After a Storm Hits in West Babylon

11/7/2024 (Permalink)

If you have experienced the unfortunate mishap of a storm, when returning to your home after take some time to document all inventory in the home. Keep track of valuing all damages and costs to repair or replace your property. If your home or business is insured for flood damage, there are differences in how a flood works versus a home insurance claims that get adjusted and settled.  Wind damage will be covered under your homeowner's policy. Flood damage caused by storm surges should be covered under your flood policy.

Check your home owners and wind policies for special deductibles or coverages related to hurricanes, wind, hail, and other damage.  We're rooting for your recovery and SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park is here to help!

Here are a few Tips:
Take photos of the damage before any clean-up or repairs are done.

• Keep notes of any of conversations with insurance, repair, government, and other professionals. To prevent any confusion.
• Focus on drying/cleaning out, avoiding further damage, while getting all damage inspected, measured, and estimated by qualified, reputable, and independent experts such as SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park.  
  Flood insurance policies have different rules than home insurance policies.
• Start working on a detailed and itemized "proof of loss" form but don't rush and leave things out.

Prepping for a Thunderstorm

7/29/2024 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be more dangerous than you think! They happen often and can cause a lot of damage to your home. Of course, there are ways to help prevent this. 

To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should do the following:

• You should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. In order, to prevent any chaos. 
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage to yourself and/or your home.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile so you are safe (not a soft top convertible).
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors so they do not swing open and to avoid rain from coming in. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
• Last but not least act smart. Thunder storms can be dangerous. 

  Here are some facts about thunderstorms!

  • They may occur singly, in clusters or in lines.
  • Some of the most severe occur when a single thunderstorm affects one location for an extended time.
  • Warm, humid conditions are highly favorable for Thunderstorm development.

When a storm hits, SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park is ready for you! Please give us a call at 631-661-3802. We are always Here to Help® Open 24/7. "Like it never even happened." 

Getting Ready for a Storm

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

After experiencing a long winter we welcome the spring and summer seasons.  Both seasons don't always warrant sunny and warm weather.  In fact, both  seasons are notorious for bringing heavy rains, lightning, thunder, and even tornadoes. Protecting your home, business and its employees by being prepared is your first line of defense against the potential for spring storm damage. Your second is the right package for your business, which is complete with a Business Owner's Policy (BOP), commercial property coverage and general liability protection.

Emergency Checklist

First, establish a chain of command, a communication plan, and an exit strategy if you should need one. Involve your staff members in the emergency instructions so that everyone is on the same page. Next, ensure your staff members are familiar with tornado procedures.

Prepare For Power Outages

  Here are some steps you can take to manage  and prepare for power failures.

• Clearly label circuit breakers
• Keep a generator on site
• When severe storms come, unplug computers and other equipment that could be damaged by the surge
• Install surge protectors
• Service emergency equipment prior to storms to ensure it will work when you need it
• Keep backup digital files for critical information

Protect Your Home Or Office

Take an inventory of your important items before a storm. This will help to report lost or damage property after a severe spring storm. Ensure all latches and supports are in good working order and that heavy items are secured. Next, find a home for loose items, especially important documents.

Here at SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park, we strive to keep our customers satisfied and provide them the right information and advice to help them in these situations. Please call us at 631-661-3802. We are an emergency service company. Here for you 24/7.  We always Here to Help®

"Like it never even happened."

If a Storm or Flooding Hits Long Island

1/15/2024 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park we specializes in storm and/or flood damage restoration.  Our team is highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property at your home or business. We are always here for our community.

Faster Response

We are locally owned and operated, in that case, 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 hit Long Island, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can contact other teams and crews from a large network of over 2,200 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

If your home and/or business experiences storm and/or flood damage call us at 631-661-3802.

We are a 24/7 fire and water restoration company. 

"Like it never even happened."®

Storm Damage to your Home

12/28/2023 (Permalink)

During and after a storm your first priority needs to be the safety of your family.  Once your family is safe, you need to thoroughly document the damage to your property.  With the convenience of of cell phone cameras and other video devices, it is easier than ever to memorialize the damage caused by the storm and to easily provide the same to your insurance carrier. ALWAYS TAKE NOTE OF THE DAMAGES FOR PROOF!!

 Please insure you have pictures and other documentation from before the storm so that you can demonstrate to the insurance company the nature of your property and the condition of the same prior to the damage. Before and After pictures are very important. 

Once you are able to communicate, you should also immediately place your insurance company on notice of your loss.  Many insurance policies are now written to specifically mandate “immediate” notice of a loss, and insurance companies will often spend lots of money defending against the payment of your claim based upon an alleged “late notice” defense.

