What to Do First After a Storm | SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County

7/27/2023 (Permalink)

Has a recent storm damaged your home or business? Call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County to clean up your space.

We all know how strong summer storms can be in the Lockport community. Strong winds can whip across the lake and bring heavy rain, hail and the occasional tornado our way. 

While we do our best to stay connected to the weather reports and we start preparing our family and home, some storms can take us by surprise or can be stronger than originally thought. 

If you are hunkering down and realize that your home is being damaged in the storm, stay calm! Your top priority is keeping your family safe—and your home will come later. Our team lays out some steps to follow as soon as the storm passes, so read on to learn more and to gain some insight for the next round of storms that come our way. 

Assessing the Damage

Storms come in all shapes and sizes, which means the resulting damage can be that way, too. Once the storm threat is over and there are no additional storm clouds on the horizon, cautiously leave your safe shelter location and start assessing the damage. Watch your feet and walk carefully as broken glass, loose boards or other safety hazards may be present.

Take photos of any damage you see. Large impact damages will be obvious to your insurance company, but even minor hail damage or a water spot that wasn’t there before should all be documented. 

If it is still actively drizzling or the wind is still blowing through, secure your home as best you can with tarps and boards while you wait for SERVPRO® of Eastern Niagara County to arrive.

Our Storm Restoration Process

Depending on the severity of your damage, it may seem overwhelming at the time. Thankfully, our storm restoration team is ready to respond at all hours of the day, and we will jump into action as soon as you call us. We will ask you a lot of questions during our first phone call to help get a better idea of the damage and then hop in our trucks and make our way to you.

Our first priority is to further secure your home from the elements, and we will also start drying out your home to get rid of the excess water and moisture. From there, we can restore and repair anything that was damaged by the storm. This can include everything from minor drywall repair to entire rebuilds of rooms or sections of your home.

We won’t stop cleaning, sanitizing and restoring until you are 100% satisfied with the final product. Your home is our home while we are in it, so we will treat it with care and compassion until all traces of the storm damage are gone. 

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here for all of your storm damage needs. Call us day or night. 

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022 Update

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Luzzi is available when storm damage to your property needs restoration. Call us 24/7

The 2022 Atlantic storm season has been unusually quiet. Up until now there have been only four named storms. The fourth tropical depression in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Danielle, was just named. Danielle will not be a threat to land and will remain at sea. Meteorologists are currently monitoring two other storm system but conditions in Atlantic Ocean are not ideal for creating tropical depressions. While the Atlantic is warm enough to fuel hurricane activity, the conditions in the air are dry and dusty. This reduces the chance of tropical storms. It is likely that Earl, the fifth named storm for the season will form despite these conditions. Although it's too early to know the exact path of this storm system, it is moving west to northwest at a slow pace and looks likely to pass north the Caribbean islands. It is possible that some parts of the east coast could get affected by the storm if it continues its current trajectory. Therefore, we will be closely monitoring this storm to be ready for any unexpected events.

It is well-known fact that tropical storms in the last three decades have been more wet and caused more water damage than storms in the past. While there are many factors that can cause this devastation, scientists agree that climate change has been the most important factor in the rise of storm surge and rainfall seen in almost all of major storms.

Water damage restoration experts are prepared to handle any weather conditions. We can help you assess your property and provide preventative measures that will stop the damage from happening.

The Quite Before The Tropical Storm Season

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Storm Team is available to help before and after a major storm event.

2022 has been one of the hottest summers on record, but so far, there has not been much hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientist have predicted this hurricane season to be an active one, but after a few early tropical systems we have seen very little activity in the last few weeks. Of course, this is typical for July and it does not mean we are out of the woods yet. 

It is important to pay attention to meteorologist and local officials when a tropical storm or hurricane warning is in effect. SERVPRO is available to help before and after a major storm event. We have helped manage properties in the northeast through all of the major storms to come through our area in the last two decades. In this capacity we have provided window/glass board up services, sandbag placement and flood preparation services, water removal and pump-out services, drying services, demolition, clean-up and construction. In other words, we are a one stop shop for storm restoration services.

We are prepared and ready for the next major storm that comes our way and will be there to help commercial and residential property owners if damage occurs.

If you live or own a commercial property in a flood prone area, call us today. We can review your property and prioritize our response if damage does occur. 

Storm Disaster Management Available 24/7

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to repair your property after storm damage.

When a storm damages your commercial or residential property we are available to help. These types of events require a company that is experienced in protecting and restoring property. This may seem obvious but it can save you from costly mistakes that only make the problem worse.

Window Boarding-up and Tarping Services

Property owners might have some time to prepare for a storm before it arrives. Weather forecasts are readily available. We can offer preventative services like window board-up services, sandbag installation and other protective services to try to stop damage from happening. We also offer services like window board up or tarping to protect your property from being further damaged by the elements after a storm. This can help keep damage to a minimum, and reduce the time it takes to repair and restore your property.

After we have secured the property, we can begin to restore the building. We will first clean up the property and remove any debris. Equipment such as generators and dehumidifiers will be brought in by us. To ensure that the project moves forward, we will offer labor in multiple shifts if needed.

Once the property damage has been cleared, we can provide complete construction services. We seamlessly integrate our crews from restoration to construction and finish restoring your property back to its pre-damage condition.

SERVPRO Storm Damage Response is 24/7

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to provide 24 hour support during major storms, call us today to learn more.

We all seek shelter when we are exposed to high winds and rains. This helps us avoid becoming soaked and puts us out of danger. Our homes, offices, schools, and retail locations all have shelter that is weather-resistant and prevents the elements from entering the interior. This is crucial for several reasons. The first is to provide immediate protection from the elements. Indoors are safer than outside. Second, indoor spaces can be used all year round because they are well-designed. It is only when structures fail that we must be prepared to repair them to preserve the safety we all have come to expect.

Storm damage to commercial or residential properties can be obvious and need immediate attention. Or it could be subtler and go unnoticed over a longer period of time. SERVPRO can reduce the costs of both types of damage. Our team of experts is skilled in both restoration and construction services. We reduce the amount of labor and material required to complete the job. This saves you money and helps to preserve valuable building materials that could otherwise be wasted.

We can help you with any type of damage, whether it's long-term leaks or rot that needs to be repaired and boarded up. Contact us today to speak to a project manager to learn more about the services we offer and how they can help.

Storm Damage Clean Up & Property Repair

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides emergency board up and cleaning services to help you contend with damage after a storm or vandalism damages your property.

It is important that you act quickly in order to avoid further destruction when high winds or rain bring down trees on your property during a storm. These situations can be handled by our emergency board up and tarping service. Our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day for this type of damage and can arrive at your property at any hour depending on how serious the issue is. This is because technicians understand how important it to keep moisture and humidity out of the structure. They can also prevent other elements from entering and causing further damage.

Once the storm has passed, our team can conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to the property and provide estimates for the start of the clean-up. We work directly alongside your insurance company to avoid delays that could result in further property damage. We offer a wide range of construction services that will speed up recovery. We don't wait on subcontractors to do their jobs.

This type damage repair also applies to vandalism cases. If your property has suffered damage from vandalism like broken windows or doors, our team is here to assist. We will help you to board up your property and remove any broken glass. For your convenience, we will also work with your insurance provider.

Contact us 24/7 if you are experiencing any type of property damage. We have the local team standing by to assist.

