Holiday Cooking Safety Tip

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for family and holiday traditions including taste tested, Thanksgiving recipes. It's also a time where family members may want to join in the food preparation so fire safety is important. With the speed of deep-frying a turkey, the irresistible flavor, and juiciness that results, turkey frying has become a Thanksgiving tradition for some. But turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury, which is why organizations like Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association advises against using them. If you plan to deep-fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home.

Many first-timers fill the fryer with too much oil or attempt to fry a turkey that isn't entirely thawed. Both mistakes can cause serious fires. U.S. fire departments respond to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep-fryer is involved.

Tips to help prevent deep fried turkey accidents

• Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.
• Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
• Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
• Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it's in use.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
• Never leave fryers unattended.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
• Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
• Skip the stuffing when frying turkey and avoid water-based marinades.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
• Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm^® or SERVPRO. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. Neither SERVPRO or State Farm makes any guarantees of results from use of this information.

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Back in Business!

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

When the unimaginable disaster happens at your business - Office, Restaurant, Medical Facility, Salon, etc. it affects not only you, but your employees and clients as well. For every day you're closed you are not making money.

SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides 24 Hour Emergency Respons Services.

Whether it be Water Damage, Fire, Biohazard and Crime Scene services SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides total project management, Facilities Cleaning and Restoration and contents Cleaning and Restoration.

We have the expertise and experience to get you back in business quickly! We stand Ready for Whatever Happens.

Recovering From Fire Damage

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make all the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services can help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO Hicksville/Plainview is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Mold Strategy

11/7/2018 (Permalink)

Mold spores, invisible to the naked eye, can be found everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Spores make their way into the home either through the air or after attaching to objects or people. Open windows, doorways and ventilation systems are all gateways through which spores can enter.

Mold will only grow if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing - places with excessive moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If this does not happen, molds do not normally cause any problem at all.

Mold can often be found in areas where leakages and flooding have occurred and near windows where condensation builds up. Mold  it is usually visible and often produces a musty odor.

If you do not see visible mold. Then it is recommended to hire an Air quality Environmental to come to your home and do a concluded test.  Once the Environmentalist does his report and verifies that there is mold, that is when SERVPRO would come aboard to do the remediation. SERVPRO is Certified, Licensed & Insured  Mold Remediation Company.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

As the calendar turns to Fall, and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Most of these problems happen in basements that are poorly insulated and unfinished. The good news is there’s a simple tip to prevent pipes from freezing – space heaters.

By placing one or more space heaters you’ll help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting. The heat generated acts as an insulation barrier.  You’ll also save money in the long term. As for attics, wrap the pipes with heat trace tape.

Don’t be a penny wise and a pound foolish when it comes to your thermostat temperature setting. Keep it set at a minimum of 65 degrees throughout the day.

It’s also a very good idea to have your HVAC system checked and inspected by a professional before it gets too late. By practicing common sense maintenance you may prevent a disaster.

Make sure to know where the main water valve is located in case your pipes do freeze so you can turn it off. Turn on all faucets to drain the pipes.

Be proactive. Take preventative steps. By acting now you can save money and lots of headaches.

Hurricane Florence: Class Four to Class Three

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

In recent news, hurricane Florence has led a path of destruction. However, the once, category four hurricane has weakened to a category three hurricane. However, this does not mean that hurricane Florence will not wreak havoc on the Carolina's later this week. With winds up to 125 miles per hour maximum, Florence is forecasted to hit South Carolina by Thursday or Friday where the coast is anticipated to take the most substantial damage. But what is the difference between a category three hurricane and a category four hurricane?
Luckily, but unluckily for South Carolina, a category three hurricane has winds that reach up to 111 to 130 miles per hour. This can cause significant damage to people, property, and animals. With a category three hurricane, damage to poorly framed homes is common, and even damage to buildings framed with wood or steal is not unlikely. During the time after the hurricane lands, electricity and water will not be available for a few days.
Category four hurricanes, formerly hurricane Florence, winds range from 131 to 155 miles per hour. This kind of wind force causes catastrophic damage to all properties, peoples, and animals. If you think you are safe by having enough water and food for four days after a category four hurricane, you are wrong. Power outages and water shortages can last up to a month when a town becomes a victim of a category four hurricane.
Understanding the severity of hurricanes is the first step in preparing you, your family, and your home for any oncoming hurricane damage.
IF YOUR FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY ISSUES AN EVACUATION WARNING, PLEASE EVACUATE YOUR HOME AND FIND A SAFE PLACE.
For any other hurricane damage related issues, please call SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview so we can help stop the mitigation of the damage.