After notification of your claim, an adjuster from the insurance company will come to your property to inspect the damage.  It is crucially important that you point out any and all damage to your property so that the damage can be documented.

We are always here to help you through storm and flood damages.  Call SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park at 631-661-3802.

We are open 24/7 for emergency services.

What you can do after a flood

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

Floods

They can happen so quickly that many are caught unprepared, and while floods often can’t be prevented, what you do after a flood can save you thousands of dollars on flood remediation and water damage repair costs.  Here are some tips and advice to take after you notice flood damage.

Stay Safe 

Flood waters can be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals so do not go into the water without protection even if it is clear (you just never know). If there is a possibility of down or live wires don’t risk it, wait for a professional to come. If it is safe to go into the water wear waders, hip- or waist-high waterproof boots. In addition, wear rubber gloves to remove water- damaged possessions and to avoid contaminants. Hiring a professional to do flood clean-up is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of your possessions. Any food that came into contact with the flood waters should be thrown away. Boil all of your water until authorities declare the water supply is safe.

Take Pictures 

Before you remove any water or make any repairs, fully document the damage to send to your insurance company by taking photos or video. If you start removing water or making repairs before you photograph the damage, you run the risk of decreasing the extent of your coverage.

Call your Insurance Company

After you have ensured your family is safe, the first person you contact should be your insurance agent. If the floods have affected an entire region note that your agent might be dealing with their own flooding emergency and may not be available. If that is the case, contact your insurance company’s headquarters they should be able to direct you to the right information.

Let your insurance company know the extent of the damages to your home and any repairs you intend to do immediately. Be sure to follow the insurance company’s direction about whether or not to wait for an adjuster to inspect the property before making repairs. Document the damage and conversations at every stage of the process.

Call SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park

Our expert flood damage remediation specialists can help you recover from water damage. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete

Call SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park at (631)- 661-3802 for any water/storm and flooding issues. We are open 24/7 for emergency services.

After the Storm

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Due to heavy winds, half of the roof was ripped off

Once you return to your home, focus on documenting by completely inventorying and valuing all damages and costs to repair or replace your property, regardless of your insurance.  If your rental, home or business was insured for flood damage, there are differences in how a flood works versus home insurance claims that get adjusted and settled however, they have similarities. Wind damage will be covered under your homeowner's policy, while flood damage caused by storm surge should be covered under your flood policy.

Check your home and wind policies for special deductibles or coverages related to Hurricane, wind, hail and all damage. You'll find lots of information in your local library, tips, videos and tools. We're rooting for your recovery and are here to help.

Key Tips 

• Take photos of the damage before any clean-up or repairs are done.
• Keep a diary of conversations with insurance, repair, government and other professionals. To prevent any confusion 
• Focus on drying/cleaning out, avoiding further damage, while getting all damage inspected, measured and estimated by qualified, reputable and independent experts. 
• Flood insurance policies have different rules than home insurance policies. 
• Start working on a detailed and itemized "proof of loss" form but don't rush and leave things out.  
• Give your home and/or flood insurer a chance to do the right thing. They will always do the right thing 

Clean Up after the Storm

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning up after a big storm, arborist crews generally must be ready for anything. Any given service territory comes with its own unique weather patterns and predictions, but dealing with the unexpected should always be a part of the game plan.

If your tree crews are working with utility companies, storm preparedness is especially important. Aside from worker and public safety, restoring power to customers is a top priority, and sending restoration workers – including arborists – to deal with fallen trees and large debris is part of that process. Outages cost utilities somewhere between $18 billion to $33 billion annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, so getting systems back up and running as soon as possible is an essential part of a utility’s immediate response to weather-related outages.

With that in mind, a preparedness plan is critical. Safety and utility tree work have always gone hand in hand, but the stakes are that much higher when it comes to storm preparedness and recovery. So what does a good storm response and preparedness plan look like? And what kind of knowledge should arborists be equipped with when it comes to navigating severe weather in the field? Let’s take a look at some of the essentials of a storm preparedness program, as well as some of the types of extreme weather that field crews may have to deal with under extraordinary circumstances. Here at SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park we are here for any storm damages, no matter how big or small. Call us at 631-661-3802

Rule of Storm Readiness

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Clean-up

One of the most effective tips when responding to storm damage is a simple one, but it might not always be the first one you think of. It’s not training. It’s not technique. And it’s not having the right tools for the job. Those things are all critically important, of course, but the Golden Rule of storm readiness is this: Rest. 

