Tips to Making It through the Storm

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Tips to Making It through the Storm

It is not surprising that the storms all around the world are getting stronger and deadlier. A lot of it has to do with climate change. No matter the level and strength of the storm it is bound to leave some level of destruction in its way. So it is very important to know how you can stay strong during the storm and prevent any damage to your house. Let’s take a look at a few tips.

Stay Calm

The first thing you should do is to try and stay as calm as possible. This will not only help you clear your mind, but also see things more clearly and focus on the task at hand. It will prevent any rash decisions and allows you to be much more effective.

Trim off branches

Branches can easily damage big parts of your roof. It’s much better to have them off as soon as possible. You can use a chain saw or electric chainsaw for this job. In case you don’t have one at hand, a strong bladed knife will do the trick too. Just make sure to take your time and be careful not to hurt yourself in the process.

Protect entrances

You should do your best to protect the entrances of your house. This is so that you don’t get any damage from flying objects or debris. You can use sand bags for this or if you have enough, simply move some heavy items in front of the doors and windows.

Stay away from windows

Staying away from windows is a very important thing to do. This way you’re not exposing yourself to possible debris, broken glass and other objects that could cause you severe injuries.

Cover up windows

This is especially important if you live in areas where the house is exposed to strong winds. You should make sure that all windows are covered as good as possible with cloth or thick plastic sheets. This way the house is a lot more resistant to breaking in wind and flying debris.

Protect yourself

You should further protect yourself by wearing gloves, goggles and a long sleeve shirt. By doing this you at least don’t expose your skin to possible damage from broken glass or other sharp objects. You can also use some kind of mask so that you don’t breath in the dust and particles in the air.

Be Aware Of the Weather Updates

You should always try to stay up to date with the weather updates. This way you will know what kind of disaster is going on and how long it is expected that it will still last. That way you can better prepare yourself and have a plan in place on what you should do when things get worse during the storm.

Move the Furniture Away From the Windows and Doors

You should do whatever you can to protect larger and heavier items in the house. Especially when it comes to things near the doors and windows. Things like sofas, chairs, tables or any other heavy object can easily get damaged if they are near the windows so try to move them away from the windows and doors.

Take Before and After Pictures

It’s always very important to take pictures or make some kind of inside map of your house before the storm hits. That way you can better assess what damage might have happened after everything calms down again. If there are any damages insurance companies will need this information in order to reimburse you.

Know the Instructions Given By the Relevant Authorities

It is always important to know what the authorities are saying in its instructions. Never ignore them, even if you don’t think they are serious. This way you can make sure that you don’t do anything wrong or dangerous and be able to assess the situation better.

Storm Damage Repair - The First 5 Things to Do

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Repair - The First 5 Things to Do

Damage from a hurricane, tornado, or thunderstorm can happen any time of year. When these storms occur, it is important to know what steps you should take immediately after the storm has passed. The first 5 things to do after a storm may include some activities that you have been putting off until better weather conditions arrive, but this article will help guide you through the necessary preparation and activity in order to get your life back together following a storm.

Although surviving the period immediately following a bad storm may seem like an insurmountable task, there are many things that you can do right away that will make life much easier for you when the power does come back on and the sun begins shining again.

Turn Off Electric and Gas Lines

The first thing to do after a storm is to inspect your home for damage. A good place to start is by checking for overhead or underground power lines that may be close enough to your home that they could have fallen on it during the storm. The next step would be to inspect natural gas and water pipes leading into your house, making sure that nothing from the outside has been able to break them free from their attachments inside.

In addition, before you go onto inspecting your roof, make sure that all electrical appliances in the house are turned off in order to protect yourself from being electrocuted while searching for damages or needed repairs. Once these initial checks have been made and repaired if necessary, the process of going through a "storm checklist" can begin.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You should contact your insurance company as soon after the storm as possible in order to prevent any unnecessary activity from being carried out by yourself or an outside party. Keep calling back until you have been able to speak with a representative who has all of the necessary information about you and your policy. Your agent can provide you with advice on what steps need to be taken immediately following the event, some of which are outlined below.

Move the wet items to the garage to dry out

If you haven't already done so, begin removing all furniture and other items from both the inside and outside of your home. This will help to prevent mold growth between your walls if water damage has occurred.

