Tips to Move Your Business Forward After a Disaster | SERVPRO® East Erie County

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire, flood, or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance.

Does your business have a disaster plan in place?

Most diligent business owners have plans prepared for dealing with natural disasters like fires and floods. But the shock of a disaster impacting your business can make it challenging to navigate even the most thorough plans.

We work with business owners all the time, so we know what it takes to get your business up and running again. Here’s some of the best advice we can give business owners facing a restoration scenario.

Steps for Moving Forward with Business Restoration

Because our SERVPRO location is a locally owned business, we want to ensure businesses in our community have what they need to succeed. Here’s some of the best advice we can give business owners working to restore after a disaster:

Don’t forget to follow your disaster plan. Even if it sounds simple, the shock of a natural disaster can make it difficult to remember your first steps. That’s normal. Just work through your plans step by step. Depending on your business, those plans might even include moving to a backup location.

Document everything that happened. Before you begin cleaning up your business, you’ll want to take photographs of the damage and inventory any damaged items. Your insurance company will need this information.

Reach out to your stakeholders. Technology gives you various ways to reach out to your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community. Consider avenues like phone calls, email lists and social media posts. They can all be useful.

Take care of your own needs. Disaster recovery is challenging mentally and emotionally. That means it’s vital to be sure you’re eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and talking with people you trust.

Partner with a robust support system. Because there are so many aspects of the process to manage, it’s best to work with trusted community partners who foster strong communication.

What Do I Do After a Fire? | SERVPRO® of East Erie County

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Erie County has 24/7 service

No, a fire isn’t the end. However, any fire—from one that chars a single room to one that destroys your home—can leave you feeling traumatized and unsure how to move forward.

Luckily, if you plan ahead, you’ll know what to do in the hours and days after a fire so that you can move forward with confidence.

Before the Fire

There are definitely steps you can take to prevent a fire, from keeping your home electrical system in good condition to maintaining fire extinguishers and alarms. However, you should always have a recovery plan just in case disaster does strike.

As you make hour recovery plan, get together a list of contacts to reach out to in the early hours after a fire. Include your insurance agent at the top of the list.

After that, you’ll need contact details for your landlord or mortgaging bank, plus your credit cards and other financial accounts. Have any contractors you’ll need listed, from a restoration provider such as SERVPRO to your pet boarding people.

Also list your medical providers and, of course, local emergency services. Store your list in an online drive—such as a Google drive—so you can get to it even if your computer and papers are destroyed.

After the Fire

Once everyone is safe from the fire, your first step is to find shelter, if needed. Do not re-enter your home! Instead, reach out to friends, relatives or agencies such as the Salvation Army or Red Cross.

Next, begin to assemble your team of helpers. Work through your list of contacts, starting the process of getting insurance compensation, repairing and restoring your structure if possible, and assembling any paperwork you’ve lost. Often, your restoration provider can help you with collecting and filing insurance paperwork.

Keep careful records, such as receipts and photographs, to help with insurance claims.

Ongoing Care

Keep a close eye on your family’s physical and mental health after the fire. Smoke inhalation may cause long-term problems or exacerbate chronic conditions. Some injuries—such as burns under a pet’s fur—may be difficult to find at first.

Since fires can be traumatic to witness, make sure your family has good mental health support. Connect with a counselor or faith leader, or look for free online resources. Let your child’s guidance counselor know he or she may need extra support, too. Together with your team, you’ll get through this.

Who’s Ready For Summer Grilling? We are!

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Yummy!

Grilling season is finally beginning here in West Seneca, NY and it’ll only be a manner of time before we start the grilling some tasty food. We at SERVPRO of East Erie can’t wait to start smoking and grilling some ribs in the warm temperatures, but be sure to follow these fire safety tips to avoid any fire damage while grilling.

-Clean grease and fat from your grill regularly. Giving your grill a regular cleaning will prevent buildup of these flammable materials.

-Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and avoid having any decorations near the grill. Keeping items clear of the grill will help ensure that the flame from the grill doesn’t spread.

-If your grill is a gas grill, check for gas leaks. Cover the gas hoses in soapy water and check for bubbles forming in the soap.

-Never leave your grill unattended

-Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill in case of an emergency.

These tips should help you have a safe grilling season. Enjoy those burgers and hot dogs! Should anything happen, SERVPRO of East Erie County is here for you.

Serving Lancaster, West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Depew, Alden, Elma, Marilla, Sloan

Have a Safe Easter

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

A fire resulted when a customer fell asleep after placing grease on the stove top in West Seneca.

