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The Dangers of Mulch Fires and How to Avoid Them

Mulch is a common landscaping material that helps soil retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves curb appeal. But under the right conditions, mulch can also become a fire hazard.  Mulch fires can start when dry material is exposed to heat, discarded cigarettes, fireworks, or even spontaneous heating in large piles with poor ventilation. Once ignited,… Read more »

Summer Safety Tips to Help Prevent Fire and Water Damage

Summer is a time for cookouts, pool days, family vacations, and enjoying everything the season has to offer. But while summer is full of fun, it also brings several seasonal risks that can lead to serious fire and water damage if you’re not prepared. As a fire and water remediation company, we’ve seen firsthand how… Read more »

Keeping Houseplants Free of Mold (And Why It Matters for Your Home)


Houseplants bring life, color, and calm into a space—but if you’ve ever spotted fuzzy white patches on your soil or leaves, you know they can also invite mold. While a little surface mold on potting soil is common, ongoing mold problems can affect your plants’ health and even impact the air quality inside your home…. Read more »

Look Out for Spring Flooding

April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring spring flooding. As the weather warms up, it’s a great time to get outside—but it’s also prime time for heavy rain and flooding. Water damage can hurt your property’s value and structure, and floods are becoming more common across Long Island. Here’s how to… Read more »

What To Do If a Pipe Bursts After a Cold Snap: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

When temperatures plunge, even a well-maintained home can fall victim to frozen and burst pipes. If you’ve discovered a leak or standing water after the recent cold snap, fast and correct action can dramatically reduce the damage—and the cost of repairs. As a remediation company, we’re called in every winter to help homeowners recover from… Read more »

After the Flames: Fire Damage Restoration, Soot and Smoke Removal

You’ve probably heard the expression, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”. At Branch Services, we like to remind people that where there’s fire, there’s also smoke, soot, odor, and usually water damage or flooding from firefighting efforts. Fire doesn’t just destroy what it touches. Smoke and soot can cling to walls, carpets, cabinets, furniture, ceilings, floors,… Read more »

Remodeling Your Home in 2026

2026 is here, and while most people will spend January thinking about self-improvement, Branch Services wants to remind you that home improvement can also make a big difference in your life. Whether you’re adding “his and hers” sinks to your bathroom, creating a much-needed second bathroom, or simply giving your home a fresh coat of… Read more »

Choosing and Using a Space Heater

What are the safest space heaters? Fall has arrived, bringing chilly weather. If you have a room in your house that never seems to get warm, a space heater may be the solution. Space heaters are ideal for heating small or single-occupied rooms, helping to offset utility costs in winter. They are handy for areas… Read more »

What to Do When You Find Water in Your Basement

Spring and fall tend to bring heavy rains to Long Island and, as many of us have recently seen, that means a wet basement. When entering your basement, you may encounter visible signs of flooding, or you may experience something as fleeting as a musty odor. Either way, it spells a wet basement. Before calling… Read more »

October Is National Fire Prevention Month

Every year, National Fire Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the vital importance of fire safety in our homes. Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in preventing fires and protecting both lives and property. Start by ensuring that your smoke alarms are installed in essential areas, such as bedrooms and hallways, and… Read more »