Recent Storm Damage Posts

Rainy Days Ahead

6/21/2023 (Permalink)

Well here we all are another rainy weekend is in our foreseeable future. Although we all hope we just have a few light showers if it turns out to be heavy showers and flooding does happen feel more than welcomed to call us at SERVPRO 914.684.1560 we will take some of the frustration away since we will quickly come out a remediate the problem. We understand the struggles of flooding as we too have been flooded so we keep an eye out on the weather.

Good tips to know is the difference between Flood Warning, Flood Advisory and a Flood Watch.

Flood Warning happens when a flood is going to happen to be vigilant this is where you might take some time to put things on a lower level to a higher point. 

Where a flood Advisory is when the weather is looking like it possibly could flood but not to such a bad extent meaning you might have a little water come in but not enough to cause so much damage just enough to be annoying because you will have to use your good towels to dry up the water.

Flood Watch is when the weather is in a favorable condition to possibly cause a flood but it might not happen. 

Neverthertheless as we all keep our fingers crossed and hope this rain does not damper our weekend we will be prepared. If mother nature decides to cause some damage we are here to help whether it is 2inches of water or 10inches we will be there in a flash and help you the best way we know how. 

Factors That Influence Flood Damage Restoration in White Plains

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

blue arrows signifying evaporation off water Thermaldynamics plays a key role in evaporation. SERVPRO knows how to mitigate storm damage and water from your White Plains property.

Flood Damage Recovery Follows Specific Principles

Flooding can be a complicated disaster for your home to endure and restoring and recovering from these circumstances most often requires experienced professionals like our SERVPRO team. We use science like psychometry to understand the behavior of water after a disaster like flooding to predict migration patterns and better protect the structure. This information can help in related restoration actions like:

  • Structure drying
  • Humidity management
  • Content cleaning

Absorbency of Building Materials

Flood damage in White Plains can quickly overwhelm rooms and require fast and focused mitigation solutions. In places with unfinished areas like the attic or basement, the absorbancy and porosity of materials play a considerable role. SERVPRO professionals can quickly identify what building materials and contents are most at risk for saturation damage and relocate objects or establish containment and drying approaches for structural elements.

Warm Temperatures Seek Cold

One of the principles of water's behavior after flooding or other disasters is that this moisture moves from warm conditions to cold. All things in nature seek a balance, and cold and warm temperatures clash within your home to create a state in the middle. Likewise, warm and wet conditions migrate towards cooler temperatures in the building. It is often beneficial for SERVPRO professionals like ours to manipulate surrounding room temperatures to discourage migration and make drying practices more efficient.

Wet Conditions Migrate to Dry

The typical behavior of water through the study of psychometry also shows that areas of the home that are wet will seek a balance with drying regions. The wet to dry draws moisture and water damage through building materials to impact new structure areas. Understanding this behavior, SERVPRO professionals can better safeguard at-risk building materials with direct drying practices. A wet home will seek a balance with drying regions. The wet to dry draws moisture and water damage through building materials to impact new structure areas. Understanding this behavior, SERVPRO professionals can better safeguard at-risk building materials with direct drying practices. 

Flooding is a disaster that is devastating for your home or business. Our SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle team is ready to help; however, you need 24/7 at (914) 684-1560.

What To Do If Someone Is Struck By Lightning

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. 

Lightning kills 20 or more people in the U.S. each year, and hundreds more are severely injured, according to theNational Weather Service. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have some tips that came from a combination of research and local weather stations on what to do if someone is stuck by lightning  

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING 

Lightning may cause many injuries, including heart attacks, burns, shock, and sometimes blunt trauma. Treat each of these injuries with basic first aid until help arrives. Do not move victims who are bleeding or appear to have broken bones. 

When someone is struck by lightning, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. If more than one person is struck by lightning, treat those who are unconscious first. 

Lightning often causes a heart attack. Check to see if the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat. 

If the victim is not breathing, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim does not have a pulse, start cardiac compressions as well (CPR). Continue resuscitation efforts until help arrives. If the area is cold and wet, putting a protective layer between the victim and the ground may help decrease hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature). Perform hands only CPR 

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without giving breaths. Meaning there is no mouth-to-mouth contact. Recent guidelines developed by the American Heart Association, promote Hands-Only CPR as an acceptable way for a bystander to help a victim suffering from cardiac arrest.  

The method is gaining in popularity because it’s an attractive option to bystanders who are usually less than willing, to give mouth-to-mouth.  

How is Hands-Only CPR Done? 

The rescuer starts compressions over the heart, at about the nipple line, and compresses at a regular rhythm. That rhythm is approximately 100-120 beats per minute. 

When people perform Hands-Only CPR they are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. Here’s a list of some common songs that coincide with the 100-120 beats per minute. 

  • Staying Alive by the Bee Gees 
  • Walk the Line by Johnny Cash 
  • Crazy in Love by Beyonce 
  • Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira 

Is Hands-Only CPR Effective? 

Hands-Only CPR helps to maintain brain and heart function and two studies have researched the effectiveness of it. B 

American Heart Association still recommends CPR with compressions and breaths for infants and children and victims of drowning, drug overdose, or people who collapse due to breathing problems. 

More Helpful Tips During an Emergency 

  • When you call 911, you need to stay on the phone. Don’t hang up until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to.  
  • Put the phone on speaker and set it next to the victim. The dispatcher will ask you about the emergency.  
  • The dispatcher will ask for details, such as your location. It’s important to be specific. Remember, mobile phones don’t have a fixed location or address and you may dial 911 and another district may answer.  
  • Remember that answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help. 

Best things to remember:  

No place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. 

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. 

When you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter - a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. 

Stay in a safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder. 

Stay safe, we are lucky as we rarely see lightning after the summer here in the northeast 

Severe Weather Warning for Monday 7.25.22

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

As the heatwave continues, it looks like we are going to get a break. Before we get that break, we are going to have to deal with some afternoon storms. 

Afternoon storms between the hours of 2:00pm-8:00 pm 

Flash flooding, damaging wind, hail and a potential tornado as we get this cold front moving in and slamming into the hot oppressive heat just hanging over us. 

It is already raining and thundering here in Harrison,  

Tune into your local weather link for up to date information. 

Severe storm warnings have been issued for our area. 

Take precautions, Don’t drive through flooded streets. Local warnings suggest stay off the roads and expect local flooding.  

There Are Actually Different Ways to Get Struck By Lightning!

