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.

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. 

Spring Home Tips & Checklists

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

General Cleaning. Spring is a good time to clean areas of the house that often go neglected. Dust or vacuum chair rails, window casings, tops of wall-mounted cabinets and ceiling fans. Launder or dry-clean fabric draperies and use a damp cloth to clean wood and vinyl blinds. 

If you detect grease residue in the kitchen, consider washing cabinets, backsplashes and walls with warm water and mild detergent. The same is true in the bathroom, where soap residue and fluctuations in heat and humidity combine to create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. While you’re cleaning tile, look for areas of worn or missing grout, as these may lead to more serious water damage if not repaired.

Air Conditioning. Just as you readied your furnace for fall, now is the time to make sure that air conditioning units are in good working order for the warmer months ahead. Change the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make sure the drain pans are draining freely. In addition, vacuum any dust that has settled on the unit and connections; over time it can impact the air conditioner’s effectiveness.

Attics. Search for signs that indicate insects and critters have colonized. Also, search aggressively for mold, which often takes the form of “gray or black blotches that look like staining,” according to Tim Gentry, vice president of technical services, DaVinci Roofscapes, Kansas City, KS. Proper insulation and good ventilation will deter mold growth in the attic, so take action now to prevent the problem from developing in the warmer months ahead.

Basements. The basement—prone to dampness and insects—must be part of any thorough seasonal maintenance effort. Dampness suggests higher than normal relative humidity, inadequate ventilation and the need for a dehumidifier. Check the base of poured-concrete walls. 

Leaks. Spring is a good time to check for leaky faucets, clogged drains and sweaty pipes. Check under the kitchen and bathroom sink to make sure connections on pipes and hoses are properly sealed, and look for any wetness around the dishwasher that could signal an existing or potential problem. The same is true of your laundry room; check washer machine hoses for cracks, bulges or dampness. The same is true for hot water heaters, which may show sign of corrosion and leaks.

For more information take a look: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2355-spring-home-maintenance-checklist/

Fall Safety Tips

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

When the weather turns cold most people spend more time inside their homes using fireplaces, furnaces, and heaters to keep warm. There's nothing quite as cozy as a fire, but it presents some safety hazards. Keep these tips in mind.

Service Your Furnace

Before the cold autumn and winter weather sets in, be sure to call your heating and cooling company to service your furnace. A specialist should inspect the furnace to make sure everything is in working order and that there are no leaks.

Use Fireplaces Safely

Use Caution with Space Heaters

A space heater can be an effective way to warm up a chilly room, but it's essential that you read the instructions on the unit before you use it. If your space heater requires venting, make sure you have vented it to the outdoors. Never use your stove or oven to heat your home; only use space heaters that are approved for this purpose. Always allow at least three feet of empty area around space heaters.

Reconsider Leaf Burning

The Air Defenders reports that burning leaves produces dangerous and cancer-causing chemicals and urges homeowners to avoid disposing of leaves this way. If you decide to burn leaves, wear a protective mask. Burning leaves should only be attempted far away from a house or other structures on a homeowner's property. Always check the weather forecast before starting to burn leaves. This activity should not be attempted in windy conditions.

Exercise Candle Caution

Candles are a great way to give a room that warm glow, but they can also cause fires. According to the National Candle Association, almost 10,000 home fires start with improper candle use. Never leave candles burning if you go out or go to sleep, and keep your candles away from pets and kids.

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries

Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you turn back your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Make sure to check the alarms with the new batteries installed. Check and replace any home fire extinguishers that have expired.

Are you air ducts in order?

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

When was the last time you inspected the ductwork in your home or business? 

If you cannot remember, it may be time for some much needed attention.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units combined with dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building or home. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview can inspect your ductwork and recommend the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns.  

Keeping your HVAC system and ductwork clean not only provides cleaner, fresher air, but can also extend the life span of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition. SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview use a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

An inspection of your HVAC system and duct-work can save you money, provide peace of mind and prolong the life of your equipment. Contact SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview to schedule an appointment today! 1-(516) 207-0203!