What Do I Do When an Ocean Storm Causes Flood Damage in My Lockport Home?

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can tarp your storm damaged roof to help prevent further damage.

SERVPRO Can Help You Remediate Severe or Mild Flood Damage in Your Lockport Home!

Storms can bring heavy rain, wind, and even lightning to your home. Sometimes, these storms can bring flash flooding, which can leave your home heavily water damaged. However, accidents happen, and what matters is how you react when a disaster does occur. 

For example, imagine your Lockport home suffering flood damage. A tree struck by lightning happened to fall over and break an upper floor window, allowing water to drain inside of a bedroom. In this circumstance, it is critical to get help to your home as quickly as possible. Fortunately, here at SERVPRO, we're experts when it comes to arriving as soon as we can. 

When inside your home, our expert technicians can focus on three main goals: removing the water, drying the structure of your home, remediating any affected belongings. Within these three goals, our other focus is on swift action. We want to get you back in your home as quickly as possible because we understand that it is not practical to be locked out for multiple weeks on end. 

The first thing we could do with this situation is taping over the broken window and then tarping it to help prevent even more moisture from getting inside. Secondly, we can begin to clean up any debris (twigs, leaves, branches) and then use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up standing water. While one team works upstairs, we could have another downstairs, using thermal imaging to look for hidden pockets of water which seeped below to the first floor. 

Should we need to make any flood cuts or remove flooring, we can do that before laying down drying equipment, such as floor drying mats and heaters. Our objective is to remove as much moisture as we can from your home and prevent microbial growth. Once finished, we try to return your possessions to how we found them, so you can go on feeling like your home is in its pre-flooded condition. 

When you need storm remediation, get help right away. Speak to SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County by dialing (716) 694-7776. We want to help you get your home back to normal!

Storms in North Tonawanda Leave Flood Damage Behind

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and floods may cause havoc upon your home. SERVPRO techs are fast and experienced in all phases of storm damage restoration and removal.

SERVPRO Assists North Tonawanda Homeowners with Water Damage Emergency Services

North Tonawanda neighborhoods keep experiencing flood damage due to strong storms that overwhelm the town’s infrastructure. Those same storms can cause damage inside homes through ceiling leaks or basement flooding, all of which leave families vulnerable to the consequences of water damage. To thoroughly restore your home, it is best to reach a professional restoration team.

SERVPRO’s expertise in flood damage helps North Tonawanda residents in their time of need. Whether your home springs a minor leak or is partially underwater, our staff is certified to handle the toughest situations by using specialized equipment and state-of-the-art techniques. Water removal, drying, and performing repairs are all within our scope of work, and we work diligently to resolve the incident as soon as possible.

Having the proper tools for a successful water cleanup process is essential to its success. At SERVPRO, we count on an array of industry-graded equipment to help us remove floodwaters from your home. Among the gear available to us, you may find:

• Pumps of varying capacity, including truck-mounted pumps, submersible, and handheld wand extractors. As needed, our staff can dispose of water by connecting with local sewage lines, expediting the process.
• Industrial-sized air movers are carefully located to encourage air circulation and evaporation, thus speeding up the drying process.
• Dehumidifiers and desiccants help absorb excess moisture and return humidity to normal readings, which we monitor with infra-red moisture meters and other measuring tools.

Regardless of the impact of storms on your home, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available to help by calling (716) 694-7776. Act quickly and decisively and let our team of experts assist with water damage repairs until your home feels “Like it never even happened.”

Don’t Stress Over Flood Water Removal – Call the Pros to Your Lockport Property

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

When your home is flooded, quick action is required. Contact our experienced SERVPRO team for the certified technicians.

Lockport Storms and Flood Water Removal Can Cause Headaches, But SERVPRO is There to Provide Results!

Floodwater of any kind is something that you do not want flowing throughout your Lockport home. Whether you have water intrusion after a storm at ground level or you have a basement filling up after a failed sump pump, SERVPRO acts fast to help minimize damage. The longer a homeowner waits to remove standing water, the quicker the building materials and structural elements become compromised. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster – giving you peace of mind that your home gets back to normal before you know it!

When calling us for flood water removal in Lockport, there are many phases to the project. After the assessment, we bring in equipment, hoses, and pumps to facilitate water removal services. From there, water clean up must include air movers and dehumidifiers to restore relative humidity and keep air circulation going.

How the assessment works:

• The crew chief looks at areas free of damage and require protection
• We look at structural elements and contents that require drying and restoration
• Belongings and materials that cannot get salvaged are identified
• Special attention is given to areas of the home and contents that call for detailed assessment and water damage restoration

One order of business is ensuring your floors and interior remain protected during water damage remediation. Our crew wears PPE, including foot coverings, to keep from tracking contaminants into unaffected zones of the home. We also carry rubber matting that protects interior floors throughout the work process. 

Flood restoration and flood water removal is something that our crew at SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County does best! Call us 24/7 at (716) 694-7776, and we can be at your door within hours.

When is Demolition Necessary for Flood Damage Restoration in Lockport?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm hits and floods the house SERVPRO is the team to call right away. We have IICRC certified techs for any size disaster to your property.

SERVPRO in Lockport Can Assess and Conduct Controlled Demolitions in Flood Damage Properties to Accelerate Drying and Restoration

A flooded property contains vast quantities of moisture. There may be situations where demolition of a building assembly is necessary to restore the home. Demolition is used for contamination control which is a common symptom of floodwaters entering a building. However, demolition can also accelerate drying times in a property.

SERVPRO are experts at:

• Emergency services water damage
• Leaking roof from storms
• Basement flooding cleanup 

Drying a property with flood damage in Lockport quickly can be valuable in terms of reducing loss. Secondary issues like microbe infestation or waterlogging can both occur if a property is incompletely dried. Since some materials can suffer permanent damage within a short space, speeding up the drying process through demolition can be essential.

• Carpet pads are typically inexpensive to replace and can be cut up and placed in double-sealed bags for disposal.
• Removing the baseboard of walls to ventilate wall cavities is essential once insulation gets wet.
• Sometimes total demolition of walls is a necessity to accelerate drying times, as stated by S500 guidance.

Quick-drying times lead to a faster restoration. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for flood damage at (716) 694-7776.

Flood Damage Cannot Wait – Call for Assistance ASAP

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage caused by a storm is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has the manpower and equipment for any size flood damage restoration job.

Lockport residents can count on SERVPRO for skilled flood damage restoration post-storm

Restoration efforts begin the very moment that you contact us at SERVPRO. We are available 24 hours a day to ensure our Lockport customers are not left stressed after flooding sets in. Our crews understand that even the slightest delay can boost the severity of damage and costs for repair.

We do several things when you call us in for flood damage in Lockport after a storm. These steps will generally include:

• Gathering all of your information, such as your contact details, address, insurance, details of the flooding, electricity, etc.
• Inspection of your property upon arrival to determine the scope of the damage, any hazards, etc. 
• Identification of the source of incoming water so that we can stop it as soon as possible. We will also check for contamination levels.
• We survey all of the damage, perform a full safety inspection, and plan on moving or blocking furniture so that water extraction, drying, and restoration may begin.