How to beat the Long Island Summer Heat

8/30/2018 (Permalink)

Extreme heat is defined as a long period typically 2 to 3 days of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat , evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.  

Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children are at greater risk from extreme heat. 

Tips to Beat the Heat wave:

• Find Air Conditioning: Stay Cool Indoors
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Watch for heat illness
  • Example: Nausea and vomiting, Headache, Dizziness or Vertigo, Fatigue, Hot flushed dry skin, Rapid heart rate, Profound sweating.
• Wear light clothing
• Drink plenty of fluids
• NEVER leave people or pets in a closed car. 
• Wear Sunscreen 

Staying Informed for up to date alerts and safety tips with your local news station.

If you or someone you know are in need of a cooling station please click  here to find the closest spot to you. 

Good News looks like there is a cold front in the horizon to break these rising temps. 

What Causes Flooding?

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Besides the unfortunate pipe burst, what normally causes floods? Floods can happen anywhere and can be caused by human-made structures or nature.
The most common cause of a flood is heavy rains. Cities have drainage systems for the sole reason of heavy rains. However, if the system becomes overwhelmed an overflow can occur.
Overflowing rivers are another cause of flooding. Even if you do not experience heavy rains in your area, flooding can occur from rivers if you live upstream of a location that did have heavy rains.
Many urban cities use concrete to build their water basins in case of heavy rains. Even though concrete is durable, it is not permeable so when these basins fill up the water has nowhere else to go and can cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Winter months can also cause flooding. Melting snow and ice, in large quantities, can cause low-lying areas to flood. This only occurs when there is a winter of heavy snowfall.
Flooding can be a severe problem depending on where you live. Check your residential flood maps to see if your home falls in an at-risk area so you can prepare yourself for possible floods. If you home does flood, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can help you start the restoration process.

Why You Should Never Install Your Carpet Yourself

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

We all have those moments when we think, "I don't need to call a professional. I can do this myself". Where in some cases this may be true, do not try to install your carpet yourself after you have experienced a flood. Flood-damaged carpet and carpet padding need to be dealt with by professionals. Here are some common mistakes people make when they try to DIY their carpet installation.
1. Having a patterned carpet means matching up the pattern as you install. This can be tricky, and some people don't realize that the design doesn't match up until after they completed their installation.
2. People make the mistake of thinking that they don't need proper tools and equipment. When water has damaged your carpet, there is an intensive drying process to make sure mold won't grow under the carpet after installation. This process requires tools not many people have at home.
3. Often when people install their carpet, they come across the dilemma of the floor layout. "Many non-professional flooring installers may not realize that the floor layout has a big impact on how the carpet should be cut. All floors have different shapes and sizes, and usually don't have perfect, clean squares and rectangles. Disregarding this important fact can lead to lumps and mismatched look to the carpet flooring" (SelfGrowth.com, 2018).
4. If you are trying to get the job done as quickly as possible, you might lay the glue down too quickly. Professional carpet installers check to see if the carpet lays right on the floor without puckering before they put the glue down. However, most people overlook this step and go straight to putting the glue down. Once the glue is on, there is no going back so if the carpet was not cut right you might end up with lumps.
Always have professionals install your carpet after a flood. If water has damaged your carpet, call SERVPRO of Hicksville and Plainview so we can start the carpet removal and cleaning process.

What Kind of Fire Extinguisher You Should Have in Your Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

State laws do not require you to have a fire extinguisher at your residence. However, knowing what kind of fire extinguisher to buy in case of a fire is imperative. Not all extinguishers can be used across the different classes of fire. So what type of fire extinguisher should you install into your home or apartment? The two most common areas a fire starts are the kitchen and the garage.
The most common type of fire to start in a kitchen is a class F fire that is fueled by cooking oils and grease. Ordinary water will not extinguish these fires due to oil's hydrophobic tendencies. In fact, using water on a class F fire will cause the fire to spread. Having a CO2 extinguisher in the kitchen can help to protect yourself from this common type of fire.
There are a few potential fire hazards that can be present in your garage. The most common are electrical fires and propane fires. These fires can be efficiently and safely put out with ABC powder extinguishers. However, if you are to use this extinguisher, make sure the area is well ventilated because inhaling the powder can cause harm to you or others.
Always know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher before using and check the expiration date every month. If you or someone you know is having a fire emergency, do not attempt to put out the fire yourself. Call SERVPRO® of Port Jefferson for immediate emergency services.