Recent Storm Damage Posts

Why SERVPRO®? We Bring the Tech. | SERVPRO® of Amherst / Clarence

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

A photo of a home that had a water damage and SERVPRO hauled out damaged content From emergency cleaning and restoration to routine disinfection, we’re there for you. Team Sullivan at SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence

Certainly, restoration and cleaning involve a lot of time-honored processes. There’s hauling off materials that are irreparably damaged. There’s plenty of mopping and scrubbing. There’s, well, a lot of elbow grease.

However, modern restoration and cleaning also draw heavily on advanced technologies. At SERVPRO, we stay on top of the research through our professional organizations. We’re constantly expanding our armamentarium so we can provide cutting-edge service to you, our customers. Let’s look at some of the technologies that might be involved in a SERVPRO job.

Water Removal Technology

When we show up after a flood, we use some fascinating devices to locate water, which can hide under floors, behind walls and in seemingly dry substances. Then we use powerful water-removal tools.

Moisture Meters. Hidden moisture may be found by means of a hygrometer, which can measure the humidity in an area. We also use infrared meters to help detect water. How does infrared—which identifies heat—work for water detection? Simple: The wetter the area, the cooler it is!

Industrial Drying Tools. After locating any lurking water, we use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and powerful fans to remove water, both from structures and their contents and from the air. Strong-enough equipment can draw moisture out of porous substances such as wood, preventing it from warping or becoming moldy down the road.

Cleaning

To remove contaminants and odors, SERVPRO uses both devices and cleaning solutions to make sure your air and surfaces are clean. First, we may deploy industrial scrubbers to remove the particulate matter that causes odors from the air.

Then we clean your surfaces with OSHA-approved products to destroy bacteria, fungi, molds and other unhealthful growths. We’re always researching the best products for the situation. For instance, in 2020, we responded to the COVID-19 threat by adopting EPA-certified disinfectants.

Sewage Is No Match for SERVPRO of Amherst / Clarence

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

A photo showing damage to a ceiling This home in Amherst, NY had a toilet flow and water affected several rooms and levels.

Since 1972, SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence has seen its share of hazardous jobs and sewage clean-up ranks up there. A sewer back up can occur through a shower, floor drain, sink or toilet. One of the most common reasons for a sewer back up is caused by a clog. One time a child flushed a toy down the toilet which caused a clog in the main pipe. With the accumulation of debris, eventually the bathroom on the second floor backed up causing water damage to several rooms. The water ran into the adjacent rooms, though the furnace vent, down the walls to the family room and then ran into the basement. SERVPRO arrived and removed the vinyl floor in the bathroom and kitchen, removed part of the drywall ceiling in the kitchen, drained the water from the furnace vent and disinfected the affected areas. Sometimes a delay can occur if the home is built before 1979 and might contain asbestos materials. This will require testing before removal of items. After the material is removed, it may take 3-5 days to dry out the wet structure.

Wastewater contains many water-borne diseases and must be cleaned and disinfected asap. Some of the pathogens in sewage are Salmonella, E. Coli, Streptococcus, mycobacterium and more. SERVPRO of Amherst / Clarence is highly trained and ready to help.

Spring Cleaning After the Long Winter

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

A photo showing carpets being cleaned Its time to have your carpets cleaned by SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence.

Finally! Spring has sprung and as we emerge from hibernation here are a few tips to remember when spring cleaning.

· Throw away clothes you have not worn in 6 months.

· Get rid of old papers

· Unhealthy food or fridge or freezer

· Throw away plastic old silverware and cups

· Random bathroom items such as samples. If you have not used the cream or lipstick in 6 months throw it away.

When spring cleaning you should start with tasks that apply to all rooms then hit each room one by one for more specific cleaning.

· Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures.

· Clean windowsills and window tracks

· Vacuum curtains and window blinds

· Wipe down baseboards and shoe molding and dust corners

Spring cleaning can become very overwhelming. So, decide and stick to it. SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence offers spring cleaning services from a general clean to a deep clean with disinfecting and sanitizing.

