Avoid Frozen Pipes!

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

When temperatures fall over the coming months, most people tend to think of ice in respect to skating. However, when it comes to the water pipes in your home, this frosty dilemma can be far from enjoyable. With temperatures dropping below 32 degrees this winter, it is more important than ever to keep the pipes in our homes from becoming frozen.

When water freezes the molecules expand, meaning that pipes can often burst or become damaged in some way. Here are a few tips to help prevent these icy issues. First, homeowners should always keep the heat on, and use extra insulation or heating in colder rooms. It's also recommended to drain water from outside pools and hoses as well. If you experience any type of water disaster this winter, SERVPRO is here to help with any restoration service you could need!

Washing Machines, a water damage culprit.

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Oftentimes we turn on our washing machines and walk away without thinking twice. However, machines that have not had their water level, pressure switch, or inlet valve checked are subject to overflowing and causing serious water damage surrounding the machine that can be tedious to recover. Unattended water damage on flooring and dry wall can lead to further damages with mold and odor that can be costly.

Luckily, there are a few things you as a home or business owner can do to prevent washing machine overflow. The first step would be to check and replace the hose to improve water flow to your machine. Leaky hoses can worsen the damage without being detected making them a leading culprit in water loss. Make sure to find the right size hose as per the manufacturer and disconnect the hot and cold water before replacing. Another preventative measure you can take is replacing a faulty pressure switch. Having the correct amount of pressure to your washing machine is key, so checking your pressure switch will prevent future overflows. Finally, make sure to check the water inlet valve. If you’ve checked the hose and the pressure, your final stop should be the water inlet valve which controls the water flowing in and out of the machine. These can be easily replaced by a professional or yourself.

Water damage is unpredictable but can be prevented. Routine check ins on each component of your washing machine will prove to benefit you greatly in the long run. If you should come across water damage, SERVPRO will be ready to assist you in restoring that space and ensuring it is dry to prevent secondary damage.

Tips can be found at https://fixappliances.ca/washing-machine-repair/how-to-fix-washer-overflow/

Noticing Water Damage? Don't Wait!

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

First Steps to take after noticing water damage:

After locating water damage in your home or business, you might not be aware of how dangerous it is to ignore the problems you find. Even with just a little moisture trapped in your property significant issues can develop that compromise the structural integrity, or staining and decomposition of surface materials.

With the help of a trained professional, you can defeat the water damage to your property at first notice of loss. SERVPRO can provide quality personnel, advanced equipment, and access to resources you likely do not have on your own. This gives you a better opportunity to protect your home or business.

Within days, unknown water intrusions can do major damage that you cannot see. 

Water trapped in your walls can cause severe damage to untreated framing materials, insulation, and lead to corrosion, rot, and mold growth. You should always assume wherever water damage occurs, or a leak happens, that mold growth is not so far away. SERVPRO can send IICRC-industry certified technicians to your home or business that understand how water and mold act, giving you a plan of action that helps you take care of even the worst problems.

With trained technicians nearby, our Team can respond to emergencies within 4 hours of a call. Whether you have a faulty appliance, damage caused by leaky or broken pipes, weather-related water problems, or something as terrible as a flood, we can help.

Advantages of catching water damage early:

Failure to attend to water damage can lead to mold growth, electrical hazards, and cause costly losses to your property. The longer water sits the more likely building materials will need to be replaced vs. dried and restored to preloss condition.

It is vital for any home or business owner to act within 48 hours from the time the water event took place.

When our technicians arrive at your property to address water damage, we immediately do a site inspection. With the help of specialized devices, we are in a position to determine the magnitude of the problem. By using moisture meters and infrared cameras, we can detect any hidden moisture in ceilings, walls, and floors. The inspection also helps us to find out salvageable contents, items that need replacement. With all these details, we formulate an appropriate restoration plan.

Water Extraction and Dehumidification Process:

During the water extraction process, our team can use pumps and truck-mounted systems to remove deep standing water. If water has gone through your carpet or padding, we can lift it and dry it separately or discard it when necessary. After removing the water through extraction and drying the site, there are chances of the structure having high humidity. When the humidity is high, there are chances of secondary water damage -like mold growth - taking place once condensation takes place. To prevent that, we perform dehumidification with the help of Desiccant Dehumidifiers and Refrigerant Dehumidifiers.

Our Team is ready to assist homeowners with professional water damage restoration, cleaning, and deodorization services you can trust.

Call our office today for questions or services. Our Team is here to help!

Water Damage and the Benefits of Using Trained Industry Professionals

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

A water loss to your home or business can come on very unexpectedly from various sources. From home appliance failure like your dishwasher, washing machines or water lines to your fridge.  Rain, flooding and burst pipes can cause water to come through the foundation, exposed areas from storm damage and in many cases can be hidden behind walls.  Regardless of where the water comes from, these types of issues are never convenient and can be very stressful for any home or property owner.

SERVPRO of Broome County East, SERVPRO of Broome County West, SERVPRO of Tompkins & Tioga Counties and SERVPRO of Elmira/Chemung County & SERVPRO of Watkins Glen/Schuyler County is here to help with all of your water mitigation and restoration needs. A trained water technician can assist in locating the cause or source of the loss and put together a drying plan. Wewill communicate with both the insurance provider and the owner of the property, insuring transparency as they document the entire process.

Documentation by a trained SERVPRO technician is crucial to the recovery process. SERVPRO’s documentation process helps record all damage to the property, potential losses to contents or inventory and advises on the expected time frame for the drying process.

If you experience a water loss at your home or business, rest assure that SERVPRO will put you on the path to recovery. Call your local franchise today at 607-722-2262.

Sewage Damage and Your Property

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Sewage damage resulting from a blocked drain in your home or business can be pretty stressful. Blocked drain lines will cause a toilet to back up, as well as obstructed vents which can also cause water from the toilet to drain slowly. In fact, vent problems can contribute to drain blockages, as can tree roots and a septic system in need of servicing. Home or businesses using main sewer lines can also become backed up and cause serious damage inside the home or business.