Wipe the Water Out Of Your House

The next step is to remove as much water from the inside of the house as possible so that any lingering moisture cannot lead to mold growth. This may be a difficult task if you have not already removed your furniture and appliances, but with a wet/dry vacuum or shop vacuum it should be manageable.

After removing all standing water around your home, you should thoroughly clean out your gutters in order to prevent future damage from occurring. Once this is done, inspect for broken gutter sections that will need replacing. Make sure that downspouts are clear as well so that rainwater runs off properly away from the foundation of your house.

Call a Professional Storm Damage Restoration Company

After the storm has passed you need to hire a professional restoration company. Your insurance company should be able to recommend a specific storm restoration company that can help with any damages incurred as a result of the storm. If you have not already done so, now is the time to call them and schedule an appointment to begin work on fixing problems such as flooded basements and removal of insulation and soggy drywall from inside your home.

When Should You Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company?

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

When Should You Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company?

If you’ve experienced water damage in your home, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you try to clean up the mess yourself? Call a plumber? Contact an insurance company? Get estimates from several restoration companies? The answer is that first and foremost, if there is standing water or significant amounts of water coming out of your pipes, contact a professional 24-hour emergency service ASAP. Once the immediate danger has been taken care of, call one or two reputable restoration companies for estimates on how much it will cost to get your home back into shape.

When should you call a water damage restoration company? You might be asking yourself that question because your basement flooded and the carpet is soaked or your washing machine overflowed and leaked into the kitchen. Not sure if you need to call a water damage restoration company? We're here to help! In this blog post, we'll discuss when it's time to contact a professional for assistance with water damages in your home so that you can reduce any long-term effects of these types of disasters.

When the Damage Is Too Much For You to Handle On Your Own

Sometimes the damage can be too much to handle for you on your own and you know you need a professional to get rid of your water problem. If the damage is too much for you to handle on your own, call a water damage restoration company immediately.

When You Have Standing Water or Pipes That Are Leaking

If there's standing water in your home or if there are pipes that have been compromised and are leaking, it's important that you contact a 24-hour emergency service as soon as possible so they can get out to your location ASAP. The longer the water sits inside of your walls or carpeting, the more likely it will be that mold will begin to grow and/or cause structural problems within the building itself. If this occurs, not only do you run a higher risk of developing health issues due to exposure to growths caused by mold spores but also having all this water damage repaired will be a lot more expensive.

When You Need a Fast Turnaround Time for Repairs to Your Home or Business

Not only is it important that you contact a professional as soon as possible, but you also want to find one who can offer same-day service or at least 24 hours’ notice of when they plan on arriving for repairs. The faster the turnaround time from the moment your call has been made until help arrives, the better off your home and property will be in terms of minimizing any further long-term effects after water damage occurs. Also keep in mind that if there are outlets or appliances which have been destroyed due to this occurrence, not calling a restoration company quickly enough could mean being without these vital amenities for quite some time.

Ways to Secure Your Home during a Flood

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Ways to Secure Your Home during a Flood

The last thing you want to worry about when there is a flood in your area is whether or not your home will be safe. Floods can happen anywhere and at any time, so it's important to take precautions beforehand to make sure that you are fully prepared for the worst. That being said, here are some ways you can secure your house during a flood:

Grade your lawn away from the house

If you have a slope in your lawn leading up to the house then this will make it easier for water to enter. Take some time before the flood season begins and grade your yard away from your home so that there is less chance of water collecting around your foundation.

Install window well covers

Floods tend to happen quickly, which means that if there's anything obstructing windows on lower levels (like window wells) - they could prevent people inside the home from getting out safely when needed. To avoid any potential risks or problems, install window well covers that can be removed easily by anyone who needs them during an emergency situation. This way everyone stays safe while waiting for rescue teams arrive!

Create sand bags

Sandbags are great because they can be taken down and put back up again as many times as you need them, which is perfect if there's a flood season that follows multiple storms. When first approaching your home during a flood it might look like the only thing left to do is abandon ship in favor of higher ground - but by creating sand bags around entry points (like doors) you'll greatly reduce the possibility of flooding in the home when things finally start to recede.

Leave space between siding & mulch

In severe cases, flooding can even cause mulch to start decomposing which is a major risk for mold as well as other health problems. In order to avoid these risks, leave about an inch of space around the base of your house so that water has room to flow away from it instead of collecting at its foundation. This will reduce chances of damage and ensure that everyone inside remains safe during a flood!

