Ice Dams and Damage to Your Home

Whenever there is snow, you are likely to have troublesome ice dams to follow. Ice dams can cause major water damage and flooding to your home, which requires immediate attention.

As winter advances through cycles of freezing and thawing, buildings and homes experience ice buildup and roof damage. In general, ice dams are formed when attic heat moves up to warm the roof and melts snow at or near the ridge. Snow melts, runs downward and hits the edge of the cold roof, resulting in re-freezing snow. These cycles cause ice to accumulate and back up under shingles. Damage appears in the form of soaked insulation, stained, cracked and damaged sheet rock, damp, smelly, rotting wall cavities and stained, blistered and peeling paint.

Read more...

Green Drinks Babylon Next Event

Participate. Educate. Connect.

The next Green Drinks Babylon Event will be held on November 17th, 2009 at Horace and Sylvia's Publick House from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. There will be a $5 donation at the door.


Green Drinks Babylon is a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals committed to shaping our future and making Long Island a greener community. Come out and charge your eco-spirit and make some new connections.

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business from all over Long Island. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just ask, "Are you green?" and we will introduce you to whoever is there. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network. These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity.

Protect Yourself From Water Damage and Floods

Source: Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

Floods are one of the most powerful, deadly, and destructive natural disasters.

There are a number of relatively inexpensive steps you can take to protect your home and property before a flood strikes.

If you are building or retrofitting your home consider these recommendations:

Elevate your home

• Consider wet flood proofing An example of wet flood proofing is installing flood vents that create permanent openings in the foundations walls so water can flow through the structure.
• Dry flood proofing prevents floodwaters from entering the building. Install new brick veneer over asphalt coating and apply polyethylene film over existing walls.
• Construct non-supporting, break-a-way walls designed to collapse under the force of water without causing damage to the house or its foundation.

Additional Recommendations

Here are some additional recommendations to protect your home from floods. Some are simple and inexpensive; others require a professional contractor.

• Locate the main electric panel and elevate all electric outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12" above the projected flood elevation. In areas that could get wet, connect all receptacles to a GFI circuit to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution. Have electrical wiring done by a licensed electrician.
• Elevate the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, outside air conditioning compressor, heat pump or package unit at least 12" on a base of masonry, concrete or pressure treated lumber.
• Anchor fuel tanks securely to the floor. Make sure vents and fill line openings are above projected flood levels.
• Install a floating floor drain plug at the current drain location. If the floor drain backs up, the float will rise and plug the drain. Also have a licensed plumber install an interior or exterior backflow valve to prevent floodwater causing sewage to back up and enter your home. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs or basins.

Get Flood Insurance

One of the most important things you can do to protect your home and family before a flood is to purchase a federal flood insurance policy. But don't wait until a flood is coming. It normally takes 30 days after purchase for flood insurance to go into effect. 

Have flooding or water damage that requires immediate response?

Advanced Restoration staff is On-Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your water damage/flood situation.  We understand that the sudden intrusion of water is not something that anyone can be totally prepared for.  You will always talk to one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night.  If we are unable to assist you, we will offer you our best professional advice.  At Advanced Restoration, we pride ourselves on immediate response to all types of water damage situations. Our coverage area includes Nassau  and Suffolk County, NY and the NY boroughs. Call Us at (800) 693-6263.

Green Drinks Babylon

A Force for the Sustainable Development and Future of Long Island.

Green Drinks Babylon is a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals committed to shaping our future and making Long Island a greener community. Come out and charge your eco-spirit and make some new connections.

Our 1st meeting is on Oct 14th, 2009 @ Horace & Sylvia's Publick House in Babylon, NY.

Signup for Free@ Green Drinks Babylon

For more info email me @ emartin@advancedrestoration.com

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business.  Come along and you'll be made welcome.  Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there.  It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts.  Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.

These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity.  It's a force for the good and future of Long Island.

Find us on FaceBook.

Advanced Restoration: Water Problem Solvers

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full service property damage restoration company located in New York (Long Island). Recently, our company was hired by a client that was referred to us via an insurance agent to resolve a perplexing water damage situation.

