Recent Posts

How to Protect Your Wappingers Home from Wind Damage

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

A grey house with several parts of a large tree laying on its roof Taking protective steps ahead of time, even yearly, can help prevent significant structural damage in high winds.

Protecting Your Wappingers Falls Property from Damaging Winds

Do you know how to protect your property from damaging winds and why?

There are many concerns that come with severe storms, not just the heavy rain or even snow, but potentially damaging winds are always a threat to keep in mind. These winds, which can come with little to no notice, can be devastating and cause long-term structural impacts without thinking ahead and protecting your home or building.

When Wind Becomes Damaging

While many consider damaging winds to come from a tornado or hurricane, those are not the only times when they may come into play. Traditionally, damaging winds are considered those with wind speeds exceeding 50–60 mph. They can stem from a strong thunderstorm and are called “straight-line” winds, which cause damage much like tornadoes and, yet the damage is different. We have definitely experienced our fair share of straight-line storms and the damage they cause. We often feel like these are actual hurricanes due to the amount of rain and force of wind, and while these storms certainly cause huge amounts of problems, the Hudson Valley doesn’t often feel the wrath of a true hurricane.

These winds can also cause loose objects on your property to become dangerous projectiles. Cars parked outside, windows and the roof are especially vulnerable and can take the brunt of this damage, and if the damage is extensive, water damage can happen inside your home as well.

Protecting Your Property from Damaging Winds

There are several ways you can protect your property from damaging winds but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: Reinforce and Remove. A few of these are listed below:

  • Have a professional reinforce your garage door.
  • Make it a yearly or bi-yearly plan to have your roof checked and repaired as needed.
  • Remove and/or anchor loose objects on your property, items such as trash cans, grills, small plastic pools, trampolines, outdoor furniture, and toys that could be moved or tossed by the wind.
  • Hire a professional to remove or trim back large or dying trees and branches that could fall over onto your home or someone else’s.
  • Have your gutters cleaned professionally once a year, especially if there are trees growing near them. Leaf collection or heavy snow can cause water intrusion if the gutters can’t drain properly.

Not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning, but some of these action items could be the difference between damage and little-to-no damage.

Also, when building a new home or renovating an older home, be sure the windows, walls and doors are up to code for the weather in your area. Contact your local building department for their codes.

If your home ever be hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, our highly trained storm damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County are here to help with the cleanup and restoration 24/7 with an emergency response. Call us at 845-831-3600. We’re here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

3 Steps to Making Your Dutchess County Business Workplace Safety Drill Actually Work

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

2 SERVPRO Green trucks inside a pristine white warehouse facility. Have a sound workplace emergency plan in place takes a lot of stress out when your company is dealing with an emergency!

If you are a manager or small business owner, you understand how important it is to keep your Dutchess County workplace free of hazards and your employees safe from harm during their work day. But have you considered what would happen in an emergency?

Because of how negatively a disaster can impact a small business, it is important to create a plan for what to do should an emergency occur. Creating a plan that accounts for multiple possibilities, gathering honest feedback and then using that to improve are all important components to creating with a fool-proof plan.

Here’s how business owners can move towards creating a solid workplace safety drill:

1.    Plan Your Drill

In order to create a properly executed drill, it is important to plan it thoroughly and well in advance to ensure it is as effective as possible. Be sure to plan for every scenario that could put your staff in harms’ way, such as fires, storm damage, power outages or any other emergency that could be specific to your industry. Prepare for specific points such as:

  • Determining a meeting point outside of and away from the building
  • Designating someone to perform a headcount and ensure that everyone in the building participates
  • How to perform any emergency shutdown procedures, like as turning off machinery before exiting the building

It’s also important to schedule drills at various times if you have personnel who work a variety of hours so everyone is able to experience them and provide critical feedback no matter the time of day.

2.    Determine Where to Improve

After performing safety drills, the most important thing to do is take note of where improvements could be made. Even things that seem small can make a big difference in an emergency scenario, such as more lighting or better signage. Solicit feedback from employees on how the drill could improve to get further ideas.