• Water is removed using one or a combination of methods, including pumps, extraction tools, wet-dry vacuum, etc.
• If necessary, we will perform pack-out services.
• Carpeting, flooring, and other materials get inspected to determine salvageability.
• We can perform controlled demolition to remove and replace unsalvageable materials. 
• Drying and dehumidification removes lingering moisture and restores relative humidity.
• Sanitization and deodorization keep foul odors, bacteria, and mold growth from festering.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County performs detailed monitoring at the end of the project, including floors and walls, to ensure the complete drying process. You can count on us 24/7 for flood damage assistance after a storm comes through. Call us at (716) 694-7776!

Flooding Can Impact Your Lockport Home Dramatically

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage should be left to the professionals. Call SERVPRO and their technicians can be on site within hours.

SERVPRO is available 24/7 to help Lockport families with rapid flood damage response

The Lockport region has seen its fair share of storms that bring floodwaters. You should never feel like your home is immune to damage, so you should always be prepared. Having our number available ensures that SERVPRO technicians are onsite and ready to get to work right away.

When you contact us to help with flood damage in Lockport after a storm, be wary of these potential health and safety risks:

• Sanitary hazards and contamination
• Issues with sewage and drainage
• Sharp metals or broken glass
• Structural damage
• Electrical Hazards
• Slip and fall risks

Once we arrive to assess the damage, we put together a network of extraction tools and drying equipment to begin the cleanup. While our dehumidifiers and pumps work in unison, we take the time to inspect for structural issues and identify any materials that must be removed and replaced. With controlled demolition efforts, we ensure your home gets back to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” Depending on the unique set of circumstances, this could include new drywall, flooring, electrical work, and more.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here for all emergency calls after a storm to address flood damage. Call us when you need us, 24 hours a day, at (716) 694-7776. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster and will dispatch a crew to your property in as little as a couple of hours from your initial call.

Lockport Residents Can Experience Storms that Cause Home Damage

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Stormy weather in Lockport? No Problem, our SERVPRO green fleet can arrive swiftly for cleanup and restoration

SERVPRO Can Provide Storm Flooding Cleanup in Lockport When Bad Weather Strikes

Roughly 18 miles from Niagara Falls is one of the most rapidly expanding cities in upstate New York. The town of Lockport is rich in history with a promising future. Once a thriving center for commerce and industry, much of the business today comes from heavy industry and research-oriented manufacturing. It is a friendly town known as the Niagara Frontier and has much to offer those looking to relocate to the area.

Ancient History to Incorporation

The Neuter Indians once lived in the area that is now Lockport city. Ancient artifacts have been discovered dating back to 8,000 B.C. It was a fertile land where settlers could come and develop farms. They could grow a large variety of fruits and vegetables in the rich soil.

The town split from Cambria and Royalton and was incorporated on February 2, 1824. Settlers came from all over to explore the land. They came from:

• Scotland
• England
• Germany
• Ireland
• Italy

They found themselves following Indian trails, many of which would become roads. Transit Road is still in existence and got its start in 1798. The road began at the Pennsylvania Line and ran to Lake Ontario and was 92 miles long and 800 feet wide. There were three toll roads in the town during this time, and Transit Road was the first. Many people, animals, and wagons moved along that roadway as the town began to grow.

Change Comes with the Erie Barge Canal

In 1825, Lockport began their portion of the Erie Barge Canal. The then western terminus of the canal was home to a tavern that was also a mail stop. This brought about a serious change to the location as it encouraged further growth.

While small in size, to begin with, the canal was enlarged twice. The first time was in 1860, then later in 1909. It is no longer used for industrial purposes but is a favorite area for recreational activities. Residents can enjoy concerts, cycling, fishing, jogging, and walking trails.

Modern Transportation

Lockport was quite modern with its trolley line from Buffalo to Lake Ontario with a stop at Olcott in between. Several railroads had paths through the town. Some of these are still in use today.  With these modern conveniences came growth.

Education – The Road to a Successful Future

In 1956 many schools were consolidated, but at one time, there were 16 one-room schoolhouses. Students of all grades were taught in these schools, as learning was important to the community from the beginning. If you wish to step back in time, you can visit the District 5 “Pomeroy” school. The Town of Lockport Historical Society renovated the schoolhouse, and visitors can see the techniques that Dr. Ruth Muck used when teaching. It still has the original school bell. 4-H is a significant outreach in the area, which is another educational arm of the community. Kids can learn about so many things, including:

• Gardening
• Modeling
• Animal science
• Nutrition
• Dinner theater
• Ecology
• Crafts

General Motors Brings Jobs

Today the biggest employer in the area is General Motors Components. The company began in 1912 as the Harrison Radiator Company, and in 1918 General Motors Corporation incorporated it as a division of the company.

Beautiful Place to Explore

Lockport is a lovely town with the Erie Canal running right through the town’s center. A set of two modern locks at the Niagara Escarpment is where the canal climbs. Visitors can enjoy boat rides at the Erie Canal Cruises and Lockport Locks. Other places of interest include:

• Canal Discovery Center – Close to the locks, the center is in an old church.
• Lockport Erie Canal Museum – Experience history through photos, antique machinery, and more. This is in an old lock control structure and is the only remaining “Flight of Five” Locks spillway of the original five.
• Niagara County Historical Society – Learn the history of Niagara by exploring the Society’s rich archives and displays.
• Lockhart Cave and Underground Boat Ride Tour – Located near the locks, it is a fun adventure for the entire family.
• 100 American Craftsman – Annual arts and crafts show.
• Ida Fritz Park – Host to many local events, including the Taste of Lockport and summer Cruise Nights.
• New Ice Rink for the Lockport Express and Clarence Mustangs.
• Home to the widest bridge in North American. It spans the canal.

Not only is Lockport a great place to live but a fantastic place to visit. It has its own historical and enjoyable venues and is close to Niagara Falls. An excellent place for a base when exploring the Falls. Plenty of bed and breakfasts or hotels to make any stay pleasant.

Storms Can Hit Anywhere at Any Time

Storm damage occurs all across the county, but cities near water can be especially susceptible. In the last 100 years, sea levels have risen. The result is an increase in both the number of storms and the flooding they can cause. Coastal towns should always be prepared for unexpected flooding. SERVPRO encourages Lockport residents to have a plan in place in case of storm flooding. This includes things such as:

• Have an evacuation plan in place.
• Prepare emergency supplies such as water and batteries.
• Make copies of important documents and have them ready to go.
• Ensure you have an out-of-area contact as a communication center.
• Talk to your homeowner’s insurance company and have the needed flood insurance coverage.

Professional Storm Damage Mitigation

If you need storm flooding cleanup in Lockport, SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and equipment to tackle the job. Our technicians possess their Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We understand what is needed to keep our employees and you safe during the floodwater restoration process. You can expect our crew to:

• Provide any emergency mitigation services needed
• Remove structural components and content that cannot be salvaged
• Contain the spread of contaminated water
• Sanitize impacted surfaces
• Water extraction and drying of premises
• Perform controlled demolition as needed
• Clean, repair, and restore your home to preloss condition whenever possible

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is available around the clock for storm flooding cleanup. Contact us at (716) 694-7776 if we can help you in any way.

Do Lockport Homeowners Need to Worry About Groundwater Flooding?

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Do not let groundwater flooding permanently damage your home.

Lockport Homes Can Be Impacted By Groundwater Flooding and Require Professional Mitigation

Often flood damage is associated with storms and bad weather conditions that cause flash flooding. But that is not always the case. Lower levels in Lockport homes can experience flooding when groundwater penetrates the building. It puts your home at risk for structural and secondary damage.

