/7 if your pipes freeze  this  winter in the Yorktown Heights area!

Choosing a live Christmas tree this year? Follow our tips to find the perfect one!

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Yes! You can have a real Christmas tree in your Brewster home. Follow our fire-safety tips to keep it safe!

For many families in Putnam County, the start of the Christmas season is marked by picking out a live Christmas tree from one of the area’s wonderful tree farms. For some, the annual ritual of the family venturing out into the cold together to find that perfect tree for their home, cutting it themselves and tying it to the roof of the car cannot be replicated with an artificial tree.

We appreciate a live tree ourselves however have also seen in over twenty years in the fire and damage business the devastation caused by a tree that has caught fire. When showcasing a live tree in your home, the combination of tree dryness, electrical malfunction with lights and poorly located heating sources can make for a deadly combination. If your holiday is not complete without a live tree, follow these safety precautions this month.

1. Choose your tree carefully: Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. If a tree is shedding easily, choose another! The best trees that retain moisture the longest are Fraser fir, Noble fir and Douglas fir. Eastern red cedar and Atlantic white cedar rapidly lose moisture and should be used only for a week or two.

2. Location, location, location: Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.

3. Check your lights: Check old lights for any fraying of the wires. Do not overload light strands or electrical outlets. Also keep in mind that miniature and LED lights produce less heat than larger ones and will reduce the drying effect on trees.

4. Keep it watered: Choose a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water and be sure to keep it full at all times.

5. Unplug your lights every night and when you leave the home. This will reduce the drying effect of lights and reduce the risk of the tree igniting unnoticed.

6. Take down the tree before it dries completely. A tree that is totally dry has needles turned a greenish gray and all needles and twigs break with a crack or crunch when crushed. In some tree species, you will see a needle drop but always do the crush test to be certain.

Top Causes of Commercial Water Damage in Putnam County

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your Carmel business from the common causes of water damage.

If you own a business in the Mahopac area, there a few common causes of water damage that you should be aware of. 

1. Broken pipes - In upstate NY, this is the number one cause of water damage in both residential and commercial buildings. Make sure that your pipes are not vulnerable to freezing and bursting and that your plumbing system is professionally maintained.

2. Sewage backups- If sewage backs up into your business, you can be faced with having to keep your doors closed during restoration. Make sure that you have your system inspected yearly.

3.Malfunctioning appliances - If you have a restaurant in the Brewster area, a refrigerator leak or dishwasher flood can cause significant damage. Keep your eyes open to the small signs of a leak such as floors that are lifting, small puddles and rust on the exterior of the appliance. Call your plumber at the first sign of a leak before it is too late.

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County to schedule your Patterson mold inspection

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Damp conditions plus organic matter makes basement floors under carpeting one of the most common areas that mold spores grow in Mahopac, NY homes..

Mold spores are not picky – they only require two substances to grow – water and food. Any organic matter can serve as food including wood, drywall, carpets and clothing. If you can reduce the moisture in your home, you will make it difficult for mold to grow.  

The SERVPRO of Putnam County team has inspected hundreds of homes with mold damage over the past twenty years.  We understand that mold spores exist everywhere and not all mold requires professional remediation. We also know that it is impossible to completely eradicate every mold spore. Naturally, mold spores live in balance with humans in a symbiotic relationship.  Our goal is to reduce mold down to acceptable levels.  

Contact your SERVPRO of Putnam County restoration professionals immediately after a water intrusion. Ignoring leaks or simply letting flood water recede are two of the most common reasons mold flourishes in a home. Investigate unusual earthy or musty odors in your home, including under cabinets and in walls. 
  
As part of our inspection process, our crew also counsels homeowners on how to reduce their mold risk. A home may require the repair of attic soffits or vents, the installation of exhaust fans, a slow leak repaired or a dehumidifier.   
  
If you see signs of mold, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 to schedule an inspection.

Putnam County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Putnam County Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Putnam County  will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 845-228-1090 

Smoke and soot removal in Brewster, NY

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can cause substantial damage to your Carmel home.

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

After a home fire has been extinguished, homeowner's are left with the aftermath. The flames have not only damaged the home, they have also left behind a layer of soot and smoke that is embedded in every exposed item.  Smoke and soot can create irritating odors, discolor walls or ceilings and even cause breathing issues if there is a high concentration of ash left over. 

Even a small home fire can cause a great amount of damage due to soot and smoke damage. We have arrived at jobs where a small kitchen fire may have caused minimal structural damage, yet smoke has managed to permeate items throughout the home and soot has covered every surface of the home.  In the pictures, the home doesn't show much damage, yet the clean up job is a big one.  

When called to a job in the Garrison, NY area, SERVPRO of Putnam County crew members have the expertise and equipment to properly treat all surfaces of ash and soot. Because ash can reactive negatively to certain cleaning agents, possibly causing permanent damage and toxic fumes, this is not a job that can be done with store bought cleaning agents. 

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we keep thermal foggers and other sophisticated odor removal equipment on hand to counter noxious smoke odors. We can reach into all parts of your Mahopac home, including inside floors and walls. We have a large production facility where we are able to take possessions off site and clean them while your home is being restored. 

Protect your home from fire damage in Mahopac, NY

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

While using a surge protector outlet strip is recommended, take caution not to overload them, as this can also be a home fire risk in Putnam County!

Experiencing a house fire is one of the most devastating experiences that our customers can go through. Although many fires cannot be avoided, there are some safety precautions that Brewster area homeowners can take to lower their risk.   

Install Surge Protectors in your home – Protect your home electronics and  install a surge protector. These devices prevent sudden surges from causing a fire. Use surge protectors wisely by not overloading them. Turning outlet strips off at night can also saves on electricity.  

Install smoke detectors where they are needed. Common sources of fire in the Connecticut area are the wood stove and fireplace as well as the kitchen. Install smoke detectors in these areas so that the fire doesn't have a chance to spread.  

Space heaters need space. A space heater needs 3 feet of clear space all around it in all directions, keeping it away from draperies, furniture, bedspreads, people, and pets. 

Home fires are the cause of death of approximately 3,400 people are killed in home fires or by burn injuries each year. The Putnam County community has experienced the devastation a home fire can cause. Please take care and follow our tips to keep your home and family safe. 

Protecting your Putnam County home from fire damage

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Check your smoke detectors regularly

October 9-15 is Fire Prevention Week- a time to make sure that your home has fire safety measures in place. In 2015, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. Every 86 seconds, one home structure fire was reported and every day, 7 people lost their lives to residential fires.  At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we have seen firsthand the devastation a home fire can cause.  

Many home fires are preventable with some forethought and care to minimize the risks. Among the common causes of home fires are leaving candles unattended, smoking and leaving unattended food cooking on the stove top.  Make it a habit to double check that the flame is out and properly extinguished when smoking or using candles. 