3.    Make Changes and Repeat

As you continue to make improvements and run drills, it is important to note how more recent drills compare with earlier ones. Tracking the improvements that are made and the results of each round is a great way to ensure that drills are as efficient as they can be, that way everyone will stay safe should a real emergency occur.

If you’ve had an emergency at your business, we’re here for you! As experts in commercial damage restoration, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County can handle fire, water or storm damage from any disaster. Here to help 24/7 with an emergency response!

How to Make the Right Choice for Water Damage Cleanup in your Wappingers Home

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Large patches of brown water stains on a living room ceiling surrounding a recessed light. A certified water damage restoration company, like SERVPRO, should be the first call after discovering water damage in your home!

Discovering water damage in your Dutchess County home leads to instant stress and many questions. Not knowing where to begin or right steps to take can become overwhelming. Knowing ahead of time that you already have a trusted partner in restoration company can help.

SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is here to help 24/7 with an emergency response and will begin with a thorough scope of the structure and the materials affected, assessing damage to personal items and handling information, and gathering needed resources from both our company and from your insurance company.

By choosing a reputable and certified restoration company in advance, homeowners can alleviate at least one part of the process before it even begins and feel some relief. Our highly experienced water damage restoration teams will handle everything, from start to finish, alleviating a huge amount of pressure and inconveniences from the start.

There are a lot of companies out there, so it can be difficult to determine what is important when researching restoration companies. Here’s a guide of what to look for to make the right choice:

*A Full Restoration Provider

House damages, including water damage, not matter the cause, often require multiple types of restoration. Water can cause structural issues which means not only the removal of water and drying things out, but sheet rock, insulation, sub flooring and other components might need to be replaced as well. Our professionals are trained and   certified in every type of water damage remediation and will provide full restoration of your home.

*A Flexible Emergency Service

When you discover home damage, you want to be sure you can contact your restoration company right away. That is why we have a 24-hour, 7 day-a-week emergency line staffed by live people, not just a recording, so we answer whenever you call and can assemble our teams right away.

*A Thorough Training Program

Technicians who perform restoration need to be consistently trained and highly skilled, which is why we only use the highest standards in the industry to design our training materials and educate our technicians. We pride ourselves on constantly evolving as new technology is introduced and additional certifications are gained.

A Scalable Model

While we have been a LOCAL community business for over 30 years, we also have a nationwide network of other franchises that we can work with if a large disaster were to occur. Whether it’s manpower, equipment, specialty services or just someone needing help, this allows us to treat every job with the same level of service and expertise, whether for a single home or an entire area.

If you've experienced fire, water, sewage, mold or any storm damage, we are always here to help! Program our number in your phone, (845)831-3600, one less thing to worry about!  We’ll help get you back to preloss condition and make it “Like it never even happened.”

No Matter the Damage, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County Has the Tools and the Experience to Get It Done!

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

A large SERVPRO green and orange Dessicant Dehumidifier on a trailer in front of a commercial building. No matter the size water damage, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County has the equipment to make it "Like it never even happened!"

No two water damages are the same. It doesn’t matter if it’s from a pipe burst, an appliance malfunction, a leak from a hot water heater or a flood, each one must be handled and remedied in its own customized way. SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County has been remediating and restoring water damaged properties since 1992, in fact, it’s the cornerstone of our local business.

For larger losses that affect a greater area, you can count on us to have the experience, the teams, and the equipment to get it done the right way, the first time. We pride ourselves on extensive and ongoing training and always having the needed tools on hand and close by. No waiting for specialty tools or personnel to arrive from elsewhere, helping make the restoration process efficient and seamless.

For example, when there’s a large amount of insulation in a basement or crawlspace that’s been saturated, it needs to be removed cleanly and safely. Our professionals utilize an insulation vacuum to make this type of job safe, quick, effective. It helps contain the affected insulation in an easy to dispose of fashion and can be utilized outside for less special restrictions.