The Problem?
Our client's basement was recently flooded after very heavy rains hit Long Island. The customer had previously asked numerous restoration/plumbers/water proofing companies to come and locate the source of the water (which may be an issue with insurance coverage). None of the companies contacted by the client were able to find where the water intrusion was coming from. Advanced Restoration subsequently received a call from the agent/client asking for help.

The Solution
Advanced Restoration's Eric Martin immediately responded with two Senior Structural Estimators to the site to review the situation and find the source of the water intrusion. After a comprehensive assessment of the situation, they located the water source in 20 minutes!

Advanced Restoration staff determined there was a broken pipe in a sewer drain, in the parking lot, which caused water to enter through the chimney and into their basement storage area. By finding the source, Advanced Restoration proved that it was not "seepage" and the insurance company now had to cover the damages to the basement/property structure. Our client was extremely satisfied with our services, as well as the insurance agent for our experience, professionalism and expertise.

As a full service restoration company, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond to all aspects of
a disaster situation, including fire and smoke damage, water/flood damage, mold and structural damage. For more information, call (800) 693-6263, or visit us on the web at

http://www.advancedrestoration.com/.

Help Us Help You!

Protect Your Home When Disaster Strikes!

TOP 5 WAYS TO PROTECT HOMES FROM HURRICANES

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has outlined five ways to better protect homes from damaging wind and rain this hurricane season:

1. Shutter all openings

2. Secure loose roof shingles

3. Seal openings, cracks and holes

4. Strengthen soffits

5. Survey surroundings

1-Shutter all openingsThe most important thing you can do to improve the chance your home will survive a hurricane is to protect all windows and doors. The range of products on the market today means it’s easier to find protection that fits your budget. Whatever you choose, make sure the product has the proper approvals for wind pressure and large-missile impact. If it’s not a permanent product, install permanent fasteners ahead of time so installation is easier when storms threaten. Gable end vents can be shuttered as if they were a window. Garage door companies have bracing systems available for about $400 that should work for most door styles.

2-Secure loose roof shinglesKeeping shingles attached is critical. If the edge shingles are not well fastened or extend beyond the drip edge more than a 1/4”, high wind can lift them off and create a peeling process or domino effect. If they come up without much effort (older shingles become brittle and may crack when bent too much), secure them with three one-inch dabs of roofing cement under each tab.

3-Seal openings, cracks and holesWater can invade homes in a number of ways, especially when it’s being blown horizontally. The problem is compounded if there’s a loss of power and air conditioners or dehumidifiers are unable to dry things out. Fill holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house and seal around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels. Seal cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents, and wall lights.

4-Strengthen soffits (the material covering the underside of your roof overhang)Keeping soffits in place can help keep water out of your house. Some have wood supports but the soffit material is not adequately fastened to the wood or there is no wood backing and the vinyl or aluminum channels are stapled or nailed to the wall. If there are wood supports, secure soffit material with sharp-pointed stainless steel screws. If the channels are just nailed to the wall, you can use polyurethane caulk to seal the channel to the wall and tie the parts together.

5-Survey surroundings and limit potential flying debrisLimiting possible sources of wind-borne debris before a storm will help protect your home and those around you. Replace gravel/rock landscaping materials with shredded bark. Limit yard objects. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches.

For more information http://www.disastersafety.org/.

_________________________________________________

Knowing who to call for help when your company's Business Continuity Plan gets activated is just as important as having a disaster plan. At Advanced Restoration, we understand that an unforeseen event impacting a property structure can be devastating to the occupants of the structure.

That is why we offer our Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP). When a property loss occurs, valuable time is usually lost from when the situation occurred to the subsequent time taken by occupants to determine how to proceed, or who to call. Having a plan in place saves crucial time, valuable belongings, and minimizes business disruption! Contact us for more information at (800) 693-6263, or visit us on the web at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

Drowning in Water Damage?

Another wet weekend in New York and water is seeping into your basement! Heavy rain is just one way you may get wet when you least expect it.

Water damage arises from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminents and should be considered hazardous.

Whatever the origin, the prospects for restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building/home and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

Some "to do" tips to help you after water damage occurs:

• Ensure you ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer (if there is no visible mold)); in winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
• Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force stuck drawers or doors.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.
• As soon as possible, call a professional water damage specialist for emergency drying.

