Sewage Backups Stink. The Clean Up Doesn't Have To.

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

If you have a toilet overflow or flood that contains sewage in your basement, call SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

We know that when you have a toilet overflow or flood that contains sewage in your basement, you may be tempted to clean up the mess yourself.

Let’s face it, most homeowners would rather avoid an insurance deductible when possible. And, yes, there are times when flooding is minor enough that a homeowner can clean it up themselves. However, in the case of a toilet overflow or sewage flooding, we advise against this. It’s simply not worth the potential health risks.

Sewage is not clean water - it contains “gray” and even sometimes ”black” water. Gray, or CAT 2, water contains discharge from utilities such as sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers. Black, or CAT 3, water is what you have if there has been a toilet overflow with feces (which is often the case) or a sewage backup. 

Sewage floodwater contains contaminants including parasites, viruses and bacteria. Touching sewage water without protective gear on can be a serious risk to your health. Improper clean up of Gray or Black Water can leave behind those contaminants and cause subsequent problems and mold growth. 

As a professional restoration company with decades of experience, we restore your home by:

• Pumping out the sewage water and removing any remaining debris 
• Removing wet and contaminated drywall, flooring and other structural material 
• Using industrial dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to speed up the drying process
• Sanitizing the area using specialized cleaners and procedures; this helps eliminate bacteria and mold to prevent health risks and preserve infrastructure and belongings.
• Restoring your home to prime condition. Our Building Services team is available to replace walls, ceilings, flooring and even your entire bathroom if necessary. 

Sewage backups stink. The clean up doesn’t have to.

Call us at (518) 456-1111 for more information on how we can help. 

Bio-hazards, Crime Scene & Vandalism Cleanup

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Albany County is a recognized leader in the fire and water damage restoration industry, but we also cover bio-hazardous, crime scene and vandalism cleanup for both commercial and residential property.

Biological and chemical substances can be extremely dangerous when exposed to within a home or commercial property. If it’s not professionally assessed and removed, bio-hazard materials can leave you with a dangerous environment for those who live and or work within it.

The certified and experienced technicians at SERVPRO of South Albany County are equipped to appropriately remove bio-hazard materials safely while disposing of them properly per state and local health agency guidelines.

SERVPRO of South Albany County uses advance equipment and techniques that deal with the following:

• Crime scenes
• Blood-borne pathogens
• Arson
• Sewage overflow and back up
• Methamphetamine labs
• Vandalism
• Black water
• Mold 

So, when you are in need of a bio-hazard cleanup, call SERVPRO of South Albany County, 518-456-1111 available 24/7 for your bio-hazardous emergency!

Biohazard Exposures are More Common Than You Think

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that you could be exposed to biohazards everyday in places that you least expect?  Places like your workplace, schools and even your doctor’s office put you at risk. These situations need to be handled with extreme caution. 

Examples of biohazards include:

• Human blood and blood products
• Animal waste
• Human bodily fluids
• Microbiological wastes
• Pathological wastes
• Sharps wastes

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) there are four levels of biohazards

• Level 1: Agents that pose minimal threat to humans and the environment.
• Level 2: Agents that can cause severe illness in humans and are transmitted through direct contact with infected material.
• Level 3: Pathogens that can become airborne and can cause serious disease.
• Level 4: Pathogens that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease for which there are no treatments.

Should you find yourself in a situation where you are exposed to any of these hazardous materials, give the experts at SERVPRO of South Albany County a call at (518) 456-1111 to safely clean and sanitize the affected area.

Biohazard Remediation

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards can endanger anyone who comes in contact with them. Even trace amounts so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye can pose serious health risks. When a site in your home or business has been contaminated, how do you make it safe again? Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of South Albany County for top-notch biohazard cleanup and restoration services.

Avoiding Health Risks
Is it necessary to seek professional assistance in cleaning up a location impacted by crime, trauma or death? With the risks posed by blood-borne pathogens and dangerous communicable diseases, cleaning a scene contaminated with biohazards like blood is a perilous undertaking for anyone who lacks the proper training and equipment. It is unpleasant to think about, but blood and bodily fluids are prone to splattering so that minute amounts can affect a wide area. The air at these scenes can be hazardous since small particles can become airborne if dried material is disturbed. Anything removed from the scene must also be disposed of properly to avoid spreading the contamination. Ultimately, the best way to make sure that a place is once again safe is to use a professional organization like SERVPRO that is experienced in biohazard restoration.

Preventing Legal Repercussions
As if the health risks created by biohazards are not dire enough, failure to have a contaminated space properly cleaned can also have serious legal consequences. There are regulations and laws regarding how biohazards are handled that must be followed. These rules are designed to safeguard everyone, and ignorance is not considered an acceptable excuse for disregarding them. Individuals and businesses that do not follow these rules may find themselves facing hefty fines. They might even be held liable if someone else is injured by their actions. Using a professional team that understands what is required to comply with the various rules and regulations governing biohazards in your area can shield you from both health risks and legal issues.

Focusing on Your Safety
At SERVPRO of South Albany County, we are committed to the well-being of our customers. Offering emergency services 24 hours a day, we will rapidly respond whenever you request our assistance. Our technicians follow the protocols established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, so you can be confident that they have the expertise and training to remove all biohazards and dispose of them properly. We use specialized equipment that allows us to detect the smallest trace of a biohazard, and we do not stop until your scene is thoroughly sanitized. As biohazard restoration professionals, we can often salvage items that others might have to discard, and we ensure that any material that does need to be removed from your location is disposed of appropriately.

Dealing with a crime, trauma or death is undoubtedly difficult, but you can depend on SERVPRO of South Albany County for courtesy, empathy, and the quality biohazard cleanup and restoration services that you need. Safety-minded, we are ready to do our part in restoring your space and your peace of mind. If a traumatic event has occurred on your property and you require assistance with the cleanup, contact us now to discover more about our biohazard restoration services and secure our help.