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

I never knew there was more than 1 way to get struck by lightning. As I was researching lightning, I soon discovered quite a few articles on lightning strikes. Basically where you are can make a huge difference. Best defense though is to seek shelter immediately. 

Direct Strike 

A person struck directly by lightning becomes a part of the main lightning discharge channel. Most often, direct strikes occur to victims who are in open areas. Direct strikes are not as common as the other ways people are struck by lightning, but they are potentially the deadliest. In most direct strikes, a portion of the current moves along and just over the skin surface (called flashover) and a portion of the current moves through the body--usually through the cardiovascular and/or nervous systems. The heat produced when lightning moves over the skin can produce burns, but the current moving through the body is of greatest concern. While the ability to survive any lightning strike is related to immediate medical attention, the amount of current moving through the body is also a factor. 

Side Flash 

A side flash (also called a side splash) occurs when lightning strikes a taller object near the victim and a portion of the current jumps from taller object to the victim. In essence, the person acts as a “short circuit” for some of energy in the lightning discharge. Side flashes generally occur when the victim is within a foot or two of the object that is struck. Most often, side flash victims have taken shelter under a tree to avoid rain or hail. 

Ground Current  

When lightning strikes a tree or other object, much of the energy travels outward from the strike in and along the ground surface. This is known as the ground current. Anyone outside near a lightning strike is potentially a victim of ground current. In addition, ground current can travels in garage floors with conductive materials. Because the ground current affects a much larger area than the other causes of lightning casualties, the ground current causes the most lightning deaths and injuries.Ground current also kills many farm animals. Typically, the lightning enters the body at the contact point closest to the lightning strike, travels through the cardiovascular and/or nervous systems, and exits the body at the contact point farthest from the lightning. The greater the distance between contact points, the greater the potential for death or serious injury. Because large farm animals have a relatively large body-span, ground current from a nearby lightning strike is often fatal to livestock 

Conduction 

Lightning can travel long distances in wires or other metal surfaces. Metal does not attract lightning, but it provides a path for the lightning to follow. Most indoor lightning casualties and some outdoor casualties are due to conduction. Whether inside or outside, anyone in contact with anything connected to metal wires, plumbing, or metal surfaces that extend outside is at risk. This includes anything that plugs into an electrical outlet, water faucets and showers, corded phones, and windows and doors. 

Streamers 

While not as common as the other types of lightning injuries, people caught in “streamers” are at risk of being killed or injured by lightning. Streamers develop as the downward-moving leader approaches the ground. Typically, only one of the streamers makes contact with the leader as it approaches the ground and provides the path for the bright return stroke; however, when the main channel discharges, so do all the other streamers in the area. If a person is part of one of these streamers, they could be killed or injured during the streamer discharge even though the lightning channel was not completed between the cloud and the upward streamer.  

It Doesn't Just Happen to Other People, My First Experience With a Sewage Backup

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Well, it happened No one wants to ever think it will happen to them but it happened. We had such a torrential downpour of rain on Monday, that the roads got flooded, the pipes got backed up and I had a sewage backup in my apartment. 

UGH! I speak to people all week long who have sewage backups. I sympathetically setup an appointment for our estimator to come out and then after they receive the estimate, set them up for service. I process their paperwork and before I know it, it’s the next day.  

This time it was me. This doesn’t happen to me. It happens to the people who call SERVPRO of White Plains. Right? Wrong! We were getting water here at work in our own parking lot and getting calls from people who had flooded basements and sewage backups. Through all of the business here, I missed the text from my neighbor telling me about the backup, and water that came into my apartment. When I left work that evening, all the parkways that I take to get home were closed.  

I carefully drove through neighboring towns and could not believe how many roads were flooded! I called my neighbor who’s dog I was walking and told her she would have to walk him because I was sitting in traffic and would be late. Her reply made my head spin. You have water, and a sewage backup. I literally felt like I could pull my car over get out and run home faster than I could get through the traffic.  

I work for SERVPRO of White Plains. I knew what the procedure was. I knew what should be done. I knew what to expect! Or did I? I thought I did until I walked in and saw my apartment a complete wreck! My neighbors were sweeping water and muck out into the hallway, which itself was a mess and flooded. My apartment was no different. What a disaster! 

 I have seen what our crews do, I have spoken to customers who have been through it, I have read the compliments we get on our Certificate of Completion form.  

I knew right away I needed to call in my coworkers. Luckily, they were able to get to me in a short time and extracted the water and mess. They washed the floors, sprayed anti-microbial throughout my entire apartment and setup drying equipment and a dehumidifier. They patiently waited for me to take pictures of everything that was ruined and bagged it up and threw it out.  As they went to leave another neighbor had just gotten home from work and found her own mess. She asked for the guys to please take care of her apartment and they immediately began to remediate her apartment. It was getting close to 9:00 PM when another neighbor came by and asked them to do his apartment. He had been waiting for hours for another company to show up and just couldn’t pass up the chance to have SERVPRO of White Plains take care of the mess.  

Next day I saw my neighbors and they both raved about how great the technicians were. They both said they were so nice, showed them so much empathy and went above and beyond what they expected to make them feel comfortable sleeping in their own apartments that night. I know the techs were exhausted, but they always showed the utmost professionalism and their experience in handling situations like this was a credit to them. Thanks to SERVPRO of White Plains for making it like it never ev

Lightning is Silent Until it Strikes

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

The odds of being stuck by lightning are less than 1 in a million. This doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen to you. Many people believe that you have to be out in a storm to be in danger, but in reality, the storm can be 10-15 miles away depending on who you ask. Some reports say lightning can strike 30 miles away, some say 50. Basically, if you can hear the thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning striking you.

If you are caught in an open area, quickly find shelter. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck but does not mean you are out of danger.

If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk

Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. 

Never shelter under an isolated tree.

Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. o

 If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.

If you are out in the open water and a storm rolls in, return to shore immediately.

Avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. These structures won’t protect you from lightning.

Seek shelter immediately.

Indoor Safety

Being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. Research shows that 1/3 of all  lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. 

Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT , shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.

 Stay off of your TV,   computers, laptops and game systems

Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems. 

If  you still have a landline, stay off of it!  I remember by Mom telling us to "get off the phone, get away from the window, get out of the shower" as she was trying to herd 6 kids away from windows. 

Do NOT lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls - Had never even heard of this before.   A little research can do wonders.   SERVPRO of White Plains wishes you a happy and safe summer!