What Happens When Groundwater Enters the Structure?
Groundwater enters the home through the foundation because of hydrostatic pressure. It seeps in through various penetration points, such as weakened mortar joints. The result is exposed standing water that gets rapidly absorbed by porous materials such as drywall. Water is corrosive and can cause extensive damage. Anything stored on the lower levels of your home can become waterlogged, contaminated, and develop mold. If left untreated, it can quickly become a widespread emergency. Immediate flood damage services in Lockport can give you back your home.

What Mitigation Does SERVPRO Provide?
Our emergency response team arrives on the scene and does a scope to determine the source of the flooding. Any emergency mitigation needed is done at this time. Our technician's efforts include:
    •    Water extraction using pumps designed for dealing with flood water
    •    Debris and mid removal
    •    Inspecting for water entry points
    •    Repairs and restoration
    •    Sanitizing with antimicrobial and antifungal agents

We can provide the needed repairs and, in many cases, full-scale build-backs. Controlled demolition allows our technicians to remove heavily impacted structural elements. This allows complete drawing in hard to reach areas as well. Penetration points can be repaired and sealed against further flooding.

Do not let groundwater flooding permanently damage your home. Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County at (716) 694-7776 for expert flood damage service. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

How Can a Pack-Out of Furnishings and Other Contents Help Homeowners Struggling with Storms and Flooding in Lockport?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause major damage to the exterior and interior of your home. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for storm damage remediation and mitigation services.

SERVPRO Offers Residential Property Owners a Detailed Plan to Keep Household and Personal Possessions Secure During a Flood Damage Pack-Out in Lockport

When torrential rains and high winds cause damage to your home's exterior or overland flooding invades your lower levels, more than your Lockport home structure is at risk. Other items exposed to water and contaminant damage include:

• Furniture
• Mattresses, box springs, and other bedding
• Removable rugs and carpets
• Kitchenware plus other household goods, decor, and knick-knacks
• Window coverings
• Clothing, including footwear and outerwear
• Documents, books, pictures, and other papers
• Electronics

Why do Flood Damage Restoration Professionals Recommend Pack-Outs?

The last thing you might desire in the chaos of storm-related flood damage to your Lockport home is the huge task of gathering and boxing up your home's contents. Understanding three dimensions of a pack-out can make the necessity and details of the process straightforward. First, removing contents at risk or already suffering from flood damage permits SERVPRO's specially trained production technicians to evaluate, clean, dry, disinfect, deodorize, and restore the items. Second, clearing your home of some or all contents allows our onsite technicians to work swiftly and efficiently to contain and remove flood waters, followed by rapid drying. Third, our crews handle the packing and transporting of the articles removed.

How Are Packed-Out Contents Tracked and Kept Secure?

SERVPRO uses a multipoint Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) to list and follow each item through the process. Employing the CCIS results in a concise paper and digital file of written lists, barcoded articles, and uploaded pictures. We use this data as your possessions move through the process, with restored property stored in our climate-controlled storage area until your home is ready for a "reunion." The records kept provide documentation for insurance claims, protecting you by minimizing out of pocket replacement and repair costs.

Practical and proven solutions for residential customers offered by SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County ensure that both your home's structure and contents come out of flood damage "Like it never even happened." Do not delay your call to (716) 694-7776 -- we answer 24/7 and are prepared to respond promptly.

Click here for more information about Lockport.

What Are the Main Concerns of Flooding in My Lockport Home?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have a major flood issue in your Lockport home? Call the restoration professionals from SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.

When Flooding Occurs, it Is vital to Protect Your Home, Belongings, and the Occupants as Much as Possible.

Flooding in your Lockport home can be an overwhelming situation that quickly spreads from the point of entry to other areas of the property. Understanding what threats exist with natural flooding and storm loss water penetration can ensure that the right steps get taken early to protect the house and its contents.

Flood damage in Lockport homes can mean several potential problems, from standing water to contamination. Addressing each of these individual conditions is a focal point of responding technicians and can utilize the full measure of our cutting-edge equipment, products, and technology. With an area that has seen flooding many times, Niagara County residents should consider what to do when these emergencies occur, and their role in making it “Like it never even happened.”

What Should I Do as Soon as Flooding Begins?

How you initially respond to an emergency is a critical element to the effectiveness of our SERVPRO team during this crisis. There are initial steps that you can take when you first recognize that flooding has started, but ultimately, the safety of your family should be paramount. Here are some steps that you can take when you first acknowledge floodwater penetrating the property:

• Protect What You Can – It is not improbable to take some keepsakes and personal treasures with you on your way out of the house. You cannot make multiple trips because it might be unsafe once flooding gets too bad. Relocate some items that could become ruined by migrating floodwater.

• Get to Safety – Protecting yourself and your family during this disaster should stand out above all other mitigation tasks. There is little that you can safely do in your home with active flooding, so clearing the way for our responding technicians can be equally as vital.

• Contact our Professionals – While you might get tempted to consider contacting your insurance provider to learn what coverage options exist and what can be done about the disaster to your house, contacting our restoration team might be the first call you should make. Mobilizing our professionals can get critical mitigation, and emergency services started that can be instrumental in protecting your home.

What Emergency Services Can SERVPRO Perform?

Emergency services come before even mitigation tasks and are designed to stop the spread of floodwater, protect your belongings, and remove overwhelming threats for responding technicians. While this often involves our extensive roster of water restoration and bio-recovery professionals, it also includes our division of licensed residential contractors we have in-house. Some of the emergency services that our team can offer after a flood disaster include:

• Extraction
• Controlled Demolition
• Content Management
• Environment Cleaning

What Are the Primary Threats of Flooding?

Understanding the risks and threats that flooding presents in your home is a motivator to secure the appropriate professional cleaning and restoration services. Our SERVPRO team can work through many phases of mitigation, restoration, and reconstruction to offer a comprehensive solution to hazardous flooding conditions. Counteracting each of the potential threats of natural flooding in your home can reduce tear-out and rebuilding as well as unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. Some of the potential risks of flooding include:

• Saturation – Standing water can absorb into materials and allow water to migrate to new areas of the property. While surface water alone can be threatening, oversaturation can compromise affected materials and contents, ultimately forcing them to be discarded.

• Structural Damage – Saturation alone can cause some degree of structural damage. Also, the penetration point, such as missing shingles on a roof, missing mortar in basement blockwork, or other entry points, presents a persistent threat to your home until repaired.

• Contamination – Natural flooding must often get considered a blackwater event because it cannot get ruled out that rising water encountered bacteria, sewage, viral pathogens, or other contaminants.

Can SERVPRO Offer Repairs and Build Back as Well?

With a full division of licensed residential contractors, we can offer temporary construction solutions like board up and tarping upon arrival to a flooded home. These same professionals can undertake the repairs and full reconstruction of damaged structures whenever necessary.

Flooding presents multiple potential problems for your home. With a fast response and effective emergency services and mitigation solutions, our SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County team can help. Contact us at (716) 694-7776.