Think about it. When dealing with storm response and cleanup, hazards are far more plentiful than when performing other work under ordinary weather circumstances. The last thing a tree company wants is an exhausted crew out in the field, under-rested and over-stressed.

One common practice among Southern U.S. utility providers when dealing with the effects of hurricanes or tropical storms is to send responding crews home for a certain period of time before deploying them. The effect here is twofold: allowing workers to check in on their homes and families in the wake of a storm, and letting them get enough rest before going into the field so they can then focus on the work that must be completed. Some companies practice the “eight-hours-on, eight-hours-off” rule during protracted periods of storm restoration work, in order to ensure that all crews are rested throughout.

That particular method might not be feasible for every company under all circumstances. But it’s important nevertheless to remember that a well-rested tree crew is far more likely to work safe and stay safe when working under more dangerous, storm-related circumstances.

SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park is here to help with storm clean-up.  Please call us at 631-661-3802

What to do when a Storm damages your home

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

Total devastation in Lindenhurst, NY

Your first priority after the storm needs to be the safety of your family.  After the safety of your family is assured, you need to thoroughly document the damage to your property.  With the advent of cell phone cameras and other video devices, it is easier than ever to memorialize the damage caused by the storm and to easily provide same to your insurance carrier.  Hopefully, you also have pictures and other documentation from before the storm so that you can demonstrate to the insurance company the nature of your property and the condition of same prior to the damage.

As soon as communications allow, you should also immediately place your insurance company on notice of your loss.  Many insurance policies are now written to specifically mandate “immediate” notice of a loss, and insurance companies will often spend lots of money defending against the payment of your claim based upon an alleged “late notice” defense.  After notification of your claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to your property to inspect the damage.  It is crucially important that you point out any and all damage to your property so that the damage can be documented.

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After the storm, drying out and cleaning up

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Sandy, N.Y. destroyed to many homes to count

Drying out your home- Water affects a home in three ways:

The water damages materials. Wallboard will disintegrate if it remains wet too long; wood can swell, warp, or rot; electrical parts can short out, malfunction, and cause fires or shock.

Mud, silt and unknown contaminants in the water not only get everything dirty, they also create a health hazard.

Dampness promotes the growth of mildew, a mold or fungus that can grow on everything.

The following steps work on all three of these problems. It is very important that they be followed in order.

Lower the humidity: Everything will dry more quickly and clean more easily if you can reduce the humidity in the home. There are five ways for you to lower the humidity and stop the rot and mildew. But you'll have to delay using some methods if you have no electricity.

Open up the house: If the humidity outside is lower than indoors, and if the weather permits, open all the doors and windows to exchange the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air. Your body will tell if the humidity is lower outdoors. If the sun is out, it should be drier outside. If you have a thermometer with a humidity gauge, you can monitor the indoor and outdoor humidity.

On the other hand, when temperatures drop at night, an open home is warmer and will draw moisture indoors. At night and other times when the humidity is higher outdoors, close up the house.

Open closet and cabinet doors: Remove drawers to allow air circulation. Drawers may stick because of swelling. Don't try to force them. Speed drying by opening up the back of the cabinet to let the air circulate. You will probably be able to remove the drawers as the cabinet dries out.

Use fans: Fans help move the air and dry out your home. Do not use central air conditioning or the furnace blower if the ducts were under water. They will blow out dirty air, that might contain contaminants from the sediment left in the duct work. Clean or hose out the ducts first.

Run dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers and window air conditioners will reduce the moisture, especially in closed up areas.

Use desiccants: Desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) are very useful in drying closets or other enclosed areas where air cannot move through. Desiccants are usually available at hardware, grocery, or drug stores. Some examples of desiccants include: 1) Chemical dehumidifier packs used for drying boats and damp closets, 2) Cat litter made of clay, and 3) Calcium chloride pellets used for melting ice in the winter. Hang pellets in a pillow case, nylon stocking, or other porous bag. Put a bucket underneath to catch dripping water. Close the closet or area being dried. Be careful. Calcium chloride can burn your skin. It will also make the air salty, so do not use this product near computers or other delicate equipment.

Call a contractor: There are contractors who specialize in drying out flooded buildings. They have large fans and dehumidifiers that can dry out a house in a few days. Look in the yellow pages under Fire and Water Damage Restoration or under Dehumidifying. Be careful about contractors who inflate prices after a disaster and about out-of-town contractors who inflate prices after a disaster and about out-of-town contractors who request payment in advance.

Be patient: Drying your home could take several weeks. Until your home is reasonably dry, damage caused by mildew and decay will continue. The musty odor will remain forever if the home is not thoroughly dried out.

