Recent Why SERVPRO Posts

Why You Can Count On SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan’s 24/7 Emergency Restoration Services

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Water emergencies like flooding and others can happen to anyone, anytime, and anywhere. To help you restore your property back to its original condition within the fastest turnaround rate, count on SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District’s 24/7 emergency restoration services. We are available around the clock to provide you with the professional help you need so you can get back up on your feet again in no time.

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In most cleaning and restoration situations, immediate response is needed. SERVPRO has more than 1,700 U.S. and Canadian franchise locations, making our services readily available to render immediate response to any size emergency within the fastest time possible. Providing you with immediate help can mitigate the scale of the damage, thus helping you cut down on the cleaning and restoration costs involved.

Water Damage Restoration

We have fully-certified technicians under our wings who have been trained to deliver immediate response to floor or water damage at any type of property. We possess the necessary expertise, experience, and training to help restore your residence or business swiftly and in a proper manner. Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art inspection and extraction equipment to detect the water to remove it within the shortest time possible. Our technicians will perform the monitoring of the drying process which will be documented to get your property back to its original condition.

Fire Damage Cleanup

After the fire trucks are gone, your home and possessions would have most likely suffered from both smoke and fire damage as well as water damage as a result of firefighting. Our team at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District possesses extensive specialized training and experience to provide reliable water damage cleanup and restoration services for efficient restoration of your home back to its pre-fire condition. Our team is also qualified in odor removal as well as deep-cleaning of upholstery through our comprehensive training and advanced equipment.

Mold Remediation

It only takes a simple water leak or just a case of excess humidity for mold to start building up in your residence or business property. Mold will then thrive and spread quickly throughout the whole building within as little as just 48 hours. Mold can cause health effects. If your residence or business property is experiencing a mold problem, seek the assistance of our professional mold remediation team to inspect and assess the scale of your mold problem. We will utilize our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to perform immediate remediation of your mold infestation problem.

Commercial Services

As a business owner, you must know how crucial it is to keep your operations running smoothly without disruptions. For the maintenance of your commercial property, work with SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District to help you achieve results with minimal disruptions. We offer professional commercial cleaning and restoration services that are rendered by fully-trained specialists. We are available around the clock to help you restore your property to its original condition in the fastest time possible.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey
SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of West Somerset County, SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”

Having Difficulty Tracking Odors Inside Your Home?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Some homeowners find themselves in a situation where an unusual and unpleasant odor is detected on the premises but they are unable to identify the exact source of the smell. Below are some tips that can help you identify the unwanted scent so you can contact the appropriate residential odor removal services.

Sewage

This has a distinct and unmistakable smell. It could be a sign that your P-trap is dried out. A P-trap consists of the miniature curved portion of piping that aids in creating a seal for the sewage gas which is present behind it. However, the P-trap must be water-filled to produce the needed blockage.

Homeowners that don’t regularly use their sinks might cause the water which usually produces the seal to evaporate and then dry out, causing sewage gases to rise into the home. To prevent this, all you need to do is run water in each drain periodically, about once each month.

Egg Rot

The smell of egg rot or sulfur is definitely not pleasant and is a sign that something is seriously wrong. It usually means you either have an electrical problem or a gas leak. Manufacturers of natural gas are mandated to add a special chemical named mercaptan inside so that it is easier to perform leak detection. When this additive isn’t present, it won’t be possible to smell, taste, or see natural gas. So if you detect the infamous rotten egg smell, the first thing you’ll want to do is check with your gas company.

Aside from gas leaks, the smell of rotted eggs can also result from faulty electrical systems. If you’ve checked for a gas leak and none is present, the next thing you’ll want to do is try shutting down your circuit breaker. Additionally, the smell of rotted eggs might come from running out of hot water. This is because you probably have an aging anode rod that needs to be replaced. Experts recommend replacing anode rods once every five years or so otherwise corrosion can occur, but many property owners are busy, and getting a replacement is easy to forget.

Stale Air

If you notice that the air in your home seems stale, this is often the result of air leakage. Does your home have an attic with recessed lights? If so this form of illumination is susceptible to leakage and if this is the case the leak will need to be sealed.

Fishy Smell

If you don’t have any seafood in your home or garbage, a fishy smell often results from electrical components which are overheating. If the plastic, wiring, or other electrical devices smells like sulfur or rotted fish, this means that you potentially have a dangerous situation on your hand like arcing within a switch or outlet that can lead to a fire. As you can imagine, this is not something you want to handle on your own, as you run the risk of being electrocuted or burned, so it is highly recommended to contact an expert immediately.

Have You Heard of The SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Our team has extensive expertise in restoring damaged property. This is because each member is required to undergo training at our SERVPRO Corporate Training Facility. Here they can acquire the latest knowledge and skills along with IICRC certification.