If you have a backup of sewage or sewage water in your property it will be important to contact your plumber to fix the problem with your drains. The backup can occur in any drain- toilet, sink, and shower.  If you don’t have a plumber on hand, you can call our team and we can help coordinate a preferred plumbing vendor of ours if needed. SERVPRO’s role will be to assess the damage at hand and provide the necessary cleanup services to your property to make it a healthy and safe environment once again.

Sewage damage is considered a Category 3 water loss, which is grossly contaminated water that can potentially cause harm to people or animals that come in contact with it. Sewage damage isn’t always how it appears, at times Cat 3 water looks clear, but is actually highly contaminated. Strong odors typically come hand in hand with sewage back up, and may even be the first sign there is an issue with your drains.

If you have standing sewage, or water of any kind wreaking havoc to your home or business, call in our SERVPRO team of professionals and we will be there to make it "Like it never even happened."

Leaking Water Heater? What to do next.

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Common causes of water losses in a home are related to appliance malfunction. One of the most common we see are leaking water heaters. Water damage can be minimal or extensive to affect floors, baseboards, and wicking up the walls near by. Many times if the water heater is located in an area that is not seen every day, the unknown leak can cause even more havoc.

Here is what you can do if you discover a leaking a Hot water heater.

Examine the Unit
Puddles in the basement of your home can form for a variety of reasons so be sure to take a close look at your unit to be sure that a leaking water heater is the source of the problem. Be sure to check:

• Pipes above and around the puddle
• Nearby floor drains
• Cracks in walls or floors

Disconnect Power
An electric water heater can be turned off easily by flipping its designated circuit breaker switch to the off position. A gas version will have an on/off switch on its exterior.

Turn Off the Water Source
It is important to get the water supply turned off as quickly as possible. Most water heaters will have a valve located above them. If you cannot access the valve safely, you may need to turn off your home's main water supply instead.

Clean Up
If it is just a small leak quickly found, this could be cleaned up with a mop or towels.  For a large leak or a long-term leak that has just been discovered, be sure to contact specialists trained in repair to ensure a thorough cleanup. Quick and proper cleanup is important to avoid secondary damage such as mold and mildew. A trained SERVPRO Professional can assist with moisture readings, extensive cleanup and proper care of your property.

Free Moisture Checks by SERVPRO

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

When excessive moisture goes unchecked, it can cause significant damage, allow mold growth and even weaken structural material. Moisture can be absorbed by many different materials which can provide perfect fertile ground for mold to flourish or even pests to nest in. The most typical place for mold to grow and go unnoticed is in the basement of a building. Water usually runs to the lowest available ground, which means basements are the ultimate destination for water to pool, especially after a major flooding event. So, you’re probably wondering how we check for moisture without ripping everything out? Luckily for you and your structure, we have three different moisture meters.

The first is a pin-type meter. This type uses the principle of electrical resistance to measure the moisture content in materials by measuring the conductivity between the two pins.

The second type is a pin-less meter. This is a non-destructive measurement of moisture in wood and other substrates, such as concrete. These meters are commonly used to determine moisture content on a relative scale of 0-100% in concrete subfloors and flooring prior to laying a wood floor or other decorative flooring surface. These types are also commonly used for identifying moisture buildup behind bathroom/shower tiles, under vinyl flooring and other finished surfaces.

The all in one meter offers the option to measure moisture content in substrates using both pin/pin less methods. Because of this, one meter may be able to identify problem areas & then also e used to pin point the exact location where moisture damage or build-up is occurring.

Call SERVPRO of Broome, Tompkins & Tioga Counties and SERVPRO of Elmira/Chemung County & Watkins Glen/Schuyler County at 607-722-2262 for your FREE moisture reading!

Protect You Property from the Threat of Water

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. Here are some water damage response tips for clean water situations.

• Shut off the water source if possible, and if it can be done safely.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion covers in the washing machine.
• Place aluminum foil or wooden blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove oriental or other colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Do not use a regular vacuum to remove water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of areas where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpeting.

Don’t forget to call SERVPRO for any questions or if you need assistance. There are things you can do to prevent further damage, but we are here for the full scope of work when you need us!

Moisture Control

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

At least 45 million buildings in the US have unhealthy levels of mold, and mold destroys more woods than all the fire and termites combined. Mold can grow on virtually any type of substance as long as moisture, water, oxygen, and an organic source are present. They can gradually damage building materials and furnishings if left unchecked and cause structural damage to a wood-framed building, weakening floors and walls.

Mold needs moisture to grow, so it’s important to prevent excess moisture. Moisture problems in buildings can be linked to leaky pipes, roof damage, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or an unvented combustion appliance. Even delayed, improper or insufficient maintenance of HVAC systems can result in elevated humidity levels inside a building.

Moisture control is the key to control mold, so any initial water infiltration should be stopped and cleaned promptly. A quick response (within 24-48 hours), thorough clean-up, and removal of damaged materials prevent and limit mold growth. Simply killing the mold is not enough. Since the chemicals and proteins are present even in dead mold, it’s essential that the mold be removed.

Luckily, SERVPRO of Broome County, Tompkins & Tioga Counties, and SERVPRO of Elmira/Chemung County & Watkins Glen/Schuyler County are your trusted and certified mold remediation specialists.

Give us a call for a free estimate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 607-722-2262.

Local flood alerts: stay tuned!

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Car flooding

This month marks the National Weather Safety's (NWS) Annual Flood Safety Awareness . The National Weather safety will be teaming with NOAA and FEMA to provide awareness and safety to help prepare America for the single most damaging water related event. For those who are not aware The NWS is America’s Hero, providing support efforts and important prevention information to those at risk of experiencing the effects of a disaster from sea to shining sea. Similar to SERVPRO, The NWS exists to provide one sole purpose. To provide support and relief to those we serve.