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 3

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here we are at Part 3.   OK, you and your home were all prepared. Your cell phones were charged, your back up chargers for your tablets and phones were all set. Your flashlights on the kitchen counter were ready to shine the light Your important papers were safely tucked away in waterproof bags and you had plenty of water and non perishable foods. You had SERVPRO of White Plains information in your phone and on your fridge.

You look around at your home and cannot believe how much water there is in your basement, in your kitchen, in your garage. You have a pot under the leak in your skylight and another under the hole in the roof in the living room. You glance out the window still surprised to sees how many branches there are. You spot the big twisted branch that landed on the new fence you just had put in last October. You look at the kid's swing set a flash of memories goes through your head. A big sigh escapes from you and you ask yourself what now?

You will call your insurance company, or if you can get online file your claim there. Then call SERVPRO of White Plains. We will take your basic information over the phone and set up a time to have someone come out to evaluate your damages. We will take pictures and detailed notes. We will get your insurance information and claim number from you. We will speak to your insurance company and create an estimate to send to them.

We will as soon as possible begin to get rid of the water and begin the mitigation. We will take daily photos for the insurance company and document our daily work. We may receive a request by the insurance company to pack your belongings up and bring them to our warehouse to safely store them while the mitigation/demolition is taking place. Sound overwhelming? Don't worry, we are experts at this. We even offer reconstruction services, which we follow the same procedures with photos, documentation and communicating with your insurance company. Once it is all complete, we move your belongings back into your newly repaired home. We are confident you will look around and think I cannot believe this is the same house. The hole in the roof is repaired, the debris in the yard is gone, the fence is back standing straight and the broken section replaced. Your walls are freshly painted and your belongings and memories are back where they belong. Mission Accomplished as it is our goal to make it "Like it never even happened."

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 2

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Part 2 in our blog series on Hurricane Preparedness is focusing on getting your home ready for a storm.  You've read our tips on personal readiness, and hope those are helpful.

If you live in a low lying area, or mandatory evacuation zone, or you're just not even sure, these tips can help get your home prepared.

If you have a basement in your home, take a look around on bottom shelves, on the floor etc. for things that are sentimental or that you just cannot lose.   Bring them up to higher shelves, or higher rooms in your home.  Beds, tables, kitchen counters, tops of closets are great places to store some of these things.  

Think of all of the items you have in your house that you keep on the floor.  Shoes, pictures, books, boxes of photos, things you store under your bed, and move them to higher spaces.  

Photos- this was a big one for me.  I lived in mandatory evacuation zone and the first thing that went in the car was 2 totes full of photos. I knew I had to put in a lot of things in my car, but photos always went in first.   I eventually  invested the money to have them all digital.  It was worth every penny.  If you are prone to flooding it is worth the consideration.  Ok, moving on to outside

Preparing the outside.  Move all potted plants, and ornamental things inside.  Whether you have a yard, balcony, deck bring it all in.  Outdoor furniture must come in.   If you are lucky enough to have a pool, you can put the furniture right into the pool. This doesn't apply to all furniture material, but it is so much easier than moving it all in.   You will of course have to shock your pool when it is all over, a small price to pay though.  

Look around the entire outside and take notice of anything that could become air born.   The big yard item that should be taken apart is a trampoline.   Smaller items can become part of the wind and break windows, etc.   The air born trampoline can be dangerous to your home and your neighbors.  

Gutters- ugh the dreaded gutters. We all put this task off for as long as possible.  This is the best time to get up there and clean them out.  If you have gutter screens even better.  Make sure your drain pipes are all connected and direct your ground drainage pipe away from your house. 

Windows- if you are in a direct path of a powerful storm board them up.  Purchase early! We have all seen the lines at the stores for plywood.   Measure and purchase your plywood.  Label each one for easy storage once you take them down.  The X on the window in tape is a waste of time.   It does nothing to protect your windows.   

These tips are super helpful in case you are expected to be impacted by a storm.   Stay tuned for Part 3 on what to do if you are affected by a storm. 

Being Prepared for Hurricane Season Part 1

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th. Why should we care? We don’t live in the Caribbean or in Florida. The Northeast has suffered millions of dollars in damages over the past  years from Hurricanes, Tropical Storms and Tropical Depressions. This is Part 1 of Being Prepared for a Storm. We will offer suggestions in Part 1 for being prepared personally for a storm, Part 2 will cover preparing your home for a storm and Part 3 what to do if you are affected by a storm.  

 Last year Hurricane Ida affected 9 states! It shows us that just about anyone can be in the path of one of these dangerous and damaging storms. 

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains, we have experienced just how impactful these storms can be. We had 4 feet of water in our office and warehouse when Hurricane Ida blew through smacking us as she went by. There was significant loss of life due to water, flooding actually, on roads we travel on daily to get to and from work. People were killed who lived in basement apartments. Many people were without power, water and supplies for weeks. It was eye opening for many people in this area.  

We would like to help you be prepared for before the storm gets here with these pre storm suggestion   

Food Supplies: Experts suggest having at least a 5 day supply of food per person.  A manual can opener is a must. Canned foods that you can heat up on your grill, or canned foods that don’t require heating up. Canned fruit, tuna, etc. Granola bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, the block of processed cheese. Things that do not require refrigeration. 

Water: The most important. Buy your bottled water before the word storm even becomes a topic of conversation. The rule of thumb is 1 gallon of water per person for 7 days. Water is easy to store and hard to find as major storms approach. 

Medical Supplies, Medications- refill and keep in water proof bag. Keep of list of what you take and why you take it. Add to this bag, a small first aid kit. hand sanitizer, soap, wipes, contact lenses, hygiene products. 

Pets: Keep extra food, vaccine records, and a carrier. If you did have to evacuate, you will need to show vaccine records to get into a shelter or hotel.  

Important Documents: Proof of ID, Insurance Paperwork, Mortgage or Lease Documents, Passports, Birth Certificates, in waster proof bag. Imagine if you had to replace anything, those would be the things to take with you. 

Cash: Many areas are without power after a  storm hits. After Hurricane Irma, we ventured out the next day no power anywhere and found this little coffee shop running on a generator. A huge sigh of relief, we were so excited, COFFEE!!!!!, We had cash! That was the only form of payment they could accept. No ATMs were operable in the area for days.  Get cash, smaller bills and plan on using that for everything soon after a storm. 

Stay tuned for Blog 2 being prepared in your home 

Wet Weather is on the Way

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Remember when the weather forecaster said we'd have heavy rains, but nothing to worry about?    So do we!

Here at SERVPRO of White Plains we encourage you to save our number! 