Sewage Back-up

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

When you are faced with a water damage in result of sewage back-up, it is important to take special precautions. Sewage can carry bacteria and viruses, which can cause health problems. When cleaning up an area effected by sewage, proper PPE must be worn. This will protect the individual who is remediating the situation. It is a very dangerous situation.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara Professionals have the training, skill and knowledge to properly clean up and remediate after a sewage back-up. Our crews will properly clean and sanitize the area that was affected. The porous materials such as drywall, wood, carpet and pad will need to be disposed of properly. They are unable to be cleaned and properly decontaminated. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment for our team to come out and take a look, please give us a call directly at 716-694-7776. 

Spring Time Floods

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area

We are all very excited about the warmth and beautiful weather that spring brings . Spring can also bring storms. Rain, wind and flooding can occur. The following are the most common storms we see in our area. If you have damage to your home or business from these devastating storms, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776 and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Hail Storms

• Hailstorm causes the greatest amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage.

Thunderstorms

• Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes,  winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage. Heavy rains from thunderstorms can cause flooding in homes an in the streets.

Tornadoes

• Even tornadoes  are uncommon, they can happen in the Western New York area. 

Lightning

• You may be surprised to learn that lightning is a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country.  Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages. Lightning can also cause power outages.

Floods

• Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick,heavy bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses. This can cause serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. 

For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides regarding storm damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit or call:

(716) 694-7776

Flood Clean up

Water Damage

Sewage Clean up

Generator Safety

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

It is very important to know how to operate and use your generator safely. During storms, we worry about losing power. Face it, basically everything is operated by electricity. But incorrect usage of this could be deadly.  The following tips below will guide you on how to correctly operate your generator. (Tips provided by American Red Cross).

*Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage,  basement, crawl space or any partially enclosed area. 

* To avoid an electrician, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch a generator with wet wands.

*Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build up in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to gull incantation and death.  Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO2. If you start to feel sick or dizzy or weak, while using the generator, get fresh air immediately. 

* Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help with your storm damage clean up. 

https://www.redcross.org/

Give us a call at:694-7776

Heavy Rains

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Our area has been faced with heavy rains this week.  There has been standing water in the roadways and surrounding areas. When weather changes occur like this, homeowners must keep an eye on their home.

This home was effected by a sump pump failure.  The sump pump could not keep up with the amount of rain that was falling. High winds and rain can cause many losses like this. It causes the sump pumps to over work.  

The customer was awaken one morning to 4- 5 inches of standing water in his basement . He called his local plumber . The plumber came out and fixed the underlying issues. Our crews were then called in for clean up and remediation.

Our crews extracted the carpet, pad and uncarpeted area. We then removed carpet and pad from the basement. The carpet and pad had to be removed due to the smell from the water coming out of the sump pump. Our crews removed debris . They then set up dehumidifiers and fans to properly dry out the area. 

Storm Water Damage?  No worries, please give us a call at 716-694-7776

Lockport Water Damage Clean up

Halloween Wind Storm

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

https://www.wivb.com/news/photos-wind-knocks-down-trees-causing-damage-and-blocking-roads-in-wny/

Strong winds came whistling through WNY late Halloween night. Winds were soaring 45-60mph, with gusts up to 70mph. Many homes in the WNY area were reported to be with out power.  National Grid estimated approximately 5800 without power this morning. Many trees and power lines were down on the sidewalk and roads. In result, many schools were cancelled or delayed. Alongside with the wind, torrential rains had fallen for the past two days. This caused flooding issues also.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help! There is no job too BIG or small for us. Call us at 694-7776. We provide free estimates.

* Storm Damage

* Water Damage

* Flood Damage

Heavy Rains in Lockport New York

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

This weekend WNY experienced Heavy rains and flooding in Lockport, NY. .

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit WNY, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can scale our resources to handle any size storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States

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.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County 716-694-7776

Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area

5/19/2019 (Permalink)

Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area

In the past few months the area has been hit with severe weather and storms. The following are the most common storms we see in our area. If you have damage to your home or business from these devastating storms, call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County (716) 694-7776 and we will make it “Like it never even happened”.

Hail Storms

• Many residents living in area have already experienced hailstorms and witnessed the damage hail can cause to homes, automobiles, businesses and other property. When a hailstorm hits, it does the greatest amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage.

Thunderstorms

• Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage

Tornadoes

• Isolated tornadoes can happen in the Western New York area

Lightning

• You may be surprised to learn that lightning is a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates the cost of lightning damage in the $5 to $6 billion dollar per year range. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages. 

Floods

• Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.

For more information on the services that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County provides regarding storm damage cleanup for your commercial or residential structure, please visit or call:

or call us today at (716) 694-7776

Severe Weather Damage

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

While spring brings the promise of warm weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions that can include heavy rains and severe weather, which can increase your flood risk. Take action to protect yourself, your family, and your business—before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

April marks the start of the rainy season. Spring storms can bring several inches of rain in only a matter of hours or there can be consistent rainfall for days. These heavy rains can lead to severe flooding by over-saturating the ground, overfilling storm drains, or rivers spilling over their banks.

As one of the most common hazards in the United States, it’s important we prepare for the potential disaster that flooding can cause. Even if you feel you live in a community with a low risk of flooding, remember that anywhere it rains, it can flood. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

In order help prepare you for the possibility of a flood, we offer you these tips:

• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan
• Avoid building in a floodplain unless you elevate and reinforce your home
• Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk
• Install check-valves to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal basement walls and floor with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage through cracks
• Always keep your gutters and downspouts clean to allow water to flow freely
• Prepare a flood evacuation plan
• Know how to safely shut-off utilities
• Keep insurance and vital records in a water-proof box
• Have a portable radio to listen for important current information

When your home sustains water damage from flooding, you should call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County immediately. Our professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and we are available around-the-clock. Call us at (716) 694-7776, and we’ll return your home back to normal, "Like it never even happened."

Flood Damage

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, near a river or eve in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. Unlike any other natural disaster such as hurricanes that have typical peak season, floods can occur anywhere and anytime.

Therese are some of the flood terms used to identify a flood hazard.

A flood watch indicates that conditions are favorable for flooding to developed. Be prepared to move to higher ground.

A flood warning means that flooding is occurring or will occur soon. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

A flash flood warning means that flash flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to higher grounds immediately.

Act of Nature

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

It is always good to prepare for a storm! SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help you. Weather It is your home or business you need to always be prepared for the unexpected. We are located in the Niagara County are. Here the storms could come at any given time, water, wind, snow, haul, even heat can cause any environmental destruction. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is prepared are you?

We cover and provide our services to all areas in and around the WNY area immediately which may be hit by storm so that you don’t have to face any danger.

For any residential or commercial establishment, our response and services are prompt and efficient. With 1,650 franchises operating in the U. S and Canada, we can pool in our personnel for building servicein case of large-scale storm damages. Our efficient technicians along with specialized equipment can help in all the building and restoration of storm-hit places. With advanced drying and cleaning methods, this building service SERVPRO Of Eastern Niagara County always ensures that the job is done till all the property is restored or everything is all clean and dry.  Call (716) 694-7776 for emergency response

Be prepared for wind damage

2/22/2019 (Permalink)

Most home owners when preparing their homes for any storms, don’t think about wind as a threat, though it causes billions of dollars in property damage every year. With that being said, it’s a good idea to know some tips and tricks on how to prepare your household for a wind storm.

1. Pick up around your yard

- Most people don’t take into consideration that anything lying around in your backyard can become a flying weapon, which can do significant damage to your home in high winds, let alone is dangerous in it of itself. If you see a wind advisory for your area, it is best to pick up any loose outdoor belongings like lawn furniture, garden tools, grills, sports equipment, bicycles, fallen tree branches etc.