Do Not...

• Operate televisions, vacuums, computers or other electrical appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.
  
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors, mildew and expanded moisture may result.


• Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

_________________________________________________
24/7 Emergency Service
Advanced Restoration staff is On-Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your water damage/flood situation. We understand that the sudden intrusion of water is not something that anyone can be totally prepared for. You will always talk to one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. If we are unable to assist you, we will offer you our best professional advice. At Advanced Restoration, we pride ourselves on immediate response to all types of water damage situations.

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Who Will Be Open For Business if Disaster Strikes?

Contact:Brenda O'Connor

(813) 675-1043

boconnor@ibhs.org

TAMPA – Large and small businesses alike are having a difficult time in the current economy and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is concerned many may not be open for business if disaster strikes.

According to the Association of Contingency Planners, Business Continuity Awareness Week was June 21-27, and IBHS wants business owners and managers to take advantage of free resources that are available to create business continuity plans that can help keep operations running when the unexpected happens.

In addition to minimizing the impact of severe weather events or problems such as a water main break or regional power outage, business continuity planning requires a thorough assessment of operations, which often yields additional benefits including opportunities to streamline functions or identifying areas for cost reductions.

IBHS outlines the following five steps to begin safeguarding operations:

1. Record basic information for employees, ownership, suppliers, vendors and key contacts.
2. Identify critical business functions (i.e., what is required to maintain income, keep a competitive advantage, and meet regulatory or contractual obligations?).
3. Scout alternate locations (i.e., where is the best site to resume operations?).
4. List what is needed to fulfill critical business functions at an alternate location, including records, critical telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, equipment, machinery and vehicles.
5. Identify equipment and services that workers will need, such as computer equipment and software, voice and data communications, and required office supplies.

The IBHS Open for Business® suite of resources is available in multiple formats on DisasterSafety.org and includes worksheets and checklists to help with development of your plan. There also is an online training series for those who prefer being walked-through the process one step at a time, with an option for reminder e-mail messages to keep planning on track.

___________________________________________________

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a family-owned and operated full-service property damage restoration company with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

When disasters strike, Advanced Restoration is ready to respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You are guaranteed to speak with one of our knowledgeable, caring team members, day or night. Our immediate response to a claim/property loss helps minimize the damages to the structure, contents, and ease the sometime catastrophic effect that a disaster may have on an owner or occupants.

Water Damage, Floods & Heavy Rains Pummel NY!

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for portions of New York and New Jersey from until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. One to two inches of rainfall is expected. Locally higher amounts are possible especially in areas affected by thunderstorms.

TRACK WATCHES AND WARNINGS
There is also an urban flood advisory for Nassau and Suffolk counties until 4:45 p.m.
Recent heavy rainfall has left soil conditions around the New York City metropolitan area and northern New Jersey saturated.

Forecasters are predicting one to two inches into early Thursday evening, with higher amounts from thunderstorms. Streams could rise, particularly along the Raritan and Passaic river basins.

Check your basements for water damage...

Water Source Categories

Category 1: Often referred to as “clean” waterA “clean” water source is one that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include, but are not limited to: broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting ice or falling rainwater – not that which flows over the soil or through multiple structural components- broken toilet tanks, and even toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. Once a clean water source contacts other surfaces and materials, its condition may change as it dissolves or mixes with soils and other contaminants, and as time elapses.

Category 2: Often referred to as “gray” water Unsanitary or “gray” water contains some degree of contamination. Potentially, it could cause substantial discomfort or sickness if consumed by humans, and it carries microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms. Category 2 (gray) water examples may include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows of toilet bowls with some urine (no feces), broken aquariums, and punctured water beds. All of these may contain chemicals or biocontaminants (fungal, bacterial, viral, algae), or other forms of contamination. Time and temperature aggravate Category 2 (gray) water contamination significantly. Water in flooded structures that remains untreated longer than 48 hours can change from Category 2 (gray) to Category 3 (black).