Roof Leak Safety

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

A photo showing missing shingles off a roof. Roofing shingles missing after a storm and caused water damage to this home in Williamsville.

Staying safe during or after a water damage is especially important. Whether it was caused by a roof leak, creek overflow, or a sink line break. There are many dangers hiding in several types of situations and being stay safe is necessary!

Tips to keep safe following a roof leak:

A roof leak has many different hazards. The first thought of some homeowners is to climb a ladder to see what is wrong. Is it a gutter issue? Is ice built up and leaking? Did shingles blow off the last time it was windy? Always call a roofing company to assess, tarp or fix the issue immediately. According to the World Health Organization, each year there are more than 164,000 emergency room visits and three hundred deaths each year from ladder falls. Once the source has been fixed, SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence can act quickly to minimize damage and to begin to dry out the structure.

It is Going to Be A Windy and Rainy Weekend for Amherst, NY

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

A photo showing a flooded basement with the words, "here to help". SERVPRO of Amherst / Clarence is preparing for potential flooding.

Amherst is in for some rain and wind. Rain showers will arrive Thursday afternoon and become steady and heavy at times into Friday. Starting Friday morning through Friday afternoon for Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties. Winds will be 25-35mph and gusts near 60mph. High winds could topple trees, down power lines and cause roof damage.  Strong winds also will cause lake levels to rise along Lake Erie and could potentially cause coastal flooding.

These weather events can cause basement flooding.  During storm events, your sump pump may malfunction from trying to keep up with the volume of water.  Many times, sewer systems cannot handle the storm water and d could back up in your basement.  Should your basement flood, SERVPRO of Amherst / Clarence has crews on standby to assist with your water damage

Winter to Spring Flooding in Amherst, NY

3/13/2021 (Permalink)

A photo showing a line of thunder storms. A line of strong storms approaching.

With the recent snow melt, rain, and wind, it is more than possible for you to experience flooding due to the weather. Sump pump systems can fail, leading to basement flooding and causing plenty of damage during heavy rains. Make sure all drains are clear or debris and dirt. If your drains back up it can cause a nasty sewage disaster in your basement which can be very overwhelming for you to clean. Sewers drain water is classified as cat 3 water containing significant levels of bacteria. You always want to make sure any items you have are at least 3 feet from any drains in the basement. If you do experience any flooding this season and just want some advice or help cleaning, please give us here at SERVPRO a call. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence is available 24/7/365.  Call us at 716-639-8687

https://www.SERVPROamherstclarence.com

Storm watch in WNY

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

a sun shining in the blue sky Please be safe and remember to stay hydrated in this extreme heat.

With these scorching high temperatures we can expect some severe rain and possible winds over the next week. Please remember to keep cool and hydrated. Please keep an eye on your animals, dogs especially have difficulty cooling down. If you start to notice your dogs panting or drooling, these are signs of heat stoke. Please make sure to keep your pets inside where it is cooler and shadier. If you take them out try to do so early in the morning or when the sun is going down. Children also get hotter 3 to 4 times quicker then adults so a rule of thumb to follow when dressing babies for the hot weather is: also put one less layer of clothing on them as you do yourself. There is nothing wrong with a diaper and nothing else when it comes to the scorching heat. Keep your baby cool and hydrated so to keep their core temperature down and avoid heat stroke and other serious conditions.

What to do in case of lightning strikes

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning striking down to the ground Lightning can be dangerous and scary. It is one of natures most beautiful and dangerous phenomenons Please be careful and safe.

If your house ever gets struck by lightening here's what you  should you do:

  1. First, make sure everyone is okay, that is the most important thing. If you see fire or smell smoke, evacuate your home immediately.
  2. Call 911 or the fire department and tell them your home was struck by lightning. There might be damage that is not visible to the naked eye..
  3. The fire department will come out to your property and assess the area for damage, including using thermal imaging cameras to search inside walls for heat that could or already has started a fire. It is very important you get someone out immediately.
  4. Once your home is cleared and found to be safe, you will be able to return to your home.
  5. If your house dose suffer any damage call your insurance company and explain what happened.
  6. If there is smoke or fire remediation required, make sure you call a company that specializes in that sort of cleanup.

