Fire & Water disaster in your Eastchester home or business ~ 10709

Preventing a fire or flood disaster in your Eastchester home or business, in Westchester 10709, especially in a kitchen, basement or attic

Most of us know to be careful during the holiday season about candles, roaring warm fires and when cooking on stovetops.  Yet, the National Fire Protection Association tracks more fires from Thanksgiving through New Years than at any other time of the year.

At our  Servpro of Scarsdale / Mount Vernon, we have seen both amazing luck saving homes and business from destructive fires -- usually due to the Eastchester - Tuckahoe Fire Department, the regions finest!  And, we have seen tragedies where a home is a complete loss and must be rebuilt ground up.  Or, a business has a little fire, but the down time leads the owners to close their doors.

None of us wants to be the victim of a fire or flood, or what we call a water damage.  We all will be at least once in our lives.  My family's flood came on Christmas morning at 16 years old, after heavy rains jumped the curb on our hilltop street.  We stepped out of bed to unwrap gifts into a foot of water in the bedrooms.  No one was hurt and the rugs and floors were saved, but it's no fun!

So, if your disaster is due to frozen pipes that burst, a candle fire too close to curtains, or a stovetop incident that leads to smoke stains on walls and the ceiling, disasters often give little or no warning.  

If your home or business are damaged by water, a snow emergency or roof failure, or just sewage and / or water backups, be sure to call in certified and background checked people to help clean it up!  

Also, keep essential documents in a metal safe at work or home and keep Wills and titles to cars or other tangibles in a safety deposit box at your bank.

Here's a basic emergency supply kit to have near the front door, in case of a fire or flood, when you must leave the building:

• Copies of your insurance for homes and autos in plastic
• A copy of any lease for your business or vehicles
• Incorporation or other documents
• Your Will and directives for family, with a copy held by your attorney
• Bank account information
• Cash for about 3-4 days
• Flashlights and extra, sealed batteries
• A first aid kit (in your trunk or car)
• Dust masks (N-95s are best) or bandanas -- can also be kept in your car.
• A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities at home or work
• At least 3 days of your essential medications
• Trail mix or snacks for family, the kids and some pet food in sealed bags
• A Weather radio is also a good idea.

Remember that any disaster where all are okay and there is no loss of life is a good thing.  Homes and businesses can be rebuilt -- by my All Hands or other small woman owned or local construction companies.  But, if all are out, okay and healthy in the end, the rest is just cleaning, restoration, mold prevention and rebuilding.  

Happy holidays and here's to a super 2017 to all!

~ from all of us at Servpro of Scarsdale... & All Hands on Decks, Kitchens & Baths at HillShep Construction, Inc.