Spring Flooding: How to Handle Water Damage in Your Home or Business | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/21/2024 (Permalink)

When spring showers start flooding areas on your property, SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is Here to Help®.

Spring is a season of renewal and growth, but it also brings the risk of flooding due to melting snow and heavy rain. Flooding can cause significant damage to your home or business, leading to costly repairs and disruption.

Knowing how to handle spring flooding effectively is crucial for minimizing damage and ensuring a swift recovery. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with water damage caused by spring flooding.

Immediate Actions to Take

When faced with spring flooding, it’s essential to act quickly to mitigate damage and ensure safety. First, prioritize safety by turning off the electricity to affected areas to avoid the risk of electric shock. If the water level is high, avoid entering the premises until it is safe to do so. Once you can safely access the property, remove any valuable items and move them to a dry location.

Begin by removing standing water using a wet vacuum or pump if available. If you lack the necessary equipment or experience, it’s wise to contact a professional water damage restoration service like SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua to handle the extraction and prevent further damage.

Assessing and Addressing Damage

After addressing immediate concerns, assess the extent of the damage to your home or business. Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for signs of water infiltration and damage. Water can seep into structural elements and materials, leading to potential mold growth and structural issues if not addressed promptly. Remove and discard any water-damaged materials, such as insulation, drywall, and carpeting, as they can harbor mold and bacteria.

Ensure that the area is thoroughly dried out using dehumidifiers and fans. Proper drying is crucial to prevent secondary damage and the growth of mold and mildew. Professional water damage restoration experts can provide comprehensive assessments and use advanced drying techniques to restore your property effectively.

Preventing Future Flooding

Preventing future flooding is key to safeguarding your property from recurring damage. Start by evaluating the drainage around your home or business. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly to direct water away from the building. Consider installing sump pumps or flood barriers to manage excess water during heavy rains. Additionally, inspect the foundation for any cracks or gaps that could allow water to seep in.

Sealing these openings can help prevent water from entering your property during future storms. It’s also a good idea to create a flood preparedness plan, including emergency contacts and steps to take in case of severe weather. Being proactive can help minimize the impact of future flooding events.

Spring flooding can be a stressful and challenging situation, but taking prompt and effective action can help you manage the damage and protect your property. If you experience flooding and need expert assistance, SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is Here to Help®.

Contact SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua today for professional assistance and ensure that your home or business is restored to its pre-flood condition. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities.

Enjoy Fall BBQ and Bonfire Season Safely: Tips to Prevent House Fires | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/16/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe and warm this fall with fire safety tips for your New York home. SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is here 24/7, 365 days a year.

As the crisp autumn air settles in, fall BBQs and bonfires become popular activities for enjoying the cooler weather and vibrant foliage. However, with the increase in outdoor cooking and fire use, it’s essential to take precautions to prevent potential house fires.

By following some simple safety measures, you can ensure a fun and memorable fall season while keeping your home and family safe. Here’s how to enjoy your fall gatherings without risking a fire.

Safeguard Your BBQ Area

When grilling outdoors, it’s crucial to set up your BBQ in a safe location to avoid fire hazards. Place your grill on a flat, stable surface, away from flammable materials such as leaves, paper, or wooden structures. Ensure that the grill is positioned at least 10 feet from your home, deck, or any other structures to minimize the risk of a fire spreading.

Regularly clean your grill to prevent grease buildup, which can ignite and cause a dangerous flare-up. Always keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby when grilling. This way, you can quickly address any flare-ups or accidental fires before they become serious.

Manage Your Bonfire Responsibly

Bonfires are a quintessential part of fall, but they require careful management to prevent accidents. Before lighting your bonfire, check local regulations and fire bans to ensure that burning is allowed in your area. Choose a fire pit or fire ring that is designed for safe burning and place it on a non-flammable surface, away from any overhanging branches or structures.

Avoid burning materials like plastics or treated wood, which can produce hazardous fumes. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby to extinguish the fire if necessary. Never leave the bonfire unattended, and ensure that it is fully extinguished before leaving the area. By adhering to these practices, you can enjoy your bonfire while minimizing fire risks.

Prepare for Fire Safety

Preparation is key to fire safety during fall gatherings. Make sure your home’s smoke alarms are functioning properly and have fresh batteries. Test them regularly to ensure they are in good working order. Have an emergency plan in place, including a clear escape route and a designated meeting spot outside your home.