Customer's house damaged by falling tree

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

During storm, huge tree fell on this customers home while they were asleep A fallen tree due to the wind of this last storm here in Amherst caused this gigantic tree to collapse onto this customers home.

This customer was woken up in the middle of the night when a tree can crashing through her home. This customer is lucky to be alive considering the position and location the tree fell. She was sleeping 3 feet from the area of the house the tree fell on. She called SERVPRO to come help with the clean up and restoration. Our technicians helped move all her belongings into a storage facility while house was being remodeled. We then clean all her belonging and inventoried everything that was damaged by this storm. Once reconstruction was done SERVPRO returned to her home to do the post cleaning process. all floors ceilings and walls were cleaned free of dust and sawdust, as well as a thorough duct cleaning to the vents in her home to avoid any debris that may have traveled into them. So no matter the job, big or small SERVPRO is always here to help in your time of need.

Winter Storm Update for Amherst/Clarence

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

A man walks on a sidewalk during a winter storm Use caution on sidewalks and roads due to icy conditions

Winter is far from over here in the Amherst/Clarence area. The weather may have warmed up for a few days, but now we’re looking at another incoming winter storm. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the area from 10pm this evening (2/26) to 1pm Thursday (2/27). Heavy snow is expected with a total accumulation of 5 to 9 inches and heavy winds from 45 to 50mph will blow throughout the night. Snowfall is also expected most of the weekend with temperatures in the mid-twenties. Try to stay indoors during the storm. Use caution when driving and using sidewalks. Ice can cause slippery conditions. In the event of any storm damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of the Amherst/Clarence area to help with your cleanup needs! Call at 716-656-7131

Does this warm up mean a storm is coming?

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

Storm season is here With this weird warm up a storm could be possible, so be prepared. If issues arise call SERVPRO to help.

Its very unusual to have such high temperatures and low snowfall iches so far into the winter season. Dose this irregular weather mean a cold front is ahead of us? According to our wonderful groundhog, no shadow was seen this year giving us hope that winter will not last long this year. Temperatures in the 40's is definitely a good sign, however this is the greater Buffalo area and we can never get that luck. The probability of a storm coming to town is very high considering a=our location so close to the riverfront and lake effect. This year be prepared for any weather. Make sure roofs are cleared of snow as well as can be to avoid ice dams with this up and down temperature. Make sure heaters are turned off when not at home to avoid any house fires, keep water dripping lightly to avoid freezing pipes. However if you should have any issues this season, give SERVPRO a call for any storm related needs.

Storm Update for Valentine's Day Weekend

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

A Happy Valentine's Day Heart Happy Valentine's Day from SERVPRO

It seems winter will never end here in the Amherst/Clarence area! Although we haven’t had as much snowfall as recent years, the cold temperatures and winds have kept us indoors. Here’s a storm update so you can make the most of your Valentine’s day plans! Be on the lookout this week for some snow and below freezing temperatures. Thursday February 13th will see snowfall throughout the early morning to evening. Be careful on the roadways and sidewalks as icy conditions will make travel more hazardous. On Friday the 14th, temperatures will be as low as 11 degrees. Snow is unlikely, but be sure to bundle up for the extra cold weather. Saturday will be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-twenties. Look for more snow on Sunday the 16th. The temperature will be mostly above freezing so be aware of rainfall freezing over and causing icy roadways. Be careful this weekend and have a happy Valentine’s day from all of us at SERVPRO.

When a Storm Hits!

6/15/2019 (Permalink)

Polar vortexes, or polar cyclones as they are sometimes called, are climatological features that hover near the poles year-round. These cold-core low-pressure areas strengthen in the winter and weaken in the summer.  Strengthening storm systems within the troposphere (the lowest portion of the Earth’s atmosphere) can act to intensify the polar vortex by significantly cooling the poles. A portion of the polar vortex can be fragmented and plunge over Canada, the Midwestern, Central, Southern and Northeastern United States.  This alteration in the polar vortex can occur due to the displacement of the polar jet stream. 