For even larger water damages that need to get dried out, like an auditorium, arena, or commercial structures, we use a powerful industrial machine called a Desiccant Dehumidifier. Desiccant dehumidifiers utilize chemical attraction, instead of condensation, to remove water from the air. Because they do not use condensation, they are not limited by low dew point temperatures, and when used properly, they produce the lowest vapor pressure of any dehumidifier. Portable desiccant dehumidifiers work best in cool and/or dry environments. The cooler and drier the air going into the desiccant, the drier the air will be coming out. The drier the air, the drier the materials get. We call that back to preloss condition.

With over 30 years in the property restoration industry, you can rely on SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County to handle any type of water damage in your home, or business! Available for emergencies and always with a live person answering the phone! Call the pros who have been taking care of properties locally. We’re available and ready to help 24/7, and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

How to Keep Flooding at Bay in East Fishkill

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

A road covered in deep water from a storm with road signs saying road closed and deep water. Protect your home from flooding both inside and out. Contact SERVPRO for water damage restoration in the event of a disaster!

All homeowners in Dutchess County need to take steps to protect against flooding, even if you’re in a low-risk area. It takes less than an inch of water to do serious damage to your home, and with the unpredictability of weather, that could happen in under an hour.

You can take steps both inside and outside of your home to protect against flooding, but it all starts with understanding our local risks. Here in Dutchess County, we face a higher risk of flooding than most, primarily due to our relatively flat terrain and our close proximity to a large river and it's tributaries that can overflow into our streets during storms.

After you fully know what types of weather we may face, you can begin to plan against them.

Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Heavy rainfall can come through out of nowhere, and if you haven’t taken time to prepare your property, you could be at serious risk of suffering water damage. Ensure that your gutters are working properly, and consider adding materials like mulch or gravel to assist with water distribution around your home.

In addition, you can use landscaping techniques like rain gardens that feature bushes, flowers and small trees to absorb the water before it has a chance to cause a flood. You can also use organic materials like mulch or pine straw to increase water absorption near your home’s structure.

When done properly, these upgrades can give your home a layer of protection, allowing you to feel safe during the next extreme weather event.

Flood Protection From the Inside

External flooding sources can wreak havoc on your foundation, meaning that you must seal any cracks immediately and think about further steps like installing a sump pump to remove excess water during a severe storm. If you do install a sump pump, make sure to alert your homeowner's insurance company so they can add that coverage on to your policy.

Flooding can also originate indoors from faulty plumbing or faucet leaks, but performing simple home maintenance can go a long way. Monitor your home’s pipes for any leaks and install leak detectors in any locations that could see frequent moisture.

Whatever the potential causes, floodwater is dangerous and will damage documents and photos quickly, so keep these items in waterproof containers on high shelves. In addition, practice an emergency plan with your family so that everyone knows where to go and what to do in case you experience a flood.

Experienced water damage in your home? Call SERVPRO today to get your restoration started and completed faster. 24/7, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County is always here to help with an emergency response for your property damage.

Preventing a Lightning Fire From Burning Through Your Beacon Property | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Multiple lightning strikes off in distance of dark purple night sky If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage, call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess for efficient, effective and complete fire damage services.

With the right safety equipment and property planning, many causes of home fires can be avoided or reduced. However, fires can also begin externally, creating additional risks that you must prepare for at your Beacon home.

More than 70,000 damage claims due to lightning were made in 2020, and while lightning strikes may seem rare, the risks are apparent. Lightning can cause a fire by burning items in your home, debris outdoors or even by frying your electrical system.

Lightning strikes around 6,000 times every minute, so it’s important to prepare ourselves and our homes because no one is completely safe from this risk.

What Is Lightning?

Lightning is a high concentration of electrical current that connects the clouds in the sky to the ground. Lightning is usually associated with thunderstorms, but it can also occur during wildfires, winter storms and in dry conditions, a phenomenon known as “dry lightning.”