2. Check out the trees on your property

- The last thing you want is a branch crashing through your kitchen window or roof during a wind storm. That’s why it’s extremely important to inspect the trees on your property for loose or damaged branches. It’s also important to get rid of any dangerous or dead trees taken care of as soon as possible especially during a wind storm.

3. Inspect your roof for weaknesses

- High winds can completely tear up your roof and lead to bigger problems like water damage to your homes structural properties and belongings. It is imperative that you routinely inspect your roof for things like loose or damaged shingles, debris, bare spots etc.

4. Check weather stripping on doors and windows

- Weather stripping is designed to keep the elements from coming indoors, so make sure yours is in good condition on both your doors and windows. Weather stripping that is in good condition will help keep windy drafts from coming into your home and will also ensure cold/warm air doesn’t escape.

5. Reinforce windows, doors and garage door

- Home safety features such as storm shutters will not only keep your home and belongings safer, but will also help you earn homeowners insurance discounts.

6. Make sure your emergency supply kit is up to date

- You never know how damaging or drastic a wind storm can be, so it is always a good idea to prepare a supply kit just in case.

The following items are a great start to your kit:

o 3 days worth of water and non-perishables for each member of your family

o a manual can opener

o A hand-crank or battery-powered radio so you can stay up to date on advisories

o Cash, flashlights, and extra batteries

o Food, water, and toys for your pets

o Infant formula and diapers, if necessary

o Entertainment such as books, magazines, and battery-power electronics

o Medications, a first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and trash bags

o Solar chargers for cell phones and other electronics

o Copies of important documents, like insurance policies, emergency contact info, and IDs

o A warm blanket or sleeping bag for everyone in the family

o At least one change of clothing

o A fire extinguisher

7. Double check your home inventory

- Maintaining a thorough, up-to-date home inventory can be a real lifesaver if high winds cause major damage to your home and its contents. Document and keep receipts for high-value items like furniture, electronics, appliances, and clothing, as well as any upgrades or renovations you've made to your house. Be sure to update your home inventory list with any new purchases, upgrades, or changes you make to your place. If you ever need to file a claim after high winds (or any other covered incident) damage your home or belongings, a well-maintained inventory can significantly speed along the claims process and help you get your house feeling like home again.

8. Turn down the temp on your fridge and freezer

- If your area is expecting high winds, there’s a chance your power may go out. Turning down the temperature of your fridge and freezer can save you time and help prevent food from spoiling as quickly.

9. Look at your homeowners’ insurance

- Before storm season hits, look at your homeowner’s coverages and limits to ensure they're enough to fully protect you in the event of catastrophe.

Flood warning in WNY and Storm damage

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:

Ensure your safety

Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.

Shut off the water source

Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.

Call your insurance

Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.

Call a clean-up crew

Most flood damage clean-up  projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.

Take pictures and document damage

Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.

If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.

Remove what can be saved

Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.

Begin the remediation process

This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is locally owned and operated and serves 

We are fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete flood damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is a 24/7 emergency water removal & flood damage clean up repair service company, Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with every flood damage situation from sewage damage clean up, mold removal, smoke damage repair, fire damage repair, flooded basement, wet carpet, wet walls, carpet water damage, basement water damage, flooded crawl space, sewer backup, sewage removal, mud removal, commercial water damage, restoration, house water damage, building water damage, hotel water damage, flooded building, crawl space water damage, crawl space sewage damage, pump out, dry out, flood water removal, commercial building water removal, building flood damage, hardwood floor water damage, wet hardwood floors, wet carpet drying, sewage restoration, flood cleanup, busted pipe water damage, broken pipe water damage, busted sprinkler water damage, frozen pipe water damage, flood pump out, basement pump out, restoration equipment rental, dehumidifier rental, fan rental, demolition, painting & construction.

Flood Damage

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:

Ensure your safety

Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.

Shut off the water source

Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.

Call your insurance

Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.

Call a clean-up crew

Most flood damage clean-up  projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.

Take pictures and document damage

Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.

If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.

Remove what can be saved

Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.

Begin the remediation process

This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is locally owned and operated and serves WNY

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County fully certified water removal staff can perform a complete flood damage assessment to your home of office, and then recommend and follow the industries standards to get your water removal restoration repaired properly available 24 hours a day.

Work Place Water Damage is Restored by SERVPRO

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

When business owners visualize water damage, they often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and water that stems from weather events and storms. 

 
However, many entrepreneurs and business space renters forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. Here are some of the typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings. 
 
1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
Some older office and retail buildings still have outdated sprinkler systems that work in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause commercial flood damage if they are faulty or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets.

2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
This cause of commercial flood damage is more common in restaurants and catering facilities, as well as any business that has appliances and equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
 
3. Broken pipes and plumbing 
Just like in a residence, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails water damage could be the result. 
 
4. Backed up sewer lines 
This is another cause of commercial water damage that often catches business owners by surprise. Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated Black Water which can cause health effects and ruin products and office furnishings. 
 
If your business has suffered commercial water damage, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County will get you back up and running again. Call us anytime 24/7 at (716)694-7776 for fast help.

Severe Weather Damage

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Storms can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americas cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,000 tornadoes
• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disaster are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk.

The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action.

Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example.

Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire other to do the same.

Storm Damage

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire & water damage, or specialty cleanup needs, it’s the SERVPRO brand that comes to mind. Our TEAMS work endlessly to make sure our customers are happy, and have one objective in the aftermath of disaster, to make their loss "Like it never even happened."

No matter the job or the size, our SERVPRO teams are ready to handle any size loss. With 1,700+ franchises nationwide, we have access to numerous highly trained personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment. Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery teams are strategically placed throughout the country to respond when needed. Our Teams have a proven track record for success, assisting with cleanup of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage caused from frigid temperatures.

Whether it’s a major storm event, or faulty appliance, we will be there with one call. 716-694-7776

Winter Storm Preparedness

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness: Building an Emergency Kit

Winter Storm Preparedness WNY is necessary. 

Nevertheless, one important thing we’ve learned in our business is: never say never.

Our office and employees must be prepared for any sized disaster, no matter what.  After all, we can’t respond to calls if we’re in the middle of an emergency ourselves.

To be prepared for a possible winter storm, consider items we have in our own preparedness kit.

Vehicle Preparedness Kit

This kit supposes that an emergency may include being stranded for any reason and needing to wait to be helped.

• First Aid Kit
• Blanket, wrapped in a plastic bag to keep clean
• Mittens, Hats, Jackets, also wrapped in plastic bags
• Cell Phone Charger
• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries for flashlight
• Ice Scraper
• Flares
• Tow Rope
• Kitty Litter
• Full Tank of Gas (or Full Electric Charge)
• Spare Tire
• Jumper Cables, 8ft 10 gauge
• Pet Food, if traveling with pets
• Pet Leash
• Spare Water

Home Preparedness Kit

This kit is helpful if the power goes out of your neighborhood and you have to wait for it, and your heater, to come back on.  This is not a kit for homes that live where there is consistent, heavy snowfall.