Flood preparedness is not optional when living here in the Southern Tier. Our long term residents know firsthand the disastrous effects of Flash Flooding. Within the last decade we have experienced two catastrophic floods, the first in 2006 and the second in 2011. The flood caused from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 forced 20,000 (NY Times) residents to evacuate their homes and find refuge outside the flood zone. Local University SUNY Binghamton even housed 1,700 residents displaced from their homes in its events center and used it’s west gym as a medical emergency unit, caring for 100 critically injured flood victims (NY Times). Unfortunately flooding is too common and unpreventable by the residents. Because they are guaranteed to happen and unpreventable in nature, being prepared for such an event is absolutely critical. SERVPRO will be here for relief efforts after the event, however it is your responsibility to ensure that when a flood does strike that you are not caught without a plan.

Knowledge is power. Binghamton’s National Weather service has dedicated each day this week to a different flood related topic.

We highly recommend that you educate yourself on the different topics. Here’s the “sparknotes” version: but reading the full piece could literally be a matter of life or death come the time of an emergency.

Prepare: Know what you’re up against

Flooding Hazards that affect Broome County of New York State:

-Flash Floods

-River Flooding

-Snowmelt

-Tropical Systems and Coastal Flooding

Be Aware: Stay Informed

Use resources to always be aware of what the conditions are around you.

Final words from SERVPRO:

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”- Benjamin Franklin

SERVPRO Scientists; The science of drying

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Commercial Building

Flooding is common. Especially in Upstate NY. We’ve seen our fair share of epic floods in 2006 and 2011. That’s why SERVPRO of Broome, Tompkins and Tioga Counties is certified when it comes to our drying techniques. The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. We know your first inclination is to grab the roll of paper towels and a fan, but that could create secondary damages. That’s when you know to call in the SERVPRO team.

When your business is facing water damage, our certified professionals will

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening

• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly

• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment

Your local SERVPRO professionals (US!) specialize in water damage restoration. We use the very latest technology to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Signs of a water damage

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Water leak in ceiling

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. In order to protect that investment, you should be aware of the following signs for household problems and address them before they get worse.

One of the biggest problems to a homeowner is water damage. If left unattended, water damage can deteriorate the structure or cause secondary damage, including mold growth. Here are some things to look for:

1. Floor damage
No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will show signs of water damage. For tile and wood, look for cracked, buckling or warped flooring. When it comes to carpet, look for damp spots or the smell of mold and dampness.

2. Stains
Water stains on the floor, as well as stains on ceilings and walls, are some of the most obvious signs of water damage. Cracks in the drywall may suggest an issue. Peeling paint is another sign of water within wall cavities.

3. Inspect Outdoors                                        Check the exterior of your house. Look for pools of water that can signify poor drainage, or leaky rain gutters. Any of those issues could threaten the foundation of your house. Common signs of water damage on the roof may include pools of water; cracked, curled or missing shingles; or broken flashing.

4. Rust and Mold
Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor. A rusted tank could indicate a slow leak. When water stagnates, mold and bacteria can grow, producing a musty, unpleasant smell. 

Being aware of these signs are the first step to being prepared. If you see any of these signs in your home, get the issue taken care of, before it worsens. If you need assistance with moisture readings, or visual inspections, we are here to help 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Call your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional (607) 722-2262.

Know the Flood Terms

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

Flood Watch

During a local emergency, it can be challenging to stay up to date on the terms being used for flooding.

Learn the terms listed below so you know what level of preparedness you should take.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash Flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flood Warnings: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

Flash Flood Warnings: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. 

Floods are ranked as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets or in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is potential for suffering flood damage. According to the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program), houses in the United Stated have a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30 year mortgage. 

Be prepared, be alert and know the terms!

If you experience a flood situation in your home or business, your local SERVPRO franchise professionals can help. We are available 24 hours a day to serve you when the need, or the water rises. Call us today to learn more! (607) 722-2262

Is a Water damage an Emergency?

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage in office setting.

Having a water damage in your home or business is a very stressful situation. Many things can go through your mind, but how do you know if it is an Emergency? If no one is injured, then by definition it is not considered a "true" emergency and 911 usually does not need to be called.

However, it could still be an emergency in regards to your property. The longer that water sits on the building materials, the more possibility there is that secondary damage will occur. Water can seep into wall crevices and down through the floors below. If it is not cleaned up and dried out properly, then the potential for mold growth is high. 

If you walk in and see water pouring into your home or business, step 1 is to find the main water shutoff, and to shutoff the water.

Also be very aware of these other things that may be affected and could be a potential hazard, such as the Electricity supply, Gas supply, Water damaged electrical appliances, Contaminated water (gasoline, chemicals, etc.) or Structural damage.

So if you don't call 911, who do you call?

• Local SERVPRO Restoration professionals
• Insurance Agent
• Insurance Company 

We work hand in hand with your insurance company to act fast, so we can get your home or business back to normal. We are available 24 hours a day to address these water emergencies. When it comes to water damage, don't take chances. Call your local SERVPRO franchise professionals and get the damage taken care of the right way, the first time.

Visit our website for more information on Water Damage Restoration and how we can help.

www.SERVPRObroomecounty.com 

Understanding Ice dams

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Ice Dam on residential roof

What is an ice dam? An ice dam is an ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs of heated buildings that results from melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eave and freezing there.

When winter weather hits, you must take additional steps to keep your home in good shape. If an ice dam forms, your roof could leak. Here are a few things you need to know about ice dams.

When temperatures are low, these dams don’t cause much trouble. When roof temperatures rise, however, melted water pools behind the dam. As you may suspect, this water can seep under your shingles and into your home. If you have a problem with ice dams, your home could sustain significant water damage to the following building materials:

• Shingles
• Rafters
• Decking
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Ceilings

As you can imagine, the longer this goes unnoticed, the more damage it will cause. So what can you do about it?

