Navigating Insurance Claims With Confidence | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!

Disaster situations are often overwhelming, sending you and your family into a frenzy as you focus on staying safe during the event. After the event, it can be hard to come to terms with the current situation as you look at all of the destruction left behind.

While you work on sorting out everything that has happened, you will eventually come to the realization that you will need to get started on notifying your insurance company. That in and of itself can be another overwhelming reality!

The good news is that we are here to help pick up the pieces after a fire, flood or storm, and that includes helping you navigate the world of insurance claims.

The Benefits of Relying on Your Local Restoration Company | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

Our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda are ready to tackle any job, no matter the size!

If you live in your home long enough or have a well-established business in the area, the chances are pretty high that you will encounter at least some type of property damage along the way. Disasters can strike at any moment, even if you are prepared for the possibility.

It can be really emotional to discover that your home has been damaged, especially if the damage is widespread or causes you to be displaced for a while as the repairs are taking place.

You deserve a team that will help you clean up faster and recover more thoroughly! Call on SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda because we are local, reliable and great at what we do.

Getting It Right

Once the damage has occurred, your first priority should be locating and hiring a restoration company. The faster you can tackle repairs, the better chance you have of avoiding serious property damage and lingering issues like mold growth.

However, you don’t want to simply call upon the first restoration company you are presented with! Making an informed decision is crucial for the safety of your home. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here to ensure you recover the way you deserve to. Our team is friendly, reliable and knowledgeable about all things restoration.

We will be at your home faster because we are right down the street! Once we arrive, we will walk you through every step of the way to make sure you understand what is being done to your home and why.

Experience Is Key

While it is really important to have a local company handle your restoration, we are also proudly backed by a national brand that will help us along the way. If we need additional resources or staff, the other SERVPRO® branches in our area can assist us to ensure your home is taken care of the right way.

SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and has grown to become an industry leader in the restoration business. In fact, our branch is only one of over 2,000 across the country.

Our crew is highly trained, and we are dedicated to continue our learning to ensure we are only using the latest and most advanced restoration techniques. We will also make sure that the team that shows up has the experience necessary to ensure a full recovery.

Rely on SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for all of your home restoration needs! Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Our Team Has the Training You Can Trust | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is ready to help you recover.around the clock.

When it comes down to it, being a homeowner involves making decisions every day. Simple decisions like what color to paint your front door may be minor and just for fun, while others can be life-changing, like choosing who to help you restore your fire-ravaged kitchen.

With those major decisions, it is important that you choose a provider that you can trust. Think about it—would you want a company that is well-established and fully trained, or would you be OK with letting a less experienced team handle your possessions and important spaces?

For us, we think the answer is easy. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here to serve you and your family! We are trained in the latest restoration techniques, and we are constantly learning through certifications and continuing education opportunities in order to serve you best.

We Incorporate All Industry Trainings

Our SERVPRO team understands the importance of a thorough restoration, so that is why we follow the IICRC standards when we approach our employee training. Our professionals are taught the correct methods for cleaning and restoration through classes like:

• water damage restoration
• fire damage restoration
• mold remediation
• carpet and upholstery and cleaning

In addition to formal training like this, we also offer specialized certification training to our staff. This training is self-paced, which gives our employees the flexibility they deserve in order to fully understand what is being taught.

We Keep Learning All the Time

Technology is changing and evolving all the time, so that means so are restoration and cleaning techniques. We encourage our staff to attend continuing education classes and e-learning courses to learn new methods and skills throughout their careers.

We know that each house damage scenario is different, so we work hard to understand as much as we can about each potential damage situation—and our training helps us do this.

As processes and procedures change with innovation, we can change as well. By adjusting our methods to align with current best practices, you know that your project will be completed thoroughly and efficiently.

How Our Training Benefits You and Your Family

Our training and certifications give us the confidence needed to tackle any project that you have for us. We know how to approach the situation, how to form a restoration plan and how to execute it with perfection. Our team is so confident in our abilities that we will not leave until you are completely satisfied with your end result.

Choosing how to care for your home can often feel like a full-time job, so let us make it a little easier for you the next time you need help. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is the trusted and trained restoration team for you.

When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.

Our customer Victor B wrote, “SERVPRO saved the day".

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Customer satisfaction is our top priority.

The Buffalo - Tonawanda SERVPRO franchise did a tremendous job. Their estimator Geoff was truly knowledgeable and considerate. Sal and Dave who performed in my home were amazing. They were well trained and efficient. They cleaned up and made it look as if they were never in my home. Pleased”.