Electrical fires can start from overloaded outlets, equipment malfunction or overheated appliances. Clothes washers and dryers account for over 16,000 home fires each year.  We recommend that you check your dryer vent to make sure there aren't any blockages and clean your lint screen regularly.  

While lightning fires are not preventable, personal injury  from lightning can be. Unplug electrical appliances, avoid using plumbing fixtures  and do not use corded devices during thunderstorms.

Tragically, Christmas trees are one of the main causes of home fires. Take care to always keep trees well watered, do not use faulty Christmas tree lights and always turn off your tree at night. Try to avoid using a live tree in a room with a wood stove or near heat sources that will dry them out.

Here in upstate New York, many of us use alternative heat sources such as wood burning stoves and portable heaters. Take care to be sure that wood stoves are used properly and that wood is stored away from the stove and furniture and other combustible items are at least 3 feet from the stove. Portable electric heaters should also be kept 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains and bedding.  Additionally, do not leave a space heater on overnight or while sleeping. 

Despite taking preventative measures, home fires will still occur.  Be prepared with ways to minimize the damage and protect your family from injury. Smoke detectors should be on each floor of your home and in each bedroom. Test all smoke detectors regularly and replace detectors over 10 years old. Keep fire extinguishers on each floor of your home and make sure you know how to use it. Many newer homes are equipped with a fire sprinkler system. If you are building a home, having a system installed may be included in your mortgage.  Having rope or fire ladders on the second floor of the home can help family members escape. Make a family escape plan and rehearse it with your family.  

Taking these measures can help minimize the damage of a home fire and protect your loved ones. If you do experience a home fire in your Carmel home, please call us at (845) 228-1090. We specialize in fire damage restoration – from  cleaning soot, removing smoke smells and residue from personal items and cleaning up the secondary water damage rescue efforts leave behind.

Snowstorms cause water and fire damage in Mahopac, NY

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Raking the snow off of your roof will help you avoid ice dams, which can cause water and mold damage to your Brewster home.

Winter is around the corner and with it will come snowstorms in Putnam County. Before the storm, there are steps that you can take to lower the risk of damage to your home.  

1. 1. Check the shingles on your roof to ensure that they are not damaged and are properly installed. Damaged roofing shingles can allow water to enter your home through the attic, causing water and mold damage.  
2. Avoid ice dams by using a roof rake to clear snow off of your roof. Also make sure that your attic is properly insulated, as this will reduce the risk of ice dams, which can cause water damage to the interior of your home.  
3. If you have a woodstove or fireplace, have your chimney cleaned annually to reduce the risk of fire. If there is a power outage, heating your home will be necessary to avoid frozen pipes! 
4. Have an emergency supply kit which includes enough food, water and medicine for at least 5 days.  
5. If you have a generator, make sure you have extension cords handy and enough gas for several days. Generators should always be used outside of the home.  

Burst pipes, ice dams and chimney fires are some of the damage that can occur from snowstorms. Hopefully, by taking these few precautions beforehand, you can sit back and enjoy the snow! 

Avoid puffback's and soot in your Cold Spring, NY home this winter

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Having your oil burner serviced annually can help reduce the risk of a furnace puffback in your Kent, NY home.

Most of the leaves are on the ground in the Hudson Valley and we've all begun wearing layers. It's time to switch gears and settle in for the long, cozy New York winter.  Now is the time to take a few steps to ready your Carmel, NY home for the months to come.

Oil Burner Servicing - If you have not already done so, schedule an appointment  to have your oil burner serviced. This is recommended on an annual basis. Having the burner tuned up and cleaned of dust and grime that has accumulated improves system efficiency, which means better heating performance and lower heating costs. It also minimizes the risk of your oil burner requiring a major emergency repair in the midst of freezing temperatures. At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we respond to many homes each winter that have water damage due to frozen pipes caused by a malfunctioning oil burner.

Wood Stove and Fireplace Cleaning - Many of our customers heat their homes with wood or pellet stoves and fireplaces throughout the NY winter. These alternatives to oil heating provide what is often a more affordable source of heat. We recommend that you check your fireplace for any signs of excessive soot, cracks in the chimney and that your chimney cap is secure. Have your chimney swept annually to avoid soot buildup, or creosote. A blocked chimney can cause a  chimney fire, which is not always easily detected. These can spread quickly through the walls and roof of your home and result in massive damage to your home. A blocked chimney or a chimney with an improperly functioning flue can also  cause a buildup of carbon monoxide, putting those inside your home at risk. 

Prepare the outside of your home - Trim trees with branches that are low laying and may be an issue when covered with snow and ice. Snow and ice causes them to be heavy and possibly cause damage to your home during winter storms. Also, check your gutters to make sure they are free of leaves and debris so that they can function properly. If ice dams on your roof have been an issue for your Brewster  home in the past, consider installing roof heat cables that help snow and ice melt on your roof before causing water damage inside your home. 

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we are ready 24 hours a day to respond to your call. If you do experience a frozen pipe that bursts or a chimney fire or puffback this winter, call us at (845) 228-1090. 

When Storms or Floods hit Putnam County, SERVPRO is ready!

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Putnam County.

SERVPRO of Putnam County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

 When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Carmel community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Putnam County we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

http://www.SERVPROputnamcounty.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (845) 228-1090

Commercial Water Damage to Businesses in Southeast, NY

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Businesses in Putnam County cannot afford to stay closed due to water damage. Every day that your doors are closed is lost revenue. Water damage can be caused by a myriad of reasons. Weather related water damage from storms, burst pipes and flooding is the first thing that may come to mind however there are other causes of water damage to commercial buildings that SERVPRO of Putnam County responds to. 

Plumbing: Broken pipes that leak water- whether it be a trickle or a major release – cause water damage to businesses in the Brewster area. 

Malfunctioning appliances and equipment: Refrigerator supply line leaks and other mechanical failures in commercial kitchens are a common call we get. If the leak occurs while the restaurant is closed, there can be substantial damage before it is discovered.  

Outdated Sprinkler systems: If the sprinkler system in your building is older, it can malfunction and be set off when not needed, causing water damage. Have your sprinkler system checked yearly to prevent this.  

Sewage Line Damage: A damaged sewer line can cause a back up- leaving your business flooded with black water, which is a biohazard that causes significant damage. Tree roots can cause damage to your sewer line. If your Lake Carmel business is in an older building, the lines could also collapse due to age. And of course, clogs are a common reason for sewage line back ups.  

Don't let water damage close your doors for long. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 if you have a broken pipe that has caused leaking through your ceiling or your restaurants ice maker has leaked. We come out, work fast and do the job right to get you back in business! 

SERVPRO of Putnam County can clean your ducts before summertime!