What Does The Training Program Include?

Our educational program can be broken down into five parts, which consist of:

Employee Certification Training
IICRC Training
Electronic Learning
Initial Franchise Training
Continuing Education Classes

Employee Certification Training

This is a voluntary program that employees who desire additional knowledge can take at their own pace. Certification will be rewarded once a candidate has completed the course materials along with the examination. Its modules are:

Fire Restoration: This course teaches students the fundamentals of fire restoration and includes using 3D imaging to capture images and virtually tour sites, as well as how to select deodorizing products and the differences between oily and dry soot, and why it’s important.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: In this course, students will learn how to use microfiber cloths, oscillating fans, clothes steamers, and vacuums to clean carpeting and upholstery. They will also learn how to remove dirt and dust as well as the dos and don’ts of cleaning stains.
Crew Training: During this course, students will learn the importance of teamwork and how to communicate effectively with other crew members while following established safety procedures.
Water Restoration: This course will teach the differences between black, gray, and clean water, how to identify damage levels and leak sources, and how to remove mold. It also covers proper drying and disinfection techniques.

IICRC Training

IICRC stands for the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. It establishes industry standards and certifications for restoration and cleaning projects. Members of our team are required to know IICRC standards as well as best practices for mold, water, and fire restoration, along with the best techniques for cleaning upholstery and carpets.

Electronic Learning

Also known as e-Learning, this allows our staff to acquire additional knowledge via online sources. It is also voluntary and made to be continuous and self-paced. Franchise employees will have access to support materials and video presentations which culminate in a test after the conclusion of every module. This ensures that office personnel, as well as technicians, are always up to date on the latest industry standards.

Initial Franchise Training

This is a fifteen-day course that is hands-on and held within the SERVPRO training center. It is considered the foundation for our training program and encompasses a wide range of topics, namely restoration involving burn and water damage along with tips for eradicating mold and cleaning up carpets.

Continuing Education Classes

We believe that education is a lifelong process that doesn’t end just because you’ve earned a certification. Therefore, we provide both noncredit and credit courses for those that intend to become insurance adjusters or agents, as well as franchise staff and realtors. Aside from addressing damages caused by fire, water, and mold, it also demonstrates techniques for restorative drying and mitigation awareness.

Introducing Our Submersible Water Pumps

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to repairing and restoring water damage, submersible water pumps are an integral part of the water extraction stage. Submersible water pumps are a key piece of equipment thanks to their powerful pumping abilities and range of sizes and capacities – no matter your specific needs, there will surely be a submersible water pump that’s right for the job.

If you’d like to learn more about that submersible water pumps that highly trained professional restoration specialists use, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for a quick summary of what submersible water pumps are and how they work.

What Are Submersible Water Pumps?

As its name might suggest, a submersible water pump is a type of pump that can be fully submerged in water. This is achieved by constructing the pump such that body of the pump is firmly coupled to the motor, and keeping the motor fully sealed with an airtight seal. There are plenty of different types of submersible pumps, each with a different application.

Submersible pumps are designed to prevent one of the most common problems associated with removing water called pump cavitation, which is when an air bubble forms due to different elevations of the pump and fluid surface. Furthermore, submersible water pumps are more energy-efficient than other types of pumps like jet pumps; they use water pressure to push fluids to the surface for removal, whereas jet pumps pull fluids downwards to be removed.

Submersible pumps are also quieter and less prone to overheating than other water pumps since they are fully submerged under the water surface. The full submersion of the pumps also means that they never need to be primed as well, making them a great investment when it comes to water removal.

How Submersible Water Pumps Work

Submersible water pumps first pull water into the pump via the foot valve, and the water then strikes the blades of the impeller in the pump. The speed of the water flow increases as it hits the blades of the impeller.

The rotations of the impeller then push the water into the diffuser, which converts the kinetic energy and speed of the water into pressure, causing the water to be pushed to the surface as it is discharged from the outlet valve of the submersible water pump. Once the water has reached the surface, it can be safely and quickly removed.

Uses of Submersible Water Pumps

Thanks to their versatility, different types of submersible water pumps are installed for different use cases. Single-stage submersible water pumps are suitable for uses like sewage pumping, draining, and other industrial uses. Multiple-stage submersible water pumps, which are typically lowered down into a borehole, are commonly seen in residential, commercial, and industrial water extraction.

With all these points in mind, we hope that you have a clearer picture of just how useful submersible water pumps are when professionally repairing and restoring water damage. If you’d like to learn more about water damage repair or any of the professional restoration and cleaning services we offer, SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District is here to help! Please get in touch with us today and we’ll gladly answer any questions you might have.