This is our why! Why we do what we do at SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda every day of our lives for 49 years. We are a family operated business; Team Sullivan and we just love what we do. At times things can be stressful micromanaging several jobs and at times we can receive sixty calls or more in one day after a rainstorm with flooded basements. Most customers understand as the storm makes the news. We do our best dispatching our crews, having them work late hours with weeks of no days off to help our customers. We develop a waiting list and reach out to the neighboring franchises to assist with the overflow of flooded basements. At times, a SERVPRO storm team will be dispatched from another state to help with local jobs.

SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda since 1972 has out lasted all competitors in Western New York with family trust.

3 Common Types of Flooding and Their Causes | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Buffalo Tonawanda has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

There are many types of natural disasters that can impact an area—often it will be tornadoes, hurricanes or severe thunderstorms that come to mind. However, flooding is actually the most common type of natural disaster in the United States, and it is the deadliest, too.

Floods can cause destruction over large areas of land, and as such, it is important to be aware of how they start.

There are many ways that floods can occur, but most often, they have three common types and four main causes, which is what we will be looking into today.

3 Types of Flooding

Flash floods can come about rather quickly, as evidenced by the name. Flash flooding is typically caused by heavy rainfall, either in a short amount of time or in a rapid period, which accumulates too quickly to be efficiently drained away. Flash floods are extremely dangerous due to their rapid nature and have been known to carry away vehicles or people caught in their path.

River floods happen when a riverbank cannot contain the water within the river—this is common after heavy rainfall or in the spring when snow begins to melt. River floods occur when the river overflows, flooding the surrounding area.

Coastal floods occur in similar ways to river floods, just in coastal bodies of water. This often happens due to hurricanes, other storm surges or cyclonic activity, which can lead to the area against the coast becoming flooded as the tides rise.

The 4 Frequent Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. If there is a storm with a large amount of rainfall, flash flooding becomes highly likely. When water is not able to drain away, it can quickly lead to flash flooding—and this is especially a concern in urban areas where there is a large number of paved areas that prevent moisture from being absorbed by the ground.

Oceanic activity. When ocean tides rise rapidly, especially due to large storm systems or hurricanes, a coastal flood can often be the result.

Dams and levees failing. The failing of a dam or a levee is devastating, as many will recall from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. These structures can often fail due to poor infrastructure, or just a large volume of water that becomes too great for them to hold back.

Snowmelts and ice dams. Snow and ice accumulation throughout the winter can lead to a lot of melting when spring arrives, which is often a cause of flooding. In areas with rivers, this can be exacerbated by ice dams or ice jams blocking the river from flowing on its course, causing riverbanks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

SERVPRO of Buffalo – Tonawanda Supports Autism Awareness and Acceptance

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Meet Ashley. Ashley is the daughter of the owner who has autism. Ashley helps out at the office with paperwork and spreads kindness.

SERVPRO® is often recognized as the top leader in disaster restoration services but. SERVPRO® of Buffalo - Tonawanda and all SERVPRO® locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community supporting many charities with a strong passion for autism awareness and pediatric cancer. We love getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know our reputation is always on the line and for each job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors! We are family operated and have been in the business for 49 years!

Always during the month of April, we support autism awareness and acceptance. We donate to many charities in support of services for those in need.

SERVPRO® of Buffalo - Tonawanda always giving back to the community.

Commercial Restoration and Cleaning Services BUFFALO

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

A commercial property had a sprinkler head break. It causing hundreds of gallons of water to cover many offices. SERVPRO was there to save the day.

Whether your commercial property or business needs emergency restoration services or cleaning, SERVPRO professionals have all the training and experience to handle any situation your business might be in. From a major pipe break to a small overflow or a biohazard, we will help get you back in business.

After any water damage, safety is your primary focus. Follow these water damage emergency tips:

-Is it safe to stay in the home or business?

-Floors can be very slippery and can create a fall and injury.

-The electrical system can be compromised and is a major concern over safety.

-Wet materials can be very heavy and can cause back injury. Be careful and keep bagged debris light.

-Remove as much moisture as you can

-Wipe up standing water that is on tables and wood.

-Turn on air conditioner on max during the summer

-Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs

-Remove expensive artwork

-Gather loose items from floors.

SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda is available 24/7 to assist with your home or business needs. 716-694-9949

SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda / Carpet Cleaning Services

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda has been cleaning carpets for over 48 years!

Did staying in most of 2020 take a toll on your carpets? How DIRTY are your carpets and floors?  Where your children play with their toys and lie down to watch their favorite cartoon.  Did your dog track in muddy footprints? The IICRC states that 70% of soil in carpet is dry soil.  Vacuuming is a key component to proper care and maintenance of carpet. Even the highest quality carpet and upholstery can show soiling over time and SERVPRO of Buffalo -Tonawanda can clean that for you.