This is why we can’t assume that lightning only happens during severe storms because dry lightning exists, too. This disaster can easily spark wildfires, and while the risks change with the seasons, it’s important for us to be prepared for lightning damage at all times.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Fires

Lightning can cause damage in multiple ways, including sparking flames from the heat of the strike or from surging through your appliances and wiring. While a lightning-related fire may not be immediately noticeable, you should look out for signs that the house has been struck, like a loud boom, black marks or the smell of smoke.

The loud noise of the strike, followed by black marks or a smoky smell, is your sign that you should call the fire department immediately. After you’ve been cleared, have an electrician test your electrical system to be extra safe.

You can prevent a house fire from lightning by installing a lightning rod that will divert the energy from a strike and ward off electrical surges. You can also add a whole-home surge protector to prevent wire failure or malfunction from causing flames to ignite.

When Lightning Strikes Nearby

Lightning is a frequent cause of wildfires, but different areas face different peak seasons for these kinds of fires. On average, around 9,000 fires originate through lightning, and these flames are often more dangerous due to the high heat impact of the strike.

The good news is that you can protect your house. Clear your property of dead vegetation, and think about installing a defensible zone around your home to prevent fire from spreading onto the structure.

It’s also crucial that you have full protection from smoke alarms inside the house so you can be alerted no matter where the fire originates.

If a fire affects your home, call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County for any cleanup and restoration needs. Our experts are trained to handle every kind of fire damage, and we offer 247 availability so that you can get assistance when you need it most.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get restoration services started.

Storm Damage is the Largest Homeowner's Insurance Claim Every Year in Dutchess County

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

An image of the cover page of a white document with the words "Insurance Policy" written in black. When storm damage affects your home, call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County, your local leader in property restoration!

Every year, millions of American homeowners, including some right here in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley, have to file a claim on their homeowners insurance because their home has been damaged and needed restoration services.

Can you guess the most common hazards homeowners face?

Severe weather issues, such as wind, hail and rain, are among the most common reasons that homeowners need restoration help. Storm damage can affect your home in a myriad of ways!

Accidents and appliance malfunctions are also common culprits when homeowners have to call for restoration help.

While you can’t prevent all the issues that might threaten your home, you can take an important step if your home is damaged to ensure it’s limited and remedied quickly.

Getting help with restoration and repair work as soon as possible is the most important start when you've suffered storm damage. Water damage and mold damage can begin to take hold within hours, so timing is vital to successful home restoration. Secondary issues can be significant and come with a high price tag.

SERVPRO Is Always Here

Our teams are available to help you 247, especially if you’re dealing with an emergency. That means you can call us on nights, weekends and holidays, too. We have a live team ready and on stand-by when you need it the most.

There are plenty of reasons to choose SERVPRO beyond our speed and availability. They include:

Our highly skilled and trained technicians. You can rest assured that our team members have all the certifications and state-of-the-art training needed to provide the highest level of restoration services possible. We want to help you restore your home in the most effective and efficient ways possible.

Our access to the most up-to-date technology. Because we’re affiliated with SERVPRO, a trusted national brand, we have access to the type of technology you would expect with such a well-known partner. We bring that access here to the communities we serve.

Our length and experience in the business. Our SERVPRO franchise began locally over 30 years ago. We have the long term experience and expertise to handle any storm damage issue you might have. Our staff lives, works and raises their families locally so there's no waiting for someone from outside of the Hudson Valley to finally get to you. Trust the local leader, SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 247 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

How Storm Damage Can Affect Your Beacon Home

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Many bolts of white lightning streaking across a black sky Preparing and maintaining your home for potential storms can make a huge difference when it comes to storm damage in your home!

Extreme weather events are a common occurrence, and regardless of the house you have, everyone can face some risk of suffering damage. These severe storms can bring high-velocity winds, hail and many other hazards in minutes.

The type of storm, combined with your home’s condition, the landscape, drainage and many other factors, will help determine the level of damage that you might see.