914.684.1560

If you live in Harrison, White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook,  Larchmont, Mamaroneck,  save our number!    We work with insurance companies and help you navigate through these unchartered waters, (ouch)  no pun intended.

After being flooded ourselves, we all keep a wary eye on storms.  As a precaution I start looking at what is on the lowest point of the house that IF we were to get water, would be affected.

Being prepared is the name of the game.   Think about before the storm,  what precautions you would take to move things above ground level.   Have important papers and phone numbers with you and most importantly don't hesitate to move to safety.   

After the storm is when it is  time to give us a call.   We can help with water remediation, demolition, mold abatement, reconstruction.  We understand because we have been there.   We offer prompt and efficient service and excellent customer service.    We are local and will be there when you need us to make it "Like it never even happened."  

Preparing for a Nor'Easter

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Tips on preparing for a Nor’Easter 

Storms along the East Coast are called Nor’Easters. They pack their biggest punch between October and April, and are often full or powerful winds, rain or snow. 

Best way to be prepared is to plan ahead. Reach out to your insurance company for coverage and policy information, in case you have to file a claim. Keep your local SERVPRO’s phone number stored in your phone.  Keep plenty of water on hand, best bet is 1 gallon per person per day. Allow for at least 3 days. Stock up on dry nutritious food that can be easily stored and eaten if you lose power. Granola bars, bread, peanut butter, jelly, usually are the first things to disappear off of the shelves when there is an impending storm, so shop early. 

Follow your local forecast. If you have a fireplace, have plenty of extra wood on hand in case you lose power. Check batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  

Keep important documents in water proof safe place. Take pictures and videos of personal belongings. If you store sentimental or irreplaceable items in a basement or lower level, move them to a higher point in your house. 

Have a plan and tell family and friends what your plans are. Keep your car filled with gas and your grill as well. If you lose power you can always use the grill for cooking , heating water and keeping coffee hot!  Keep cellphones charged and extra solar charges are a great investment.  

Most importantly do not panic! Being well prepared is game changer! Stay safe and call SERVPRO to take care of any flooding or wind damage your house sustains. 

Don't Slip... Or Slide!

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Now that the holidays are over, the cold can seem dreary and unwelcome instead of festive and seasonal. The cold weather when mixed with precipitation can unfortunately turn into very serious, hazardous weather. Normally annoying but not necessarily dangerous weather can quickly turn the roads into a gigantic ice rink.  If you find yourself out on the roads during one of these occurrences, keep reading for SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle's best tips and tricks to stay safe:

  • Invest in winter tires.
  • Take it EASY on the brakes. 
  • Don't use cruise control. 
  • If you find yourself actively sliding, don't hit the brakes. Gently steer in the direction of the way you are sliding to gain control. 
  • Double your following distance from other vehicles. 
  • Remember to turn on your headlights, they are crucial to ample vision on the road. 
  • Keep adequate clothing, blankets, non-perishable food and water in your car in case you find yourself stranded on the roads. 

If you have any other questions about tips & tricks to keep safe on icy roads, don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle a call. We can be reached at 914-684-1560. 

Protect Your Basement!

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Last week intense rains spread throughout Westchester county and overwhelmed residents, and their basements, all over. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle we’re always here to help, but we also want to make sure that you have all the knowledge to help prevent a disaster in the first place. Keep reading for some simple tips and tricks to potentially avoid a flooded basement in the future:

  • Check your foundation! Make sure to check both the inside and outside of your home to identify any cracks that may be evident in the foundation. If they are simple enough, just use caulk to seal them. If the cracks are extensive you will need to seek out the help of a professional to make sure they get sealed properly. 
  • Clean your gutters! You’ve probably heard this a million times, or read about it on our website, but this is SO important! If your gutters aren’t clear of all debris, they will most likely overflow during the next storm and potentially send water pouring into your basement. 
  • Think about installing a sump pump, and make sure to maintain it! A sump pump will collect excess water and pump it outside before it can ever enter your home. Make sure to continually check the motor, ensure discharge lines extend far away enough from your residence, and your pump has a back-up source of power. All of these things will reduce the chance of your sump pump failing in the future.
  • Check the grading of the ground near your home! If the ground doesn’t slope away from your home, you will need to get it re-graded. 

Just like many things in life, you’ll never be able to 100% guarantee that your basement won’t flood during a heavy storm, but these tips will give you the upper hand. If you do happen to find yourself in the middle of a disaster despite following all of our tips and tricks, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is here for you 24/7. All you have to do is give us a call at 914-684-1560.

SERVPRO is ready!

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We are on-call 24 hours a day , 7 days a week including weekends and holidays.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560   24 hours a day/7 days a week/ 365 days a years.

Storm Restoration

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced.

We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Water-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by water. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  •  Television sets
  •  DVD players
  •  Computers
  •  And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the water damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of water damage, we have five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

When a storm event happens, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

  •  Preloss list and value of contents
  •  Detailed and accurate report
  •  Better information to settle claims quicker
  •  Assistance with burden of proof for claims
  •  Peace of mind when you need it most  

You can count on SERVPRO for peace of mind. 

Thunder & Lightning Precautions

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

With Spring & Summer storms, come thunder and lightning. While they may be interesting to watch, they can pose some serious safety hazards. Due to this, it’s very important that you follow safety precautions when you find yourself in the middle of a thunderstorm. Keep reading to find out some of SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle’s go-to thunderstorm safety tips:

  • Lightning most often strikes individuals who work outside or engage in a lot of outdoor and recreational activities. If there is no substantial, non-concrete shelter nearby when a thunderstorm  is approaching, get in your car and wait out the storm.
  • Make sure to follow the 30-30 rule. As soon as you see lightning, count to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors or to your car. Make sure that you stop any outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
  • If no shelter is available, make sure that you crouch low, and that as little of your body is touching the ground. 
  • Make sure that you stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring, putting you at a greater risk. 
  • Avoid water during a thunderstorm as lightning can travel through plumbing.
  • Avoid multiple types of electronic equipment during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and corded phones. Cordless and cellular devices are safe to use. 

Please keep all of those tips and tricks in mind next time you encounter a thunder or lightning storm. Your friends here at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle want you happy and healthy! 

How to Protect Your Property from Strong Winds.