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

With summertime rolling in and the weather warming up, many Brewster area homeowners will be turning the air conditioning switch on their wall to the "ON" position. Before you do so, call the SERVPRO of Putnam County office to schedule an appointment for your yearly duct cleaning.

Having your HVAC ducts cleaned on an annual basis is recommended. Ducts are the perfect area for dust, debris and other particles to collect. This can decrease the efficiency of your system and cost you money. Our team will also inspect your ducts for mouse droppings, mold and mildew. Cleaning these from your system will eliminate any potential health hazards that can result from the spores being part of the air circulation in your home. 

Give the SERVPRO of Putnam County office a call at (845) 228-1090 to schedule an appointment to have the HVAC ducts cleaned in your Garrison, NY home cleaned this spring. 

Protecting your Mahopac, NY home from water damage while you wait for help to arrive

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

It's always a shock to walk into a room of your home and discover water damage. Nobody is prepared to see their ceiling lying on the floor and water dripping everywhere. As soon as you have pulled yourself together, taking immediate action can reduce the permanent damage to your Mahopac, NY home. 

First, it is important to ascertain the type of water you are dealing with.  Water from sewage or flooding is considered black water because is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. If you have black water, stay clear of the area and allow SERVPRO to perform the clean up.  While waiting for the SERVPRO of Putnam County team to arrive, avoid all contact with water and items that have been contaminated. We also advise that you leave your air conditioning and fans off to avoid spreading contaminants in the air. 

Clean water is water from the rain or from a broken pipe, or other internal water source.  If you have damage from clean water, call your plumber  immediately.  It can be difficult to find a plumber who is   immediately available to respond to your water damage so prepare ahead!  Choosing and establishing a relationship with one of our fantastic local plumbers here in the Brewster area will go a long way in getting quicker service when you have an emergency. 

Your next step is to call SERVPRO of Putnam County– we are available 24/7 to respond to your call and the sooner we get to your home, the less damage there will be. 

If you have determined that it is safe to stay in the house, the first step you want to take is to turn off the water source. This can usually be found in your basement near the front wall or near the oil burner. While you are in the basement, turning off the electrical circuit breakers for the affected areas of the home. 

Place a bucket or garbage can under the leak to catch the water. If the ceiling is bulging or the leaking is widespread, piercing a hole in the sheetrock will allow the water to flow through one spot. A broom handle works well for this.  

Remove all items that are not yet damaged, such as wall art, computers, books and documents to a dry room.  Wipe down wood furniture and cover what cannot be moved if there is still a risk of water damage. Wet upholstery cushions and small area rugs can be propped up for drying.  

Large furniture such as tables and couches can be protected by placing the legs on wood blocks. Making a protective cup out of aluminum foil for the legs is a good substitute to wood blocks if they aren't available. 

You will want to call your home insurance company to report the claim. You can document the damage in your home by photographing damaged items and the water source itself. 

Although it can take a few days for the adjuster to come to your home, do not throw away any water damaged items. The adjuster will need to inspect them himself in order to give you compensation for replacement. Your adjuster might also recommend some items be restored by SERVPRO.  

Our office staff speak with hundreds of insurance adjustors a year and can help you with this sometimes overwhelming process.  If you wake up one day and have water dripping from your ceilings, take a deep breath and remember these steps. And don’t worry, SERVPRO of Putnam County will make it "Like it never even happened".

Making an insurance claim if you have water damage to your Southeast, NY home

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

No homeowner is prepared to see their home damaged by water. When a pipe bursts, a homeowner might walk in to their house to see the ceiling on the floor, water everywhere and personal possessions soaked with water. Although it is a traumatic scenario, quick action is paramount in reducing the damage. Calling a plumber, if necessary, and SERVPRO of Putnam County immediately are your first steps.  

Once help is on the way, call your home insurance company and report the event. Every insurance policy is different and offer a range of coverage. Many water damages are covered and allowing your insurance company to begin their work as soon as possible is beneficial to everyone involved.   
 
We recommend that you take photos of your home prior to any restoration work beginning if possible.  The adjustor can refer to them in their inspection if necessary. Do not remove or throw away any damaged items.  Try to stay calm and report all of the available information to the insurance company. 

Fully document any involvement of others. For instance, if your water damage was caused by a faulty new refrigerator or an upstairs neighbor's toilet overflowing, collect and report all of that to your insurance company.  If they determine a third party is at fault for the event, they may subrogate the claim.  

The SERVPRO of Putnam County office can help you in the process. We have over twenty years of experience in the water restoration business and communicate directly with your insurance company so that you have less to worry about. If at any time during the restoration process you have questions, call us at (845) 228-1090. Our office staff will have the answer for you! 

Inspect your roof for winter storm damage in Brewster, NY

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

As the winter has come to a close, it is time to attend to some of the damage winter storms have done to your home.  In particular, your roof may have taken a beating from all of the snow and wind. With the snow and ice having melted off of the roof of your Kent, NY home, now is a good time to inspect it for damages. 

Tree limbs. Check out the trees around your house. Look for any limbs that may be touching the roof. Tree limbs can reduce the lifespan of your shingles by scraping them.  Have tree limbs that are of concern cut back. This will also assist in inhibiting moss growth on your roof since the sunlight hitting the roof will dry out any moisture.  

Leaves, branches and evergreen needles Remove any that have accumulated on the roof. Mildew can form on your roof as a result of wet piles on the roof which hold moisture. You can use a roof rake or leaf blower to clear the roof.  

Inspect for mold –Mold, algae and fungi can eat away at your roofing material and in time cause leaks. There are products at a home improvement store formulated for exterior sanitation. We advise against using a power washer on roofs, as they can damage shingles.  

Ice dam damage – If you noticed icicles forming on your roof this winter, it's possible that you had ice dams. These can lift and damage shingles. Inspect roofing for any signs that water made it's way under the shingles.  

Gutter damage - Check to see if there are any missing or loose  pieces to your gutters and that they are sitting securely along the roofline. Also make sure that they are not clogged with leaf and twig debris.  

Missing shingles, chimney, and flashing -Winds from snowstorms can rip pieces off of your roof. Check for missing shingles and  flashing. Also inspect your chimney cap to make sure that it is in place and secure.  

Inspecting your roof now will reduce the likelihood of you discovering water or mold due to roof malfunction later on. If you do discover that a leaking roof has caused mold in your Putnam County home, call SERVPRO at (845) 228-1090.

Yorktown Heights Residents:  Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Putnam County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Putnam County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (845) 228-1090

Call us if your Brewster, NY business has a disaster!

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Time is essential in keeping your financial losses to a minimum and re-opening your doors when a water or mold emergency strikes your Cold Spring, NY area business. At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we use our twenty years of experience to get the job done fully and efficiently so that disruption to your business is minimal.