Category 3: Often referred to as “black” waterCategory 3 “black” water always contains pathogenic agents. Grossly unsanitary, “black” water sources are those that arise from sewage or other contaminated water entering a structure. Sewage contains the expected urine and feces; but it could also contain dangerous chemicals or medical wastes. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap are considered to be Category 3 (black) water situations, regardless of visible content or color. This category includes all forms of sea water, ground surface water, and rising water from, rivers or streams. They carry silt and organic matter into structures and create Category 3 ”black” water situations. In situations where structural materials and / or contents have been heavily contaminated with such materials as pesticides, heavy metals, or toxic organic substances; the water damage is considered to be Category 3 (black) water.

If you have flooding or water damage from the storms hitting the NY Metro area, contact a reputable property damage restoration company. Advanced Restoration Corporation is a preferred vendor for insurance companies and is available 24/7 to respond to any disaster situation. Call them today at (800) 693-6263, or visit them on the web at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

Foreclosure Rescue Scams-HUD News Release

Source: HUD No. 09-033
Melanie Roussell (202) 708-0685 www.hud.gov/news/
For Release Monday
April 6, 2009


FEDERAL, STATE PARTNERS ANNOUNCE MULTI-AGENCY CRACKDOWN TARGETING FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS, LOAN MODIFICATION FRAUD

Civil Enforcement Cases, State Enforcement Actions, Alert to Financial Institutions Among New Efforts to Protect American Homeowners Seeking Relief



WASHINGTON - As homeowners and communities throughout the country continue to face devastating consequences from the deep contraction in the economy and the housing market, the Obama Administration today announced a new coordinated effort across federal and state government and the private sector to target mortgage loan modification fraud and foreclosure rescue scams that threaten to hurt American homeowners and prevent them from getting the help they need during these challenging times. The new effort announced today aligns responses from federal law enforcement agencies, state investigators and prosecutors, civil enforcement authorities, and the private sector to protect homeowners seeking assistance under the Administration's Making Home Affordable program from criminal actors looking to perpetrate predatory schemes.



The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Attorney General of Illinois today discussed new initiatives to coordinate information and resources across agencies to maximize targeting and efficiency in fraud investigations, alert financial institutions to emerging schemes, step up enforcement actions and educate consumers to help those in financial trouble avoid becoming the victims of a loan modification or foreclosure rescue scam.

See full article...
_________________________________________________________


Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service restoration contractor with the ability to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home! Water Damge? Mold? Structural Damage? We provide the expertise and knowledge to partner with you and your mortgage company today.



For more information about how Advanced Restoration can work with you on becoming the restoration contractor for your FHA 203(k) loan, please contact Gary Matzelle at (800) 693- 6263.

Will an Emergency Shut You Down?

A professional facility manager or property owner does not question the possibility of a disaster, but asks “what could happen, and when?”

Whether it is a natural disaster such as severe storms, floods or earthquakes, or the far more common man-made emergencies which include fire, smoke, pipe burst or structural damage, a well prepared manager/owner is ready to handle these types of problems and has a business continuity plan in place.

Pre-Select a Restoration Contractor!

Pre-selecting a multi-faceted restoration contractor is a critical part of any written Emergency Procedure plan. The day after a disaster, when the management team is under incredible stress, is not the time to search for a restoration contractor or emergency response contractor.

Be Prepared, Plan Ahead!

Advanced Restoration, a DKI member company, provides the following:

- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Full Service Property Damage Restoration
- Experience, Expertise & Technology

Don't wait for an emergency to select your emergency contractor. Look for the best service and for the contractor who's willing to work with you when your disaster strikes...even if it's Christmas Eve or a Sunday night.

As a full service restoration company, Advanced Restoration is capable of handling major damage to a structure, including:

Water Damage Mitigation

Mold Remediation

Fire & Smoke Damage

Board-Up and Tarping

Complete Reconstruction

Start protecting your investments today! Call Advanced Restoration, a DKI Member Company that is ready to partner with you. Telephone: (800) 693-6263. Advanced Restoration services the New York Metro area, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Advanced Restoration: Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP)

Advanced Restoration: Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP)

Emergency Planning

Help Us Help You!