Familiarize yourself and your family with this plan so that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Additionally, educate your guests about fire safety practices, especially if they will be handling the grill or tending the bonfire. By taking these precautions, you can create a safer environment for everyone involved.

As you enjoy fall BBQs and bonfires, keeping fire safety in mind is essential for protecting your home and loved ones. If an accident does occur and you need professional assistance with fire damage restoration, SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is Here to Help®. Our team of experts is available 24/7 to provide rapid and reliable restoration services, ensuring that your home is returned to its pre-damage condition.

For immediate support and expert guidance, contact SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua today. Enjoy a safe and memorable fall season while knowing that help is just a call away.

Top Ways to Stay Dry During a Flood | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Experienced flood damage? SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is "Here to Help" with all of your cleanup and restoration needs.

We experience all kinds of weather patterns here in upstate New York, and most of them include some type of precipitation. Heavy rain in the spring and summer accompanies thunderstorms, while the winter season gives way to extremely snowy conditions that can leave us all hunkered down in our houses.

Whenever a significant amount of water is present, the risk of flash flooding conditions increases. While the specific flood zones can’t always be predicted, you can prepare for the possibility as soon as the watch or warning is issued so you can stay dry. 

Preparing Outside the Home

Floodwater will affect the exterior of your home first as it starts to flow onto your property, so it’s best to start outside. Be sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and ready to pull water off your roof and away from your home. Get your car inside the garage, and start tidying up your yard. 

Tie down anything that could potentially be swept away by fast-moving water, like patio furniture or grills. If you have the ability to get utilities and service equipment off the ground, take the time to raise and anchor equipment like water meters, heat pumps or HVAC equipment. 

Preparing Inside the Home

Once your property is ready to weather the storm, head inside and start getting your lowest levels ready. Pull any valuable possessions or soft materials out of your basement or lowest level and store them higher up for the time being. If you have the time, check your foundation for any cracks or gaps that you can seal before the rain starts to fall.

Check your sump pump to ensure it is working, and make sure any drains that you have in your floor are clear and ready to work just in case. If water does start flowing into your home, don’t panic! 

Simply stay above the water line and take pictures as the situation develops. This can help ensure a smooth insurance claims process during your restoration. After the water stops flowing in, give us a call.

What to Do After a Flood 

Floodwater can be hazardous and can be carrying all sorts of things like chemicals or sharp objects, so stay out of the water while you wait for us to show up. 

Our team will come with the proper safety gear so we can navigate your home confidently and safely. We will extract the standing water and dry up any lingering moisture while we work on saving any damaged possessions or soaked material like upholstery or carpets. 

Once everything is dry, we can address any leftover damage caused by the water. Flood water can damage walls, floors and ceilings in seconds, but rest assured that we will restore and repair everything so your home is brought back to its pre-flood condition quickly and efficiently. 

Flood damage should be cleaned up quickly. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away so we can get to work for you.

Restoring, Repairing and Cleaning Your Business | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

3/27/2024 (Permalink)

Do you need a cleaning and restoration partner for your Upstate NY business? SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is here for you!

We know that the Victor community and surrounding area wouldn’t be half as great without all of the wonderful businesses and commercial properties at our disposal! The easy access to great food, entertainment, goods and other services is crucial for our growing community. 

We also know how much work it takes on a daily basis to run a successful business. The late hours, early mornings and general sacrifices that you make every day for the good of your business and your staff do not go unnoticed. However, they can make your days long and exhausting!

SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is here to make sure you don’t have to do everything yourself. We proudly offer our restoration and cleaning services to all businesses in the area.

Assistance After a Water Disaster

Water disasters at your workplace can be detrimental to your business. Soggy walls from a busted pipe or an overflowing toilet that runs from your back room into your storefront can cause extensive damage in just a few minutes. Our team will come out to your home quickly to assess the situation and start on repairs. 

We will locate the source of the leak, stop the flow of water and then start drying out your home. We will also ensure that any damaged floors, walls or ceilings are repaired to the highest safety standards. 

Lingering moisture can lead to mold growth, which can be hazardous to your staff and customers, so we use our thermal imaging cameras to ensure every drop of moisture is gone. 

Handling Fire Disasters

Fire can be a nightmare for any business owner. A single forgotten candle or a malfunctioning toaster oven in the breakroom can be all it takes for a full blaze to start and destroy entire rooms or levels of your business. 

Our team is trained in large-loss recovery, and our project manager will lead our team through the entire restoration process. We will remove burned debris, clean and sanitize against soot and smoke odors, and also make sure your property is repaired from top to bottom. 