For a professional job call SERVPRO of Babylon / Deer Park at 631 661-3802

After the storm, choosing a contractor

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

13" storm, Suffolk County, NY, no heat no electric removing walls and suspended floors

If your home has sustained substantial damage from winds or flooding, you may need a contractor to help you rebuild, especially to handle the difficult jobs such as foundation repair and electrical work.

The American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency urge homeowners to use caution when working with contractors. If you have been satisfied with work done by licensed local contractors, try them first. If they cannot help you, ask them for recommendations.

If you must hire a contractor you do not know, talk to several contractors before you sign anything. Reputable contractors would agree that you should take the following steps:

Check on the firm's reputation. The local Better Business Bureau, home builders association, or building trades council are excellent sources. Ask if the firm has had unanswered complaints filed against it.

Ask for proof of insurance. Be sure the contractor has disability and worker's compensation insurance. If the contractor is not insured, you may be liable for accidents on your property.

Ask for references. Contractors should be willing to provide names of previous customers. Call some of the customers and ask if they would hire the contractor again.

Ask for a written estimate. Check it to make sure it includes everything you expect the contractor to do. Some contractors charge a fee for an estimate, which is understandable because they have plenty of work to do after a flood.

Ask for a contract. The contract should be complete and clearly state all the work, the costs, and the payment schedule. Never sign a blank contract or one with blank spaces. If a lot of money is involved, it may be worth your while to have an attorney look at the contract before you sign it.

Ask for any guarantees in writing. If the contractor provides guarantees, they should be written into the contract, clearly stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee (the dealer, the contractor, or the manufacturer), and how long the guarantee is valid.

Obtain a copy of the final signed contract. Once signed, it is binding on both you and the contractor.

Don't sign off before the job is finished. Don't sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. a reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not finished properly.

Areas recuperating from natural disasters often are prime targets for less-than-honest business activities. Building codes often require that work be done only by licensed contractors. Some building departments and trade associations keep lists of contractors who work in the community.

Here are some points to remember:

Be cautious when contractors you don't know offer "special deals" after a disaster or want to use your home as a "model home."

Ask for complete financial details in writing and for an explanation of any differences from regular prices. Sales are worthwhile and they do exist, but be sure you are getting the services and products you are paying for.

Do not sign a contract when a salesperson has pressured you. Federal law requires a three-day "cooling off" period for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25. If you want to cancel such a contract within three business days of signing it, send your cancellation by registered mail. Other types of sales may have contracts with different cancellation clauses.

Beware if you are asked to pay cash on the spot instead of a check made out to the contracting company. A reasonable down payment is up to 30 percent of the total cost of the project.

Make sure your contractor calls you or a qualified observer to inspect work before it is covered over. Shoddy work on sewers or basement walls will be hidden from view, and you won't know if there is a problem until the next flood. Most building departments will want to inspect electrical and plumbing lines before the walls are covered with wallboard or paneling.

Choose a respected contractor, call SERVPRO of Babylon / Deer Park @ 631 661-3802

After the storm, assessing electric and water damage

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Storm in August, Babylon, NY home had 20 inches of water

If you think your home may have water damage — from roof leaks or flood waters that have receded — FPL has the following important safety tips:

Watch for downed wires when you approach your home. Consider all lines energized and call FPL if you see a live "sparking" power line.

Once inside, disconnect all electrical appliances that are still plugged in. Use caution. Do not stand in water when operating switches, plugging in or unplugging electrical cords.

When resetting circuit breakers, wear dry, rubber-soled shoes and stand on something dry and non-conductive, such as a dry piece of wood or wooden furniture.

Use only one hand, and reset the breaker switches with a dry wooden tool. Do not make contact with the metal breaker box or other grounded objects in the area.

If the breakers will not reset or they continue to trip, call a licensed electrician. This condition might indicate a short-circuit in your electrical system.

If you had no problem resetting the circuit breakers, you will still want to check your appliances for water damage and make sure all cords are dry before you attempt to re-plug electrical appliances into wall sockets.

If, after plugging in an appliance, the breakers trip (or fuse blows) or you see smoke or smell a burning odor, shut off power at the circuit breaker and have the appliance checked by a qualified appliance serviceman.

Be very careful around all electrical wires and equipment. If you have any doubts about your home electrical system or are unsure of how to proceed, call a professional, licensed electrician.

When Storms or Floods hit Long Island, SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park is ready!

8/29/2016 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage on Long Island

SERVPRO of Babylon / Deer Park 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 hit Long Island, 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  that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 631 661-3802