Knowing who to call for help when your company's Business Continuity Plan gets activated is just as important as having a disaster plan. At Advanced Restoration, we understand that an unforeseen event impacting a property structure can be devastating to the occupants of the structure.

That is why we offer our Emergency Response Partnership Plan (ERPP). When a property loss occurs, valuable time is usually lost from when the situation occurred to the subsequent time taken by occupants to determine how to proceed, or who to call. Having a plan in place saves crucial time, valuable belongings, and minimizes business disruption!

Benefits of Advanced Restoration’s ERPP:

There is no cost to partner with us.
We maintain your company information in the event of an emergency.
Most insurance carriers give you a discount if you have an Emergency Response Plan signed on file.
Reduced downtime/business disruption for your home or office.
Fosters business continuity.
Prevents fires or water damages from turning into mold problems.

Our Pledge to You:

Advanced will answer all emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

Guaranteed response to an issue. We will never put you on a waiting list.

Advanced will maintain set pricing throughout our partnership.

Advanced agrees to provide all necessary tools, equipment, and materials to perform emergency services including board-up, temporary repairs, water extraction and drying, and other loss mitigation as required.

Advanced agrees to provide fully trained and experienced Project Managers, technicians and laborers to handle the particular type of emergency.

Advanced agrees to maintain adequate commercial general liability, commercial automobile liability, environmental liability and workers compensation insurance.

Advanced agrees to keep all information pertaining to the emergency confidential unless otherwise required by law, or for the protection of public safety.

Flooding/Water Damage Restoration

Do You Have Flooding/Water Damage in Your Home, Office or Business?

When a pipe bursts, the damage to your home or business can be devastating. Knowing who to call for this type of situation is essential to ensure emergency water mitigation efforts are handled timely and properly by trained experts.

If you had recent storm or water damage from frozen pipes, one call to Advanced Restoration will ensure your property structure is mitigated properly. Our professional staff is ready to provide you 24/7 Emergency Service throughout the New York Metro area!

Reduce your claim costs by hundreds, even thousands of $$$. Our equipment allows us to dry wet hardwood floors (or any hardsurface floor) by using our Injectidry Systems. Injectidry's Vac-It Panels are placed directly over the wet area and the system (HP60) pulls the water out of the wood or hardsurface!

Injectidry's High Pressure drying systems are specifically developed to target high risk areas of hidden moisture such as: walls and ceilings, double-sheeted fire walls, party walls, sound barriers, insulation, walls behind cabinets and fixtures and floors.

Benefits of Using Advanced Restoration and Injectidry Technology

• In most cases, the floors will dry beneath refrigerators and stoves without moving appliances.
  Many of the floors do not even need to be refinished.


• Floors do not sit wet and cupped for 3-9 months while nails rust and mold grows underneath.
  Continue to use the premise (home, office, business) during the drying process.


• Reduced claim costs.

Advanced Restoration is available for all your property restoration and reconstruction needs.

Our staff is truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent!

It's Cold Out...Stay Warm & Be Safe!

Arctic air is expected to hit the New York Metro area by tomorrow, and is expected to last until Sunday. Many Homeowners will be using various heating sources to stay warm, including electric heaters and fireplaces. Fire safety is essential to your family and should be discussed with all members of your household.

Heating equipment is among the leading causes of home fires nationally and in New York State. Very often heating related fires are the result of a lack of maintenance or simple acts of carelessness. Following the guidelines below will help to ensure that you reduce the possibility of experiencing a heating related fire.

Fire tips from NY State's Office of Fire Prevention and Control include:

Fire Prevention
To prevent fires, keep furnishings and other combustibles 36 inches from all heating sources. A heating source too close to combustibles is the leading cause of fires due to home heating. Store matches and other fire starting appliances out of the reach of children. Fires started by children often have tragic results.

Follow Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance and an annual inspection of heat pumps, furnaces, space heaters, wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connections by qualified specialists can prevent fires and save lives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, venting, fueling, maintenance and repair.

Review the owner's manual to make sure you remember the operating and safety features.

• Space Heaters – When using portable heaters, do not place them where it is possible for small children or pets to fall against them or to receive a contact burn. Avoid the use of extension cords with electric heaters. Always turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.