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

While you can’t prevent stormy and windy weather from happening, there are some simple tips that can prevent your home from being severely damaged in the process. Keep reading below for some tips from your friends at SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle, and how we know you can protect your property from strong winds:

  • Make sure you review your homeowners policy and verify any coverage you might need.
  • Protect any windows or glass doors with storm shutters. 
  • Reinforce any doors that could fail under wind pressure.
  • Think about trimming or removing any dead, damaged or rotting trees or limbs from your property.
  • Secure any objects that are outside your home including patio and lawn furniture, gutters, etc.
  • Think about replacing any gravel or rock landscaping material for softer options, like mulch. During strong winds, gravel and rock have the potential to do great damage, such as shredding vinyl siding. 

Follow our tips and tricks to prevent any serious damage if you find yourself and your home in the midst of strong winds. If you did everything you could and still fell victim to those pesky winds, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is happy to help. Give us a call at 914-684-1560 and we will be happy to aid in any water damage remediation or tree removal services, 24/7.   

Spring is almost here!

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is just weeks away, which means warmer temperatures, more sunshine and overall better weather. However, before we can fully soak up all the benefits of Spring, we must endure the increased rainfall that the month of April tends to bring with it. While this precipitation paves the way for the bloom of beautiful flowers, it can be a real bummer while we find ourselves in the midst of multiple rainstorms. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks on how to deal with, and how to prevent home damage from these pesky storms:

  • Make sure that your gutters are completely clear from any and all debris. It’s ideal to make an effort to clean them at least twice a year.
  • Make sure that your rain spouts are attached to downspouts that are directed away from the foundation of your residence. 
  • Be sure to clear any limbs and trim any concerning trees on your property.
  • If your yard tends to accumulate large puddles of water, look into different drainage options. 
  • If you do have drainage systems in place already, make sure that they are functioning correctly. 
  • Keep an eye out for any wet spots on ceilings and or any obvious leaks coming from the roof. This will require the help of a roofing professional to prevent any further damage. 

If you unfortunately find yourself in a situation where you have interior water damage from a Spring rainstorm, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle at 914-684-1560. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Winter Storm Orlena & Potential Flooding

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

While the snow has now stopped, winter storm Orlena ended up dumping upwards of 12-24+ inches of snow in multiple areas of New England. When that much snow accumulates, you’re left with mountains of snow piled up on every corner. While it might be just an eye sore at first, once temperatures begin to rise, it’s not just pipes bursting that people should worry about. These piles of snow will begin to melt and the water left behind can easily start flowing towards the nearest body of water, and quickly overwhelm them. This will lead to rising water and consequently flooding of the adjacent land and roads. Remember if you end up experiencing flooding due to the melting snow, SERVPRO of White Plains & New Rochelle is always here to help. Our technicians are IICRC certified and have plenty of specialty training in how to remediate flooding issues that can potentially wreck havoc on your home. It’s our specialty to make it look like the damage never occurred in the first place, and get your life and home back to normal as soon as possible. Contact us at 914-684-1560, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Snow Safety

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

While the winter season brings the excitement of the holidays and spending time with loved ones, it also brings the possibility of winter storms. Snowfall can be a magical and lovely thing, but it can also pose great danger if it turns into a powerful winter storm or blizzard. Due to this, it’s immensely important to have a plan in place if you find yourself stuck in the middle of a storm. They can come fast and hard, and sometimes not everyone is able to get home in time. Keep reading for some tips to keep yourself safe during rough winter weather: 

  • Prepare a disaster supply kit for your home and/or car. Make sure to include a first-aid kit, non-perishable food items, bottled water, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and plenty of blankets. 
  • If you must drive, make sure that your car has a full tank of gas. This way, if you get stuck, you will be able to keep the car heated longer while you wait for help. 
  • Make sure that your cell phone is completely charged so you are able to communicate with someone about where you are. 
  • Make sure that you are dressed in multiple layers, as well as a hat, scarf and gloves, before you leave the house. 
  • Stay with your car while you wait for assistance, unless help is visible within 100 feet. 

These tips should help keep you safe during this winter storm season, and remember if you have any issues with burst pipes after the freezing temperatures that come with winter storms, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is just a phone call away at 914-684-1560.

Hurricane Season

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30 and will begin in under 2 weeks. Located along the shores of the Long Island Sound our communities have a much greater chance of flooding than our neighbors further inland. Living in flood and hurricane prone areas require an extra level of awareness of the weather, especially during hurricane season. Here are some tips to prepare for a hurricane.

  • Build an emergency kit that contains non-perishable canned food for at least three days, a gallon of water for each person in your household for 3 days, fully stocked first aid kit, disinfectant wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, non-prescription medicines for common ailments, prescription eyeglasses, contact lens cleaner, pet food and water, cash, traveler’s checks, important family and household documents, warm blankets for each person, change of clothes, comfortable and sturdy shoes, fire extinguisher, matches, personal hygiene items,paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, paper, pen, pencil, books, puzzles, deck of cards and other games. 
  • Learn evacuation routes in case the need to leave arises.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.
  • Keep gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris to allow water to flow freely and not dam up.
  • Cover all your windows. Permanent shutters are the best option but you can also board up your home's windows using at least marine plywood that has been cut and ready to install.
  • Make sure your garage door is reinforced because if wind gets into your garage it can cause extensive damage.
  • Make sure your generator is serviced and operational.
  • Remove any outdoor furniture, lawn ornaments, or decorations that can become deadly projectiles during extreme high winds. Move them to the basement.
  • Charge up all cell phones, laptops and portable batteries.

Staying safe and alive during a hurricane is very important. These items will help you before, during and after a storm has passed.

Rain, Rain GO AWAY!

5/17/2020 (Permalink)

Having a stretch of days without rain in times of social distancing and quarantining make these times a little more bearable. Outside activities from walking to riding bicycles are needed to combat quarantine / cabin fever. Enjoy the outdoor activities but also be aware: as the humidity rises, along with temperatures, so does the threat of thunderstorms and lightning occurring unannounced. Do you know how to stay safe during these powerful storms? Is your home prepared for heavy rains and winds? What do you do in case of a lightning strike?

Staying safe during a thunder and lightning storm is staying away from windows or anything that will conduct electricity. Do not sit or lean on any metal objects such as window or door frames and stay away from concrete floors and walls because the concrete contains moisture. All these surfaces conduct electricity and can cause physical harm if lightning strikes your home.

A storm happening quickly and unexpectedly can catch people off guard but make sure all your windows and doors are closed and secure. These storms usually are accompanied by high winds and can blow doors open if they are not closed properly, leaving a large area for rain to blow into your home and cause damage.

