How to Prevent Sewage Backup

3/21/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford!

How to Prevent Sewage Backup

Any water damage in your home is bad. But trying to clean it up yourself can be a disaster. Especially when the water is from a toilet overflow, sewer backup or other dark water source that contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect your health and the value of your property. Here are some tips to help prevent a sewage backup in your home.  

• Regularly inspect and maintain all the pipes and valves on your property
• Keep the drains “clean” – don’t flush napkins, tissues, diapers, and other waste down the toilet and avoid disposing of grease down the kitchen drain (grease and fat can harden within the plumbing and collect debris to create a clog)
• Avoid planting trees directly above or near sewer lines
• Have a sump pump in good working condition
• Have a backwater valve installed on the lowest drain line and keep the sewer clean-out in your yard accessible

Do's and Don’ts of Vandalism Damage

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Graffiti spray pained in stairway

Do's and Don’ts of Vandalism Damage

Has your home or business suffered from vandalism? Here are some quick do's and don'ts of the possible damage vandals may have caused.

Do:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery
• Save containers which reveal the ingredients of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints

Don't:

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances
• Discard furniture wood chips, broken pieces from porcelain, furniture or art objects

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford understands your discomfort finding a place damaged by vandalism. Take comfort in knowing that when you call our office, our team will restore your property back and make it "Like it never even happened." 

So, give us a call today at (914) 358-9000 or email us with questions at SERVPRO9937@jdcrestoration.com

And remember, SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford is faster to any size disaster! 

Crime Scene, Biohazard, and Vandalism

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Person spray painting a wall

Crime Scene, Biohazard, and Vandalism

Our SERVPRO team here at Tarrytown/Elmsford are trained to safely and effectively clean bio-hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations.

Anything that is a risk to human health or the environment arising from biological work, especially with microorganisms is Bio-hazardous. With Vandalism, like graffiti for example; Governments see graffiti as a negative externality because it largely inhibits or detracts from the beautification of a local community. Considering the great cost graffiti incurs on local communities, governments take the burden of the negative externality, through removal. Due to the nature of graffiti, it is near impossible to eliminate, despite changes to legislation to increase the fine for committing such offences. With Crime Scenes; Crime scene cleaners specialize in cleaning and sanitizing homes, businesses, and vehicles traumas while demonstrating compassion toward those receiving services.

As “second responders,” our #1 goal is to help families recover by relieving them of the burden of cleanup and return to them a home that is completely clean and sanitized.

Methamphetamine Labs

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Meth Lab

SERVPRO of Tarrytown/Elmsford realizes many of the chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs such as methamphetamine are volatile and can leave harmful residues throughout a structure. 

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals follow federal and state guidelines to properly clean all surfaces. According to Occupational Health & Safety, cleaning up meth labs can be dangerous as well.

Chemicals, such as ammonia and hydrochloric acid, can be found in such high amounts that they can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. Meth is made from many poisonous and harsh chemicals that, when combined, can release toxic fumes. They can even ignite, causing huge fires and explosions. In some cases, the residue may be dumped outside, which can cause damage to water and the environment. The harsh liquids can cause stains and damage to houses as well.

Vandalism

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

graffiti on walls

Vandalism is an action involving deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. Vandalism is a broad category crime that is used to describe a variety of behaviors. Generally, vandalism includes any willful behavior aimed at destroying, altering, or defacing property belonging to another. Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.  Governments see graffiti as a negative externality because it largely inhibits or detracts from the beautification of a local community. Considering the great cost graffiti incurs on local communities, governments take the burden of the negative externality, through removal. Due to the nature of graffiti, it is near impossible to eliminate, despite changes to legislation to increase the fine for committing such offences.

Blood-borne Pathogens

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Biohazard red sign

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove and dispose of bodily fluids, tissue and other potentially pathogenic substances resulting from accident, trauma, crime or death.

Trained SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean, disinfect and deodorize the structure. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens. In order to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, an employer must implement an exposure control plan for the work site with details on employee protection measures. The plan must also describe how an employer will use engineering and work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, employee training, medical surveillance, hepatitis B vaccinations, and other provisions as required by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Harmful waste DO's and DON'TS

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Yellow Caution "potential biohazard present" sign

SERVPRO is a Franchise company with over 38 years of leadership. Our track record of results has earned us trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon. 

SERVPRO Franchise professionals are a team of specialists, trained to professionally clean your home and personal Belongings. 

What Can the Costumer do before there is any professionals around to help? SERVPRO has some tips for you. 

Harmful Waste DO'S

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening. 
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated

Harmful Waste DON'TS 

• Attempt cleanup of any time. 
• Touch or handle items that might contaminated with bodily fluids. 

These Emergency Tips will assist you in taking the proper action until your SERVPRO Franchise Professional arrives. Follows DO's and DON'TS to reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.