• First Aid Kit
• Blankets
• Mittens, Hats, Jackets
• Cell Phone Charger (battery packs, pre-charged)
• Flashlight
• Extra Batteries for Flashlight
• Food that does not require cooking (for humans and pets)
• Spare Water (in case pipes are frozen)
• Radio, battery operated

Other important home preparedness aspects to consider:

• Know where your water shut off valve is.
• Know which circuit breakers control parts of your home.
• Know where the gas shut off valve is.
• Get your fireplace checked once a season.
• Have phone numbers of emergency response companies.

If you experience a water or fire damage in your home this season, please give us a call.  We’re ready to help.

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County services Irving and all surrounding Dallas communities.  We can be reached 24/7 at (716) 694-7776.  

How to Prevent Water Damage from Rain

11/2/2017 (Permalink)

Western New York is experiencing some rainy days - which could cause major problems if rain water seeps into your home. One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is from rain water. It can enter through leaks in your roof, seeping in from the foundation, or even flooding into your basement. It is important to take the necessary steps to prevent water damage in your home such as:

Checking for proper drainage:

• inspect your roof thoroughly for structural damage or holes
• clear your gutters from leaves and other debris that could block the flow of water from draining into the yard

Install or Check Sump Pumps:

• sump pump are very effective for keeping rainwater out of your house
• have a professional check your sump pump to insure it is working properly once a year

Check sealant inside and outside foundation

• make sure the tar sealant covering the inner and outer sides of the foundation are intact

Inspect the slope of your lawn

• grading is the slope of your lawn and it should always slope away from your home to redirect the rainwater from flooding around the foundations

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County  can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Raw Sewage Cleanup: Not a Good DIY Project

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

Confronted by raw sewage cleanup, you’d probably rather not do it yourself in the first place. Still, some homeowners may attempt the job on their own to economize, or because they’re simply unaware of the hazards. Also known in the industry as “black water,” raw sewage is classified as Category 3 on the toxic water hazard scale (there’s no Category 4.) Environmental experts warn all persons exposed to raw sewage to assume that potentially dangerous pathogens are present. Cleanup is a job for trained professionals, properly equipped with safety equipment and disinfectants specifically designed for the job.

Raw sewage can contaminate your home in more than one way:

       A clogged sewer line between your house and the municipal sewer main at the street or septic tank can reflux sewage back into your premises.

       Sewage may reflux into residences if the local municipal sewer system or treatment facility is inundated with water, such as in general flooding.

      Floodwater originating from an overflowing river or lake, or an ocean storm surge, may pick up raw sewage as it spreads through populated areas, swamping septic tanks and sewer pipes. By the time that floodwater reaches your house, it may be dangerously contaminated.

Here are some reasons why experts advise contacting a qualified water damage recovery expert if raw sewage cleanup is required:

         Untreated sewage is commonly grossly contaminated by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and other disease-causing microorganisms.

      Hazardous sewage-borne pathogens may infect an inexperienced and inadequately protected person by simple contact with bare skin, inhalation, and accidental transfer from hands to mouth or eyes.

      Shoes or clothes may transfer toxic sewage residue from the affected areas to silently contaminate “safe” parts of the house.

         DIY clean-up methods with consumer-grade disinfectants may be inadequate to thoroughly decontaminate the premises. Contaminated residue from sewage that soaked into building materials and infiltrated the structure of the house may form an ongoing source of potential infection and disease.

For your own safety and the health of your family, leave raw sewage cleanup to the professionals at SERVPRO

Preparing for the Winter Storm

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Preparing for a Winter Storm

There are many different aspects of preparation for a winter storm. There is preparing your home, preparing for the things that you will need if the roads are not passable and thinking outside of the box about the things that we take for granted in our everyday lives.

SERVPRO® of Eastern Niagara County has put together this list to help you get started in preparing for a winter storm. Everyone should always personalize and add to the list to accommodate their needs.

~Water – At least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

~Food – At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food

~Baby food and supplies- If needed

~Pet food and supplies - If needed

~Medications – 7 Day supply along with batteries needed for any medical devices, including hearing aids.

 ~Sanitation and personal hygiene supplies

 ~Battery powered and hand cranked radio, extra batteries

 ~Flashlight and batteries

 ~Heat source

 ~Remember *Carbon monoxide is a silent killer* Do NOT ever use a generator, grill, gasoline, propane or charcoal burning device inside your home, garage, basement or any closed in area. These should only be used outside.

 ~Cell Phones – Fully Charged and portable chargers

 ~Check on the elderly and handicapped if you can, help them prepare for the storm and then keep in contact with them if possible. A simple phone call could make their day or save their life.

~Put your snow shovel and ice melting products inside so you do not have to go out in the elements to get them.

 ~If you must leave home due to the conditions make sure you know where the nearest shelter to you is located.

 ~Prepare your vehicle before the storm arrives. Have enough gas, windshield washer fluid and good wiper blades.  Always have an emergency kit in your vehicle that contains an emergency blanket that will keep you warm if your vehicle becomes stranded.

Stay Safe!

Winter Storm Warning

3/12/2017 (Permalink)

Winter storm in headed our way . Be prepared and know that SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County is here to help : (716) 694-7776

Source: http://www.accuweather.com

Niagara-Orleans-Northern Erie-Genesee-Wyoming-Chautauqua-
Cattaraugus-Allegany-Southern Erie-
Including the cities of Niagara Falls, Medina, Buffalo, Batavia,
Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Wellsville, Orchard Park,
and Springville
748 AM EDT Sun Mar 12 2017

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY EVENING
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...

* LOCATIONS...Niagara Frontier and the western Southern Tier.

* TIMING...From early Monday evening through early Wednesday
evening.

* HAZARDS...Heavy snow and blowing snow.

* ACCUMULATIONS...8 to 15 inches are possible.

* WINDS...North 15 to 25 mph.

* VISIBILITIES...As low as a quarter mile at times.

* IMPACTS...Heavy snow and blowing snow could produce very
difficult driving conditions with very poor visibility and
deep snow cover on roads.

* FORECASTER CONFIDENCE...Medium due to the uncertainty in the
exact track of the storm system.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Watch means that heavy snow and/or ice
accumulations are possible. If you are within the watch area...
remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions.

Cold Temps and frozen pipes

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

If your pipes run through a cabinet or vanity open the doors to give your pipes some warmth from the warm temperature of the room. If there is no doors to open, just leave the water trickle from the faucet. The cost of the water running is a lot lower then the cost of a frozen pipe being repaired. 

If you would forget to leave the water trickle or a door open, here is what you can do to thaw the pipe.  

Turn off the main shut-off valve. Use warm air from a hair dryer or space heater to melt the water frozen inside the pipe. NEVER leave the space heater unattended. After the pipe is thawed slowly turn the main shut-off back on. When the water is running throw the pipe check for any cracks or leaks which could of been caused by the freezing. 

If you have a burst pipe, shut off your water and give us a call! We are here to help! (716) 694-7776

Winter Preparedness

12/27/2016 (Permalink)

Winter is here and there are a number of different ways a winter storm can impact. From the wind to snow drifts, there are many ways your home can be damaged by winter storms. Let’s look at some of these storms and how SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County can get your home back on its feet.

The Wind and Cold

While winter storms are known only for snow but they are also accompanied by winds and blistering cold. Winter storms have extremely strong winds that create blizzard conditions like wind driven snow, snow drifts, and dangerous wind chills. These intense winds can bring down trees, poles, and can cause damage to homes and commercial buildings. Another problem with these storms is the cold air it brings. Freezing temperatures can accompany winter storms and be left behind the storm systems. The cold can cause potentially life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite for the elderly and the young. These freezing temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze.