Every holiday SERVPRO of East Erie County, responds to fires for cooking related accidents. It is one of the main causes of a house fire during the holidays. Fire safety is important throughout the year but especially during the holidays.

Keep these safety tips in mind:

-Do not get distracted when cooking and stay vigilant.

-Always have an escape fire plan.

-Set timers and reminders on your phone or Alexa.

-Never leave cooking unattended.

-Do not wear loose clothing while cooking.

-Do not lean over burners.

-Cook with a clean oven and burners.

-Never leave lit candles unattended and keep out of reach of children, cards, decorations.

-Do not overload electrical sockets

-Maintain your smoke alarms.

-Turn off holiday lights

SERVPRO is the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration. Here to help 24/7

Family owned and operated since 1972

First Steps Following a Home Fire

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Home fires can be devastating, but SERVPRO is here to help!

What actions should you take immediately following a fire disaster in your home? After you’ve insured that everyone is safe and well and the fire department has put out the fire it’s time to start taking the next steps to restoring your home. Contact your insurance provider and ask them what steps you can do to help with the fire restoration process. This may include making a list of items lost and their value, along with receipts. Next you’ll want to contact a fire damage restoration service like SERVPRO. SERVPRO will help clean up your home, salvage your property, and restore your home to pre-fire conditions. The professional team at SERVPRO has the training and equipment to safely restore and mitigate any damage to your home. We can remove damage, soot, smoke, and any odor that would be very difficult for one person to do on their own. A home fire can be very difficult to deal with, but SERVPRO of East Erie County is here to help make the process easier.

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

A stove fire in Cheektowaga, NY. SERVPRO of East Erie County was called in to clean up the aftermath. A satisfied customer.

Home Cooking Fires

The highest rate of stove fires occurs driving the winter holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The fire departments in the United States respond to 488 kitchen fires a day.  That is a lot of fires, over 173,000 per year! 61% of fires in the kitchen were on cooktops or ranges.  These types of fires can severely injury you and will cause significant damage to your home.  These helpful tips might help prevent you from ever having a stove fire:
Never leave your home while cooking or unattended.
Do not let your pan handles stick outward and keep an eye on them.
Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and have a fire safety plan.
Never throw water on a grease fire. Have baking soda available next to your fire extinguisher.
Call 911
Always stay home when using the self-cleaning feature
Always keep the stove top, surrounding areas clean and grease free.
Keep clutter away from the stove.
Do not use the stove as a storage shelve and do not store items in the oven.
Don’t line your oven with aluminum
Cook with care

SERVPRO of East Erie County has been providing fire related cleaning services for 48. Family operated and a name you can trust.

Insulation Damage

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water can cause significant damage.

During a house fire, there are so many worries and troubles that a homeowner will face. Knowing how troublesome home emergencies are was the inspiration for SERVPRO of East Erie County to become a thing. SERVPRO of East Erie County works with homeowners, business owners and insurance companies to make fire damages “Like it never even happened.”  But how do we take care of the aftermath of fire damages, like smoke damages?

Smoke damages are one branch of the different types of fire damages, but it is important to understand the behavior of smoke. Smoke rises to the upper levels of structures, so during the fire damage mitigation process, SERVPRO of East Erie County will examine upper levels of a structure to inspect the insulation for odor and damage. Insulation can trap smoke and allow the smell to linger, long past the fire. SERVPRO of East Erie County team remove the odorous insulation and then use special cleaning solutions and techniques to remove the smell from a home.

Outdoor Cooking Safety

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

Happy grilling and enjoy the spring weather!

Spring days are upon us, and its getting close to grilling season. Make sure you are following safety guidelines when firing up your grill so you can prevent a fire elsewhere. SERVPRO of East Erie County wants you to have a safe summer!

Nearly 9,000 home fires a year involve grills, according to a National Fire Protection Association report.

Follow these tips:

• Check the gas hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose, which will show escaping gas by releasing bubbles.
• If you smell or suspect a gas leak, and there is no flame, turn off the gas tank and grill. Get a professional to service it before using it again.
• If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Never turn on the gas when the lid is closed. The gas may build up inside, and when ignited, the lid could blow off and cause injuries or burns.
• After cooking, make sure you completely close the valve on the propane tank.
• Always store gas grills – and propane tanks – outside and away from your house.
• The leading cause of structure fires from use of charcoal grills was leaving or placing an object that could burn too close to the grill, according to the NFPA study.
• Charcoal grills can continue to remain hot for many hours after the flames extinguish. Avoid placing any burnable objects near the grill or moving the grill while the coals are hot. Keep combustible items that may be blown by the wind away from the grill.
• Check for rust damage in metal grills, which may make it possible for charcoal to fall through onto surfaces below and cause a fire.
• Purchase the proper starter fluid. Store out of reach from children and away from heat sources.
• Do not add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited. Never use any other flammable or combustible liquid to get the fire started.
• If the fire is too low, rekindle with dry kindling and more charcoal if needed. Avoid adding liquid fuel because it can cause a flash fire.
• Do not leave the grill unattended.