An example of this alteration would be the significant northwestern push of the polar jet stream over the Western part of the United States this past winter. This is different than the El Nino and La Nina weather occurrences, which are based on the water temperatures and air pressure in the Pacific Ocean that we have seen in the past. So, will the polar vortex have an effect?

Get your sweaters out, stock up on hot cocoa and prepare your home.  Have the chimney inspected, check to see that your pipes are insulated, remember to turn your faucets to a slow, constant drip if the temperatures will be below 20, disconnect the garden hoses, check all of the weather stripping around your windows and doors, and replace your HVAC filters. All of these things will help keep you and your home safe and minimize any possible damages that could be caused by the sudden drops in temperature.

Spring is Storm Season in the Western New York Area

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Storm

In the past few months the area has been hit with severe weather and storms. The following are the most common storms we see in our area. If you have damage to your home or business from these devastating storms, call SERVPRO of Amherst-Clarence and we will make it “Like it never even happened."

Hail Storms

  • Many residents living in area have already experienced hailstorms and witnessed the damage hail can cause to homes, automobiles, businesses and other property. When a hailstorm hits, it does the greatest amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage.

Thunderstorms

  • Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage

Tornadoes

  • Isolated tornadoes can happen in the Western New York area

Lightning

  • You may be surprised to learn that lightning is a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates the cost of lightning damage in the $5 to $6 billion dollar per year range. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages. 

Floods

  • Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.

Residual Dampness After a Storm Poses Mold Risk

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Mold forming on dry wall

Harsh winters can take their toll on the structural integrity of homes and businesses. Most often, home and business owners do not even realize the full extent of damage that their home suffered throughout the hardest of winter months until the temperatures return to favorable conditions and snowfall gets replaced with steadier rains. Even worse, the unfortunate way that most people learn about these vulnerable water penetration points in their roof or siding is when water can pour into their houses unabated. Unfortunately, by the time that you begin to recognize that something is amiss, flood waters have damaged your property. With the far reaches of water damage, this is not something that even a skilled homeowner can adequately handle on their own. There are risks associated with failing to remove all the moisture and dampness common to flood damages, and the only way to ensure you do is to hire professional restorers.

Our SERVPRO professionals can respond quickly to your call and work to start removing the present water in your home right away. From portable pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands to gigantic pumps from our fleet, we have multiple options when it comes to removing the water quickly. While extraction is a critical component of this restoration process, drying efforts hold an equally valuable place in the procedure.

When it comes to ensuring that the affected areas of your home get thoroughly dried, several pieces of equipment often get used. This process is so essential because lingering moisture and dampness are natural breeding grounds for mold and microbial growth. Through devices like our SERVPRO

injectory system, cavities and hard to reach areas get the air they need to dry entirely.

As challenging as flooding in your home might be, especially when it comes from the attic space, there is nothing that SERVPRO water restoration professionals cannot help you to overcome. We can respond quickly with the tools and personnel to get the job done right.

WE ARE HERE WHENYOU NEED US! Reach us at SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence 639-8687

SERVPRO of Amherst/Clarence Family Operated for 45 years!

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Ashley, Bill, Jennifer and Pat

Proudly Serving Amherst, Clarence and Surroundings Areas

SERVPRO® is often recognized as a nation-wide leader in disaster restoration services but, it is important to note that SERVPRO® of Amherst and all SERVPRO® locations are locally owned and operated. As a local business, we enjoy getting involved in our community; getting to know each other, engaging in community events, and of course, working with other business owners in our area when called upon. We know that working locally means our reputation is always on the line and for each and every job it is of the utmost importance for our team to maintain our great reputation, especially with our neighbors! We are family operated and have been in the business for 45 years!

In addition to our restoration services, we also provide carpet and upholstery cleaning!

SERVPRO® of Amherst/Clarence is ready 24/7 365 to help, call us at 716-639-8687

New York has had its fair share of damaging storms, and Amherst is no exception

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

New York has had its fair share of damaging storms, and Amherst is no exception. Knowing what type of storm is coming is the best way to be prepared. Did you know there are 10 different storm types? This far north, most people think about winter storms when they think about storms. But in the summer months, it’s important to be prepared for effects of tropical storms, too.