The heavy rains can cause damage but lightning striking your home can cause extensive damage. The electricity from the strike will follow all paths that are conductive. The plumbing and electrical systems of homes are susceptible to lightning strikes. If lightning strikes your home but you do not see damage or fire, call the fire department immediately. Lightning will smolder behind walls or short out electrical systems and create a fire. Eventually the fire will make its way out of the rafters or from behind the walls and into the home creating extensive fire damage.

If you are on the unfortunate end of these storms, rest assured SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. We have decades of experience and training to get your home back to pre-storm condition. We can mitigate water damage, remediate mold and clean your home of fire,smoke and soot damage. We can also install all new materials as needed with our rebuild department. We will take care of you from start to finish.

Damaging winds and storms

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

The wind and rain storms have been strong recently. Trees have been uprooted causing damage to homes, vehicles and even people. The high winds associated with these storms can be damaging to your home, even if you do not live in an area prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. With us being located along the shore and with these winds coming off the ocean and sound they can be severe at times.

Recent wind and storms have left a lot of people without power. This can be detrimental during the winter months with homes heated by electric heat. Here are some tips to keep home as safe as possible during these windy times:

  • Have all the trees on your property that are close to your house inspected by a tree specialist. If they determine the trees are at risk , have them trimmed or removed. Trees can cause extensive damage or loss of life if they fall on your house.
  • Make sure your windows are storm resistant and if they are not, have new ones installed or install shutters to protect them during storms.
  • Secure or bring in any outdoor furniture including grills. They can become dangerous projectiles during high winds and severe storms.
  • Have a home generator installed to handle any power outages that may occur due to downed wires. Generators can be a life saving tool during the cold winter months and hot summers.

These tips should help you stay safe during these stormy times.

Windy City

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

The storm currently moving through our area is an intense one and it originated from the southern United States where tornadoes struck Louisiana and Mississippi. There are high wind warnings in effect until 6 p.m. tonight with the possibility of winds gusting up to 70 mph. The wind, heavy rain and localized flooding along the shore could be an issue.This storm has the possibility to down trees, power lines and also flood homes. Here are some storm preparedness tips:

  • Keep a storm safety kit that includes a battery or hand crank operated radio, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, drinking water supply for three days, non-perishable food, manual can opener, pet food, towels, toilet paper, sanitary items, work gloves, duct tape, copy of insurance documents, blankets, list of phone numbers of emergency services, hammer, nails, and a fully stocked toolbox with screwdrivers, wrenches and a small hatchet.
  • Stay inside during the storm; with high winds there could be debris flying through the air that could cause injury.
  • If the electricity does go out, use flashlights instead of candles, call the power company right away, and unplug large appliances to prevent surging when the power comes back on.
  • Only open the refrigerator/freezer when necessary to keep food cold as long as possible and to prevent spoilage.
  • Stay away from any downed power lines and consider any power line as live and extremely dangerous.

After the storm passes, assess your home and if you do have any flooding, need a window boarded up, and/or have a tree that fell into your home, call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We have the training and experience to deal with flooded and damaged homes.

Tornadoes and damaging storms

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

We have all watched the news or listened to the radio as the news unfolded about the tornado in Tennessee. The horrific damage that occurred and the loss of life is devastating. Our area had a tornado on July 13th, 2006 that affected Westchester county and cut a 20 mile path into Connecticut. With wind speeds up to 150mph the F2 tornado flipped cars, damaged roofs and ripped out walls of warehouse buildings. Luckily there were no serious injuries reported and the damage was mostly property. If a tornado would strike Rye, Rye Brook, Larchmont,White Plains, New Rochelle, Purchase, Mamaroneck or Port Chester would you know what to do?

One of the interviews on the news showed a resident who had heard the tornado warning and immediately grabbed his young child and ran to the basement. As the father was running down the stairs he looked back because of the noise and saw the roof of their home being ripped off. His quick action and knowing what to do ultimately saved his and his child's life. Would you know what to do in case of a tornado warning?

  1. Seek shelter immediately. Find shelter in your basement. Stay away from any windows, shelves that might fall on you or under any heavy appliance upstairs that might fall through the floor. Cover your head. 
  2.  Get off the road or out of your mobile home.Do not hide beneath an underpass because it becomes a wind tunnel as the high winds are squeezed through a smaller space and projectiles can cause bodily harm or death. Find a ditch and lay as flat as possible until it passes. Cover your head.
  3. If your home does not have a basement, find a central location that does not have windows such as a bathroom and crotch down covering your head.

Tornadoes move quickly and when a warning is issued it means one is on the ground and safety measures have to be taken immediately. Unlike hurricanes which we normally have advanced warning before they make landfall, tornadoes are deadlier because of their unpredictable nature and their voracious appetite.

If you have storm damage, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has the experience and certification to handle water damage, fire and smoke damage. We also have a rebuild department to help get your home back to prestorm shape.

Cold, Freezing,Warm and Freezing again...

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is under a month away but this current weather would make it seem like spring is already here. According to the Farmers Almanac, spring will be off to a slow start with winter lingering close to April. Until April there will be occasional wet snow and unseasonably chilly weather. Keep those shovels, rain boots and a bag of rock salt out and ready to go just in case.

These temperatures are fluctuating from freezing to mild and precipitation from snow to rain. These conditions can wreak havoc on your vulnerable pipes in your home. When the freezing temperatures happen over a few days followed by a quick warm up,pipe breaks occur more often. What can you do if you find a frozen pipe? Here is a list of some tips to help you keep your water pipes flowing.

1. Open up the faucet to allow the water to flow out once it begins to thaw..

2. Apply heat to the area of the pipe that is frozen. Use a blow dryer or some electrical heat tape to slowly thaw out the frozen pipe. You can also use both of them together. Do not use a propane torch or any other open flame device to thaw pipes out. Pipes need to thaw slowly and the open flame also poses a fire hazard.

3. Keep applying heat until the water returns back to a normal flow.

4. Check the other faucets in your home to make sure they are not frozen. If you find them frozen repeat the steps above.

After these steps have been taken you should have free flowing water in your faucets, if you do not, call a professional in to resolve it. If you have a pipe break in your home which results in causing flooding, call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle. We service White Plains, New Rochelle, Rye, Rye Brook, Larchmont, Purchase, Port Chester, Harrison, Pelham and surrounding areas. We are here 24 hours a day ,7 days a week and 365 days including holidays.

Rainy Winter

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

This winter has been a wash out. The expectation of snow has given way to the disappointment of rain, and lots of it.This time of year everything is usually frozen and there is no worry of flooding or leaking roofs but the ground has been over saturated ,basements are beginning to flood and roofs are leaking. Have you taken steps to protect your home from over saturation and heavy rain?