If you have an attic, seal it off so heat cannot get in. If the roof can stay cold, then the ice will stay frozen. Check your insulation to see if it is doing it's job, if it isn't, it may be time to get new insulation. Also make sure the space is well ventilated by adding vents.

If you do notice damage in your home caused by ice dams, act quickly and get it cleaned up by a SERVPRO restoration professional. Mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours, so timely response is crucial to ensure safe living.

By understanding what ice dams are, you are already on your way to being more prepared should a situation occur.

If you do experience a situation where we can assist you, please don't hesitate to call us as your local SERVPRO franchise. We are always available and happy to help!

Commercial Water Loss: Assisted Living Facility

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment set up

Our Commercial Large Loss Division responded to a water loss that occurred at a senior living facility. The loss occurred due to a severe broken pipe in an elevator shaft on the 7^th floor of the building. This caused the elevator to flood, and flood all the floor levels in between. Ceiling tiles fell from each ceiling as they were soaked with water; walls and flooring were saturated, and resident rooms had water damage throughout.

This situation needed to be dealt with immediately in order to insure the safety of residents and to insure the building could be salvaged before secondary damage such as mold set in. Our client responded quickly and called in SERVPRO who they knew could help. 

Having a plan in place and knowing what to do and who to call following a disaster is vital to any commercial loss. Having a plan can minimize business interruption and unnecessary secondary damage.  

Our Team was ready to assist with the management, skilled man power, & equipment and resources needed to handle this size multi-level commercial water loss. 

Our Local franchise is ready for what you need, no loss is too large or small. 

How do you determine the type of Water loss?

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Water Damage Categories

When it comes to a water damage in your home or business, it is very important to determine what type of water you are dealing with before attempting cleanup yourself or starting services. If you are unsure, it is safer to have a SERVPRO trained professional help you determine what the cause of the water loss was.  

Some things to look for to assist you in determining the cause; Is there an odor to the water? Is there debris floating in the water? Is the water a different color? Answering these questions first can help you know what to do next. Ask yourself, is it safe for me to attempt cleanup myself? Unless you are sure, it is always better to have a SERVPRO trained professional assess the situation.

The source of the water is what determines what "type" of water. The 3 types of water are Clean Water, Gray Water, and Black Water.

Clean Water: An example of a "Clean Water" water damage would be resulting from a broken pipe, back of toilet tank, or any unused water source.

Gray Water: An example of a "Gray Water" water damage is a washing machine overflow; or clean water that has set too long or gone unnoticed will become gray water, as contaminates and bacteria will start to grow.

Black Water: An example of "Black Water" water damage would be caused by a sewage backup or flood damage. This is considered highly contaminated water.

If you ever experience a water intrusion of any kind, it is always best to clean and dry the area as soon as possible to avoid further damage from occurring. Call in our SERVPRO Team for a free estimate of services. We are always available and happy to help!

Water Damage: What to do First

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

When discovering water damage in your home or business it can be very stressful. Water damage can happen from a number of things: Washer Hose Breaking, Pipe Break, Refrigerator Ice Maker line breaking, Flood damage, Toilet overflow or backup, Roof leak, sprinkler system going off, just to name a few. But then where do you begin as a property owner? 

Step One: Stop the source of water if possible, or contact a qualified party to do so

Step Two: Call SERVPRO!

What you can do while we are on our way:

• Remove as much excess water as possible, by mopping or blotting
• Wipe away excess water on wood surfaces, table tops
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs of wet carpeting
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, documents or items that are sensitive to moisture

Always Remember safety first! If you are not physically able to take on the above measures, it will be ok, our Team will be there to help!

What to avoid doing:

• Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical hazards may be present
• Do not use water damaged appliances
• Do not use ceiling light fixtures if the ceiling is wet

When our Team arrives we will make an assessment of the affected areas and start mitigating the water damage as soon as possible to avoid further damage from happening such as warped flooring, mold damage and musty odors.

Water needs a Quick Response!

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Whether it's from a busted water pipe, sewage backup, faulty appliance, or natural disaster water damage can wreak havoc on your property if not addressed immediately.

Here are some essentials you should know about water damage restoration:

The more polluted the water, the worse your situation. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classifies water into three categories in its S500 Standard:

• Category 1: Generally sanitary water
• Category 2: Significantly contaminated water
• Category 3: Grossly contaminated water

The category of water on any loss will dictate how it's restored and how much can be salvaged.

Mold can be debilitating to your home's structure and to your health.  Mold needs only five perfect conditions to grow in 48-72 hours:

• Moisture
• Food source
• Prime temperature
• No/minimal air movement
• No/minimal light

Fast action is crucial. In order to begin processing an insurance claim, your agent or carrier needs to know about a water damage situation immediately, what happened, how it happened, the source of the water, etc. The longer you wait, the worse the situation gets. When it is safe and reasonable, your insurance carrier may expect you to minimize sudden damage as much as possible. Call in our Team and we can help!

SERVPRO DryBook

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Broome County East

specializes in water damage restoration. We

use the latest technology and tools to help make

water damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO is proud to utilize a newly developed

tool–SERVPRO DryBook™.

The SERVPRO DryBook™ is a proprietary

tool allowing our Team to capture and track the steps

of a restoration project according to industry

best practices and standards. This ensures

your restoration is done properly and efficiently.

It also improves results and restores your

property at a faster rate, getting you back in

your home sooner. Insurance carriers want to have access to this documentation at the end of the claim. SERVPRO DryBook insures the property is in fact dry and it validates the work SERVPRO provided and the equipment that was used. SERVPRO DryBook is one more reason so consider SERVPRO over the competition.

Did you know: Flood Hazards

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.”