Block All Entrances and leave no space for the water to come in

Make sure there is no space for the water to collect around your home's foundation or windows and doors. Put anything you can find to block entrances in front of all doorways. It is important that you do not allow any gaps between items as this will encourage flooding into the house when it occurs again. This also includes allowing plenty of room around windows so that they are able to open safely during an emergency situation! If possible - leave at least a foot gap from siding on the side of your house nearest where flood waters are likely to enter (like near garage doors) so that everyone inside has enough time to escape if necessary before water rises too high within the home.

Blanket all windows with plastic sheeting so the water cannot sleep in.

Once you have blocked off entrances, it is important to protect any openings that are left vulnerable by covering them up as much as possible. If there are glass windows on your home - use plastic sheeting or tarps over top of these until the flood waters subside and remove once problem has been averted! High winds can cause this material to fly away during a storm making it even more vital that everyone inside knows how best to secure their house properly before things get out of hand! Make sure all roof vents are securely covered just like other unprotected areas around your home's exterior too if at all possible because anything not protected will be especially susceptible during floods.

Water Damage Restoration Companies like SERVPRO can save your property and its value

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage Restoration Companies like SERVPRO can save your property and its value

It is important to know that there are water damage restoration companies out there who can help you if your property has been damaged. SERVPRO is one of the best restoration companies in the country, and they provide professional services for both residential and commercial properties. Their teams will come on site with all necessary equipment to begin their work as quickly as possible, so your property can be restored back to its original condition. Whether it's water damage or fire damage, SERVPRO professionals will help save your property!

How Can a Water Damage Restoration Company Boost the Value of Your Property?

Water damage restoration companies can help save your property, but it's also important to know that a water removal company can make sure you get the best price possible when selling. If your home or business has been damaged by flooding from severe weather conditions, SERVPRO professionals will take care of everything for you. They'll extract all standing water and restore your property back to its original state. If you're selling, having a professional water damage restoration company come in and make your home look good as new will give the buyer peace of mind that everything is up to par. They'll be more confident buying from you, resulting in better offers!

Restoration companies not only dry up your house, they also remove mold and the results are usually long lasting when there is a professional company involved. This can also increase the resale value of your house. Clean sewerage system and up to date and well maintained plumbing all add up to the overall value of the property.

If You Are Looking For a Water Damage Restoration Company In Your Area Then What Should You Do

Water damage restoration companies are available all over America, so don't hesitate to contact one if your property has been damaged by any kind of water or flooding event. Not only can they help save your home or business with their services but they can also increase the value when it comes time for resale. Searching online is easy too; if you are in Woodbury, then you can get in touch with professional at SERVPRO. You can contact us anytime of the day or night, and we'll come onsite right away. We work around the clock to make sure your property is drying up as quickly as possible!

Without proper restoration after water damage, you will never be able to get the right price for your house. SERVPRO is one of the best water damage restoration companies in America and they will make sure you get maximum dollar for your home or business.

A Water Damage Restoration Company Like SERVPRO Can Be A Good Investment For Your Property!

Water damage can cause a lot of stress, but you don't have to go through it alone because there are many water removal services available to help save your property and increase its value when it comes time for resale. If you want peace of mind that everything will be alright after suffering from any flooded area, then we suggest getting in touch with SERVPRO today.

How Can SERVPRO Cleaning Services Help Your Business Become More Efficient

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

How Can SERVPRO Cleaning Services Help Your Business Become More Efficient

Every business is looking for ways to become more efficient. It's a good idea to take care of the little details so that you can spend your time on what matters most: running and growing your business! One way to help with this is by outsourcing certain services, such as cleaning - for example, SERVPRO Cleaning Services. We offer many different cleaning services tailored to meet the needs of any business, from janitorial services and carpet cleaners to upholstery cleaning or window washing. But can such services help your business become more efficient? Well, the answer is actually YES! They can.

A Cleaner Workplace Will Make Employees More Productive

A clean and well-maintained work environment is proven to boost morale and keep employees happy, which leads them to be more productive. Employees will feel better about coming into the office if their desks are tidy and they don't have to worry about clogged drains or dirty bathrooms!