Here are some ways you can protect your home:

  1. Sump Pump - Have a contractor install a sump pump in your basement to drain any water back outside that may enter your basement.
  2. Backwater Valve - Have this device installed to prevent city sewage from backing up into your home.
  3. Roof / Chimney Inspection - have your roof inspected on a regular basis to check for damage and repair as needed to prevent leaks. Water can seep in through cracks on your chimney so have any cracks repaired immediately.
  4. Property Inspection - if you notice areas on your property that are collecting water or over saturated contact a landscaping company to see what your options would be to rectify those areas.
  5. Gutter Cleaning - make sure your rain gutters are clear of all debris. Have your gutters cleaned on a regular basis to ensure there is no spill over of water into your home.

These tips will help you keep your home free of damage and dry. If you do have an issue with flooding and water intrusion , call us here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle . We are open 24 hours a day , 365 days a year. We look forward to serving all the communities in our area:

  • White Plains
  • New Rochelle
  • Harrison
  • Mamaroneck
  • Rye
  • Rye Brook
  • Purchase
  • Larchmont
  • Port Chester
  • Pelham

Our certified and experienced technicians are ready to help you get your home back to “Like it never even happened.”



Tornado safety

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Harrison, NY where our office and shop is located, we have seen some severe storm warnings as well as tornado watches. South of us in Pennsylvania tornadoes have touched down in some areas creating major damage but luckily no loss of life. Are you prepared for a tornado? What do you do if you find out one is coming?

This day and age we are constantly connected to information worldwide, there will be an emergency alert from weather channels alerting us to incoming severe weather and possibly tornadoes. If the watch turns to a warning than that means a tornado has been spotted on the ground and you should:

  • Seek shelter immediately in a structure that is well-built.
  • Go to a basement or room central to the building ,preferably with no windows.
  • If you have to use the bathroom as a safe room , get into the tub and cover yourself with a mattress.
  • Avoid windows, outside walls and doors. Flying glass,collapsing walls and doors turning into flying projectiles can all cause serious bodily harm and even death.
  • If you are stuck outside on a road or highway, do NOT seek safety under an overpass. The overpass actually creates a wind tunnel with the churning debris and air increasing in speed and velocity as it moves under and around the overpass. Find a low lying area and lay flat covering your face and head.
  • If you are stuck in your vehicle, leave it running that way the airbags will deploy if necessary and buckle up. Tornadoes are fast and it is not advised to try and outrun one.

After the tornado has passed , assess the damage and call us. We serve White Plains, New Rochelle, Harrison, Rye, Rye Brook, Purchase, Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Port Chester and Pelham. SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has boarding up services, water extraction, pack-out services, fire and smoke clean up. We will work with your insurance company to ensure your home is returned to its pre storm state. “Like it never even happened.”

Thunder and lighting precautions

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

 According to the weather.gov website,lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year and kills an average of 47 people each year. Do you know some of the suggested safety measures to take in the event of lightning? What structures are safe to seek shelter ? What measures can you take to ensure your safety, your family's safety and even your pets? Here are some safety suggestions and guidelines to follow:

  • Do not use phones that are attached by cords, cell phones are safe alternatives.
  • Do not touch T.V`s ,computers or cords but you can use remote controls correctly.
  • Do not shower, wash your hands or do dishes. Avoid plumbing.
  • Do not lean on exterior doors or windows that might have metal components that connect the outside to the inside .
  • Do not use your balcony, carport, open garage areas ,porches and avoid lying on concrete flooring or leaning against concrete walls
  • Do not leave your dog outside in it`s dog house, a dog house is not safe shelter and if the doghouse is chained to a tree, there is even a higher risk to your pet. BRING YOUR PETS INSIDE DURING A SEVERE STORM.
  • Do not unplug your equipment during a storm. Typical surge protectors will not protect your equipment from a lightning strike.

 I guess grandma was right when she said get off the phone, do not shower and turn off the television when there would be a thunderstorm. I assumed she was being overprotective but she was right. Here at SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle we want our community to stay safe and follow precautions. Personal belongings and property can be replaced , lives can not.

Sump pumps need love too.

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

 April showers bring May flowers but they also bring flooded basements and leaky roofs. A number of homes that SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has been to recently was due to flooded basements or other living areas. During the initial inspection process to see what the cause of the water damage was and what was affected, it was discovered that a sump pump might have not been operating correctly and the damage was more extensive due to a malfunction of the sump pump.

   There are some steps that homeowners can take to help maintain their sump pumps and help avoid a costly and time consuming water event in their homes :

Every 3-4 months

  • Clean pump inlet screen
  • Check power cord / make sure the cord is plugged in
  • Make sure the pump turns on by dumping a bucket or two of water into the sump, this will also help to determine if the float is operating correctly up and down.

Annually

  • Take the pump out of the sump to clean and inspect it for any obvious defects
  • Clean out the sump
  • grease /lubricate any necessary bearings on the pump. Check owners manual for maintenance instructions.
  • Lower the pump back into its correct position in the sump
  • Test the pump and float by dumping a bucket or two of water into the sump.

 Most importantly, if you do not feel comfortable taking care of the maintenance or are not mechanically inclined, ask the company that installed it to do the maintenance or for a referral for a company that can. Regular maintenance of your sump pump will help keep your water prone areas safe from flooding and keep your home environment a safe livable space for years to come. A little maintenance will go a long way.



SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle is READY

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

If you live in White Plains, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Purchase, Port Chester, or Pelham call us immediately if you have storm or flood damage.

SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We are on-call 24 hours a day , 7 days a week including weekends and holidays.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560   24 hours a day/ 7 days a week / 365 days a years.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers was a phrase I heard growing up.The month of April would be an oversaturated event every year and the April rain served its purpose well with the rapid bloom of flowers planted a few weeks before, the lawn being revived back to its green glow after winter had turned it brown and the budding of the trees along the neighborhood streets. April showers had seemed to create a magical, colorful and new world every year as a child.

April showers was this marvelous event that helped usher in the spring blooms but one thing I failed to hear growing up was the other events created by the heavy rains. No one mentioned the flooded basements, over saturated yards which contributed to trees falling when they had no stable ground to hold steadfast to or the leaky roofs that had occurred from the freezing and thawing of ice and water between the shingles of the roof. I am sure it had to do with my young and naive mind not being able to deal with adult responsibility but that has definitely changed now. What can be done to prevent damages from happening to homes with the spring thaw?