Call us immediately upon discovering a mold infestation or water damage at your business. Whether it be a Carmel shopping center in which mold behind a shared wall affected multiple businesses, a store under construction in Brewster with water damage due to a plumbing malfunction or an apartment complex in Mahopac in which a kitchen sink leak damaged 4 apartments, our team is specially trained and has the equipment to mitigate the damage. 

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090 immediately  if your business experiences a toilet overflow, leaking pipes or electrical fire. We are on call 24/7 and can respond to emergency and get your company back in business as soon as possible.

For Immediate Service in Garrison,NY, Call SERVPRO

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Cold Spring. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 –(845) 228-1090

Residential Services

Whether your Carmel, NY home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Brewster, NY commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our Commercial Services.

Mold Removal or Remediation?

4/17/2018 (Permalink)

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO of Putnam County professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same.

• Step 1: Call SERVPRO of Putnam County at 845-228-1091
• Step 2: Have one of our highly trained estimators come out for and inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
• Step 3: Call your local NYS licensed Mold Assessor and get a protocol for remediation.
• Step 4: Mold Containment
• Step 5: Air Filtration
• Step 6: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
• Step 7: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
• Step 8: Restoration

Signs of Mold? Call Today 845-228-1091

If you discover mold in the basement of your Brewster home

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

The basement is a place in the home that has the ideal conditions for mold growth. Basements are usually more humid than the rest of the house, have condensation and often have water leaks and seepage. Additionally, there is a lot of clutter in basements and they are not frequently visited, allowing mold to go unnoticed.  Follow these steps to reduce the risk of black mold in your basement.

1. Stop water from entering the basement: Mold cannot grow without moisture and can grow from even a small water leak. You can slope the land away from your home in order to redirect water if you notice leaks or puddling around the exterior.  Do an inspection of your gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are functioning and pointed away from the house. Consider having your Kent basement sealed to keep water out.  
2. Reduce the humidity: You can check humidity levels using a hydrometer. Check the levels seasonally, as humidity levels often rise in warmer weather.  Try to keep your humidity levels under 60% - with 30% being ideal. Using a home dehumidifier can effectively reduce levels. Many basements have a floor drain that can be used with a dehumidifier. Purchase a dehumidifier that is capable of draining the water vertically into a sink if your basement doesn't have a floor drain.
3. Organize your space: Love to store your unused items in the basement? Keeping your items organized and in plastic bins and off of the floor can help in reducing the risk of a mold infestation. Porous materials such as clothing, carpeting, books and cardboard boxes can dampen easily and be a perfect breeding ground for mold spores. We do not recommend carpeting in the basement if there is any moisture. 

 If you notice mold in your Garrison basement, call the SERVPRO of Putnam County office at (845) 228-1090. We can start the remediation process and make your home safe again

Fire damage causes smoke and soot damage to Putnam County, NY homes

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO of Putnam County team professionally removes smoke and soot from the walls of a Brewster homes after a kitchen fire

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

After a home fire has been extinguished, homeowner's are left with the aftermath. The flames have not only damaged the home, they have also left behind a layer of soot and smoke that is embedded in every exposed item.  Smoke and soot can create irritating odors, discolor walls or ceilings and even cause breathing issues if there is a high concentration of ash left over. 

Even a small home fire can cause a great amount of damage due to soot and smoke damage. We have arrived at jobs where a small kitchen fire may have caused minimal structural damage, yet smoke has managed to permeate items throughout the home and soot has covered every surface of the home.  In the pictures, the home doesn't show much damage, yet the clean up job is a big one.  

When called to a job in the Garrison, NY area, SERVPRO of Putnam County crew members have the expertise and equipment to properly treat all surfaces of ash and soot. Because ash can reactive negatively to certain cleaning agents, possibly causing permanent damage and toxic fumes, this is not a job that can be done with store bought cleaning agents. 

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we keep thermal foggers and other sophisticated odor removal equipment on hand to counter noxious smoke odors. We can reach into all parts of your Mahopac home, including inside floors and walls. We have a large production facility where we are able to take possessions off site and clean them while your home is being restored. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (845) 228-1090

We clean up mold in Mahopac homes and businesses

2/10/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in the home is typically a result of a water damage such as a leak or slow drip that is not discovered or properly cleaned up.

With all of the attention and media coverage about household  mold, and it's associated health risks, SERVPRO of Putnam County often fields phone calls from concerned homeowners who have discovered mold in their home. 

Unfortunately, the internet is full of misinformation on what is effective and safe mold removal - such as the misconception that bleach kills mold (it does not). While there are some cases where a small area of mold can be effectively cleaned by a homeowner themselves, we recommend  having a SERVPRO IICRC trained professional come and inspect your home.

Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet. A homeowner may have cleaned all visible evidence of mold from a hard surface yet not know the level of mold spores in the air and how it is affecting their home and their health.

Give us a call at (845) 228-1090
 if you spot mold in your Brewster, CT home. One of our mold specialists will come out to your house, survey the situation and give you an honest opinion of what action needs to be taken. 

Basement flooded? We're here to help.

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

The heavy rains and melting snow are resulting in flooded basements throughout Putnam County.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Brewster, NY basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (845) 228-1090

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Putnam County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (845) 228-1090

Ice dams on the roof of your Carmel home can cause water damage

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Icicles are a big clue that the ice is damming up on your roof and making it's way under your shingles.

Water damage due to ice dams is the reason for many of the calls we receive at our office in Brewster, NY. What causes ice dams and how can you avoid them from forming?

After a snowfall,  the roof over the attic of a home can get warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. This water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends in the unheated area beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, eventually becoming a mound of ice. As the water accumulates, it backs up under the shingles of your roof. In time, it will drip through your insulation and into the ceilings and walls of your home. 

Prevention of ice dams can be achieved by insulating your home properly, using heated cables and using a roof rake to clear snow off of the roof.  If an ice dam has already formed on your roof, you can rake your roof with a special tool to remove the snow as well as deice it as described in the link above.

If the ice has already started to melt into your home, call SERVPRO of Putnam County! The leaking water will cause wet insulation, wall studs and sheetrock, not only damaging your home but also creating an environment perfect for mold and mildew growth. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County's team is IICRC certified for water and mold damage and has the training required to mitigate the devastating effects water and mold can cause.  Call us any time at (845) 228-1090 if you discover water damage in your home. 

Follow our cooking safety tips this Thanksgiving!

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

From all of us at SERVPRO of Putnam County, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a day filled with family, parades, football and, of course, food! The kitchen is the heart of home, especially during the holidays when most of us in Putnam County are preparing a meal with many more recipes, in larger quantities and with more cooks in the kitchen than usual!  

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day also has the highest number of  home fires annually.  In 2013, Thanksgiving Day had 1,550 reported kitchen fires, which is  230% above the average number of fires per day. Keep these kitchen safety reminders in mind as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast! 