• Fuel Burning Appliances – When taking a heater out of storage in the fall, install batteries and inspect the shut off mechanism and wick for proper operation. Fill the tank with fresh fuel. Let the heater cool down before refueling. Adding fuel to a hot heater can start a dangerous fire.

• Wood Burning Appliances and Fireplaces – Do not burn trash in the wood stove or fireplace. Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. Be sure the fire you build fits your fireplace or stove, don’t overload it. Be sure wood stoves are installed at least 36 inches away from the wall. Keep combustible materials well away from the fireplace, stove and chimney. Keep the area around them clean. Always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from leaving the fireplace and starting a fire. Never leave a fire unattended.

• Chimneys - Creosote accumulation is the leading cause of chimney fires. A chimney that is dirty, blocked or is in disrepair can inhibit proper venting of smoke up the flue and can also cause a chimney fire. Nearly all residential fires originating in the chimney are preventable. An annual chimney inspection by a qualified chimney sweep can prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Ashes – Keep wood stoves and fireplaces free of excess ash buildup. Excessive ash buildup prevents good circulation of air needed for combustion. When removing ashes, use a metal container with a tight-fitting cover. Always place ashes in an outside location away from structures. Ashes that seem cool may contain a smoldering charcoal that can start a fire.

Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company and is trained to respond to all aspects of fire, smoke damage and water damage that can occur after a fire. Call us at (800) 693-6263 for more information, or visit our website at www.AdvancedRestoration.com.

We are truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent.

Winter Storm/Property Damage: Ice Dams and Your Home

Snow is expected this weekend on Long Island and the NY Metro area and the Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for the area. Whenever there is snow, you are guaranteed to have troublesome ice dams to follow. Ice dams can cause major water damage and flooding to your home, which requires immediate attention.

As winter advances through cycles of freezing and thawing, buildings and homes experience ice buildup and roof damage. In general, ice dams are formed when attic heat moves up to warm the roof and melts snow at or near the ridge. Snow melts, runs downward and hits the edge of the cold roof, resulting in re-freezing snow. These cycles cause ice to accumulate and back up under shingles. Damage appears in the form of soaked insulation, stained, cracked and damaged sheet rock, damp, smelly, rotting wall cavities and stained, blistered and peeling paint.

Preventing Ice Dams
To prevent an ice dam, don't heat the roof, keep it cold. That way, the snow on the roof eventually dissipates without making large amounts of meltwater. The underside of the roof deck should not exceed 30 F. The best way to maintain low temperatures is by ensuring that there is adequate insulation and sealing gaps that let warm air pass into the attic from the house. The attic must also be ventilated, so that cold air is introduced into it and heated air escapes rapidly. Some remodeling contractors are under the impression that heat passing through the attic helps prevent ice dams, when just the opposite is true. Although excess heat moving from the attic through the roof rapidly melts snow, once the meltwater touches the cold eaves, it quickly freezes and forms an ice dam.

If you have a furnace in the attic, it may not be possible to prevent ice dams. Increased insulation, however, should help. First, insulate the areas between the roof rafters. It is important to keep an air space between the roof deck and the insulation in order to prevent a condensation buildup that can delaminate the roof deck. Prior to insulating, install polystyrene rafter air channels, which are available at home centers. Next, lay insulation blankets over the furnace's heating ducts to help reduce the heat buildup in the attic. If there's a hatchway into the attic, build a cover for it out of rigid poly-styrene insulation.

If the gable and ridge vents do not generate sufficient air movement to dissipate the heat, you will need a motorized vent at one end of the attic to exhaust the heat, and an adequately sized vent on the opposite end of the attic to draw in cold air from the outside.

Check your home carefully when ice dams form. Investigate even when there doesn't appear to be a leak. Look at the underside of the roof sheathing and roof trim to make sure they haven't gotten wet. Check the insulation for dampness. And when leaks inside your home develop, be prepared. Water penetration often follows pathways difficult follow. Don't just patch the roof leak. Make sure that the roof sheathing hasn't rotted or that other less obvious problems in your ceiling or walls haven't developed. And then detail a comprehensive plan to fix the damage. But more importantly, solve the problem.