Fire can lead to temporary displacement while the repairs are taking place, which we know can be troubling for the success of your business and for your bottom line. Our team works quickly, but efficiently, to ensure your property is returned to its preloss state as fast as possible. 

Cleaning and Construction
Our services don’t stop there! We can also help you tackle any of your cleaning needs. We can deep-clean your carpets, address a potential mold infestation, and even clear out your air ducts. 

We are also available to come out to your property regularly for general cleanings that go beyond the scope of your janitorial staff. We are here to help make your business squeaky clean!

Is your business expanding and you are on the hunt for a contractor to help you tackle your new addition? Look no further than SERVPRO®! 

Our team is able to handle any of your construction and remodeling needs. We can create plans together based on your ideas and we will help bring your new addition to life. We are a full-service construction company, so you will only ever have to work with our team to get your project finished. 

We are here for your business no matter what restoration or cleaning needs you have. Contact SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua day or night. 

Common Locations for a Water Leak | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

Our homes are constantly using water, running water or transferring water throughout each room in our homes to help us accomplish tasks and to keep our homes dry. While our home’s water systems are typically really reliable on a daily basis, all it takes is a single malfunction or incident for a huge water disaster to occur.

If you are going about your day and discover a suspicious water spot or an obvious leak, locating the source is crucial for controlling the situation. 

Our SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua team explains more about where the most common locations are for water leaks so you can take control faster and prevent further damage. 

Exterior Doors or Old Windows 

Storms can cause all kinds of issues for your home, especially when heavy rain is present. Any part of your home that has direct access to the outside has the potential to leak during a storm. Exterior doors can hang crooked, or door frames can even sag due to structural aging, leaving gaps or cracks behind. 

Windows are also a common culprit. Deteriorating caulk lines or general wear and tear over the years can cause hairline cracks to occur around the window frames. Even the tiniest of gaps can invite water into your home that can leak and seep into your drywall and under your floors. 

Compromised Roofs

We rely on our roofs to keep us dry and cozy when the rain comes pouring down. Since they are the first line of defense, they put up with a lot when it comes to Mother Nature and the elements! 

While roofing materials are really sturdy and built to withstand strong storms, any sort of damage can eventually cause significant water issues. A single missing or broken shingle or an eave that has a small gap in it can leak water into your attic that can affect the rest of your home.

Checking your roof for damage after every storm can help you identify issues as they come up. Of course, obvious damage like a tree falling on your roof can be easy to spot, but smaller damage or emerging issues will require a ladder and an eye trained for detail. 

The Threat of Appliances

One of the most common reasons for home damage is not even due to Mother Nature! Any appliance in your home that relies on water to function can leak at any point. Your dishwashers, washing machines and even the ice maker in your fridge can cause troubles. 

Check these appliances by running your hand along the edges before every use to check for moisture, and try to pull them away from the wall on occasion to look for water spots or signs of mold.

Suffering water damage can be incredibly frustrating, but we are here to help! Our team will dry up the excess water, address repairs and ensure your entire affected area is clean, sanitized and odor-free. 

Contact us right away if you suffer a water disaster. SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is here 24/7. 

3 Ways to Prevent a House Fire | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/27/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are a disastrous event for your family. Let SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua help so you can focus on what matters.

We all can agree that suffering a house fire is one of the most unfortunate possibilities of being a homeowner. No one wants to think about their hard-earned possessions and precious keepsakes going up in flames, not to mention the sheer danger that unexpected fires bring. 

There are over 350,000 house fires every year in the United States, and most of them are preventable. By knowing what to avoid in your home and how to use fire and heat safely, you can significantly reduce your risk for suffering a house fire. 

Stay Present in the Kitchen

Most house fires start in the kitchen, but that should be no surprise since we use heat to cook almost all of our food. Never leave a boiling pot unattended or walk out of the room for any reason if you have something on the stove or in the oven. All it takes is a single spark or a kitchen towel placed just a little too close to the burner to start a huge blaze. 

You should cut down on the amount of flammable materials that you have in the kitchen and keep the clutter to a minimum. In addition, you should also have a fire extinguisher that is kept in the kitchen at all times. If a fire does break out, a quick reaction and passing the extinguisher over the flames can take care of the problem instantly. 

Control Your Electronics 

Electrical fires are also a hazard and account for many house fires across the country. Unplug appliances or electronics when they are not in use, and limit the amount of things plugged into an outlet or extension cord. Never “daisy-chain” extension cords, which entails plugging extension cords into other extension cords.