"Be on time"

With so many things on your "to do" list, guests coming and going and multiple items cooking, be sure to set timers so that you don't remember to take something out of the oven too late! (nobody likes their stuffing THAT dry!)

“Stand by Your Pan”

Have a designated cook in the kitchen at all times so that food is not left unattended. This is the most common source of kitchen fires. It only takes a moment for a kitchen fire to start and with a vigilant cook in the kitchen, catching it immediately is the key to avoiding the fire spreading. 

"If you fry, don't make it too high!"

The popularity of deep frying the turkey has soared (We at  SERVPRO of Putnam County haven't gone this route because we are traditionalists but we hear it's quite delicious!). An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and a partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot. Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire. Play it safe and fry your bird outside. 

"For grease fires, water makes it go higher!"

Never attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water or a wet towel. Water will cause the flames to flare up and spread quickly. Turn off the stove and cover the fire with a lid if it is safe to do so, thereby removing the oxygen from reaching the fire. Use a fire extinguisher, which should be stored in a convenient kitchen location (not hidden under the kitchen sink!) If you do not have a fire extinguisher, baking soda is also effective at putting out grease fires however you do need to use quite a bit of it. 

We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Fire Prevention Month - Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Month is "Every Second Counts- Plan 2 Ways Out".

Created to educate the public on fire safety, fire prevention month is observed during October to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The tragedy killed more than 250 people, left 100,000  homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. This month, SERVPRO of Putnam County will be sharing  information on fire safety.

This year, the theme for National Fire Prevention Month is "Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out".

• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

 If you experience a fire in the Brewster, NY area, SERVPRO of Putnam County is ready to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

#SERVPRO #LikeItNeverEvenHappened #HereToHelp #ReBuildingStories #FirePreventionMonth

Fire Prevention Week in Putnam County, NY

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Plan an escape route with your family during Fire Prevention week- have at least 2 ways out as exits are often blocked during house fires.

October 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week- a time to make sure that your home has fire safety measures in place. In 2016, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. Every 86 seconds, one home structure fire was reported and every day, 7 people lost their lives to residential fires.  At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we have seen firsthand the devastation a home fire can cause.  

Many home fires are preventable with some forethought and care to minimize the risks. Among the common causes of home fires are leaving candles unattended, smoking and leaving unattended food cooking on the stove top.  Make it a habit to double check that the flame is out and properly extinguished when smoking or using candles. 

Electrical fires can start from overloaded outlets, equipment malfunction or overheated appliances. Clothes washers and dryers account for over 16,000 home fires each year.  We recommend that you check your dryer vent to make sure there aren't any blockages and clean your lint screen regularly.  

While lightning fires are not preventable, personal injury  from lightning can be. Unplug electrical appliances, avoid using plumbing fixtures  and do not use corded devices during thunderstorms.

Tragically, Christmas trees are one of the main causes of home fires. Take care to always keep trees well watered, do not use faulty Christmas tree lights and always turn off your tree at night. Try to avoid using a live tree in a room with a wood stove or near heat sources that will dry them out.

Here in upstate New York, many of us use alternative heat sources such as wood burning stoves and portable heaters. Take care to be sure that wood stoves are used properly and that wood is stored away from the stove and furniture and other combustible items are at least 3 feet from the stove. Portable electric heaters should also be kept 3 feet from flammable items such as curtains and bedding.  Additionally, do not leave a space heater on overnight or while sleeping. 

Despite taking preventative measures, home fires will still occur.  Be prepared with ways to minimize the damage and protect your family from injury. Smoke detectors should be on each floor of your home and in each bedroom. Test all smoke detectors regularly and replace detectors over 10 years old. Keep fire extinguishers on each floor of your home and make sure you know how to use it. Many newer homes are equipped with a fire sprinkler system. If you are building a home, having a system installed may be included in your mortgage.  Having rope or fire ladders on the second floor of the home can help family members escape. Make a family escape plan and rehearse it with your family.  

Taking these measures can help minimize the damage of a home fire and protect your loved ones. If you do experience a home fire in your Carmel home, please call us at (845) 228-1090. We specialize in fire damage restoration – from  cleaning soot, removing smoke smells and residue from personal items and cleaning up the secondary water damage rescue efforts leave behind.

End of summer cleaning tips for Hudson Valley households

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Soaking your grill grates in vinegar eliminates much of the scrubbing and makes you end of summer cleaning chore go much quicker!

With our late September heat wave having passed, it's safe to say that summer is officially over. It's time for Putnam County families to clean out that minivan of the remnants of summer and pack it all away. 

• Musty beach towels: Oops! Were some towels left wet in the car? Wash them with hot water with detergent and a cup of vinegar in the wash cycle. This will remove the odor. Pack them in a space saver bag until next summer! 
• Muddy sneakers: Let the mud dry completely. Then take the shoes outside and bang the soles together to remove as much of the dried mud as possible. Using a solution of warm water and hand dishwashing liquid and an old toothbrush, scrub gently to remove the remaining dirt. For stubborn dirt marks, scrub with a nylon pad. Wipe with a damp sponge or damp paper towels. Stuff the tennis shoes with clean paper towels and let them air-dry. 
• Plastic outdoor furniture: By the end of the season, these are filthy and often have mildew on them. Clean with a mild detergent and water. For very tough stains, put on rubber gloves and wet a clean sponge or brush with a bleach mixture (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water), then wipe down the furniture. Scrub the stains until they disappear or won't fade. 
• Soiled outdoor cushions: Acrylic, polyester and cotton fabrics should be spot-cleaned by sponging with a solution of liquid dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse with clear water and air-dry. 
• Dirty plastic pool toys: Mix 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of warm water. Soak the prewashed toys for five minutes. Rinse and then air-dry. If the toys aren't used during the winter, store them in a closed container so they'll stay clean and dust-free. 
• The Grill: Warm soapy water and some elbow grease is needed to clean the grill. Once again, a soak in vinegar can also help the grates!

While we all are sad to see summer come to a close in the Brewster, NY area, who doesn't enjoy the crisp air, the sounds of leaves crunching under their feet and the cinnamon and apple smells that fall brings? Enjoy! 

Prepare your Putnam County business for hurricane season

9/21/2017 (Permalink)

Having an emergency preparedness kit in your Putnam County office space or business will help keep you in business during storm season.

Over the past month, we have experienced several major hurricanes affect the Unites States. Aside from the personal losses people have suffered, businesses have lost billions in damages. The impact of this – from lost revenue, employees going without work and the cost and effort involved in recovering from flooding is staggering. Business owners can't always prepare for every unexpected natural disaster but there are some precautions that can be taken to minimize the impact.  