Although all of us have a good amount of knowledge on storm damage, it’s particularly important for us here in the Hudson Valley, where severe weather is common.

Flooding and high-powered storms are the most common events that we see, so our government has created this Weather Emergency Preparedness Site so that we can be ready for what may happen in our region.

Take a look at the main types of storm damage and how you can mitigate or even prevent them from happening:

Wind

Wind damage happens when buildings experience high gusts, but this doesn’t only happen with tornadoes and hurricanes. Thunderstorms and Straight Line Storms can also cause dangerous winds of up to 100 mph.

These wind speeds mean that your home could be struck by heavy debris like mailboxes, trees, lawn furniture, rocks and small vehicles.

You should always take shelter far from windows or glass doors and heed local weather alerts to know what’s coming. Also, take time before the storm arrives to clear limbs, rocks or other debris from your property.

Water

When storms produce heavy rainfall, water can pool and begin a flash flood in under 30 minutes. This means that thousands of gallons could be poured onto your land, seeping inside your doors and through the cracks in your walls.

To reduce the amount of water that your home sees, you might want to landscape your property in ways that will direct water away instead of pooling it nearby. You can also build a rain garden on your property, which can help soak up heavy rainfall and reduce flooding risks.

Those living in areas prone to basement flooding can trust in sump pumps in the basement areas to help get rid of pooling water efficiently.

Lastly, keep your home in good condition with regular maintenance and upkeep and make sure your gutters and roof are clear of debris to prevent an overload of water from damaging your home from top to bottom.

Impact

The last main kind of storm damage is from impacts. This may seem obvious, but the causes can be anything from a fallen tree to a mailbox flying through the air. The best way to avoid disastrous impacts is to ensure no trees around your home are at risk of falling or losing limbs.

Weather disasters resulted in an estimated $145 billion in damages last year in this country. This is why it’s important to follow these steps and take action before the storm strikes. This could save you money and stress associated with recovering from a disaster.

If your home is damaged by storm damage, call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County immediately. We have teams of experts that will come in fast and have your home back to its preloss condition.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Don’t Allow Your Poughkeepsie Backyard Fire to Become a Disaster | SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Orange and red embers from a fire floating in the black sky Fire Prevention outside is just as important as inside your Poughkeepsie home!

Everyone loves the atmosphere around a fire. Sitting at your Poughkeepsie home with your family roasting marshmallows or telling stories all night long is a great way to enjoy your property.

Fire is used in a variety of ways, such as cooking food, controlling bugs and removing dead plant debris, but every fire carries inherent risks. The National Park Service states that humans cause nearly 85% of wildfires.

In New York, we face a medium risk of wildfires. Although we don’t have crazy wildfires like some states, 95% of New York wildfires are caused by humans. This tells us that we face just as much risk as anywhere else because our actions are causing the fires.

However, this does not mean that you should avoid burning leaves or having a campfire with the family. If you follow the proper safety procedures and treat every fire with a high level of caution, you can enjoy the benefits of a contained fire while reducing the risk of disaster.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Fires of all kinds carry natural risks, but it’s been seen that campfires, grilling and fireworks are among the most frequent causes of outdoor fires. Approximately 8,800 home fires begin from the use of grills annually, so it’s important to double-check every part of yours before walking away from it.

When putting together a campfire, it’s key to select a spot at least 30 feet from any structure or vehicle. Beyond this, stick to using wood for fuel, as adding other flammable material could increase the chance of your fire spreading out of control.

Many homes have added fire pits to their backyard, as it gives a campsite feel while still on your own property. These pits carry similar risks to other kinds of fire, though, so make sure that you follow the same precautions that you would with any flame.

Additionally, a lot of people choose to get rid of household or construction debris with a fire, but this is dangerous to both your home and your health. Only burn approved firewood to reduce your risk of starting the next natural disaster.

