What To Do When A Basement Floods

7/18/2024 (Permalink)

Always remove standing water right away!

When dealing with a flood in the basement, it is very important to remain calm and take the appropriate steps towards remediating the situation as soon as possible. Once you give us a call at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne, one of our 24/7 emergency service crews will be dispatched right away to assist with the removal of the standing water. While waiting for our team to arrive at your home or business, it is important to avoid flooded areas of the basement where you are unable to see the floor as electrical outlets beneath pose a great safety risk.

Once our emergency crew arrives, they utilize special extraction tools which are designed to safety and effectively remove the water from the basement quickly. Once all the standing water has been removed, the technicians remove unsalvageable materials such as drywall, flooring and trim. After the wet materials are removed, drying equipment is placed to ensure any remaining moisture is eliminated from the building.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is ready to take on water losses large and small. Give us a call anytime- 201-333-3200.

Weekend Water Disaster

7/9/2024 (Permalink)

Water was discovered on the floor after a flood happened over the weekend.

The manager of a real estate office in Weehawken walked into a flooded office Monday morning and was shocked at the amount of water on the floor. He immediately called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne to clean up the water. Our team of water removal experts arrived within the hour to begin the drying process of the wet materials.

After extracting the water from the floor, our team placed drying equipment to take care of any lingering moisture in the office. Since the technicians arrived shortly after the loss happened, it was possible to save the carpeting from demolition. Our attentive administrative staff were able to find the realtors temporary office space during the cleanup. The manager was very impressed with the short time frame!

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies no matter how large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, taking action immediately is essential. A quick response from our experienced team reduces the spread of damage and ensures successful drying to get you back in business!

Water Trapped Behind The Wall

6/29/2024 (Permalink)

Water from the runoff caused the paint to peel.

Even though SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne was called in to dry out a commercial building which had wet carpets from a water purifier, we took the initiative to take care on an ongoing issue behind the walls. Water originating from improper run off due to the building's gutters and outside slope had been entering the building for some time. Our team installed some leader extensions so that the water would run away from the building. As you can see, over time the water had run behind the walls and caused the paint to peel.

Always take some time to inspect your property around window wells and foundation walls. Clear your gutters and add some gutter down spout extensions so the water does not end up against your foundation. Any water which lays there will most likely work its way into your home and could eventually create mold issues.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne will always provide you with advice to avoid future losses and develop an emergency ready plan for you. 

Unbelievable Wind Damage!

6/20/2024 (Permalink)

Extreme wind events are becoming more frequent.

Reports of massive tornadoes and extreme thunderstorms always catch our attention. Here at SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. Hurricanes are increasing in strength and frequency, coupled with changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although windstorms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever-changing environment.

High School Pipe Break

6/7/2024 (Permalink)

One of the classrooms affected by the broken pipe.

When a local high school suffered from a broken sewage pipe, they called SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne to sanitize and dry out the areas affected by the discharge. Several classrooms had floors and ceilings which were damaged. Our certified ASD water professionals were on site within 1 hour to set up containment and place drying equipment along with air scrubbers to assure students were provided with a safe breathing environment. The expert team was able to successfully clean and repair the rooms, all while working around classrooms in session in the unaffected areas of the building.

Rest assured that when your local school district calls on SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne, we will be on site quickly to stabilize and restore your building using our exceptional experience and dedication to excellent service.

SERPVRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle the largest and most complex water restoration project. Call us anytime at 201-333-3200.

Summer Fire Danger

5/31/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires spread quickly and can cause mass destruction to nearby communities.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.

Extreme Storms Threaten Coastal Areas

5/17/2024 (Permalink)

A coastal town damaged by a hurricane.

As global temperatures increase and sea levels rise due to melting glaciers, cities and towns situated along coastal areas are at an increased threat of being hit by catastrophic storms. Eroding coastlines are bringing dangerous surf closer to residences and businesses situated by shorelines. Recent hurricanes have inundated these communities with extreme flooding and torrential rain, leaving tremendous destruction in their wake. Costs to repair disaster zones reach into the billions and increase with each storm, leaving questions about extensive recovery and ways to possibly minimize future losses. Advanced weather models predict massive storms will become more frequent as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Ocean temperatures remaining high for longer periods of time are fueling stronger storms and allowing them to strike seaside communities with greater regularity.

SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne has personally witnessed the damage following powerful storms. Our mitigation experts have mobilized to areas outside of our region to assist with recovery in seaside towns burdened with staggering losses. Based in New Jersey, our very own neighborhoods situated along the long coast are repeatedly threatened with severe flooding by forecasted disturbances. Our franchise is always prepared to help with mitigation and repairs following a formidable water disaster while at the same time, wondering how changes in weather will ultimately impact our environment.

Simple Fire Safety Tips

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

• Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
• Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
• Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
• Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
• Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
• Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Waterproofing To Prevent Intrusion From Heavy Rain

4/26/2024 (Permalink)

Flash flooding can occur suddenly during periods of heavy rain.

It is very important to identify and correct possible points of entry for water during a storm situation. Rushing water, flash flooding, saturated ground and heavy rain can enter a home or business through weakened areas in the structure or a lack of proper drainage systems. Paying attention to potential issues in fair weather can prevent major damage when extreme weather arrives.

Be sure to check the gutter system to ensure there aren’t any clogs and to confirm they are properly draining water away from the structure. Pay attention to evidence of runoff in the vicinity of the building and have a special drainage system installed to prevent water from seeping in during inundating water events. Inspect basement windows, door and walls for openings or improper sealing to prevent floodwater from entering; groundwater intrusion is generally excluded from coverage in general homeowners’ policies. Consult with certified professionals who have expertise in drainage, waterproofing and landscaping for precise evaluation and proper corrective measures.

Utilizing foresight and taking the time to fortify homes and businesses from storm water can prevent costly damages while keeping interiors clean and dry no matter when and how severe weather strikes!

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

A kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot-stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 201-333-3200: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!