If you experience water damage that requires a water damage/flood restoration expert, please contact Advanced Restoration at (800) 693-6263. Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that can respond 24/7 to your water damage situation. We use state-of-the-art equipment to handle structural drying. Our professional staff is also available to handle mold situations that may occur as a result of a water loss.

Our service area includes Nassau County, Suffolk County and the New York boroughs.

Enjoy the snowfall and stay dry!

Shock Hazard Recall Alert

Shock Hazard Recall Alert

On January 6th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sent out a Recall Alert related to Chef's Mark Cookware sets.

Recall Alert:

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 6, 2009Release #09-081
Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 267-4460CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Viking Range Corp. Recalls Toasters Due to Shock Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Four-Slice Electric Toasters
Units: About 10,000
Distributor: Viking Range Corp., of Greenwood, Miss.
Hazard: Wiring inside the toaster can become loose and contact the toaster body, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Viking has received five reports from consumers who experienced minor shock when touching the outside of the toaster.

Description: The recall involves Viking Professional Four-Slot Toasters, model numbers VT400WH, VT400BK, VT400GG, VT400SG, VT400BR and VT400CB. The toaster has a label on its underside that states in part, “Viking, UL Listed 73D3, Viking Range Corporation, Model VT400 Series”.

Sold at: Culinary products retailers, online dealers, and Viking’s web site from April 2005 through November 2008 for about $300.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the toaster immediately and unplug it, and contact Viking to obtain a free replacement toaster.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Viking toll-free at (888) 267-4460 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at

http://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/global/content_no_sidemenu.jsp?id=cat8840041

www.AdvancedRestoration.com

Home Restoration Repairs: 203(k) Program/Rehabilitation Mortgage

It's no secret that many homes across the country, including New York, have been placed into foreclosure because of the economy. As a result, some homes become neglected over time and develop situations that subsquently require a restoration company to perform repair work. Initiating necessary foreclosure repairs for a property can be accomplished by a potential homeowner applying for a mortgage related to the 203(k) Program.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs like a 203(k) mortgage. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer's credit approved. These lenders fund the mortgage loans which the Department insures. HUD does not make direct loans to help people buy homes.

The Section 203(k) program is the Department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities.

When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods.

The Section 203(k) program was designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. To provide funds for the rehabilitation, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the work. To minimize the risk to the mortgage lender, the mortgage loan (the maximum allowable amount) is eligible for endorsement by HUD as soon as the mortgage proceeds are disbursed and a rehabilitation escrow account is established. At this point the lender has a fully-insured mortgage loan.

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full service property damage restoration company that has the abiltiy to execute all necessary repairs to a property that qualifies for a 203(k) loan.

For more information on the 203(k) program, contact Continental Home Loans:

Wendy Doerzbacher-Mortgage Planner

Continental Home Loans

175 Pinelawn Rd.-Ste 400

Melville, NY 11747

(800) 540-8838 Ext. 4140

(516) 982-6339 Cell

Email: wendyd@cccmtg.com

This information is designed to be of general interest and should not be considered legal advice. The specific information discussed may not apply to you. Before acting on any matter contained herein, you should consult with your personal legal adviser.

Burn Hazard Recall Alert:

On December 18th, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sent out a Recall Alert related to Chef's Mark Cookware sets.

Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
December 18, 2008Alert #09-714
Article Source: U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission

Fingerhut Recalls Chef’s Mark Cookware Sets Due to Burn Hazard
The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Chef’s Mark® 15 piece cookware sets
Units: About 9,000
Importer: Fingerhut Direct Marketing, of Eden Prairie, Minn.

Hazard: The handles on the cookware can break, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Fingerhut has received six reports of handles breaking including three reports of minor burn injuries to consumers.