You Can Count On Our 24/7 Emergency Restoration Services

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Water emergencies like flooding and others can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. To help you restore your property back to its original condition within the fastest turnaround rate, count on SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District’s 24/7 emergency restoration services. We are available around the clock to provide you with the professional help you need so you can get back up on your feet again in no time.

Faster to Any Size Emergency

Water Damage Restoration

Fire Damage Cleanup

Mold Remediation

It only takes a simple water leak or just a case of excess humidity for mold to start building up in your residence or business property. Mold will then thrive and spread quickly throughout the whole building within as little as just 48 hours. Mold can cause health effects. If your residence or business property is experiencing a mold problem, seek the assistance of our professional mold remediation team to inspect and assess the scale of your mold problem. We will utilize our specialize training, equipment, and expertise to perform immediate remediation of your mold infestation problem.

Commercial Services

Why Should You Hire Deep Home Cleaning Specialists?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

With our increasingly hectic lifestyles, many people find that they don’t have the time to do a deep home cleaning. We are talking about the big clean that happens every few months, not the daily sweeping and dusting that can be accomplished in minutes. It is important to keep your home clean and free of dust and grime – after all, it is the place you spend the most time in. In this article, we give you some good reasons to engage deep home cleaning specialists.

Give Yourself A Break

Chances are, you may not know exactly what to do to give your home a deep clean. Sure, you may have read up some tips online, but this involves buying all the necessary cleaning equipment and chemicals and actually getting down to work. When you hire deep home cleaning specialists, you can leave all that to the experts and free up your time to attend to work, hang out with your children, or enjoy some quality time with your partner. After the cost of buying the necessary tools and the time needed to figure out the best way of cleaning, you may find that hiring specialists adds up to be better value for money.

Achieve the Best Results

Even if you have the time to attend to cleaning yourself, the truth is that the process is not always straightforward. With numerous rooms to tackle and different techniques to be used for cleaning and sanitizing different surfaces, it can all become more trouble than it’s worth. A deep home cleaning specialist is familiar with the different ways to clean each room in the house and you can be assured they will achieve the best results for you.

Pick and Choose the Services You Need

It may be that you have just about enough time to clean your bedrooms a thorough cleaning, but the kitchen and bathrooms leave you frustrated. When that’s the case, you will be pleased to know that deep home cleaning specialists can assist you with cleaning the specific areas you cannot clean yourself, such as ceilings, floors & walls, carpet & upholstery, drapes & blinds, air ducts & HVAC systems, and more. You only pay for what you choose, and it will prove to be well worth the money when you do not have to figure out how to clean difficult-to-reach places.

Engage Deep Home Cleaning Services from SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District

From time to time, it is necessary to give your property a deep home cleaning. We understand that life can get messy – quite literally – at times, and you may not always have the luxury of time to attend to your cleaning needs. Let SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District lift the burden of constant maintenance off your shoulders when you engage our services. If you have any queries about our cleaning services or would like a customized quote, please feel free to contact us today.

Our Restoration Specialists Use Hygrometer

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes called thermal hygrometers, hygrometers are one in a long list of restoration tools. On a water damage project, they monitor any air that may have an influence on humidity and/or the temperature. Within an air sample, this item can measure the amount of humidity (water vapor). Hygrometers, when used properly, can verify whether additional equipment might be necessary to control humidity or temperature, and additionally that the drying equipment is operating appropriately.

Strategic Decisions Using Hygrometers

Drying conditions can be verified through the use of hygrometers as the drying progresses. It can help answer the question, "Are the conditions needed to allow wood, carpet, and walls to dry being met?" You will know, through an analysis using a hygrometer, that things are going according to plan.

On a water damage restoration job – on a daily basis – monitoring is needed on five key areas. They are as follows:

Outdoor air
HVAC system
Dehumidifiers
Unaffected areas
Affected areas

Let's look at each of these individually.

Outdoor Air

To assist drying, outside air can be used if it is actually more conducive to drying than the inside air in the area affected. For a short period of time, it would be perfectly acceptable to open a window or a door. Wet air will travel toward the drier air because it gravitates to dry, if it can.

HVAC System

Rather than hindering a process, a running HVAC system should aid in it. Monitoring will help make sure this is happening. Monitoring the output of the HVAC – which acts like a big dehumidifier – is crucial.

Dehumidifiers

Being assured that a dehumidifier is continuously removing humidity is essential. Grain depression can be determined by making a comparison between the air in the affected area and the GPP coming from the humidifier. Drying will be faster the greater the depression. Between the two, grain depression will narrow as drying progresses.

Note: GPP stands for grains per pound. It measures the weight of water vapor in the air.

Unaffected Areas

There should be relatively stable humidity in areas that are unaffected. Drying times will be slowed considerably if unaffected area humidity decreases along with the humidity in the affected area.