You should also never charge your phone or tablets underneath your pillow. Electronics that cannot properly vent can overheat and catch anything flammable on fire. Consider investing in surge protectors around your home to help control any unexpected electrical surges as well. 

Arm Your Smoke Detectors 

When was the last time you checked your smoke detector batteries? You should be testing each of your alarms once a month to make sure they are working properly. Each level of your home should have a smoke detector and you should especially be sure that one is located inside each bedroom or sleeping area.   

Smoke detectors should also be completely replaced every 10 years, so if yours are older than that or if you recently moved and aren’t sure how old yours are, replace them now to be on the safe side.

Remember, we are always here for you to help if you do suffer fire damage in your home. We can restore and rebuild any part of your home quickly and efficiently. 

House fires can be devastating. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away for a full restoration.

The Rapid Progression of House Fires | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is here for you if you experience a fire disaster.

House fires are scary no matter how they happen. While smaller instances can be alarming but manageable, large house fires can be completely devastating and leave behind incredible wreckage. 

Fire moves fast, and you often only have a few minutes to control the situation or get out safely. Knowing more about fire and how it spreads can help keep your entire family safe during a true emergency. 

The Timeline of Fire

The first 30 seconds: A fire can start and catch the surrounding walls, floor and materials ablaze. 

After a minute: The fire will spread and smoke will fill the entire room. 

After two minutes: The temperature in the room can reach 400 degrees, and smoke will start pouring into other rooms in the house. 

After three to four minutes: A flashover can occur, which means that everything in the room where the fire originated will ignite. 

After five minutes: The entire house is engulfed and rescue can be really difficult if you haven’t gotten out safely yet.

What to Do During a Fire

Fires can break out at any time and in any place of your home. Electrical issues, forgotten candles or kitchen mishaps contribute to the majority of house fires across the country, and each instance can cause widespread damage in just a few minutes. 

If you are home when a fire breaks out, exit your home as quickly as possible if you are not able to quickly extinguish it or snuff it out on your own. 

Your exit may be simple, like walking out the front door, or it may require hopping through a window to safety. In any case, stay low to avoid the toxic smoke. 

Crouch or even crawl if you have to in order to stay below the smoke line. Once you are outside, meet up with your family at your pre-determined meeting location. Once the fire is out and your family is safe, give SERVPRO® a call. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Process

We will gather a lot of information from you during our initial phone call. All of this information will allow us to create a more thorough restoration plan and ensure that we pack the right equipment and tools in our trucks. 

When we arrive at your home, we will get to work securing your property to prevent further damage. That might include boarding up broken windows or laying tarps over your damaged roof. 

Then we will get to work cleaning, sanitizing and restoring your home. We will go from room to room to look for smoke and soot damage as well as focus on the room where the fire started. 

We guarantee a full restoration from top to bottom, and we won’t stop working until your home is returned to its preloss condition. We know that suffering a house fire can be scary and overwhelming, but we are here to make sure your recovery is as quick and as smooth as possible.

Fire spreads fast. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away for immediate assistance.

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

Need help restoring your space after water damage? Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua for a fast response!

Water damage can occur in one singular, destructive event, or it can happen slowly over a longer period of time. In any case, discovering water damage after any type of water leak can be really frustrating. 

We don’t want you to have to suffer any kind of water damage in your home! By knowing what to look for and the places to check around your home, you can prevent extensive damage from occurring. 

Maintain Your Appliances

If you have lived in your home for a while, chances are that you have experienced at least one appliance malfunction during your years as a homeowner. We all rely heavily on our appliances, so they get put to work often! 

Our dishwashers, washing machines and even water heaters have big jobs to do day in and day out, and if they are not taken care of on a regular basis, it can result in a serious malfunction. 

Stay current on any routine maintenance like cleaning or servicing, and inspect each appliance before using them to check for drips, cracks or any other signs of wear and tear. You should also consider replacing any aging appliances as older equipment tends to get more unreliable as the years pass. 

Keep Your Roof Tidy 

Water damage can also occur due to Mother Nature! Heavy rain can easily overwhelm a roof that leaks or cracks, and water can get into your attic and leak down your walls. 

Undetected roof damage can cause your entire home to become compromised with water damage and mold growth. Inspect your roof often and address issues quickly. 

You should also be cleaning out your gutter system before each storm. Clogged gutters can force water to back up onto your roof, which can lead to water pouring over the sides of your home and directly down onto your foundation. This can lead to groundwater seeping down and into your basement or lowest level. 