Should you have a mishap, SERVPRO of East Erie is ready to help.

https://www.SERVPROeasteriecounty.com

Grilling Tips

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Don't leave your grill unattended because fires can double in size every minute!

Warm temperatures are finally beginning here in East Erie County and with Spring “springing” upon us, it’ll only be a manner of time before we start the grilling season. We at SERVPRO can’t wait to start grilling some burgers in the warm temperatures, but be sure to follow these fire safety tips to avoid any fire damage while grilling.

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home and avoid having any decorations near the grill. Keeping items clear of the grill will help ensure that the flame from the grill doesn’t spread.
2. Clean grease and fat from your grill regularly. Giving your grill a regular cleaning will prevent buildup of these flammable materials.
3. If your grill is a gas grill, check for gas leaks. Cover the gas hoses in soapy water and check for bubbles forming in the soap.
4. Keep a fire extinguisher near your grill in case of an emergency.
5. Never leave your grill unattended

These tips should help you have a safe grilling season. Enjoy those burgers and hot dogs!

Candle Fire Safety Tips

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

8,200 home fires are caused by candles annually!

Candles can be beautiful, tranquil and spell good, but it’s important to keep in mind that they are still an open flame and potential fire hazard. Thousands of home fires start every year due to candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number may be as high as 8,200 annually. So be sure to never leave a candle unattended. Never burn a candle near anything that may catch fire. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Always trim the wick to ¼ inch, to prevent uneven burning. Having a working smoke alarm is one of the greatest tools for fire safety, so be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly. In the event of fire damage, SERVPRO can help you clean up the mess and restore your home to its original state!

Prevent Dryer Vent Fires

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Clogged Dryer Vents are the leading cause of home fires

The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly 17,000 home fires are started a year due to dryer fires. A leading cause of these fires is dryer vent buildup, making your vent a fire hazard to be aware of. Lint and debris buildup in the dryer vent creating a flammable situation.

To prevent a dryer fire, follow these precautions:

1. Ensure that your dryer is properly installed and the correct outlets and plugs are used
2. Clean the dryer lint filter before and after every load of laundry
3. Clean lint out of the pipe every three months
4. Ensure the outside vent is open when the dryer is on

It’s important to be aware of lint buildup in your dryer vent and attack it head on. SERVPRO offers services to clean your air ducts which can lead to longer lifetime of your appliances and save you money in the long run. If you need your dryer ventilation cleaned, called SERVPRO of East Erie County at 716-656-7131.

Fire Safety Tips

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Practicing fire safety is the greatest way to prevent a fire

Practicing fire safety is one of the best things you can do for your home or business to prevent a fire. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of a fire.

1. Keep objects clear of your vents and heaters – placing objects at least three feet away from your heaters will help ensure that a fire doesn’t start from overheating. Be sure to keep blankets and curtains off of your heating devices
2. Inspect electrical cords – be sure to replace frayed or broken wires to prevent an electrical fire
3. Always keep an eye on candles – Blow out candles when you leave a room or go to sleep, and keep candles away from anything that can burn
4. Don’t smoke inside – Always smoke outside and be sure to put out any cigarette butts you use
5. Test smoke alarms – It is recommended that you test your smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button and listening for the loud beep, also change your batteries every year or when they are low
6. Make sure you have a fire escape plan – You never know if a fire will happen, so it’s important to know your way out. Be sure to practice the plan every couple months

These tips will help reduce your risk of a fire and potentially keep you safe during a disaster.

Reasons for House Fire Increases in Winter | SERVPRO® of East Erie

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Practicing prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire, however if you do experience a loss contact SERVPRO of East Erie County.  

While cold temperatures and early sunsets are the trademarks of winter, it is not all about coziness—winter also leads to more house fires than any other season.

While a house fire could occur to anyone at any time, being aware of the things that are riskier in the winter will give you an extra boost to your fire preparedness. We have compiled both some common house fire causes and prevention tips for you to keep in mind during the cooler weather.

Top Causes of Winter House Fires

An Increase in Cooking

Regardless of the time of year, cooking is the No. 1 cause of house fires in the United States. That being said, winter typically leads to an increase in baking, entertaining and large holiday meals, making cooking fires even more common this time of year.

