Recent Posts

Tackling the Stinky Situations: The Realities of Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

sewage water pooling on a kitchen floor after a leak SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.

The phrase “what’s that smell?” is something that no homeowner or business owner wants to utter as they enter their home or building. Property disasters come in all shapes and sizes, but they also come with varying levels of grossness. We would agree that suffering from a sewage leak is one of the grossest disasters to experience!

Unfortunately, sewage leaks and backups happen all the time. If you become the unfortunate victim of a sewage disaster, quick action is necessary to control the situation and prevent further issues from developing.

The Leak Discovery

Sewage backups can happen whenever the pipe that the wastewater is moving through becomes clogged or blocked. Over time, the sewage will have to go somewhere, and it will eventually travel backward into your toilet, sinks or even bathtub. Sewage leaks can occur if a water line or pipe breaks or becomes compromised, leaving the sewage to leak or drip out of the hole.

No matter the situation, we recommend that you not touch the water. Water is categorized into white water, gray water and black water. Sewage falls into the category of black water because it is toxic and should never be handled without the proper safety gear. Even a small amount of sewage can harbor thousands of viruses, bacteria and microbes that can be dangerous or even deadly.

Stay out of the water, and focus on finding the appropriate water shutoff valve. Once the pipe has stopped leaking or the situation is under control, start opening up windows and turning on fans to let the stink out and to let the fumes dissipate. Close off the area to your family or customers and then get us on the phone right away.

How We Can Help

We are well-known for our highly rated restoration services, but we are also well-equipped to handle any biohazard cleaning situation! We have the proper tools and training to tackle your entire disaster with ease and precision. Once you call us, we will be able to load up our trucks with the right equipment and then we will be on our way to you.

In the meantime, pull out your phone and start taking some photos of the destruction. While you may not be framing these photos any time soon, your insurance company will want to see them while they work on processing your claim.

Once we arrive, we will prioritize securing your space by identifying and fixing the source of the leak. Since sewage water is toxic, we will ensure that the area is only occupied by team members that are highly trained and dressed safely.

Some of our technicians will be focused on fixing the problem, and others will focus on removing the sewage and standing water. We will also employ our deodorizers to remove any lingering stinky smells.

If the sewage caused any structural damage to your home or building, we can also repair and restore any warped floors or soggy walls for you so that your home is returned to its pre-disaster state.

Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO®, and we will take care of you.

Staying Connected to Stay Safe: Weather Alerts | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pouring down on an outdoor metal roof in a storm Let SERVPRO of Buffalo Tonawanda help you get from April showers to May flowers.

We can’t believe that we are already talking about and preparing for the spring season! Rumbling thunderstorms, heavy rain and the occasional severe weather situation are all on the horizon, so preparing for them ahead of time is crucial.

One of the most important ways to be prepared is to be informed! Updating your alert systems now can ensure you know what is going on so you can take action to stay safe and in control.

Staying Connected With Power

We are surrounded by screens in almost every aspect of our lives, so it should be no surprise that our phones and TVs are the most common way of receiving weather alerts. Wireless Emergency Alerts are alerts that can be issued automatically if there is a weather system quickly approaching, but you can (and should) have at least one other weather app downloaded.

Keep in mind that not all weather apps are created equally and that it is important for you to choose wisely. Avoid the apps that exaggerate forecasts for likes or engagement and stick with the nationally recognized or locally trusted sources instead.

News stations and local weather channels are also great resources as they are often live broadcasting when severe weather is in the area. You can watch the storm progress in real-time and be able to take action immediately if a warning is issued or if the storm changes course unexpectedly.

Staying Connected Without Power

We all know how dangerous it can be to lose power during a storm, which is why we recommend that every household has at least one other alert system in place that doesn’t require power in order to work. Phones, TVs and your computer are great ways to stay connected, but only if they are powered and working.

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable in the face of serious weather! Locate our local weather sirens and familiarize yourself with the different tones and alerts, or invest in a NOAA weather radio.

Weather radios are especially helpful because they are portable. You can take them with you into your sheltering location or around your property in the aftermath of the first wave of a storm.

Stay prepared, everyone! If you know what to expect, you will be armed with the knowledge you need to keep your family safe during a true weather emergency. Call us day or night after the storm passes and we will take care of any storm damage that you have suffered.

Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 247 for immediate restoration assistance.