In between carpet cleaning use these maintenance tips:

- Regular vacuuming

- Using walk-off matts to limit the amount of soil tracked onto the carpet

- Remove stains and spots immediately

- Moving furniture to change traffic patterns

A good rule of thumb would be to professionally clean your carpets every 12 months.

So, if you need your carpets clean, make sure you call SERVPRO of Buffalo – Tonawanda. 

https://www.SERVPRObuffalotonawanda.com/carpet-upholstery-cleaning

Why SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda?

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Family operated since 1972! SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda. Pictured here is Jennifer Sullivan. Jennifer is a second generation owner.

Why ?

 That is easy.......family operated since 1972, still operating under the same family name. Outlasted all Buffalo competitors that were in business in the 70’s and 80’s. Why? It is our life; it is our passion; it is our commitment to you!  Helping customers is such an awarding feeling. We do feel like heroes! Our customers go through a horrible time in their life when a fire, flood, mold, or biohazard situation happens to them. From the first phone call into our office, we have the empathy and understanding for your needs. Our crews are highly trained to assist, communicate, mitigate, and clean your home so you get your life back. We work with all the insurance companies, contractors, building property managers, plumbers, electricians and heating and cooling experts. Our equipment inventory has built up over the decades and we are constantly purchasing additional state of the art drying equipment, carpet cleaning machines, drying tools and anything that helps our customers. If you ever have a fire damage, flood, discovery of mold, everyday cleaning needs, we are here to help. SERVPRO of Buffalo - Tonawanda. 716-694-9949

Duct Cleaning

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Dirty vs SERVPRO Clean

What’s Lurking in Your Ducts?

Spring is one of the best times of the year to get your ventilation system cleaned.  All winter long you are cooped up in your home with the windows shut. The dirty air is recirculated and spreading around pet dander, dust, mold, bacteria, and dirt.  The duct system can serve as a way of distributing these contaminates in every room in your house.

 The benefits for duct cleaning and inspection your HVAC unit include:

*Helps to restore peak energy efficiency.

*May help to eliminate offensive odors.

*Helps reduce the potential for mold growth.

Whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or top-to-bottom home cleaning, you can trust SERVPRO franchise professionals to make your house feel like home again. They have the training, experience, and equipment to quickly get your home looking its best.  SERVPRO of Buffalo Tonawanda has been serving Western New York since 1972.  Family operated and trusted by the community.

https://www.SERVPRObuffalotonawanda.com/

SERVPRO A Company You Can Trust

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Enjoy your vacation and let SERVPRO handle the water damage.

A BROKEN PIPE, Is Your Vacation Ruined?

Do not worry, SERVPRO of Buffalo-Tonawanda is here to help. While on a weekend winter camping trip, enjoying skiing, warm bonfires, hiking through the woods, little did our customer know they had a frozen pipe burst back home. Their neighbor noticed water pouring out of the home and called the fire department. It was discovered that a copper pipe broke in the attic and caused flooding to all 3 levels of the home. With SERVPRO technology, we were able to FaceTime the customer to show them the extent of the damage, had them sign our SERVPRO authorization to perform services and got our heroes to work. The water was pumped out of the basement. SERVPRO extracted the water from the carpeting and flooring. The home was built after 1980, so there was no concern for asbestos, SERVPRO made openings in the ceilings to release water and removed the wet insulation from the attic. The affected square footage was calculated, and the proper amount of drying equipment was set up to quickly dry out the home. The customer finished his vacation and returned the following day. Our production manager Geoff did a walk through with the customer and made his recommendations.  SERVPRO got approval from the insurance company to remove the wet carpeting, remove additional dry wall and detached baseboards. The drying took 4 days, and we were able to save a lot of the affected areas and a customer’s headache.

SERVPRO is here for our community

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we are here for all your cleaning, sanitizing needs, please give us a call today 716-694-9949

In these unprecedented times SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here to help the community. Whether it's disinfecting residential homes or disinfecting  fleet cars for our boys in blue, we are always here to help. So many worries and concerns right now SERVPRO wants to put your mind at ease. If you are concerned about infection or just want a deep clean to your home, give us at SERVPRO a call. With over 47 years in the business we are here to help our community and keep our residences safe. We take pride in our community and are here to help you to do the same. We help our local police disinfect their vehicles for infection and pathogens they might come in contact with. Just one more way to give back to our community. So if you are in need of disinfecting/ sanitizing services please give us here at SERVPRO a call to schedule a quote for cleaning.