Affected Areas

With each reading, humidity should decrease. Readings under 40% Rh should be present (for relative humidity) after the first 24 hours. By denying needed moisture, you can help stop mold growth with a low Rh.

Count on SERVPRO For Water Damage Restoration

Everyone likes to save money, but when it comes to water damage restoration, this is no time to start cutting corners. Make sure only the most reputable, dependable companies take care of any damage involving damp or wet conditions. You don't want to put your business (and your employees) or your home (and your family) at unnecessary risk.

Get the water cleaned up the right way! See to it that all the damage is repaired, so it looks like new, through the reliable services offered by SERVPRO. We use the latest and greatest high-tech tools and specially trained individuals to handle every project. Do you have flood or water damage? Call us today at 212 -564-6365. You can also fill out our online request form as an alternative.

Why Choose Our IICRC-Certified Water Damage Restoration Specialists?

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Despite its benefits, water can be a destructive force. The potential disaster that water can cause in your home or workplace is quite scary. Water damage can happen in any residential or commercial areas and it can affect buildings on different levels. Water can creep into the different area of your home and can cause severe damage to your floors and walls. All that moisture can also lead to the formation of mold and vermin infestation in your home, and if not immediately addressed, it could weaken the foundation of your house. That is why before things get even worst, water damage restoration is a must. It is important to hire a restoration company that will take immediate action to address any water damage in your home effectively and efficiently. IICRC-certified water damage restoration specialists are specifically equipped to handle such situation and you can be rest assured they are capable to address any water damage in your home.

What is IICRC-certified?

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification or IICRC, is a certification and a non-profit organization for inspection, cleaning and restoration. Their mission is to establish restoration and uphold cleaning standards that are globally recognized to ensure that these restoration companies give their customers the highest quality services that they can offer. Each restoration company have to prove that they are able to accommodate any restoration projects in both small and large properties. Each technician has to pass a rigorous examination to prove their knowledge in water damage and other form of restoration. Technicians will not be able to perform any restoration service until they met the requirements needed.

The Benefits of Hiring IICRC-Certified Water Damage Restoration Specialists

The importance of finding a certified restoration company is essential when you are dealing with water damage as prolonging the situation at hand will cost extended damage to your property. There are several benefits that comes with hiring an IICRC-certified specialist such as

Their knowledge of handling the proper equipment. These professionals have to operate all the drying equipment in those areas affected by water damage, mold growth and infestations.
They work well under pressure. A certified specialist will know what to do in as emergency situation. They are calm in stressful situation and an excellent problem solver in solve any water-related issues.
They are able to handle large-scale water damage issues. They will have a team of specialist who are able to remove the damages in various areas.
They are transparent with their customers. Any owner will want updates on any restoration works. A certified specialist can provide owners with clear and open communication throughout the entire process.

Let SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District be Your Choice for Water Damage Restoration

Our highly-trained specialists are well-versed in water damage restoration. We are IICRC-certified and specialized in the restoration and cleanup for both commercial and residential properties. We understand the stress of having water damage in your home and strive to provide the best service possible for our clients. Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries!

Why Choose SERVPRO Of Lower Manhattan For Fire Damage Restoration Services?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

When your business or residence needs fire damage restoration, to whom can you turn? Allow us to introduce you to our services. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan can help you get back to normal after a fire or water emergency. We stand ready to help and have expertly trained individuals nearby. To help you get back to a normal life as soon as possible, we employ methods that reduce downtime and quickly make your surroundings look "Like it never even happened."

Why choose us for fire damage restoration? Here are just a few reasons:

We use advanced techniques and equipment
We are highly trained specialists
We are quick to assist after any disaster
In the restoration industry, we are a trusted leader
We’re locally operated/owned
We offer 24-hour emergency service

After a Fire

Naturally, after a fire, a building will suffer soot, smoke, and fire damage. But your business or home may also have suffered other problems as a result of firefighting efforts, such as water damage, and more. This isn’t easy to process for any business or family. The destruction is upsetting.

We understand you may feel vulnerable, confused, and stressed after such an incident. That's why, in any crisis, our experts are capable, willing, concerned, and will provide superb support. We treat your business and/or home with loving care.

To restore your home or business to pre-fire conditions quickly, SERVPRO uses specific equipment, personnel, and damage restoration training.

Specialties

We specialize in water and fire damage restoration. For our business, it's a cornerstone of sorts. To get your property back to normal, we make sure our staff has received extensive restoration and damage cleanup training in the following areas:

Water damage restoration
Fabric and upholstery cleaning
Odor control
Smoke and fire restoration

We have numerous specialists whose expertise is one or more of the above-stated topics.