The first step a business owner in Brewster should take is to determine whether you are in a high or medium flood area using a flood map.   Keep in mind, however, that even if you are in a low flood risk area, you are not immune to storm damage. After recent hurricanes Irene and Sandy, even towns as far north as Carmel and Mahopac experienced flooding and were without power for up to a week.  

It is essential for businesses to create an emergency contingency plan as well. This includes the protocol employees should follow during a storm and how to protect and shut down equipment safely. Remember to have a plan for how to secure your building as well, in case you are not able to go there for a few days due to blocked roads or power outages. An emergency preparedness kit on site is necessary in case employees cannot leave the business. It should include enough food, water, medical supplies and flashlights for several days as well as other essential items.

Prepare your Garrison business now so that you can get back in business quickly after a storm. We can help. If your business experiences  water or storm damage from a hurricane, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

Prepare your Putnam County business for hurricane season

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your Lake Carmel business from storm damage by calling SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is the perfect time for Brewster business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. Hurricanes have historically caused substantial damage to New York homes and businesses in September and October. Flooding, downed trees from wind and  the loss of electricity and heat are possible damages from hurricanes. 

“Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations,” said Sue Steen, SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. “A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, and emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.”

Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.

Protect your Kent, NY business from storm damage by calling SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090.

If you have a septic backup in Carmel, NY call SERVPRO at (845) 228-1090

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

If you have a septic backup in your Putnam County home, it is a biohazardous job that requires professional clean up.

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.  We specialize in sewage backups, crime scene, accident and animal waste clean ups, hoarding situations and chemical spills. Call us immediately at (845) 228-1090 if you have a biohazard situation.

While you are waiting for SERVPRO professionals to arrive, stay out of the affected areas. Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Treat any body fluids as though they could be comtaminated. We also advise that you turn off your HVAC system and do not use your household vacuum cleaner.

We strive to take the stress of cleaning up after a biohazard event off your hands and make the experience as easy as possible for our customers in Brewster, Carmel, Mahopac and the surrounding area. 

If you have water damage in Putnam County, take caution with wet appliances

7/28/2017 (Permalink)

Your TV doesn't need to be floating in order for you to be concerned about electric shock.Never handle any electronics after exposure to water damage.

When water damage strikes a home, it can be from a variety of reasons. At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we respond to homes that have water damage from burst pipes, flooding, toilet overflows and supply line leaks. Regardless of the cause, it is important to proceed with caution in a flooded home. In particular, be careful if you have wet electrical appliances in your home.  

Most likely there will be appliances and electrical devices such as T.V.'s and computers plugged in to electrical outlets in the wet areas of your home. Although it might be tempting to go in and "save" your laptop, keep your distance. You could suffer electric shock from water that you may not see in the appliance or outlet. Short circuiting electrical items also pose a fire hazard. We recommend that you go to your breaker and turn off the electricity to the affected areas, even if the area appears to be dry.  

Our experienced team have handled water damaged appliances and other electrical devices. Our office staff work with your insurance agency to determine which items can be restored and which need to be replaced. Call us at 845-228-1090 if you have water damage in your Lake Carmel home. With over twenty years of experience, we know which steps to take and when to take them in bringing your home from disaster to "like it never even happened".

Protect your Patterson home from water damage while you are on summer vacation.

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

If you come home from vacation to water damage from a supply line leak, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090

Summer is here and many Hudson Valley families will be going on vacation soon. Take the following steps to make sure that your return home doesn't result in a call to us! 

Make arrangements for someone to watch your house 

• Ask a neighbor or friend to be an emergency contact. 
• Leave written directions for alarm codes and any other information needed to care for your home care for your home. 
• To protect from intruders, a timer can be set on the lights to give the impression that someone is home. Either putting your mail on hold or having someone collect it also helps. 
• Do a walk through your house to make sure all windows are securely closed and locked. 

Protect against water and fire damage 

• Shut off your gas on appliances and the supply tank 
• Turn off the water valves to toilets, washing machines, sinks, and the dishwasher. 
• Unplug electronics to avoid a short that can start a fire 
• Test your smoke detectors 
• Keep your thermostat at a moderate temperature 

Clean up before you leave

• Dispose of your garbage prior to leaving on vacation. It can attract pests and create a foul odor in your home.
• Clean out your refrigerator of perishables
• Double check that all toilets are properly flushed.

Hopefully, by taking these steps you will avoid coming home to a flood or fire damage but if you do, call SERVPRO of Putnam County  at (845) 228-1090 to clean it up. 

Summer rains cause basement flooding in Southeast, N.Y.

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

Even the best prepared Hudson Valley homeowner can experience basement flooding with heavy rain. SERVPRO of Putnam County will dry it out!

Putnam County has experienced unusually heavy rains this summer! Along with the rain has come several calls from homeowners with flooded basements. Even Brewster, NY homeowners who tell us they have always had a dry basement are experiencing water in their basement. 

The source of the rainwater can come from many different sources including:
 

1. Water leaks in from the outside through a basement window  
2. Sump pump failure, which can cause water overflows from your sump pump crock  
3. Water seepage from cracks in your concrete floor or foundation  
4. A sewer system back up into your basement 

We have discussed in previous blogs the ways to protect your basement form flooding, including properly grading your lawn away from your home. Yet, floods can happen to even those who have followed all of the rules.

If your Mahopac, NY basement is flooded from rainwater or a sewage leak, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. We are available 24/7 and ready to respond to your water damage emergency.

Barbecue Safety in Putnam County, NY

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

Don't let your summer barbecue turn into a trip to the emergency room or a call to the fire department! Follow these safety tips to keep it safe.

It's grilling season and we have enjoyed taking the cooking outside. Unfortunately, over 7,000 Americans get injured while using their backyard grill each summer. If you plan to fire up the bbq at your Lake Carmel home this summer, follow these tips to keep it safe.  

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house, including areas with overhangs. 
2. Clean your grill regularly.  Grease is a major source of flare ups so clean your grill after each use.
3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough. 
4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Keep patio furniture, pillows and hanging baskets away from your grill, as they are highly combustible.
5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy.That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. 
6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. Make sure that you know how to use it! 

Don't: 

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. This can cause the gas to build up and explode when the lid is opened. 
8. Leave a grill unattended. No, this isn't the time to go prep the corn on the cob.
9. Overload your grill with food. In particular, fatty meats which can drip onto the flames and feed them, causing the fire to get out of control. 
10. Use a grill indoors. No size grill is safe indoors. Between the fire hazard and CO2, it's dangerous to your home and your health.

How to remove carpet stains in your Hudson Valley home

5/24/2017 (Permalink)

Living in a full house means carpet stains are inevitable. Call SERVPRO of Putnam County if these tips don't remove your stains.

In a well lived in New York home, carpet stains are unavoidable. Whether your dog runs through the house with muddy paws from all of the spring rain or your child spills a drink and forgets to tell you, wall to wall carpeting can sure take a beating.