SERVPRO is part of the community

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

With 3 locations to serve our community we are always here to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Family owned and operated since 1972, we have outlasted all our competition. We are the longest trusted water and fire restoration company around. SERVPRO will make it "Like it never even happened." When it comes to water, fire and mold issues, our technicians are highly trained on what to do. LLCRC certified, NY mold certified and NY lead certified, we have a long standing history in the community. With 3 franchises to serve you we are available 24/7 for any of your water or fire restoration needs. With these unprecedented times in front of us , us here at SERVPRO want you to know we are here and in your corner. So if you have any mitigation or restoration that need to be done to your home due to fire or water damage, please give us a call at any of our 3 locations around WNY . We are here to serve our community. #SERVPROSTRONG

SERVPRO is here to help our essential workers.

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO community is very important to us. Without our community there is no us. Let's all work together to curve the spread of Covid-19.

This is definitely a strange and unforeseen time we our experiencing here in Buffalo as well as all over the country. Here at SERVPRO we are open and ready to serve our community. Being locally owned and operated for over 47 years we have been a staple in this community for quite some time. We would like to remind everyone, please keep your distance from one another. Wash your hands frequently and for at least two minutes each time to prevent the spread of germs. Please remember we are all going through cabin fever being confined to our homes, away from our family and friends, but the more we can do individually to stop the curve will help us as a whole. This community is one of the strongest around lets keep it that way. SERVPRO is here to help and only a phone call away. Please stay safe and stay strong.

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda, 716-694-9949

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

SERVPRO Can Restore Damaged Belongings

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can restore belongings from fire, water, or mold

Water and fire damage can damage much more than your home or businesses structure. It also can damage your belongings. SERVPRO is equipped to help restore your objects and contents that are damaged by water and fire. Restoration can save you money in the long run, rather than replacing everything that has been damaged. Some objects can’t be replaced and we at SERVPRO understand this. That is why we take great care to restore and clean. Our team can quickly move-out your objects from the fire or water, to our facility where they will be properly handled. Here, our specialized team decides the best method to restore each individual item and then cleans it. All objects are neatly wrapped in plastic and stored until the building restoration is complete. SERVPRO is well equipped to handle any type of object and restore it “Like it never even happened”.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1/5/2020 (Permalink)

Check your smoke detectors regularly

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices for every home. It’s absolutely necessary to have both in your home or place of business. Smoke detectors will detect and warn you about the presence of smoke. Carbon monoxide detectors will detect and warn you about the presence of carbon monoxide gas. These sirens will help you quickly become aware of the issue and hopefully ensure that you are able to get out safely or prevent damage. Make sure that you have detectors on each floor of your home. Make sure your detectors are properly installed by regularly testing them. It is recommended to test your detectors once a month to ensure the batteries have not drained. To test a detector, hold the test button until you hear a loud alert sound. These simple tools will make your home much safer. Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are both serious issues that you should be aware of. And of course this cannot be said enough but be sure to check your detectors regularly.

Unpredictable Spring Weather, Are You Prepared? | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda Can Help!

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

Finally! Spring is showing itself! We can now enjoy that weather…but we must also buckle up for whatever Mother Nature may choose to throw at us.

Thunderstorms in the Spring

Spring brings longer days and more sunshine, but it also brings the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s dealer’s choice this time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.

The changing weather is caused by the unstable temperatures that can go from warm to cold even in the same day. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.

Thunderstorms are often common throughout spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.

Severe thunderstorms were the most common and costliest natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

The threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes can result from these storms if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June.

Best to Be Prepared

Even though we may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, forecasters have the tools available to at least give us an idea of severe weather that could be coming. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. Your emergency kit should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.

We Will Get to Your Disaster Faster | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes your home, time becomes an even more precious commodity. There’s no time to waste, Call SERVPRO

When disaster strikes your home, time becomes an even more precious commodity. There’s no time to waste when your home or livelihood is on the line—you need help right away.

We know how crucial a fast response is, which is why responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan in our world.

The Importance of a Fast Response

Time is not a luxury you have regarding disaster cleanup when it’s your belongings or business on the line. This is especially true where water damage has come into play, which can be through various means such as flooding, appliance and/or plumbing failures, storm damage and fire damage, as water is used to put out the fires.

It can only take minutes for water to spread throughout your property, where it saturates everything in its path. Things like the walls, floors, upholstery and your belongings are all fast casualties of water.