In New York, fireworks legislation is generally left up to the county governments to decide. In Dutchess County, the government has approved the sale of small fireworks like bottle rockets and sparklers for civilian use. However, if you want to see some real explosions, you’ll have to attend an official firework show that is permitted by our local ordinances.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Given the risks that fires can have, they still serve a purpose in our daily lives. Areas like ours that see high levels of dead debris in the fall and winter may need to use fires to prevent the buildup of leaves.

Outdoor burning is legal in the state of New York, but there was a mandatory burn ban from March 16 through May 14 to help prevent wildfire disasters. Even though our burn ban period is relatively short, you should always use extreme caution when burning a large area fire.

Making sure your property is clear of excess debris can significantly increase your protection against wildfires. Additionally, you can use landscaping techniques that will help prevent a wildfire from spreading to your home. Most importantly, knowing what to burn and adhering to fire safety guidelines can help you reduce the risk of suffering damage.

Using accelerants like gasoline can cause a fire to expand rapidly and get out of hand faster than you can react. You should never resort to adding gas to fire, and always make sure the gasoline is stored properly in certified containers.

Before you decide to light that nighttime fire, check our local weather updates for any signs that a fire could be a bad idea. High winds and a lack of rain can create the perfect chance for a campfire to become a regional disaster.

If you are unfortunate enough to experience fire damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County. We have an expert team with training in every part of fire damage restoration, and it’s always our goal to have you back in your restored home as soon as possible.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

How Does a Storm Safety Plan Help You Prepare Your Hopewell Junction Home?

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Black and grey storm clouds with several streaks of white lightning coming out of them. No matter where you live in Dutchess County or anywhere in N.Y., a storm safety plan is a must for any home and family!

Many people try not to think about it, but severe weather can be frightening and dangerous. Not to mention the fact that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, hail and flooding, all putting you and your Hopewell Junction home at risk.

In New York, we are often led to believe that the winter is the time for fear, and while those winter storms should cause concern, it’s the spring and summer storms that frequently do the most damage. Here in Dutchess County, the Hudson River, Wappingers and Fishkill Creeks run right through a lot of our towns, putting everyone’s property in this area at risk of flood damage.

Unfortunately, we can’t hit a magic button and make extreme weather disappear, but we can take action ahead of time to be prepared for when it happens.

Among the steps you should take, creating an emergency kit and forming a communication strategy with your family are two of the most important. We’ll discuss a variety of ways to help you prepare for storms, and ideally, reduce the impact that they have on you and your home or business.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

As they often say “communication is key,” and this is especially true during dangerous weather. By knowing where your loved ones are, you can focus on yourself and everyone is in the home instead of being distracted.

Along with family communication, listening to your local officials for emergency alerts is important to stay informed about the current situation. Cellphones and television work well, but storms can knock out the power or a signal, so an NOAA weather radio is a good thing to have.

Finally, creating a communication strategy between the people in your household is crucial. This includes designating a room in the home to take shelter in, ideally in the center of the home with no windows nearby.

Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

The art of being prepared goes far beyond proper communication and planning—it also requires you to have the right materials as well. Typically it’s smart to keep at least 72 hours worth of food, water and medical supplies (including prescriptions) in case of emergency.

If you want to be extra prepared, pack batteries, flashlights, clothes, blankets and a portable battery pack for any devices. Once you’ve gathered the items and packed them neatly, store the emergency kit in your chosen safe room so that it’s ready to use when necessary.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

After the extreme weather is over, you should take a few additional steps in order to stay prepared for the next event. Taking account of how your planning and strategy worked or didn’t work will allow you to improve it and stay ready.

Lastly, once it’s safe to exit the home with your family, take some time to check your property for damage.

While most damage is immediately visible, it’s a good idea to check your roof, windows, doors, and crawl space or basement for any signs of moisture or other damage indicators.

While we hope that your home is left untouched, storms will frequently do damage to the modern home as well as the classic, so knowing the next step is important. At SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County, you can rely on us to respond quickly and be there right when you need us.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 247 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.