Prevent Home Fires

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps that each of us can take to prevent a tragedy.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
• Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Smoking

• Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand.
• Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turned off. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
• Be alert - don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, put your cigarette out first.

Electrical and Appliance Safety

• Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• If an appliance has a three-prong plug, use it only in a three-slot outlet. Never force it to fit into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker.

Portable Space Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Children

• Take the mystery out of fire play by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy.
• Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sight, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time.

More Prevention Tips

• Never use stove range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
• Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.

Coming into the 2017 New Year

12/23/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Port Jefferson will help your business clear out the old and bring in the new for this coming new year. Providing you with a commercial cleaning for your company. Our experts can perform a variety of services to ensure you won’t bring the muck from 2016 into 2017!

As commercial cleaning experts, the staff at SERVPRO of Port Jefferson are qualified and experienced in techniques designed to make your office or property look as good as new. We can handle a number of different jobs or sites including: 

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

Many companies employ janitors or cleaning crews to handle the day-to-day maintenance of a property.  However, some jobs require special equipment and techniques to fully tackle and make a great impression. 

Another great way to breathe fresh air in the new year is to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned. Over time, air units can circulate pollen, dust, dirt, and debris which your employees and customers breathe. A thorough cleaning will tackle odors and mold and restore efficiency to your system.

Also, if your property contains carpets, rugs, blinds, or window treatments. A routine vacuuming and dusting are great preventative maintenance; but a deep cleaning will do wonders for the image and smell of your business. 

Call SERVPRO of Port Jefferson today an get a jump start on your new year goals! 631-476-5300

Commercial Property Services

8/17/2016 (Permalink)

24-Hour Emergency Response

• Catastrophic Storm and Wide Area Event Response 
• Large Loss and Single Event Response

Water Damage Services

• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Building Stabilization and Climate Control

Fire Damage Services

• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Pretesting (For Best Cleaning Methods)

Biohazard & Crime Scene Services

• HAZMAT Cleanup
• Vandalism Cleanup

Total Project Management 

• IICRC Certified
• Mobile Command Centers
• Electronic File Documentation 
• Online Data Reporting 
• Mitigation Performance Validation

Facilities Cleaning & Restoration

• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls and Hard Floors
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Post Construction Cleanup and Selective Demolition
• Reconstruction
• Specialized Media Blasting
• Over Spray
• Power Washing
• Construction Drying 
• High Volume Capacity 

contents Cleaning & Restoration

• Move Outs and contents Restoration
• Electronics and Equipment Cleaning and Restoration
• Document Restoration
• Art Restoration
• Data Recovery
• contents Claim Inventory Service
• Inventory Control and Documentation
• Cargo Recover (Trucking Industry)

Emergency Ready Program 

• Minimize Business Interruption
• Disaster Recovery
• Back Into Business Faster
• No Cost Assessment

Overview of SERVPRO Emergency Damage Process

8/11/2016 (Permalink)

One Hour: Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way.

Four Hours: Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Pretesting:  A SERVPRO Professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward

Eight Hours:  Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally the adjuster or property manager.

Cleaning & Restoration: SERVPRO Professional will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure the property is taken care of right the first time. 

Final Walk-Through: After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted to help ensure satisfaction. 

Government Facilities

7/12/2016 (Permalink)

Government Facilities have to stay opened, even when they need to be cleaned or restored

SERVPRO's Commitment 

When disaster strikes a government facility, SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals answers the call quickly to assess the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping to ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs.

The SERVPRO Difference

SERVPRO of Hicksville/Plainview Professionals respond to disaster situations with the right personnel and equipment to provide timely mitigation - the key to controlling damage, lowering recovery costs and minimizing interruption to the public and employees. From large disasters to those special cleaning needs that exceed the capabilities of a facility's janitorial service, SERVPRO Professionals are committed to timely response and total customer satisfaction.

You can trust the SERVPRO Franchise System

When disaster strikes a government facility SERVPRO of Hicskville/Plainview Professional answers the call quickly to assess the damage and start mitigation procedures, helping to ensure minimum service interruption and lower recovery costs.