Description: This recall involves Chef’s Mark® 15 piece cookware sets with model number 515 and Fingerhut product code H6637. The model number and product code are printed on the cookware’s packaging. The non-stick cookware has red, green, black, blue or purple exteriors, black handles, glass lids and came with spoons, spatulas and ladles.
Sold exclusively by: Fingerhut catalogs and Fingerhut.com from January 2008 through October 2008 for about $80.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the cookware immediately and contact Fingerhut to receive a free repair kit. Fingerhut is directly contacting purchasers.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Fingerhut toll-free at (866) 931-5417 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at
www.fingerhut.com
---
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at
www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Advanced Restoration Corporation

Ice Storm: NY State Insurance Dept. Activates Disaster Hotline

The New York State Insurance Department just sent out a news release related its Disaster Hotline, which was activated due to an ice storm that hit multiple counties in upstate New York:

See below...

New York State
Insurance
Department
NEWS
RELEASE
Contact:
Public Affairs
(212) 480-5262
www.ins.state.ny.us

Eric R. Dinallo Superintendent of Insurance 25 Beaver Street New York, N.Y. 10004
ISSUED 12/15/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INSURANCE DEPARTMENT ACTIVATES DISASTER HOTLINE
The New York State Insurance Department today activated its toll-free Disaster Hotline to assist property owners affected by the ice storm that struck 16 Upstate counties and left thousands of New Yorkers without power, Superintendent Eric Dinallo said.
The Insurance Department's Disaster Hotline number is 1-800-339-1759. The hotline is staffed by personnel from the Department's Consumer Services Bureau on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

"Consumers who have storm-related damage and are having difficulty dealing with their insurance company or understanding their coverage should give the hotline a call," Dinallo said. "We are available to help New Yorkers work through the claims process with their insurance companies in the event they need help."

Dinallo urged homeowners and business operators to make every effort to protect their homes and businesses from further damage. This includes reviewing insurance policies for important information related to electric utility interruptions. Coverage for power failure is generally excluded in a homeowners policy. However, coverage may be available for damage occurring during the restoration of electricity by such events as electrical power surges.

Commercial property policies generally exclude coverage for power or utility service failure if the failure occurs outside the premises. There may also be waiting periods in policies before business interruption coverage is triggered. It is important for these property owners to confer with their insurance agent to determine the extent of coverage available.

Following are some typical questions and answers consumers may find helpful:

What damage to your home is covered?
Damage caused by wind, wind-driven rain, trees or other falling objects, as well as the collapse of a structure due to the weight of ice or snow, is covered under most standard homeowner policies. The repair of pipes frozen as the result of extreme cold weather may not be covered if damage is due to negligence, such as failing to maintain an adequate temperature in the house.

What damage to your home is not covered?
Many policies do not cover losses of any type incurred as the result of a flood, costs associated with the removal of a fallen tree (unless the tree lands on your home), food spoilage expenses created by an off-premises power outage, and water damage resulting from backed-up drains or sewers. Some insurers offer endorsements (additional protection that may be purchased) for certain coverage not included under a standard homeowner policy. Consumers should check with their insurance agent or company to determine their needs.

What should I do after damage to a car or an accident?
Damage to automobiles due to falling ice or trees is covered under your comprehensive automobile insurance policy. In the event of an accident while driving on icy roads, call your insurance agent or insurance company with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible, although you have 30 days in which to report the accident. Be sure you cooperate fully with the insurance company and ask your agent what documents, forms and data you will need.

Advanced Restoration Corporation

Fire & Smoke Restoration Video

ADVANCED RESTORATION IN ACTION

Advanced Restoration Corporation, a full-service property damage restoration company, has been in business for over 20 years and provides complete Restoration and Reconstruction services across Long Island and the NY Metro area.

Our expertise includes all aspects of Fire & Smoke Restoration, Water Mitigation and Mold Remediation. The attached video represents the quality workmanship Advanced Restoration provides our customers on every completed project.

Our objective is to be a lifeline to clients and provide prompt, courteous and personalized service. To ensure we are meeting customer expectations and providing the highest quality service available, our project managers consistently communicate with a client throughout the restoration process. We also conduct a feedback survey upon the completion of any service.

Advanced Restoration is a member of multiple industry associations, including: NYARM, BOMA, PIA, YIP, IICRC, NARI, NIDR and RIA. We are licensed in Nassau and Suffolk County, as well as the five boroughs of New York City.

At Advanced Restoration, we are truly committed to Making Disaster Temporary and Restoration Permanent. Please contact us with any questions regarding our services at (800)693-6263.