SERVPRO Has Highly Trained Individuals

IICRC training introduces and instructs employees regarding best practices where upholstery and carpet cleaning, mold remediation, water restoration, fire restoration, and other restoration/cleaning courses are concerned.

Modules of certification training include the following (these are also included in initial franchise training):

Fire restoration
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Water restoration
Crew training

Continuing education classes are a necessary part of staff training. For franchise staff, insurance adjusters, real estate professionals, and insurance agents, SERVPRO offers both non-credit and credit courses. Programs such as these are designed to improve emergency mitigation and knowledge. Included in the courses we offer are the following:

Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
A non-credit course: Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
Fire Damage Restoration
Water Damage Restoration
Restorative Drying for Loss Control

Turn to SERVPRO for Fire Damage

We understand that every fire and smoke damage situation varies somewhat. For specific conditions, a unique solution tailored to precise needs must be used. Different cleaning procedures are needed depending on the residue left behind, materials that burned, etc.

Depending on your needs, we offer the following restoration processes, benefits, and services:

Restoration
Cleaning and repair
From all surfaces, removal of smoke and soot
If water damage is present, water removal and drying
If needed, immediate roof tarp and board up services
Fire damage/inspection assessment
Emergency contact 24/7

Don't wait another minute to bounce back from a fire! Contact today!

How to Avoid MRSA Infections?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Staphylococcus aureus is a surprisingly widespread type of bacteria. Commonly known as Staph, approximately thirty percent of all healthy humans are carriers of Staph in some way. This bacterial is typically found living on the surface of our skin and inside of our nostrils. Although it exists without affecting the individual, it can result in severe infections through small cuts in some cases. The danger when this happens is that antibiotics do not work on a rising number of Staph bacteria strains. A minor infection can rapidly turn into a potential fatal emergency. Since it is difficult to treat, following some precautions to avoid MRSA infections is important.

What is MRSA?

MRSA refers to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This type of bacteria is able to withstand common antibiotics used against bacterial diseases. There are 3 main types of MRSA:

Community-acquired (CA-MRSA): This refers to any bacteria that is found outside of a medical facility.
Livestock-acquired (LA-MRSA): This is commonly found in the nasal swabs of humans who work in livestock handling kennels and facilities.
Healthcare-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA): First identified in the 1960s, it is called healthcare acquired due to how prevalent it was in hospitals.

Where can you get MRSA?

Although MRSA thrives best in moist and warm areas, it is also able to live for a long period of time on hard surfaces. Environments where many people come into contact with shared surfaces are more dangerous. This includes the following places:

Shopping carts
Elevator buttons
Doorknobs
Gym Equipment
Keyboards
Flush Levers

Although there are some treatments available, there are many circumstances where the bacteria are resistant to all available treatments. Hence, taking the necessary preventions against MRSA infections in the first place is extremely important.

MRSA Precautions

Restrict antibiotic use

Using many different kinds of antibiotics is related to an increased risk of the bacteria becoming more resistant, which aids in colonization.

Shower after Sweating

As MRSA thrives in moist environments, it is important to shower immediately after you sweat. Do not share your towels with others.

Wash your Hands

Regularly wash your hands for a minimum of fifteen seconds, before drying with a disposable towel. Do remember to bring along hand sanitizers based in alcohol for times when you are not able to wash your hands.

Screening

So as to reduce the spread of infections, especially in hospitals, screening for people with MRSA should be carried out. Some ways of doing it is to swab the nostrils and isolate the bacteria.

Cover your Wounds

It is important to keep your wounds covered and clean. This applies to infected people as well as those who are not infected, reducing the risk of spreading to others.

No Injection of Illicit Drugs

For those who take intravenous drugs, including HIV, Hepatitis C and MRSA, the occurrence of life-threatening infections are higher.

Isolation

For individuals who do not practice good hygiene, or stay away from skin-to-skin contact, they should be isolated so as to avoid the infections from spreading further. It is also suggested to isolate laundry and everyday appliances.

3 Common Types of Floodwater

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

It is common for homeowners to immediately want to get to work after a flood to salvage whatever is left of their home. However, you could be doing more harm than good without first knowing what has actually hit you. Different types of floodwater have different causes and effects on one’s health, so only handle what is within your capability and leave the rest to the professionals.

Floodwater 1: Clean Water

This is pretty straightforward, so you can go ahead and get those towels and any other retrievable fabric pieces you can find to kickstart the floodwater absorption process. However, be sure to pick up the pace before this type of floodwater changes into the next state. Get everyone to join in the effort to settle down as soon as possible and take the opportunity to bond as a team to keep spirits high.