Snow and Ice

Heavy snow and ice can immobilize a city and cause countless damage to your home. If these elements become extremely heavy or are weighing trees down, they can cause power outages, roof damage, damage to communication towers, and vehicle damage. Even a small amount of ice and snow could fall and become a hazard to those around it.

SERVPRO’s Storm Damage Tips

Melting snow and ice can not only damage your home, but it can cause flooding as well. As soon as damage has occurred, it is important to call SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County for emergency assistance. Our emergency service is operated 24 hours per day to better serve the community. Do not leave wet fabrics, books, magazines, or colored items in place as it could cause damage to the material further and cause colors to run. Don’t use electronics that could be wet from the storm and refrain from using the vacuum cleaner on wet surfaces. By calling SERVPRO of ENC , you will get the best restoration possible. Our certified technicians will come to your home and help restore it to normal. For more information or for help, call us at 716-694-7776.

Contact SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County

Contact SERVPRO of ENC . We will come in and identify the problem. When we leave, your home and your life will be back to normal. For more information on SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County Services, call 716-694-7776 or visit http://www.SERVPROeasternniagaracounty.com/

Frozen Pipes

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

• First, it is crucial to know where to shut off the water. Now.  If a pipe bursts in your home, the most immediate course of action is to turn off that main water supply. Most can be found inside, usually in the basement. 
• Second, make sure that your heating system is checked regularly. Also, inspect the insulation on all of your plumbing as well as your cold water tank. Units located in the attic and other vulnerable locations should be protected with insulated sleeves. 
• During severe cold snaps, open cabinets where pipes are located so warm air can circulate.
• Third, keep your heat on throughout the winter months. We know that winter can make heating your home costly, but during harsh, cold months, the chances of your pipes freezing get greater as the temperature plummets. 
• Finally, make sure you shut off any external taps and disconnect water hoses outside.

Hurricane Preparation

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

The anticipated path of the hurricane

As many of our folks in the the south east prepare for Hurricane Mathhew, many residents and business owners are facing wind damage and water-damaged structures caused by massive flooding. SERVPRO is here for you in your time of need.

"The first 24 hours after a storm causing widespread flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage," said Don Turner, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team director. "A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, however, there are steps residents and business owners can take to help minimize damage until professional help arrives."

• First and foremost, do not operate any equipment that requires electrical power in areas that have standing water or moisture.
• If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, if it is seawater, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
• Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
• Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Only open windows to promote drying if the air outside is less humid than the air inside.
• If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

SERVPRO will respond as quickly as possible as areas become accessible, however residents are encouraged to remain patient due to the extreme volume of claims anticipated throughout the region.

SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including: 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011 North Dakota Floods, 2010 Tennessee Floods, the 2010 New England Floods, the 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike.

About SERVPRO
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

When Storms or Floods hit SERVPRO of ENC is ready !

9/15/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara 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.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hits, 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 at SERVPRO are strategically located throughout the United States.

http://www.SERVPROeasternniagaracounty.com/ 

Have Storm or Flood Damage?  Call Us Today 716-694-7776.  We are always here to help you !

Lightning Strikes

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County, we have cleaned up fire damage caused by lightning strikes.

Lightning strikes the earth's surface about 100 times every second and it can reach temperatures 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun. About 10-20% of those strikes have the potential to cause a fire.

Thunderstorms and lightning strikes can cause quite a bit of damage. We are experts in fire damage cleanup, and we believe in safety first. Below we've provided 3 tips to help prevent fire damage caused by lighting.

1. Avoid using water during a thunderstorm. Taking showers, washing dishes, even washing your hands could put you and the structure you are occupying at danger. Water, especially water that contains minerals can be great for conducting electricity.  Lightning regularly strikes water. Going swimming during a thunderstorm is one of the most dangerous things you can do. 

2. In recent years the cost fire damage cleanup caused by lightning has gone up. This is mainly because the average household owns more electronic equipment. During a thunderstorm be sure to unplug things like computers and televisions. Also, do not use landline phones during a storm. A surge protector is a good idea. They do not always protect against large direct lightning currents. But, the device does attempt to limit the voltage supplied to an electrical device by either blocking or by shorting to ground any unwanted voltages above a safe threshold.

TIP: Check your homeowner's insurance policy. Not all policies cover electronic items lost or damaged during lightning and thunderstorms.

3. Invest in a professionally installed lightning protection system. Lightning rods create a network of low resistance paths for lightning currents to travel. Using them can help you direct the lightning towards the ground and cause less damage to the building structure.

FUN FACT: The Empire State Building is a lightning rod for its surrounding area. It is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Eastern Niagara County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have trained crews to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like It Never Even Happened" 

Winter Storm

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

Our Snowy SERVPRO CAR

• Winter Storm Warning For Eastern Niagara County

• Issued by The National Weather Service

  Buffalo, NY

  9:39am EST, Tue Feb 16

... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

* LOCATIONS... NIAGARA... ERIE... ORLEANS... GENESEE... WYOMING AND CHAUTAUQUA COUNTIES.

* TIMING... THROUGH EARLY THIS EVENING.

* HAZARDS... HEAVY SNOW.

* ACCUMULATIONS... ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES TODAY WILL BRING STORM TOTALS TO 8 TO 15 INCHES... WITH THE GREATEST AMOUNTS IN EASTERN PORTIONS OF THE AREA.

* WINDS... NORTHWEST 5 TO 15 MPH.

* VISIBILITIES... LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE.

* IMPACTS... HEAVY SNOW WILL RESULT IN VERY DIFFICULT TRAVEL CONDITIONS. THE WORST TRAVEL CONDITIONS WILL BE THROUGH EARLY AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SEVERE WINTER WEATHER IS EXPECTED. HEAVY SNOW AND/OR ICE WILL CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IF YOU WILL BE TRAVELING IN THE WARNING AREA YOU SHOULD CHOOSE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE IF POSSIBLE... OR YOU SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION IF TRAVEL IS UNAVOIDABLE.

IF YOU LOSE POWER AND PLAN ON RUNNING A GENERATOR... MAKE SURE THAT THE GENERATOR IS LOCATED OUTDOORS AND IS PROPERLY VENTILATED. SPACE HEATERS SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY VENTILATED AND USED ONLY IF THEY ARE OPERATING PROPERLY. MAKE SURE SNOW DOES NOT BLOCK EXHAUSTS AND FRESH AIR INTAKES FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACES AND WATER HEATERS.

Other Alerts in the Vicinity

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipe Safety

Frigid temperatures can cause your water and heating system piping to burst. If you have a boiler and radiator system, call a plumber and make sure you have the correct mixture of antifreeze and water in your system.

(1) Check to make sure all valves to your garden hose faucets are turned off inside the house. They sometimes freeze from the outside and if water is in the line, the piping can burst. 

(2)Do NOT turn down when you leave home. Exterior walls are especially subject to pipes freezing when it is below zero outside.

(3) If you do have a burst pipe, know where your water shut off is, so you can limit damages. Turn the water main supply OFF if you see water anywhere it should not be.

(4) If you have a water damage issue,act fast to help save your home ~Call SERVPRO of EASTERN NIAGARA COUNTY for help: 716-694-7776