SERVPRO® of Amherst Clarence recognizes the importance of keeping homes or businesses safe before and after a storm.

10 common storms are:
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Flooding
  • Snow storm
  • Hail storm
  • Thunderstorm
  • Lightning storm
  • Tropical storms
  • Ice storms
  • Derecho storms

Not every geographic location in the United States will experience the same type of storms. You might not even know what that last one is (a Derecho storm is one giant storm made of several large storms). More commonly, Buffalo is likely to experience the effects of a tropical storm, even hundreds of miles from the Atlantic Coast.

Storm damage from hail or lightning are familiar, but not everyone is informed about the specific damage a hurricane can cause.

Because hurricanes have far reaching effects (Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states), it’s very important to be informed on the damage they cause. This blog in particular will focus on hurricane - whether you experience a hurricane’s immediate damage or the aftermath.

Common Storm Damage from Hurricanes1. Storm Surge

Storm surge directly affects the coast but can cause widespread damage. Storm surge occurs when wind drives water to the shore to the point that water piles up past the predicted tide level. The power of this water is so forceful that it can destroy structures and buildings.

2. Flooding

Floods from a hurricane are often caused directly by storm surge. The extra water from storm surge is pushed far inland since it has nowhere else to go. The heavy rainfall that accompanies a hurricane also contributes heavily to flooding. Hurricanes can cause rainfall as far as 100 miles from its landing point, causing widespread flooding. A tropical storm doesn’t even have to reach hurricane classification to cause heavy rain and floods.

3. Wind

Wind from hurricanes can reach speeds as fast as 74 - 155 miles per hour. These powerful winds can uproot trees, down power lines, and fling debris. This debris can cause even more damage as it flies around. Winds during a storm can also be so powerful as to lift the roof on a house. Tornadoes can even form within hurricanes.

Damage caused by these hurricane effects can be far-reaching and unexpected. Thus, it is vital to take cautions like stocking an emergency preparedness kit, adding storm-resistant features to your home, and heeding any official warnings ahead of a storm.

Cleanup and restoration after a storm can be overwhelming. Call SERVPRO® of Amherst Clarence, the leading expert in storm damage restoration.

Warning Storm Approaching ! SERVPRO is READY

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Snow today......floods tomorrow. Buffalo weather!

Storms can come upon us without much warning. Yes, we watch the news, but bad weather is still unpredictable, so we need to take steps to keep our homes safe from storm damage.

An inspection of your home’s premises is a really good idea to conduct before inclement weather hits. A leaky roof or windows can cause big problems during extreme conditions such as a snow storm or heavy rains. Do all your exterior doors and windows fit correctly? When’s the last time you took a look at your roof to see how things are looking up there? These are all great questions to ask yourself.

Loose shutters and rain gutters can present a real problem in high winds, as can unstable large trees. It might be a good idea to trim back trees and bushes with large heavy branches that are not in good condition, so that windows and vehicles are not in danger of storm damage in windy conditions.

Take time to inspect areas around your home and street and remove debris or dirt that might obstruct the flow of water from a heavy rain. A clogged drainage ditch can cause a lot of damage by flooding your property during, or even after, a storm.

Your family is very precious to you. In the event of a storm, do you have a system in place that will help you to get information to everyone in case of a weather emergency? Most of us use our cell phones to communicate these days, but in the case of a bad storm, your cell phone service could be at risk. You might consider installing a good old-fashioned landline, just in case. If you or a family member gets stuck at work or out doing errands, families will worry, so it’s vital that lines of communication stay open.

The SERVPRO team of SERVPRO of AMHERST/CLARENCE has your back in the event of storm damage, fire damage, or mold issues. You can give us a call today at 716-639-8687or visit us on our website:

http://www.SERVPROamherstclarence.com

Sewage Back-Up From Heavy Rains

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

A basement contaminated with sewage when heavy rains caused the storm drain to back up.

SERVPRO of AMHERST/CLARENCE 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 AMHERST, 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 SERVPRO of AMHERST/CLARENCE

716-639-8687