Floodwater 2: Grey Water

This is the next state which had transitioned from clean water. It is normal to feel skeptical about even getting into contact with this type of floodwater because you never know what is flowing beneath. There could be contaminants of a chemical, physical, or even biological nature, usually derived from kitchen or bathroom malfunctions.

Floodwater 3: Unsanitary

This is the deadliest state floodwaters could get into. Thus, be absolutely wary of your surroundings while handling this form of floodwater to prevent any detrimental adverse effects on your health and that of your loved ones. You could be getting yourself into a situation of pathogenic and toxigenic agents’ category, which has dissolved silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic organic substances. Thus, save yourself the trouble and your health to stay fit to storm through the aftermath.

Cleanup Process

There are so many different ways and approaches that you can get your hands on through various online tips and guidelines. Nevertheless, you could be doing it all wrong when you fail to correctly distinguish the real type of floodwater that has flowed in your home at the very initial important stage. Therefore, there has to be a certain level of guarantee before you can truly say that you are safe from harm that could cause you to become sick or be left with a home that is only cosmetically free of floodwaters.

Cleanup Guarantee

What is this guarantee that we are talking about? It is the sense of assurance that will leave you feeling comfortable and put your mind at ease again as though no natural disaster had ever struck your home sweet home. SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan is that guarantee you need to get your mind and health off of things and lay back and relax while our professional cleanup team gets down and dirty with all the strenuous and exhausting cleaning up. We will guarantee that every last drop of floodwater will be gotten rid of for good, even the deadliest floodwater form that you can imagine. Get our number on your speed dials today, or just drop us a message to address any of your concerns.

When Do You Need Duct Cleaning?

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Having periodical air duct cleaning service done is important. Read on to find out when you should engage professional air duct cleaning services!

When Do You Need Professional Air Duct Cleaning Services

Everybody wants a clean house. But, what if your house is not as clean as you thought? Even though your floors and surfaces may be dust-free, it does not mean areas that you cannot see and reach are clean. Unfortunately, your air duct contains a lot of dirt, dust, and allergens as they work frequently to provide cooled or heated air around your home. As air conditioning systems draw in air from the outside world to cool the house, it is easy for contaminants to enter your home.

Cleaning air ducts is a complicated process that requires specific knowledge. As such, you should always engage professionals for cleaning services to help you do a thorough job. If you are unsure of whether your air duct requires cleaning, read on to find out some signs of a dirty air duct.

Presence of Mold in Your Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioning system should undergo maintenance and clean periodically. Professionals recommend your system to be serviced at least twice a year. Due to the condensation that results from cooling air, mold growth is a possibility, especially if the climate you live in is a humid one. If your technician informs you that your air conditioning system has mold, you should ask to see the evidence. Once confirmed, you can contact a mold expert. Air conditioning technicians may not have the credentials to get rid of mold, so you should ensure you get a certified professional to do so.

Even if mold is found, it does not necessarily mean your air ducts are affected. However, it makes it highly possible. It is important to engage professionals to check to make sure.

Your Home is Newly Renovated

Construction sites are very messy. Even if contractors clean up and cordon off areas to keep the rest of the house not undergoing construction tidy, little pieces of debris and dust will find their way in. Unless your air conditioning system is not turned on and kept completely covered up throughout the construction work, it is possible for the dust and dirt to find their way to your air ducts. Furthermore, construction dust contains matter that can be harmful when you breathe it in. You should call professionals to clean your air ducts before any other major problems arise.

Your Home is Dusty Despite Cleaning

Cleaning up dust is not the most exciting activity, but is something we have to do often. However, if you notice that surfaces and areas of your house seem to always have a layer of dust even if you just cleaned the area, you probably need to clean your air ducts. You can take a look at the supply and return vents in your home. Do they look dirty? Go one step further to check by removing the vent cover and looking into the ductwork. If they are covered in dust, it is time to schedule a professional air duct cleaning service.

Increasing Cost for Heating or Cooling Air

Every year, the costs incurred from switching on the air conditioning and heater should be relatively similar and predictable. However, if you notice your bill increasing even though you find your usage to be about the same, you may have a problem. In some cases, the air duct is so dirty that air cannot flow through the system efficiently and freely. As such, the air conditioner needs to work harder to maintain the temperature of the room, thus consuming more electricity and resulting in higher utility bills.
If you are looking for professionals to help clean your air ducts, look no further than SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. Our team of professionals will be able to help you with keeping your air ducts clean. Feel free to contact us for more information about our services today!

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan Handles Your Items With Care

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Item have been cleaned, carefully wrapped, and stored in a unit.