Damaged Business? Here’s What to Do First | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

2/15/2024 (Permalink)

business man in office talking to female SERVPRO rep SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here for your business every step of the way, from ERPs to disaster recovery.

No one expects to suffer a disaster at work, but that is unfortunately a reality for thousands of businesses across the country every year.

Even though you don’t want to think about it, you have to have a plan in place for situations like these! SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is proud to help you navigate this uncertain time and will help you recover from start to finish.

Preparing Before the Disaster

You most likely already have some sort of emergency plan in place for common disasters, and that’s a really good start. When your team knows how to properly respond to minor storms, fires or floods, you can all move seamlessly together throughout the process to minimize disruption.

Be sure to create a clear line of communication amongst your staff so that everyone stays informed and knows what is coming next. You should also walk everyone through your building to show them where fire extinguishers, emergency exits and water valves are located.

Even if you have custodial staff on site that would normally handle situations like these, quick action from your employees can help keep things under control until authorities arrive.

You should also make sure your staff know what to do after a disaster situation. If your business has been damaged to the point where it is not safe to stay in while repairs are happening, have a work-from-home policy ready to use or have an alternate location that you can utilize to set up shop while you wait for your building to be restored.

Recovering Faster

When you have a plan, it can help you stay on track and avoid losing sight of the final goal. Don’t forget to call SERVPRO® while you are busy getting things done! Our team will be able to work alongside you to help you recover faster.

One of the most important things that you will need to do during this time period is to communicate with your customers during your recovery process. We all know how important brand loyalty and communication is nowadays, so informing them of the progress and tentative re-opening dates is crucial.

Keep an open mind while we work through your recovery. While we will have to be in your space in order to dry out, sanitize and rebuild the affected area, there’s a good chance that you will be able to operate in an adjusted capacity alongside us! We will work together to find the right balance.

When you plan ahead and work quickly after a disaster does strike, your outcome is going to look much brighter. We will help you recover no matter what kind of disaster situation impacts your otherwise thriving business.

Has your business experienced a disaster, or do you want help building an emergency plan? Contact us to find everything you need.

Tackling Compounding Damage With Confidence | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

2/1/2024 (Permalink)

heavy rain pounding down on a blacktop surface SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is Here to Help® when any disaster strikes!

The phrase “when it rains, it pours” can be relatable for many different parts of our lives. Life can get overwhelming at work, school and with personal relationships, and it can also get overwhelming when you are faced with emergency situations that were completely unexpected.

Natural disasters and home accidents are always frustrating because they must be dealt with right away to prevent the situation from getting worse. That can be stressful in its own right, because who plans for disasters in their weekly schedules?

Thankfully, that’s where SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda proudly comes in. With one simple phone call, your restoration and recovery will be taken care of by our talented and passionate team.

Various Disaster Situations

Disasters come in all shapes and sizes, and they can either be minor inconveniences or true emergencies that impact entire communities. No matter the scale, it is important for you to prioritize recovery as quickly as possible.

Heavy rain that infiltrates your home can cause flooding, which will quickly lead to home damage and eventual mold growth if not addressed right away. A house fire can quickly burn down sections of your home, leaving behind destruction, water damage and stubborn smoke odors.

The longer the damage is left to sit, the worse the situation can become. We want our community to overcome house disasters quickly and efficiently, so give us a call so we can get to work for you.

The Recovery Process

We know that disasters don’t just happen during the day or during the work week, which is why we are available 247 to respond to your call for help. Once we make the initial contact, we will pull together a team, gather supplies and get started on our way to your doorstep.

Our highly trained technicians have handled many different disaster scenarios in our community, and we are confident that we will help you recover no matter what type of emergency situation occurred in your home. We will follow the latest and most advanced recovery techniques, and we will be thorough to handle your entire restoration from start to finish.

For example, if your roof is damaged in a strong storm, we will secure it with tarps to prevent further damage to your possessions while also moving precious keepsakes out of the affected area. If you suffer from a flood, we will make sure to remove the standing water and seal up the leak right away before turning our attention to the repairs.

Another benefit about working with SERVPRO® is that we are a one-stop-shop for all of your restoration needs. There’s no need to be working with multiple different contractors, because we can do it all!

When the rain starts coming in or a house fire breaks out in the middle of the night, call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for a quick and reliable restoration no matter what.

Have you experienced a disaster and need restorations? Make one call to our office to start recovery fast.