NOAA lists the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal
• Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris Flows (Caused by Wildfires)
• Ice/Debris Jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash (Caused by heavyrainfall in dry areas)
• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims

average more than $75,000 (NFIP). When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO®

Professionals can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile® (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible. Your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are ready to help make it

“Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Restoration Newsline

Best Practices to avoid winter pipe freezes!

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Many people welcome the crisp, cold winter weather, but nobody welcomes pipe-related headaches that come with the dropping temperatures. Frozen pipes are far more common than most would think, affecting hundreds of thousands of families every winter. 

The best way to handle pipe freezes are to prevent them in the first place.

Follow these SERVPRO Tips:

Spend a little, Save a lot:

Temperatures only need to be at 31 degrees for your pipes to freeze and cause you a headache

Even if your house is 45 degrees, waterlines close to exterior walls (I.E. baseboard heaters) can be significantly colder because of their proximity to an uninsulated exterior wall, your house may be 45 degrees, but your pipes may be dangerously close to freezing

Spend the extra few dollars in fuel, and save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run

Let your pipes feel the heat:

Be sure to keep your pipes insulated to ensure warmth

Open cabinet doors to allow uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances close to exterior doors, allowing the heat from your house to heat your pipes

Keep it moving:

Keeping a faucet open to allow a continuous drip ensures that the water in your pipes are moving and decreases the chance of a freeze significantly.

In the event that you ever find yourself on the wrong end of a pipe-related problem, the SERVPRO team would be happy to lend a helping hand!

Identifying & Treating Unseen Water Damage

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Everyone knows that the water damage that you can clearly see is causing damage to your home is not good and should be fixed as quickly as possible. However, do you know that even the smallest water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. SERVPRO Professionals have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. Having the right equipment to use makes a significant difference when dealing with water damage. Here are a few examples of what our team uses to help any unseen water damage in your home:

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.

The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO Professionals to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles.

If you are having any problems dealing with water in your home or property, call SERVPRO immediately so that we can help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Repair Division

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Having a fire, water or mold damage to your home can be very stressful! While it is our top priority to restore vs. replace, every situation isn’t a best case scenario. Our goal is to prevent further damage from happening with a quick response but sometimes water damage isn’t found for several days, or fire damage was beyond cleaning due to severity.

In these instances we are able to offer repair services. We have highly experienced repair coordinators on staff that can assist with your repair needs following a fire, water, or mold damage to your property. We will work with your insurance carrier and do all of the coordination for you throughout the mitigation and repair process to help limit the added stresses of reconstruction.

If you have any questions about our services and how we can help, just call our local office, and we would be happy to assist you!

Seasonal Snow & Water Damage

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

It has been a long and exciting winter in the Southern Tier as snow piles are still high in streets and on roof tops even in Mid March.

What risks you need to consider with roof snow build up:

1. Ice Dam formation

• When warm air rises from your heated living spaces, it warms the shingles of your roof and the snow that covers it. This leads to snow melting and dripping down to the colder edges of the roof where it refreezes as ice. Once the ice grows thick enough, it backs up further snow-melt behind it, causing water to seep under the shingles, and eventually into your home through leakage points.

2. Icicle Formation

• Icicles often result from the same kinds of conditions that cause ice damming. While they may seem harmless, they can actually damage shingles and gutters as well as break and fall on those walking below.

3. Attic Condensation Problems

• When your roof is suffering from winter build-up, especially ice dams, there is a good chance that, just below the roof, your attic ceiling will have excessive condensation. Moisture build-up is no minor matter since this can lead to wood-rot and mold. Again, proper ventilation is the answer. However, in this case, it is crucial to plug any leaks in the insulation on the attic floor where moist air from below might enter.

**http://blogs.heattrak.com/residential/5-winter-roof-damage-issues-homeowners-need-to-know

Is there a concern for flooding from melting snow?

Although it may not be probable, it’s possible. If there is rapid snow melt from warmer weather and significant rainfall at the same time there could be a risk for flooding or flash flooding.

If you experience any issue with moisture or water, please call our office for a free estimate- We are always here to help!

Did you know there are 3 types of Water?

6/15/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to a water damage in your home or business, it is very important to determine what type of water you are dealing with before attempting cleanup yourself or starting services. If you are unsure, a SERVPRO trained professional can help determine what the cause of the water loss was.  

The source of the water is what determines what "type" of water. The 3 types of water are Clean Water, Gray Water, and Black Water.

Clean Water: An example of a "Clean Water" water damage would be resulting from a broken pipe, back of toilet tank, or any unused water source.

Gray Water: An example of a "Gray Water" water damage is a washing machine overflow; or clean water that has set too long or gone unnoticed will become gray water, as contaminates and bacteria will start to grow.

Black Water: An example of "Black Water" water damage would be caused by a sewage backup or flood damage. This is considered highly contaminated water.

If you ever experience a water intrusion of any kind, it is always best to clean and dry the area as soon as possible to avoid further damage from occurring. Call in our SERVPRO Team for a free estimate of services.

Get our Moblie App!

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

Getting help is now quicker and easier using our SERVPRO Mobile App. Its free, easy to download and is compatible with any smart phone.

How does it work?

Once the App is downloaded, create an account and select your prefered franchise by selecting "My Profile" on the main page and inputting your name and address.

A few key features of the App is the ability to create a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your home or business. This emergency plan contains only critical property information needed following a loss. The App also features tips of what to do or not do following a water, fire, mold or vandalism damage, as well as local weather updates.

As a National service provider, our local team is READY for whatever happens to your property. For commercial property owners we can personally and assist with facility walk throughs and Emergency Ready Profile creation, just contact us today and ask to speak with one of our commercial representatives.  

Ice Damming: What is it?

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

handyman.com Photo

When it comes to owning a home or business, one way or another, water will find its way in. It could be minor from a simple spill or slow leak, to flood or broken pipe. Ice damming is another risk that can happen to any homeowner living in regions where they are affected by cold weather.