Here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, we know how precious your items are to you. Certain items do not hold monetary value and that’s why we make sure we handle everything with care. You never know how much something could mean to something, especially material possessions. At the risk of potentially damaging something, we make sure we wrap every single item in bubble wrap thoroughly and never pack too much in one box. We follow this process to ensure the satisfaction of our customers. We treat your items on how we would want ours treated. We also have an on-site storage unit in the event that you needed us to hold your items for a few months. Curious to know more? Call us today to find out more: 212-564-6365.

When is National Preparedness Month?

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

We do know it's July, but that doesn't mean you can't get ready for National Preparedness month!

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan think this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans.

Look at the startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percents of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.

Because we know the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before it's needed, our corporate offices developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile for their facility, at no charge.

Are you ready for your Emergency Ready Program? Give us a call and we'll schedule an appointment. We're READY to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You know our motto, "Like it never even happened."

Explaining the Meaning of the Word Biohazard

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

The biohazard symbol is as recognizable as the red-white STOP sign and the big yellow smiley emoji but what does the biohazard symbol truly represent? It often leaves a lasting impression and is usually perceived as an indicator of a potentially risky zone. However, where does the biohazard symbol really originated from?

Biohazard Symbol Origin

The biohazard symbol which we must have encountered at least once throughout our entire life was first created by Charles Baldwin in the year 1966 along with Robert Runkle. They were from Dow Chemicals and the National Institutes of Health respectively. Fast forward to five decades later, the biohazard symbol has emerged as a universal logo for common understanding amongst industries like medical, waste removal, and science. The biohazard logo has gained so much popularity that it has made its debut in cameo appearances in modern platforms like video games, movies, and more.

Charles Baldwin first came up with the idea of the symbol as a result of working with an excessive list of dangerous chemicals. He wanted to make it obvious to people not within the industry to know exactly what to expect and to avoid the chemicals being transported. He knew exactly how the symbol should look like and it should be easily recognizable, set apart from existing symbols, no fixed up or down position, acceptable by all groups, and specific yet ambiguous.

Biohazard Symbol Display

The only rule in displaying the biohazard symbol is to ensure it is showcased with enough contrast to optimize its visibility. Some color combinations of the symbol include black and white, black and yellow, white on red, and other contrasting combinations. The symbol also needs to be large enough to create an impression that lasts.

Biohazard Categories

Some of the biohazard waste categories within the medical fields that utilize the biohazard symbol are as follows:

Solid biohazardous wastes (no sharps)
Liquid biohazardous wastes
Biohazardous sharp objects
Pathological wastes
Soil collection and disposal

Biohazardous products comprise more than just medical waste materials even if that is the entire perception of the general public. Any content that may cause radiation to inflict sickness deserves to display the biohazard symbol. This is the exact reason why it is easy to spot the symbol at any cleanup areas of a crime scene and biohazard locations that deal with dead bodies, blood, and biohazard vehicles.

Biohazard Symbol in a Modern Setting

Today, the biohazard symbol can be spotted in modern settings when being used by subcultural groups, LGBTQ communities, and awareness societies. They utilize the symbol with a twist that holds an ironic message which the participants hope to convey across through the famous logo. Only a certain percentage of viewers would often catch the hidden agenda of the biohazard symbol usage by these groups but the general term the symbol often refers to is simply “danger”. Regardless of the given scenario, simply stay away should you come across such a symbol in the future.

Why You Shouldn't Use Over-the-Counter Mold Tests

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Over-the-counter mold test kits are often touted as a cheap and accurate DIY method to test for the presence of mold in homes. In fact, you might have even considered buying one at the nearest DIY home improvement store. You should, however, think twice before getting one because such kits are not all that they are cracked up to be. Here are some reasons why.

Accuracy Problems

Over-the-counter mold test kits are often advertised as being able to accurately detect the presence of mold in your home. However, these may be tall claims as such devices are hardly ever accurate in identifying mold. Even if the results were reliable and accurate, it is difficult to interpret them correctly without any professional experience in doing so.

Lack of Inspection

While over-the-counter mold test kits purportedly detect the presence of mold, they cannot pinpoint the specific location where this mold exists. This renders the reading rather useless, even if it is said to be accurate. In order to precisely locate mold in your home, a professional inspection needs to be conducted. This comprises sampling, as well as inspecting for issues related to mold that are usually not obvious to laypersons who lack professional experience in identifying and handling mold. As a result, even the Environmental Protection Agency recommends enlisting the services of professionals to deal with mold.

Lack of Certification

Over-the-counter mold test kits are usually made in labs that are not certified or endorsed by accredited agencies. These kits also lack important documentation known as a chain of custody, which describes how the item has moved from its original handler to the next party. As a result, such mold test kits lack legitimacy and should be avoided.

Lack of Expiry Date

Over-the-counter mold test kits do not come with expiry dates. This means that they are often displayed on store shelves until they are sold or disposed of. If you do buy such a kit, then there is a possibility that it is several years old and you will not be able to tell how much it has been exposed or handled prior to being purchased and brought home.