Tips for a Toasty and Fire-Safe Winter Season | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

brick chimney with lit fire logs Fire safety is a top priority for us at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda this winter. Keep your home safe with these helpful tips!

The winter season in the Buffalo area sure is a dynamic one! We are always prepared for intense snowstorms, high winds and sub-zero temperatures, which means that all of us are spending much more time indoors as a result.

As you start fires or turn on space heaters in order to stay warm, your risk of suffering a house fire goes up. We want you to avoid starting a serious fire this winter, so check out our tips below for staying safe without sacrificing your comfort.

Taking Care of Your Fireplace

We can all appreciate the ambiance and warmth that a fireplace can bring, but they are also the source of hundreds of uncontrolled house fires. Properly cleaning and preparing your fireplace is key to your safety. Clean out ash buildup and creosote on your chimney walls and inspect the bricks for signs of wear-and-tear or cracking.

Reduce the amount of flammable materials in your room, especially near the fireplace opening and the mantle. The room that your fireplace is in should have a smoke detector, so check it regularly and replace the batteries as needed. If your fireplace is electric or gas, you need to be checking the lines regularly for leaks and consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm next to your fireplace.

Setting Up Space Heaters

Space heaters are a convenient way to stay warm, but that convenience is also what makes them dangerous from time to time. In fact, space heater mishaps cause 1,700 house fires every year.

Set yourself up for success by setting up your heater on a level, nonflammable surface that is far away from things like curtains or cushions.

You should also create a three-foot barrier around your heater to keep out kids and pets and be sure the cord is laying flat against the ground to avoid tripping hazards. Never leave your space heater on while it is unattended, and always turn it off and unplug it before going to bed.

Additional Safety Features

Not every space heater is a good choice for you. Just because one is on sale or you can get one for really cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it is a good deal! Do your research before buying anything and always read reviews.

First, focus on choosing a company that is reliable and that has passed all safety certifications. Newer models of space heaters can also come with emergency shutoff switches that are programmed to turn the heater off after a certain period of time. This switch can come in handy if you forget to turn yours off at the end of the night and is definitely a safety feature worth including in your requirements for purchase.

In addition, you should take some time to inspect the cord that would power the heater. It should be sturdy, well-made and at least six feet long. This distance allows you to set up your heater in a safe location away from walls or furniture.

Stay toasty warm out there, everyone! If you do end up suffering from fire damage this winter, call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda right away so we can handle your entire restoration.

A quick fire damage restoration is just a phone call away. Call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.

Top Places Moisture Likes to Hide in Your Home | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

1/2/2024 (Permalink)

close up of condensation on window pane and ledge Water damage can happen anywhere in your home. Call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda to restore water damage on your property 24/7, 365.

We need water in our lives, there’s no doubt about that. We use it to run the dishwasher, warm up a bath for our kids and even to hose down the family dog when he or she gets dirty. While having such easy access to water can be a blessing most of the time, a single leak anywhere along a water line or pipe can lead to serious issues. Mother Nature can also create watery messes for us from time to time.

Knowing where to look for water leaks and moisture can help you take action as soon as a problem is discovered. Check these spaces often so you can prevent serious water damage and issues caused by lingering moisture.

Under Your Sinks

Faucets, taps and your dishwasher all carry important roles in your home, and they all use water to function. This means that there are water lines coming to and from your appliances and fixtures that could leak at any time.

If a leak starts under your sink, it can easily seep into your cupboards, behind your walls and under your floors before you discover it. Check your water lines often, and run your hands along your pipes to check for moisture. Tighten any loose connections and replace worn seals promptly.

Beneath Appliances

We have so many appliances in our homes that are constantly running water through them to perform their necessary tasks. Our dishwashers, water heaters, washing machines and ice makers can leak at a moment’s notice and cause serious water damage.

Get in the habit of pulling them away from the wall regularly to check for signs of moisture like water stains, puddles or mold growth. This should be done every time you do a deep-clean of your space as water can leak for a while under your appliances before you are even alerted to the issue.

Behind Your Walls or Floors

When a leak starts somewhere in your home, chances are that it will get behind your walls or under your floors pretty quickly. That’s because water has the innate ability to seep into the tiniest of cracks and crevasses in your home.

If you start to smell a musty odor or one of your floorboards near an appliance is starting to squeak or give way under your feet, it is time to do some investigating.

Around Your Windows and Doors

Condensation can quickly build up around your window panes and doors as the temperature rises and falls around us. This condensation can linger on your windows and can cause structural damage without much warning.