What is Ice damming?

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, an ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. What causes this happen? According to the University of Minnesota Extension There is a complex interaction among the amount of heat loss from a house, snow cover, and outside temperatures that leads to ice dam formation. For ice dams to form there must be snow on the roof, and, at the same time, higher portions of the roof's outside surface must be above 32°F while lower surfaces are below 32°F. For a portion of the roof to be below 32°F, outside temperatures must also be below 32°F. When we say temperatures above or below 32°F, we are talking about average temperature over sustained periods of time. The snow on a roof surface that is above 32°F will melt. As water flows down the roof it reaches the portion of the roof that is below 32°F and freezes. Voila! - an ice dam.

The dam grows as it is fed by the melting snow above it, but it will limit itself to the portions of the roof that are on the average below 32°F. So the water above backs up behind the ice dam and remains a liquid. This water finds cracks and openings in the exterior roof covering and flows into the attic space. From the attic it could flow into exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation and stain the ceiling finish.

If water damage occurs inside the home, contact us immediately and we can assist in minimizing the amount of damage that is caused. Our TEAM can also assist in finding trapped water in walls and ceilings before secondary damage arises.

Please visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/housing-technology/moisture-management/ice-dams/ to learn more about long term & temporary prevention.

Customer Benefits: Restore Vs. Replace

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, our goal on every water, fire, or mold damage job is to save more and replace less. When assessing damage in a home or business, our team will determine what can be salvaged or cleaned, such as contents, furniture, & structural materials. Our team will then perform pre-testing to determine what the best method of cleaning will be.  

To an untrained eye, it would appear most items need to be removed and replaced when it comes to fire and water damage. However our drying and cleaning methods allow us to save more every day.

What exactly are the benefits of Restoring Vs. Replacing?

• Cost effective-For example, it is significantly less expensive to dry and save flooring than to remove and replace.


• Saves Time- The drying process will return you to normalcy sooner, where as removing and replacing materials will be a timely process.


• Environmental Benefit: For every item & building material that is saved, that is one less item wastefully put in the landfill.


• Peace of Mind: Being able to save precious family Heirlooms, a child’s toy, photo or favorite item, puts that peace of mind back to our customer. In our case new isn’t always better.


• Preferred Method by majority of insurance companies. Many insurance carriers prefer working with mitigation companies like SERVPRO vs contractors when it comes to fire and water damage.

If you ever experience a fire or water loss at your property, just wondering where to start can be very stressful and overwhelming to say the least. Please call our office for a free assessment and estimate. Our professional and knowledgeable team will get you back to normal faster by replacing less, and saving more!

Secondary Damage to Hardwood Flooring

1/24/2017 (Permalink)

There are many ways water damage in your home or business can occur. Some of the most common examples are broken or leaking pipes, appliances malfunctioning, or flooding. The key to keeping the extent of water damage to a minimum is a quick response to start drying. Otherwise secondary damage to the property will be inevitable. Secondary damage can be many things from, delaminated carpeting, discoloring of building materials, musty odors, mold, or warped flooring. In this case we are talking about hardwood flooring in particular and what happens. Wood is semi porous material that absorbs water slowly between the wood joints. If wood has been affected by water damage, and is caught in a short amount of time, there are drying mats that can extract the water out of the wood and bring it back to its original state. If a wood floor has absorbed a significant amount of water and has dwelled for an extended period of time, then the wood floor will begin to cup and stain. If the floors are left in this condition it will get worse to the point of no return and must be removed. If wood floors are treated as soon as you see cupping, there is still a chance of them being saved. Water will get extracted, and then once dry, the wood can be sanded and refinished to get a smooth surface again.

If you or someone you know ever experiences water damage, the first thing you should do is call in a SERVPRO professional and start the drying process to prevent unnecessary damage from occurring! If a water damage occurs and has gone unnoticed, call us in and we will survey the damage. Our goal is to save as much as we can and assist in the replacement of materials if absolutely necessary.

Getting READY with New Equipment

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

We will now serve our clients better than ever. Our TEAM has made an investment of growing our equipment inventory, allowing us to service more people, faster. Throughout each year we make it  point to continually update versions of equipment we may have,  add more of what we already have, or expand our commercial fleet.

SO what is new? To help service our clients this winter, we have added more Desiccants, Vapor Sharks, Air scrubbers, Air movers, Portable Heaters, Gull Wings, 1 Dodge Promaster, and 1 Portable 20 KW Generator.

Calling in SERVPRO of Broome, Tompkins & Tioga Counties will give you access to the most state of the art industry equipment. Having new and well maintained equipment in your home or business gives that extra peace of mind that you’ve hired a company that cares, and wants to continually invest in what is best to serve our clients.

Understanding Types of Water Damages

12/28/2016 (Permalink)

Did You Know…Water damages are categorized into three different types based on the SOURCE where the water loss came from?

Common sources of water losses are broken water pipes, defective appliances, natural disasters, and structural failures.

These losses can happen to ANY home or business owner and understanding the different types

can help you as a homeowner or business owner.

• Clean Water = Category One

Clean Water is treated water that does not contain any waste, and has not been used. Examples of clean water damages are broken pipes, overflowing sinks, and defective appliances. This type of damage

presents few health risks to humans during removal.

• Gray Water = Category Two

Gray Water is water that has been used and carries waste products, but does not contain human waste. Examples of Gray water damages are overflowing washing machines, toilet overflow with no solid matter. Generally this type of damage does present the hazard of spreading diseases but could cause sickness if exposed through touching or drinking.

• Black Water = Category Three

Black Water is unsanitary water. Examples of Black Water are sewage backups, flood water.

This type of damage can contain disease-causing organisms as well as possible chemical contaminates.