The Risk of Heaters

While staying warm is important, practicing safe heating habits is, too. Heating is the second leading cause of winter firesbecause of how many unsafe heating practices are implored. Small, moveable heaters do not always turn off when tipped over, causing fires to break out. Additionally, practicing fireplace safety by using screens and moving flammable objects away from any flame can cut down on the number of fires that occur due to sparks.

Candles and Decorations

Candles and decorations tend to be used more commonly in the wintertime, both to take advantage of cozy winter scents and to celebrate the holidays. Unfortunately, any time there is an open flame, there is an increased fire risk. Couple this with the fact that many winter decorations use flammable materials or have electronic components and it can easily lead to a home fire.

Tricks for Preventing Winter Fires

Practicing vigilant fire prevention is the best way to ensure you never have to utilize your knowledge during an active fire situation. These helpful tips can be used both in winter and at any time of year to help you reduce your risks:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.

How to avoid costly house fire damage

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

A home with faulty wiring is just a fire waiting to happen, please try to avoid any hazards that can cause a fire.

In the winter months we crank up our heat and close ourselves in in hopes of staying warm. But sometimes due to negligence and home issues fires can and will happen. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself and your home this season.

First make sure all electrical wires are not exposed frayed or deteriorated. this cause cause a fire and cost hundreds of thousands to repair. Second keep all portable heaters away from electrical wires and cloth that is flammable. They can melt cords and start certain flammable fabrics on fire. Also check ducts and vents for obstructions. Always keep your ducts and furnace maintained to avoid fires and or puff backs. Puff backs are caused by oil furnace malfunctions and should be checked regularly. SERVPRO specializes in fire clean up and restoration, and can help if any such situation should arise. So please be cautious and careful this winter season. Happy Holidays Buffalo, stay safe and warm

How Does Ozone Help With Fire and Smoke Odors

10/14/2018 (Permalink)

Ozone Generator used in Depew, Cheektowaga, Lancaster and surrounding cities for fast odor removal.

The use of ozone can be a very effective way of removing odor from a property. SERVPRO may commonly use this method following fire damage cleaning, skunk odor to the property, mold or full property cleaning. SERVPRO will provide a free estimate of your situation and decide if Ozone will be the best and most appropriate method of odor removal.

When it comes to successful deodorization the first step is to clean/remove or fix what is causing the odor, for example the best chance of success would be to clean the fire damage first, fix a leaking pipe that is causing a musty odor, or remove the garbage from an area before starting the ozone process. It will be crucial to remove items emitting odor.

How it works: Basically, ozone removes odor by destroying the molecules, bacteria, and spores that cause unpleasant smells.  Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive molecule and is very quick to chemically react with particles that it comes into contact with in the air and on surfaces.  The extra oxygen atom in the ozone attaches itself to other molecules, chemically changing their structure to create non-offensive molecules – eliminating the smell. *Ozonesolutions.com 

For more questions regarding our deodorization methods please feel free to call our office and we would be happy to help!

Call SERVPRO of East Erie Countyy

SERVPRO of East Erie County Can Help After Your Fire

10/14/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of East Erie County help with your cleaning needs after a fire in your Depew, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, West Seneca home

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East Erie County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 716-656-7131

Let SERVPRO help in your Depew, Lancaster, Cheektowaga, West Seneca home

Smoke Damage ? You need SERVPRO

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage

Fire damage to your home can be a traumatic experience for any homeowner.  Apart from the damage due to heat, fire can cause significant damage to your property and belongings due to smoke and soot.  The smoke particles can coat walls, ceilings, and almost any surface and cause permanent damage if not cleaned quickly and efficiently.

The particles in the smoke contain unburned carbon that can be very difficult to remove after a fire to your Williamsville home.  Not all soot particles are alike and it takes a multi-step process to eliminate them.  It is a job for the professionals who have years of training and expertise in fire damage restoration. 

We’re Fire and Water Damage Specialists

As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition.

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call SERVPRO of East Erie County  716-656-7131

Depew, NY Restaurant Suffers From Fire Damage, SERVPRO of East Erie County to the rescue.

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Erie County 716-656-7131

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call a SERVPRO of East Erie County at 716-694-9949

This fire was caused by an electrical malfunction. A very scary situation. In addition to fire damage the sprinkler system went off causing flooding to the floor and building contents. SERVPRO of East Erie County met with the owner and the insurance company and developed a plan of action to get that business back open.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. They will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready. Learn more about SERVPRO Franchise Professional training and certifications.

• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

SERVPRO of East Erie County 716-656-7131

Serving Western New York since 1972.