While some carpet stains require a call to SERVPRO of Putnam County for a deep cleaning and stain removal, there are some tricks that you can try at home to remove small isolated stains.

We recommend that you resist the urge to scrub hard at stains and instead, gently blot the spot, work from the outside in, rinse with water and repeat. With all stain removal methods, first test in an inconspicuous area to make certain it wont further damage your carpet.

Stains that are water soluble such as food, juice, latex paint and soda can be removed with a simple solution of non bleach detergent and water.

Use a tablespoon of ammonia mixed with a cup of water to treat particularly difficult stains such as chocolate, coffee, tea and wine on non-wool carpeting. 

In order to remove oil or wax, place a paper towel on the carpet and iron it on a low setting. The oil will stick the towel!

Use ice to freeze wax or gum and then use a hammer to shatter it. Vacuum the pieces up immediately. 
 
Pet urine can be removed with a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar. After blotting that solution up, follow up with a gentle detergent and water solution and rinse. 
 
We all want to get as much life out of our carpeting as possible. Don't let small stains get you down! If you have carpeting that needs a thorough cleaning and has significant staining, call SERVPRO of Putnam County at (845) 228-1090. 

Water mitigation is not a DIY project in Putnam County, NY homes.

4/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County has the equipment and training to clean up water damage in your Mahopac home.

When a home has water damage, whether it be from burst pipes, a flooded basement or a refrigerator supply line leaking, many Garrison, NY homeowners consider whether they can clean it up themselves.  While it is possible for homeowners to safely clean up very minor water damage safely, most homes with water damage that we are called to require professional mitigation.   

Often, the water from flooding is contaminated. Sewage from a toilet overflow or septic malfunction can contain pathogens  parasites, bacteria and fungi that pose serious health risks. Floodwaters entering a home can contain chemical residues, animal feces and viruses. This type of water is classified black water and requires professional mitigation to protect the health of your family. 

Water from leaks easily becomes widespread as it makes it way behind walls, into carpets and padding and into ceilings. Although a carpet may feel dry, it's likely that mold spores have had the opportunity to grow. It only take 48 hours for mold to grow and all of the damp, porous materials such as sheetrock, insulation and wood are the perfect breeding ground for it to spread. This causes a situation where the home now requires mold remediation as well as water mitigation. 

Calling the SERVPRO of Putnam County office at (845) 228-1090 as soon as possible minimizes the losses to your home. We have twenty years of experience surveying Cold Spring area homes for structural damage – including what's behind the walls and under flooring. SERVPRO of Putnam County uses advanced water damage inspection and extraction equipment to help them find the moisture and to remove it as quickly as possible.  Our industrial fans and dehumidifiers ensure that the home is dry. We clean all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the water. We are adept at cleaning contents using a number of techniques. Our professionals are trained to provide sanitizing treatments and to remove odors and deodorize your property.

It's time to spring clean your Lake Carmel home!

3/31/2017 (Permalink)

Try this trick for those hard to clean window blinds!

I think it's safe to say that Spring has finally come to Putnam County! Six months of closed windows, snow being tracked in  and, for many of us, wood stove and fireplace dust accumulating has taken it's toll on our homes.   It's time to open the windows, let some fresh air in your home and spring clean.  Here we share some of our favorite house cleaning tricks. 

Floors – Move your furniture in order to get those spots that were missed all winter. Consider using a wood floor restoration product, which can be purchased at a local home improvement store, on your floors to give them a new shine! Carpets should be vacuumed and stains can be spot cleaned. The SERVPRO of Putnam County crew can come to your home and give your carpets a professional cleaning to give your carpets a fresh start. 

Ceiling Fans – Admit it, these probably haven't been cleaned since last year. Using a damp rag, wipe both sides of the fan to remove that layer of dust.  

Windows- These will need to be cleaned inside and out. Use a rag and soapy water, and then dry them with another rag. You can also go to an auto-parts store and buy a windshield squeegee, which cleans very well. Your window screens can be cleaned with a dry scrap of carpet, which works as a brush and removes the dirt from the tiny spaces! 

Window coverings should be cleaned as well. Drapes and curtains can be removed and put them through the air-fluff cycle in the dryer along with a wet towel (to draw off the dust) for 15 minutes. Hang them back in the windows immediately. 

Window blinds can be cleaned by placing a microfiber cloth on each side of a pair of tongs with a rubberband, dipping in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution and wiping each blind slat with the tongs.  

Faucets - If there is lime build up around your faucets, you can remove it with this trick.  Lay paper towels over the fixture, soak it with vinegar and let it set for an hour. The deposits will soften and become easier to remove with a cleaning rag. 

Your refrigerator most likely needs a scrub down as well. A very effective refrigerator cleaner is a combining  salt and club soda. The bubbling action of the club soda combines with the abrasive texture of the salt to make a great cleaner. 

If the showerhead in your bathroom is looking grimy and perhaps spraying unevenly, give a deep clean. Mix vinegar with water in a plastic baggy and secure it around your shower head with a twisty tie. Let the solution soak for 30 minutes and remove. You can follow up with a scrub a toothbrush to remove the remaining grime.  

Freshen your bed! Sprinkle your mattress with baking soda (you can add your favorite essential oil to it if you like a scent!). Let sit for 20 minutes and vacuum it up. On a nice sunny day, hang comforters and blankets outside to freshen up.

Getting your Carmel home ready for spring break!

3/14/2017 (Permalink)

Turning the water valves off in your Lake Carmel home will protect it from water damage.

Spring break is coming and many Brewster area homeowners will be going on a much needed vacation. March can be an unpredictable month for weather here in Putnam County – temperature's in the 60's one day, a snowstorm the next. Leaving your home prepared for any weather will ensure that it will be in good shape when you return! Here are some steps that we recommend you take if you are leaving your home vacant while on vacation. 

1. Turn off all your water:  

Turn off your water at the main source.  

Open up all of your faucets and drain the water lines.

Drain your toilets and close the valve on them as well.

Locate the valves for your exterior faucets and close them.  

Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine and all sinks  

2. Warm your pipes:  

Opening the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks will allow the warm air to circulate and keep them warm.

Purchase foam or rubber insulation for any exposed pipes from your local hardware store.

3.  Check appliance hoses: 

Inspect the hoses of your appliances- such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators. Check for any wear, kinks or damage that might affect their proper function. 

4. Close all windows properly: 

Check that all doors and windows are securely shut and locked. A rainstorm can do a lot of damage through a non-latched window. 

5. Clear your gutters and downspouts:

Clear your gutters of any potential blockages and take the time to make sure that your downspouts are still moving water at least 10 ft. from the home.  

6. Have a sump pump? Inspect it!  

If you have a sump pump for your Putnam County basement make sure that it is in working order. The last thing you want to do is come home to find your basement flooded. 