Moisture can also easily get in through small gaps or cracks around these areas. Check them often by running a finger over your window panes and door seals to check for hidden or lingering moisture.

If you do discover water damage, don’t panic! Simply pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for a faster restoration. We will remove standing water and address any structural repairs right away to help you make a full recovery as quickly as possible.

Don’t ignore signs of water damage! Call SERVPRO® for a quick restoration.

The Benefits of Relying on Your Local Restoration Company | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

group of 3 SERVPRO reps standing near a green semi truck at a work site Our team of industry leading experts at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda are ready to tackle any job, no matter the size!

If you live in your home long enough or have a well-established business in the area, the chances are pretty high that you will encounter at least some type of property damage along the way. Disasters can strike at any moment, even if you are prepared for the possibility.

It can be really emotional to discover that your home has been damaged, especially if the damage is widespread or causes you to be displaced for a while as the repairs are taking place.

You deserve a team that will help you clean up faster and recover more thoroughly! Call on SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda because we are local, reliable and great at what we do.

Getting It Right

Once the damage has occurred, your first priority should be locating and hiring a restoration company. The faster you can tackle repairs, the better chance you have of avoiding serious property damage and lingering issues like mold growth.

However, you don’t want to simply call upon the first restoration company you are presented with! Making an informed decision is crucial for the safety of your home. SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here to ensure you recover the way you deserve to. Our team is friendly, reliable and knowledgeable about all things restoration.

We will be at your home faster because we are right down the street! Once we arrive, we will walk you through every step of the way to make sure you understand what is being done to your home and why.

Experience Is Key

While it is really important to have a local company handle your restoration, we are also proudly backed by a national brand that will help us along the way. If we need additional resources or staff, the other SERVPRO® branches in our area can assist us to ensure your home is taken care of the right way.

SERVPRO has been in business since 1967 and has grown to become an industry leader in the restoration business. In fact, our branch is only one of over 2,000 across the country.

Our crew is highly trained, and we are dedicated to continue our learning to ensure we are only using the latest and most advanced restoration techniques. We will also make sure that the team that shows up has the experience necessary to ensure a full recovery.

Rely on SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for all of your home restoration needs! Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance.

Want to learn more about everything we can do for you? Contact us to be prepared for anything.

Steps for Tackling Standing Water at Your Business | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

12/1/2023 (Permalink)

concrete floor tiling with large cracks and water on it Has water damage infiltrated your business? Give SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda a call to get that resolved!

There is nothing worse than arriving at work, unlocking the doors and stepping into a puddle. You left the night before and everything was fine, so why is there water all over the floor?

It might be an unnerving situation or it could send you into a panic—and rightfully so! A single water disaster can create all kinds of damage to your business, and frankly, many businesses without a reliable recovery plan don’t reopen after something like this.

We don’t want that to happen to you! Plumbing failures or natural disasters can wreak havoc on your business, but having a plan and addressing the problem head-on can help you recover faster and more reliably.

Addressing the Problem

If you come upon a part of your business that has flooded or is now partially underwater, try to stay calm and follow a few easy steps in order to stay in control and to avoid extensive damage or even mold growth.

1. Staying safe. Your first priority is always safety. Avoid walking through the water if you are able, and then assess the situation from a dry spot. Contact us right away so we can start gathering information and organizing the right recovery team to suit your needs. Take a few photos of the damage while you wait for our professionals to arrive.

2. Control the disaster. Acting quickly is one of the most important parts of any water damage restoration. Locate the appropriate water valve and shut any connections or water lines to stop the flow of water. If you can’t locate the specific source of the leak, shut off the main water valve to the building just to be on the safe side.

3. Start the drying process. Floodwater can quickly become compromised with sewage, storm runoff or chemicals from your business operations, so stay out of the water and open a few windows to start the drying process. Close off the area as well so your employees and customers stay safe.

Working With Us

Once we arrive, our team will get started on water removal immediately. We will walk you through our entire restoration process so that you are informed and are confident about the entire process. We will even handle working with your insurance company directly!

While we tackle your recovery, you can keep your focus on finding ways to keep business going as usual. Depending on the severity of the flood or the location of it, you may still be able to operate in some capacity or have a section of your building that remains open.

As you ensure your crew is safe and taken care of, our crew will continue with the drying process. We will make it our goal to save as many of your business’ possessions as possible, and we will keep you in the loop the entire way.