*The names of water types-clean, gray or black are not based on actual water color, but what it contains*

*Clean water becomes Gray water, and Gray water becomes Black water, the longer water sits*

TIMELY mitigation is KEY in preventing secondary damage to contents and structure. Secondary damage can be mold growth, warped flooring, carpet delimitation, musty odors, etc. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? The faster water is removed the less damage that will occur. This will ultimately save the property owner and insurance company money and prevent costly repairs to the property.

SERVPRO’s goal is to RESTORE rather than replace a damaged structure or contents in order to save time and money for our customers.

READY for the Holidays

12/19/2016 (Permalink)

When it comes to Fire or Water damage in your home or business…it’s never a 9-5 job. Our team will be READY 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter what the day, even if it is a holiday!

By calling our local number, our on-call service will be ready with a live representative day or night to take your call. Our typical on-site response time is 4 hours*.

If you find water, mold, bio-hazard or smoke damage to your property, make us your first call! This can be very stressful and we will be here to help advise and discuss what you can do or shouldn’t do to prevent further damage while you are waiting for our team to respond, how we will work with your insurance company, and put your mind at ease while we are on our way!

Call us day or night, we are READY for the Holidays!

*Only exception is catastrophic high volume events

Preventing Frozen Pipes

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

During the winter months our franchise sees an increase in water damages caused by frozen pipes that have burst. It is nearly impossible to tell the condition of interior pipes in your home and business, but there are ways to decrease your risk of having pipes break due to freezing and thawing of water.

Here are a couple tips from the American Red Cross to prevent pipes from freezing..

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes to learn more about preventing frozen pipes, and how to safely thaw pipes that may be frozen.

If your home or business experience water damage due to a broken pipe, contact us right away to prevent further damage from happening. We will be able to quickly respond and start the water removal and drying process right away. We are also able to use moisture reading tools to test if there is moisture trapped in walls or flooring. This will allow us to effectively dry wet areas, and give you the best service possible!

Protect Your Pipes From the Cold

11/1/2016 (Permalink)

Preparing your home is a crucial task homeowners must take as we approach the colder fall and upcoming winter weather.  Our SERVPRO team looks out for you and your family and we have several tips when it comes to setting up your home. One particularly significant regards piping. Pipes freezing from the cold is an ongoing phenomenon we’d like to stop!

Before the cold weather hits, we suggest insulating the pipes most susceptible to freezing, specifically your home’s water pipes. In order to properly insulate and keep out cold air, you can use heat tape to wrap around any spots that leak. You should also make sure to disconnect garden hoses and drain the water from the pipes previously connected.

If your pipes do freeze immediately shut off the water.  Be cautious as there may still be water in the pipe, which could potentially lead to an electric shock. After stopping the flow of water call a professional to fix the piping. Do not try to defrost the pipe on your own.

We at SERVPRO hope you take care of your home. Remember, we’re always ready to help in any disaster, so if you do have a home emergency contact us. Your safety is our number one priority!

How to Handle Water Damage

9/22/2016 (Permalink)

Water damage ranging from floods to leaks can severely hurt your home. Once the water flows in it’s crucial that you take the right procedures as it can cause immediate damage.  Our SERVPRO team acts fast, but before we arrive we want to make sure you’re safe.  

When the water hits, it’s important to first determine whether it’s safe to stay in the house.  If you decide to stay, we offer the following tips that will ensure you and your family remain safe.

Examine the situation - if you’d like to clean your home before we arrive remember to only do activities that are safe for you to perform.  As we mention on our website, gathering wet items and other materials may be very heavy, so be careful when picking them up. Particularly significant hazards include the handling of electrical equipment and the high potential to “slip and fall” from the wet floor.

Electrical equipment is one of our most prevalent concerns. It is a factor that is stressed throughout the long list of “What Not To Do After Flooding.”  When your home has water damage, do not turn on the television or other household appliances. Do not use your household vacuum to remove water, or turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.  Finally, it’s important to keep out of rooms where the ceiling is sagging.

Our SERVPRO team will be there for you in any disaster at any time.  We hope you remember the information above and, most importantly, stay safe.

The Water You Don’t See

8/4/2016 (Permalink)

Everyone knows that the water damage that you can clearly see is causing damage to your home is not good and should be fixed as quickly as possible. However, do you know that even the smallest water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. SERVPRO Professionals have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. Having the right equipment to use makes a significant difference when dealing with water damage. Here are a few examples of what our team uses to help any unseen water damage in your home:

Moisture Sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.

Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials.

The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO Professionals to monitor the drying process.

Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must also be disinfected and often deodorized.

Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles.

If you are having any problems dealing with water in your home or property, call SERVPRO immediately so that we can help you make it “Like it never even happened.” 607-722-2262

Preventing Secondary Damage from Water

7/15/2016 (Permalink)

Secondary damage can be anything from mold to warped flooring to delaminated carpet or even just musty odors. It is important to know that timely mitigation is key in preventing secondary damage to contents and structure. The quicker that water is removed, the less damage that will occur. Ultimately, this will save the insurance company money while also preventing timely and costly repairs to the property. 

SERVPRO offers free estimates for all services and moisture checks! Call us today! (607)722-2262

http://bit.ly/1jeyRYv

SERVPRO Injectidry System

7/7/2016 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO our goal is to restore instead of replacing your belongings. We aim to make sure that your home is back to the way it was before the damage was done, and in order to do that we make sure we are using the right equipment. For water damage, you may catch us using the Injectidry System. 

This system is very useful for drying almost anything with high power abilities. We want to get your home back to new as soon as possible without having to start from scratch and replace everything. For more information on our equipment check out our website! http://bit.ly/1jeyRYv 

The Science of Drying

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding is common. Especially in Upstate NY. We’ve seen our fair share of epic floods in 2006 and 2011. That’s why SERVPRO of Broome, Tompkins and Tioga Counties is so certified when it comes to our drying techniques. The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its pre-loss condition. We know your first inclination is to grab the roll of paper towels and a fan, but that could create secondary damages. That’s when you know to call in the SERVPRO team.