7. Unplug everything:

It's easy to do and can prevent fires. Unplug your electronic devices and small appliances.  

Check your fireplace and wood stove to make sure they are out and confirm that all ashes are removed from the home.  

8. Set your temperature:

 It's tempting to lower your temperature to save money but don't go too low! Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter) but which still protects your plants, pets and furniture. 

It's always a good idea to have a friend check on your Garrison, NY home while you are away. Make sure someone has your contact info and our number (845) 228-1090 in case there is water or fire damage while you are away.  

If you have a vacation planned this month, we at SERVPRO of Putnam County hope that you enjoy the sun and relaxation! 

Smoke and soot removal in Mahopac homes

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

Even a small kitchen fire can cause soot and smoke damage

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

After a home fire has been extinguished, homeowner's are left with the aftermath. The flames have not only damaged the home, they have also left behind a layer of soot and smoke that is embedded in every exposed item.  Smoke and soot can create irritating odors, discolor walls or ceilings and even cause breathing issues if there is a high concentration of ash left over. 

Even a small home fire can cause a great amount of damage due to soot and smoke damage. We have arrived at jobs where a small kitchen fire may have caused minimal structural damage, yet smoke has managed to permeate items throughout the home and soot has covered every surface of the home.  In the pictures, the home doesn't show much damage, yet the clean up job is a big one.  

When called to a job in the Garrison, NY area, SERVPRO of Putnam County crew members have the expertise and equipment to properly treat all surfaces of ash and soot. Because ash can reactive negatively to certain cleaning agents, possibly causing permanent damage and toxic fumes, this is not a job that can be done with store bought cleaning agents. 

At SERVPRO of Putnam County, we keep thermal foggers and other sophisticated odor removal equipment on hand to counter noxious smoke odors. We can reach into all parts of your Mahopac home, including inside floors and walls. We have a large production facility where we are able to take possessions off site and clean them while your home is being restored. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (845) 228-1090

Avoiding ice dams in your Cold Spring home or business

1/21/2017 (Permalink)

Ice dams can cause damage behind the walls of your home

Water damage due to ice dams is the reason for many of the calls we receive at our office in Brewster, NY. What causes ice dams and how can you avoid them from forming?

After a snowfall,  the roof over the attic of a home can get warm enough to melt the underside of the layer of snow on the roof. This water trickles down between the layer of snow and the shingles until it reaches the eave of the roof, which stays cold because it extends in the unheated area beyond the side of the house. There, the water freezes, eventually becoming a mound of ice. As the water accumulates, it backs up under the shingles of your roof. In time, it will drip through your insulation and into the ceilings and walls of your home. 

Prevention of ice dams can be achieved by insulating your home properly, using heated cables and using a roof rake to clear snow off of the roof.  If an ice dam has already formed on your roof, you can rake your roof with a special tool to remove the snow as well as deice it as described in the link above.

If the ice has already started to melt into your home, call SERVPRO of Putnam County! The leaking water will cause wet insulation, wall studs and sheetrock, not only damaging your home but also creating an environment perfect for mold and mildew growth. 

SERVPRO of Putnam County's team is IICRC certified for water and mold damage and has the training required to mitigate the devastating effects water and mold can cause.  Call us any time at (845) 228-1090 if you discover water damage in your home. 

Carmel Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

11/29/2016 (Permalink)

This Yorktown Heights home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains. 

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Brewster, NY basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (845) 228-1090

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Putnam County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (845) 228-1090

Faster to your Brewster, NY Water Damage Event

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Peekskill, NY

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Putnam County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Putnam County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (845) 228-1090

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Putnam County

SERVPRO of Putnam County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. 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.

Responding to Sewage Backup in your Putnam County home

9/18/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Putnam County is ready to respond to your sewage backup

It's happened to many of us. A simple flush of the toilet and suddenly your Carmel home is flooded with sewage. Biohazardous contamination from toilet or sink overflow is a common call we get here at SERVPRO of Putnam County  

A sewage backup can be caused by several different reasons- from a clogged main sewer line to tree roots that have caused damage to your lines, causing holes and damage. Usually, homeowners are not aware of such problems until it's too late.  

Because pathogens found in sewage water can lead to unhealthy and dangerous consequences if left untreated in a home or business, we recommend that you contact us for an inspection as soon as possible. When we arrive at a your home or business to mitigate a sewage situation, we first determine which of the three types of contaminated water we are dealing with in order to create an action plan. We have the protective clothing, equipment and expertise to mitigate the situation and make getting your home a clean and safe environment once again. 

We specialize in biohazard cleanups

6/28/2016 (Permalink)

Need Biohazard Cleanup Services? Call Us Today – (845) 228-1090

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

SERVPRO of Putnam County is trained to safely remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.  We specialize in sewage backups, crime scene, accident and animal waste clean ups, hoarding situations and chemical spills. Call us immediately at (845) 228-1090 if you have a biohazard situation.

While you are waiting for SERVPRO professionals to arrive, stay out of the affected areas. Flood water can contain sewage, pesticides, and other contaminants that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Treat any body fluids as though they could be comtaminated. We also advise that you turn off your HVAC system and do not use your household vacuum cleaner.

We strive to take the stress of cleaning up after a biohazard event off your hands and make the experience as easy as possible for our customers in Brewster, Carmel, Mahopac and the surrounding area. 

Tips for Air Conditioning Efficiency

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Putnam County (845) 228-1090 to have your ducts inspected.

School is out, the beaches are filling up and the smell of barbeque is filling the air. Summer is here, Putnam County! There is so much to enjoy in the summer except for those high air conditioning bills!  Thankfully, there are some preventative measures you can take to lower your electric bill this summer. 

Exterior Inspection: We recommend doing an inspection of the area around your air conditioning unit and clear the area of brush and weeds that have grown in or gathered there. This will ensure that your air conditioning unit will get enough air to cool the house and keep unwanted brush from entering the ac unit.

Inspect Filters: Inspect your filters to determine whether they need to be replaced. As a rule of thumb, filters should be replaced every season. Dirty filters will increase energy usage and affect air quality in the house.

Check Freon Levels: If your freon levels are low, it could indicate a leak, which can lower efficiency and decrease the lifespan of the air conditioner compressor. 

Have your Ducts Inspected: Call SERVPRO of Putnam County (845) 228-1090 to have your ducts inspected. Having your air ducts cleaned by our professionals will increase the efficiency of your system. 

We hope these tips help you stay cool and save money this summer, Putnam County!

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your Putnam County Home

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

We are an IICRC Certified Firm

SERVPRO of Putnam County is an IICRC 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. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• 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.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree 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.

About SERVPRO of  Putnam County

SERVPRO of Putnam County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are 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.

Meet Our Crew

The crew >