The effects of water damage within the first 24 hours include:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper items spread and stain
• The arrival of a musty odor

The damage will worsen as time goes on. Between 48 hours and a week later, you could begin to see:

• The growth and spreading of mold and mildew
• Swelling and warping of doors, windows and studs
• Metal beginning to rust and corrode
• Paint beginning to blister
• Wood flooring swelling and warping
• The possibilities of serious biohazard contamination

If left unchecked for over a week, the damage done can dramatically increase the restoration time and costs and can also impact structural safety.

Ways We Can Help

Providing an immediate response to any size disaster is what we are here for! Our fast response times can help minimize the damage and keep the cleaning and restoration costs manageable.

It doesn’t matter what day or time it is, our trained cleanup and restoration specialists will quickly be dispatched to your property or business.

Being a locally owned and operated franchise helps us be close by and ready to respond whenever the call comes in. A major perk of being part of a national network of over 1,700 franchises is that we have access to more resources for the cleanup and restoration projects that may be larger or stem from major storm situations.

Remember, if you need us, we’ll be there—no matter the time or day. The team of highly trained restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda are available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tips for Your Business: Fire Safety Edition | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Buffalo - Tonawanda is available to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

As a business owner, you have a responsibility to take safety factors into consideration regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. One of those risks you need to consider and create a plan for is fire prevention.

What Can Cause Commercial Structure Fires?

According to research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

1. Cooking equipment, 29% of fires
2. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires
3. Heating equipment, 11% of fires
4. Intentional, 10% of fires
5. Smoking materials, 9% of fires
6. Exposure, 4% of fires
7. Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Of those causes, intentional, exposure and electrical distribution, and lighting equipment accounted for the most property damage with 20%, 18% and 15% respectively.

In 2007, The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities.

In studying more recent numbers, the NFPA estimates that during the period from 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires involving office properties per year. Those fires were responsible for an annual average of four deaths, 44 injuries and $112 million in direct property damage.

How to Protect Your Business

There are certain steps you can take to protect your business from fire risk. By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you can help reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

The first step to take is to assess the fire hazard risks. Local governments in some areas often offer a visit from the local fire marshal to assist in identifying fire risks and offering guidance and suggestions on your fire prevention plan.

Make sure that you have the right fire protection equipment in place. Items to include are an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers for each floor.

Finally, you must make provision for your employees and visitors. By creating a fire plan and reviewing it with your staff, you’ll be making sure everyone knows what to do in the case of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh and make time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are located.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda is available to help make it like it never even happened.

Ways to Ensure Your Home Is Protected From Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda, who are here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Water damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home may experience. Anything from malfunctioning appliances like dishwashers or washing machines to a burst pipe or storm damage can be the cause of water damage in your home.

There are plenty of steps to take to protect your home from some trying common water damage scenarios that homeowners deal with.

Protecting Your Home

Dealing with water damage is enough of problem, but it can have a long-term impact on your home. Mold usually follows water damage as mold can begin to grow and flourish within 24–48 hours after moisture exposure.

When looking for solutions and ways to protect your home from water damage, it can be helpful to break it down by areas of impact, such as basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

A way to prevent water damage in the basement is to ensure there is no water seeping in. Do this by resealing vulnerable areas of the basement, making sure water drains away from your home and installing a backwater valve.

Plumbing issues in the kitchen and bathroom are your usual main causes of water damage, as well as appliance failures.

Look at and check the following items:

• Inspect all appliances regularly, looking for any issues with hoses and faucets
• Check all seals and caulking around your showers and tubs to make sure there are no leaks
• Know where the main shut-off valve is in your home
• Never leave the house while the washing machine or dishwasher are running

While it’s not always possible to protect your personal possessions from water damage, there are things you can do to at least decrease the amount of destruction. Using waterproof bins and storing items up off of the floor is always recommended when using the basement or garage for storage purposes.

<h4to-begin-on-cleanup">Where to Begin on Cleanup

If you have suffered water damage to your home, there is a good chance you can salvage items that can be dried out within 48 hours.

The first step is to contact your insurance provider immediately and evaluate the extent of damage to your home and possessions as well as identify the type of water that is involved.

There are three types of water that cause damage:

1. “Clean” water such as from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, etc.

2. Gray water like dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc.

3. Black water, which would be water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. This water can cause serious health problems.

Following a water damage disaster, it is important to dry your home out and dehumidify the area, removing wet objects and disinfecting remaining materials as soon as is safely possible.

Here’s an interesting pro tip: You can freeze wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer to give you some extra time. This prevents mold and mildew from developing, causing more deterioration. Once you are able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda, who are here to make it “Like it never even happened.”