When your business is facing water damage, our certified professionals will

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening

• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly

• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment

Your local SERVPRO professionals (US!) specialize in water damage restoration. We use the very latest technology to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO: Water Damage Clean Up Tips

3/24/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO: Water Damage Clean Up Tips

Water damage clean up is a large task to tackle. Knowing the type of water damage you’re dealing with is crucial to ensuring the proper clean up, that’s why you have the SERVPRO professionals on hand (download our Ready App). But until help arrives know the categories of water: clean, gray and black.

Clean water is typically due to a pipe burst or to an appliance malfunction.  This water damage is the easiest to handle, but it is important to clean and dry the area properly, so fungus and mold do not grow. No matter the amount of water damage, a quick response will minimize secondary damage- call in a professional to ensure all areas are thoroughly dry!

Gray Water is slightly contaminated. Clean water can become gray water if it is left untreated for a long period of time. Gray water is most commonly seen when a toilet or washing machine overflow occurs. No biggie, but we’d suggest letting the professionals handle this more difficult cleaning task, especially if it’s quite a bit of water. 

Worst and most important to note is black water in your home. This is the most hazardous of the three. Black water usually results from natural disasters or sewage damage and can contain toxic contaminants!  Diseases, chemicals, pesticides and microbes can be found in black water, so understand that when you spot it, it’s time to call in the certified, trained professionals. 

Know the signs and call us for a spill of any size! 

http://www.SERVPRObroomecountyeast.com/water-damage-tips

SERVPRO: Better Safe Than Soaked

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding

This week marks the National Weather Safety's (NWS) Annual Flood Safety Awareness week. The National Weather safety will be teaming with NOAA and FEMA to provide awareness and safety to help prepare America for the single most damaging water related event. For those who are not aware The NWS is America’s Hero, providing support efforts and important prevention information to those at risk of experiencing the effects of a disaster from sea to shining sea. Similar to SERVPRO, The NWS exists to provide one sole purpose. To provide support and relief to those we serve.

Flood preparedness is not optional when living here in the Southern Tier. Our long term residents know firsthand the disastrous effects of Flash Flooding. Within the last decade we have experienced two catastrophic floods, the first in 2006 and the second in 2011. The flood caused from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 forced 20,000 (NY Times) residents to evacuate their homes and find refuge outside the flood zone. Local University SUNY Binghamton even housed 1,700 residents displaced from their homes in its events center and used it’s west gym as a medical emergency unit, caring for 100 critically injured flood victims (NY Times). Unfortunately flooding is too common and unpreventable by the residents. Because they are guaranteed to happen and unpreventable in nature, being prepared for such an event is absolutely critical. SERVPRO will be here for relief efforts after the event, however it is your responsibility to ensure that when a flood does strike that you are not caught without a plan.

SERVPRO Flood Relief: http://www.SERVPRObroomecountyeast.com/storm-flooding-restoration

Knowledge is power. Binghamton’s National Weather service has dedicated each day this week to a different flood related topic:

http://www.weather.gov/bgm/preparednessFSAWNY2016

We highly recommend that you educate yourself on the different topics. Here’s the “sparknotes” version: but reading the full piece could literally be a matter of life or death come the time of an emergency.

Prepare: Know what you’re up against

Flooding Hazards that affect Broome County of New York State:

-Flash Floods

-River Flooding

-Snowmelt

-Tropical Systems and Coastal Flooding

Be Aware: Stay Informed

Use resources to always be aware of what the conditions are around you

Weather.gov - For latest forecasts and hazardous weather conditions

Weather Ready Nation's FAQ on Wireless Emergency Alerts- To sign up for wireless emergency alerts

Water.weather.gov - Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (Flood forecastings for us simpletons)

weather.gov/bgm/floodinundation- Flood inundation Mapping (See future road closing)

www.floodsafety.noaa.gov- Flood safety awareness (before, during, and after information)

Turn Around Don’t Drown (TADD): There is no such thing as a little flood

-Six inches of fast moving water can knock over an adult 

-Twelve inches of flowing water can carry away most small cars

-Twenty four inches of rushing water can carry away most vehicles

Partner Resources:

American Red Cross- Family disaster plan

Federal Alliance For Safe Homes (FLASH)- Flood safety information

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- Safety information

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- Safety kit assembly

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- Property protection and flood insurance

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)- Assess your flood risk

United States Army Corps of Engineers- Flood information

United States Geological Survey- Water watch

United States Geological Survey-Water alert - National Water Information System

Final words from SERVPRO:

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”- Benjamin Franklin

Snap, Crackle, and Pop! Best practices to avoid winter pipe freezes!

3/10/2016 (Permalink)

Pipes

Many people welcome the crisp, cold winter weather, but nobody welcomes pipe-related headaches that come with the dropping temperatures. Frozen pipes are far more common than most would think, affecting hundreds of thousands of families every winter. 

The best way to handle pipe freezes are to prevent them in the first place.

Follow these SERVPRO Tips:

Spend a little, Save a lot:

Temperatures only need to be at 31 degrees for your pipes to freeze and cause you a headache

Even if your house is 45 degrees, waterlines close to exterior walls (I.E. baseboard heaters) can be significantly colder because of their proximity to an uninsulated exterior wall, your house may be 45 degrees, but your pipes may be dangerously close to freezing

Spend the extra few dollars in fuel, and save yourself a lot of time and frustration in the long run

Let your pipes feel the heat:

Be sure to keep your pipes insulated to ensure warmth

Open cabinet doors to allow uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances close to exterior doors, allowing the heat from your house to heat your pipes

Keep it moving:

Keeping a faucet open to allow a continuous drip ensures that the water in your pipes are moving and decreases the chance of a freeze significantly.

In the event that you ever find yourself on the wrong end of a pipe-related problem, the SERVPRO team would be happy to lend a helping hand!