Lack of Necessity

If the mold in your home is visible, then there is no need to buy an over-the-counter mold test kit. Visible mold in itself is a confirmation that mold is present in your home, and hence the next course of action should be the removal of the mold in accordance with industry guidelines. It is a waste of time and money to try and detect mold after it has made itself obvious.

Over-the-counter mold test kits may be a waste of your time, energy, and money. Instead, consider working with professionals. With the latest equipment and highly trained mold remediation specialists, we at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan can help restore your property quickly and effectively. Our fast response can reduce mold damage, prevent further damage, and reduce the overall cost of remediation. What are you waiting for? Contact us now!

Why Should You Get a Post-Construction Cleanup?

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

A post-construction cleanup is essential to make sure that nothing unnecessary gets left behind. Developers would want to leave a spotless home before welcoming homeowners in. As for homeowners, you would want to ensure that you get to move into your much-awaited home without further delays either to welcome your loved ones or to put up the place for rental listing.

In both scenarios, a completely made over unit would help to ensure that both parties do their part and get what they have initially anticipated. Developers would get a positive review and no post-construction complaints whilst homeowners get to settle down immediately or get potential home viewings shortly after.

A post-construction cleanup can help to ensure this can be realized in order to give homeowners full satisfaction that they desire. What are some of the factors that contribute toward a full presentable home package? Let’s read on to find out.

Debris Removal

A team of professional cleaning crews will dispose of construction debris and raw materials left behind at a proper disposal site. This would help prevent any danger to your safety should you need to remove them on your own upon moving in.

Floor Cleaning and Polishing

A team of professional cleaning crews will clean and polish the floors using recommended tools and equipment according to the type of flooring options like tiles and hardwood, or even carpets without damaging them and to retain their quality for long. You can even take your shoes off upon moving in without a worry of a speck of dust.

Window Cleaning

A team of professional cleaning experts will get the windows streak-free and spotless to let that natural lighting in to warm the place up awaiting your arrival.

Countertop Cleaning

A professional cleaning crew is good at handling wood and porous stones and will have them free of dirt, dust, and bacteria ready for immediate usage to cook a nice meal for your loved ones after settling down with the luggage and furniture.

Sanitation of Plumbing Fixtures

Professionals will help ensure fixtures such as sinks, faucets, toilets and bathtubs will be washed and sanitized thoroughly to promote better health. They will be ready for immediate occupancy without any delays as they make the most essential part of a home.

SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan has a list of professional cleaning services to suit your individual needs. From post-construction cleanup to mold and mildew, there is nothing our professional crews will miss out to give you a presentable home to settle you in without delay. All you have to do is bring in your luggage and furniture before you can settle down in your new abode.

Give our friendly customer service officers a call today to request a quote for your post-construction cleanup needs.

Containing the Damage

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

We take mold jobs very seriously here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan. Pictured here is one of our job site’s that was facing a growth. We contained the mold to one room. The sheet prevents the and continuous spreading. Once the area is contained we then use antimicrobial sprays to stop the mold in its tracks. Unfortunately mold does not hold back. It spread to numerous boxes and bins that were not able to be saved. Fortunately, for the client we were able to salvage a good amount of items that were unaffected. We sprayed these items as well as they were exposed to the mold spores. Once the items were cleaned we separated them from the containment to prevent further contamination. The client was very happy with our work post labor.

Why Deal with Mold? When you can CALL SERVPRO!

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

Who wants to deal with mold? I’m sure you answered no to that question. Mold is the friend that comes over unannounced and the moment you see it you want it to leave. Here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan we want you to forget about your pesky friend Mr. Mold better yet, we’ll make it so you forget it ever existed. We have the unique tools here to make the mold stop in its tracks. Our crew members work to their fullest potential to ensure that the job is done professionally and passionately. This mold shown in the picture was isolated and then the surrounding wood was removed to prevent further growth. The customer associated with this job was very happy with the results received.

When Water Damage Strikes, Call SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan!

5/1/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan we know that water damage is never in anyone’s plans. No one wakes up and goes “Gee today is a great day for my building to get flooded! These types of things are an out of the normal occurrence, luckily this is our norm. We look at different types of water damages everyday. Whether your pipes flooded every floor of your house or your property is damaged from a neighbors toilet we’ve seen it all. Pictured here is a hotel that had a fire and then water damage from their sprinklers. We lifted the bottom portion of the wallpaper to expose the wet wall. This allows for better ease of access when our dehumidifiers dry up the moisture. Call us 24/7 for a free estimate or to set up work! 212-564-6365.

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (212) 564-6365