You don’t have to stand for standing water! Take action right away, and call your friends at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda. We will help you recover right away.

Do you need repairs after a water disaster in your commercial building? Contact us to get dried out quickly.

Home Damage Possibilities in the Buffalo Area | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda right away.

Our homes put up with a lot on a daily basis. Severe weather, kitchen fires and even just structural aging as your home gets older can all be threats that cause significant damage to your home and property.

We don’t want the possibility of damage to overwhelm you, however! By understanding the risks in our area, you can better prepare yourself and your home to reduce the chances of experiencing serious damage.

SERVPRO® of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here to help if you do suffer from damage! Check out our latest blog to learn more.

The Biggest Risks in the Buffalo Community

We see a lot of rain here in the Buffalo area, as well as serious storms throughout the entire year. Thunderstorms in the summer and winter storms in the winter season can cause all kinds of chaos. In addition, general damage from water or fire can cause structural damage or complete devastation.

Water damage can occur during any storm situation, but it can also occur when an appliance leaks or a pipe bursts in your home. That water can start to leak and seep into every part of your home. The same goes for fire, and fire can cause widespread damage in mere minutes.

Lingering Damage

It can be really frustrating to suffer through a disaster situation at your home, but the problem can actually be made worse even after the event is over. For example, a flood will soak your home, but it can also lead to mold growth that affects your home’s structural integrity.

Fire damage can be overwhelming in the area that the fire occurred, but the damage can also affect areas of your home that the fire never spread to. Smoke and soot can leave walls stains and a stubborn odor can linger in the air. You can also suffer water damage on top of the fire damage due to the water and chemical agents used to put out the flames.

No matter how the damage occurred, recovery is always a priority. That’s where we come in! We can handle everything from minor water leaks to full-scale house fires.

We can dry up residual moisture, remove stubborn odors and tackle any necessary repairs. That includes things like roof replacement, window repair and even document drying.

If your home suffers a fire, we will remove the damaged debris and simultaneously clean and sanitize to remove soot and smoke from your home. We will handle the water damage and the necessary repairs quickly and efficiently so you can get back into your home right away.

We are a full-service restoration company, which means you won’t have to work with multiple contractors or businesses to get the job done. Just call us and we will take care of everything!

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

The Importance of Planning for Emergencies | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

clip board with a disaster preparedness checklist and emergency supplies in the background Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda is here for you when disaster strikes!

It will probably be no surprise to you to learn that the number of natural disasters has significantly increased over the last five years in the United States. Statistically speaking, natural disasters are happening more frequently, but they are also getting stronger when they do occur, leaving behind more damage in their wakes.

Natural disasters can’t be prevented, but they can be planned for. Knowing what to do if disaster strikes your business can ensure your staff responds smoothly and more reliably to keep everyone safe.

Creating an emergency plan for the different scenarios you could encounter is vital! We explain more about the importance of creating a plan below.

What a Plan Matters

Natural disasters are occurring more frequently, so having a plan has become more important than ever. It can save lives and even control any damage situation. When you understand the different threats to your business, you can take action to minimize the impact of flooding, wind damage or fire damage.

Disasters could certainly cause extensive physical damage to your property, but they can also create financial struggles that impact you and the rest of your staff. Having a plan in place can also protect your finances and the livelihoods of your staff members.

A quick recovery means that your team can get back to work faster after a disaster strikes. If you aren’t prepared, a serious damage situation could force your business to close, only to never reopen again. We don’t want that to happen to you!

SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan

SERVPRO® has the perfect solution when it comes to protecting your business. Our Emergency Ready Plan is offered to any business or commercial property in the Buffalo and Tonawanda area. It is a comprehensive guide to all of the different disaster scenarios that can occur in our community.

Our team will assess the different risks to your business and we will find the best course of action for each scenario. It will lay out what to do before, during and after each instance.

The details for planning before disasters may include steps like moving important paperwork to a waterproof part of your building or creating go-bags for your employees that they can quickly grab on their way out the door.

Communication during unexpected events is also crucial. Our team will help create a communication chain of command that will help lay out who is in charge of what during a disaster. For example, if you have someone designated to call 911 or someone to focus on getting staff to safety, you can increase your chances of everyone responding quickly and properly.

Our Emergency Ready Plan is the total package when it comes to the needs of your business. We can help you avoid financial losses and prevent a potential closure of your beloved business. Call us day or night, and we will be there for you.

Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.