  • Make sure gutters are clear of any debris. Clean gutters at least twice a year.
  • Rain spouts should be attached to downspouts that are directed away from the foundation of the house.
  • If there is large puddles of water in your yard the installation of a dry creek bed, a french drain or other drain system could be the answer.
  • If you are not confident in your ability to create a dry creek bed or one of the drains you can watch a DIY video or hire an experienced landscaper to do the work properly.
  • When the first heavy rain occurs inspect for any leaks , water dripping would be the most obvious sign of a leaky roof but also keep your eye out for wet spots in your ceiling and if not caught in time the wet spots will turn brown. Do not hesitate in calling in a roofing professional, these problems do not go away on their own and will only get worse.

If water has saturated the interior of your home call us at SERVPRO of White Plains our trained and certified technicians will extract any standing water and set up proper drying equipment to help get your home back to “Like it never even happened." We are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Call us at 914-684-1560 or toll free at 800-967-6663.



Winter Storm Wayne

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Wayne made its way through the northeast last night and into this morning leaving a path of heavy wet snow behind. The trees are bowing under the weight of the snow on the branches and with the weight of the snow being heavy there has also been power outages due to broken branches or trees coming down on them. Trees and their branches are also in jeopardy of coming down on your home or business as well. What do you do if a tree does fall on your home or business?

  • Do not run up to the tree to survey the damage until it is verified that there are no power lines down and no gas lines have been affected.
  • If the power lines are affected or you smell gas ,do not approach the area and call the electric or gas company immediately. Also inform your local authorities.
  • If the home or business is secure, then make sure everyone is out of the business or home and are safe.
  • Take plenty of  pictures and inform your insurance company of the damage.
  • Call SERVPRO of White Plains because we are faster to any disaster. We will be able to tarp the affected area to prevent the outside elements from creating anymore damage as well as extract any water they may have gotten into your home.

SERVPRO of White Plains is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and have been serving the community since 1996. Our trained and certified staff is ready to help make your home “Like it never even happened.”

The groundhog was wrong!

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

The weather has been a little bit wild lately. We went from sub zero temperatures with snow and ice to close to 60 degrees with rain only days later. The extreme changes in the weather definitely takes a toll on the trees in our neighborhoods and our own yards. Today's weather only compounds the strain on our trees, with wind gusts up to 50mph there is likely to be many branches and trees that will be blown down. Here are some preventative measures we can take to help with the issue of falling trees in White Plains and the New Rochelle area.

  1. Trees that are old or diseased should be removed in a controlled manner to prevent them from becoming  a dangerous and damaging projectile during a severe weather event.
  2. Ensure that your property has proper drainage and that there is not large pools of water or oversaturated areas in your yard. Trees that are growing in loose, wet soil will give way and come crashing down a lot faster than trees that are rooted in solid soil.
  3. If the tree has fallen on your home, make sure everyone is ok.
  4. Do not walk up to the tree right away, look around for any power lines that may have been knocked down when the tree fell. If there are wires on the ground, do not go near the tree and call the police and the power company immediately.
  5. Call your insurance company and if it is safe, take pictures for your records and for the insurance company too.

Contact us at SERVPRO of White Plains. We will place a tarp over your roof if needed and carry out any board up service that may be required. We can also clean up any water that may be inside your home. The process of boarding up any exposed areas as well as tarping will prevent anyone from entering your home as well as keep out any rain,snow or debris.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of White Plains has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your  restoration and cleaning needs. Contact us and we will make it “Like it never even happened."

Falling Trees and Storm Damage

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

Trees falling on your home can create a mess in your home. Let us clean it up and get you back in your home faster than anyone else in the business.

Late summer is upon us, which means possible serious storms in the North East

A common occurrence during large storms is trees falling on and damaging your property. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency. Here are 5 steps to take to prevent the issues of falling trees in the White Plains and New Rochelle area.

  1. Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms. Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.
  2. In the event a tree does fall on your property, first, make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.
  3.  Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are, call the police and the power company.
  4.  Call your insurance company and if you can safely do so, take pictures.
  5. Contact us at SERVPRO of White Plains/ New Rochelle. We will place a tarp on the roof if needed. We will also carry out any board up services required and clean up any water inside the home. Boarding up parts of the home that have structural damage will help with your insurance claim and also deter any vandals while you are away from your home.

*TIP: The nature of emergency situations, often do not allow you to check licenses or BBB reports. It’s best to have a trusted restoration and storm cleanup company in mind before things like this happen. Contact SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle to receive a free Emergency Readiness Plan. This plan will organize all the necessary steps and information you will need in the event of storm damage, water damage, fire damage, and cleanup.

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of White Plains and New Rochelle has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. Contact us and we will make it "Like it never happened.”

Preparing For Hurricane Season

5/20/2016 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can be devastating. Make sure you and your family are prepared and know you can have peace of mind that we are there for you 24 hours a day

Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th. Since it's right around the corner, SERVPRO of White Plains/ New Rochelle wants to help make sure you and your family are safe and prepared.

There are a few things you can do now to help reduce damage if there is a hurricane. Stock up on batteries and water, check to see if your flashlights are all working, and, if you have one, make sure your generator is in good working order.

  • Prepare an emergency supply kit
  • Clean out gutters and trim trees and shrubs
  • Inspect your roof, siding, foundation, and basement to identify areas that need to be repaired or replaced
  • Check that your sump pump is working
  • Before the Storm

  • Bring lawn furniture, trash cans, and toys inside
  • Cover windows with 5/8 inch plywood that's cut to fit and ready to install.
  • Fill your gas tank
  • Park car in a garage or next to a building to protect from wind and debris
  • Charge your cellphone and other electronics.
  • During a Storm

  • Listen to radio or tv for information
  • Avoid using phone except for emergencies
  • Stay inside unless you are told to evacuate
  • Stay away from windows and external doors
  • Keep your emergency kit with you
  • If water starts to come in your home, lift any clothes to a higher place 
  • If you experience water damage call us at :

    (914) 684-1560

    We service Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, and White Plains. Don't wait to call! the longer you wait the more damage could occur.

    When Storms or Floods hit Westchester County, SERVPRO is ready!

    5/13/2016 (Permalink)

    Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Westchester County.

    If you live in Portchester, Rye, Ryebrook, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, or White Plains call us immediately if you have storm or flood damage.

    SERVPRO of White Plains specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

    Faster Response

    Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

    Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

    When storms hit Westchester County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

    Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (914) 684-1560