Understand Where Water Flows in Your Home 

Water pipes and valves are all over the place in our homes, but knowing exactly where each line leads to and how to shut off each water valve can help you put a stop to any water issues immediately. Take the time to go through your utility room and learn how each system works. 

You should also be monitoring your water bill! If you open up your bill and are shocked at how much money you owe, it might be due to a water leak happening somewhere in your home. 

A simple drip from a cracked pipe can lead to gallons of water being lost a day, which can quickly add up the longer it is left unaddressed.

Water damage can happen quickly. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away for a fast and efficient restoration.

Tackling a Large Loss on Your Business Property | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

Does your business need a cleaning and restoration partner? Look no further than SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua.

No one wants to think about disaster occurring at their business, but it can happen at a moment’s notice. One minute it is business as usual and then a fire breaks out in your warehouse or a strong storm suddenly changes direction and barrels toward your storefront.

Your main focus at that moment should be taking care of your employees and customers to ensure everyone’s safety. After the situation has been controlled by either your staff or the authorities, reality can start to set in and become overwhelming.

That’s when a simple call to SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua is the best next move to make. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help.

Our Commercial Large Loss Division

No matter what happens at your business, suffering a disaster can lead to costly consequences. Lost wages and revenue can be a strain on your employees and yourself, and it can lead to extended closures that affect the future of your business entirely.

Our large loss recovery team is trained to handle any type of disaster at our local businesses and commercial properties. We have worked in hospitals, universities, large office spaces and even stadiums when floods, fires or storm damage occurs. 

Each project has a project manager who oversees every aspect of your recovery and we will work step by step to ensure every part of your business is restored safely and thoroughly.

Our Emergency Ready Plan 

Once you have overcome your disaster situation and you are back open for business, it’s time to think about creating an emergency plan to help you navigate any future disasters. We can help with that, too! 

Our team can create an Emergency Ready Plan that outlines many of the different possible scenarios that could occur at your business.

It is a comprehensive guide that includes step-by-step instructions, contact information for important people and organizations, and a thorough overview of your building that includes information about its water shutoff valves, fire extinguisher locations and evacuation routes.

This type of comprehensive plan can make a huge difference when a disaster occurs, guiding you through.

Our commercial services team is ready to help you overcome damage today. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away.

Ways Your Home Can Flood | SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua

9/22/2023 (Permalink)

You've got more to worry about than restoring your home after a flood. Let SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua help you focus on what matters most.

We need water to live and thrive and so do our homes and properties! Water is essential for life, but it is also necessary for us to have at our fingertips when we need to get tasks done around the house. Cooking, cleaning, taking a shower and even making ice to chill our drinks requires water.

However, water can also be a huge nuisance when it shows up where it shouldn’t in your home. 

Flood situations are often unexpected and can create a watery mess in a short amount of time. We explain the top three ways your home can flood below. 

The Impact of Mother Nature 

We know how much it can rain here in upstate New York! Quickly moving storms can roll into town and bring strong wind and heavy rain. 

If your home’s gutter system is clogged or you struggle with drainage issues on your property, you could quickly be dealing with serious water issues in your home. Water can seep down into your foundation and start to leak through your walls, leaving your basement flooded.

We can also experience flooding issues when the snow starts to melt in the springtime. If the temperatures rise too quickly after a particularly snowy season, the melted snow can flood your home and leave you with significant damage. 

An Appliance Leak 

All homeowners probably have at least one story of their appliances malfunctioning. While some may be minor issues, any appliance that deals with water can leak and cause a big mess. 

Appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine and even water heater have the potential to malfunction at any point and can lead to a flooded kitchen or utility room.

Checking these appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear or other maintenance issues can help you identify problems as they arise. It is also a good idea to replace aging appliances as you are able, since older equipment can become more unreliable the older it gets.

Busted Pipes 

There is water flowing behind our walls and under our floors constantly. While we may not think about it on a daily basis as we turn on taps or run a warm bath for our kids at night, a single crack or leak along a water line can lead to extensive damage. 

If a pipe bursts in a dramatic fashion, you will probably become alerted to the issue right away and you can address the flooded area quickly. A tiny crack that drips for a long time behind your walls can also lead to floods, though that happens slowly over a longer period of time. 

In any case, recovering from a flood should happen quickly to avoid long-term structural issues and mold growth. Our team is here to help you overcome flood damage 24/7! 

We can handle any flood damage you encounter. Call SERVPRO of Victor/Canandaigua right away!