A Cleaner Workplace Will Make Your Business Look More Professional

All of your customers meet you at your place of business - whether it's a restaurant, retail store, hotel, etc. You want those people who come in contact with your company every day (your customer service staff) as well as potential new customers (those visiting for the first time), to experience an inviting atmosphere that makes a good impression on them. From receptionists greeting guests with a smile and a 'how may we help you?' to having clean carpets, updated bathrooms and tidy work spaces.

It Will Increase the Retention Rate of the Employees

When employees have to work in a less-than-sanitary environment, they're more likely to get sick and take off from work. Compared with companies that invest in services such as janitorial or floor cleaning, the ones who don't are going to lose their best people much faster than those who do. Employees want to feel appreciated by employers! By offering them a clean workspace where they can focus on what's important without worrying about being distracted by dirty bathrooms or cluttered desks is one way of showing your appreciation for them.

Your Employees Will Stay Healthy So There Will Be Low Absentees

When employees stay healthy and come to work, they're more productive. By providing them with a clean workspace that is free of hazardous germs like viruses or bacteria found on dirty floors and doorknobs as well as unhygienic bathrooms where they can stop by after lunch without worrying about catching the stomach flu from their co-workers, you'll keep your best people happy and coming back day in and day out!

More Clients Will Be Attracted To Your Business

A professional-looking office that's free of clutter and is kept in good condition will make your business more pleasant for employees, which makes it a comfortable environment to work in. A clean workspace with updated fixtures helps customers feel welcome, so they'll be happier about coming back if they have had positive experiences previously. When you combine all these benefits together, what do you get? An efficient workplace that boosts morale throughout the company as well as being presentable to potential new clients!

How to Pick a Water Damage Restoration Company

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

How to Pick a Water Damage Restoration Company

Are you looking for a water damage restoration company? If so, then this blog post is for you! There are many factors to consider when hiring a water damage restoration company. Understanding these questions before making your decision will ensure that the right choice is made and all of your needs are met. Check out our helpful tips below to find out more about what questions to ask and how to make an informed decision on which company to hire.

See If the Company is certified

Get a quote from the company that you have chosen. Check their license number to ensure they have insurance coverage in case something goes wrong during restoration services. If you can’t get an estimate on site then ask for one over the phone or email before hiring them so that there will be no surprise fees at the end of it all! Be sure to do some research into every company by looking up their reviews (be wary of Yelp). Read consumer reports online where other people who were satisfied with these companies leave feedback about their experiences. The more information out there means better chances of finding someone reliable!  

Check the online reviews

See what other people are saying about the company. If you’re not sure who to hire, check out the reviews and ratings of each company. This can help guide your decision when trying to find a water damage restoration company in your area! The more positive feedback that is found online about the business means it will be much easier for you to choose them. You should always try and set up an appointment with these companies so they can give you better estimates on how long it will take to get this task done as well as their rates. If possible try and do some research into what other people have said beforehand too because then there won't be any surprises at the end of this process!

Check Out Their Reputation

It is important that we know where our money goes after hiring someone. We can look up the company's license number to see if they are insured. If you aren't able to get an estimate on site, ask for one over email or phone before hiring them so that there will be no surprise fees at the end of it all! Do some research into every company by looking up their reviews (be wary of Yelp). You should also check out consumer reports online where other people who were satisfied with these companies leave feedback about their experiences. The more information out there means better chances of finding someone reliable!

Check if they have insurance coverage in case something goes wrong during restoration services

See if the company is insured so in case there is any problem during the restoration process the insurance can take care of it. This is why it is very important to always hire an insured damage restoration company.

Does Fire Restoration Actually Work?

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Does Fire Restoration Actually Work?

It's a scary thought to have your home or office burn down. It is even scarier when you find out that the fire was caused by something as simple as an electrical wire being too close to combustible materials. The reality is, however, that it can be devastating for buildings and contents alike. But do not fear! There are ways to get things back up and running again after a fire has happened.

Can Fire Damage Restoration Companies Actually Restore Your Goods?

The reality is that there are many different degrees of fire damage. Everything from a scorch to an actual burn can make items unusable or even irreparable. The restoration company you work with should be able to give you an accurate estimate on the costs and time it will take for each individual piece after they have made their initial assessment. This way, if your things cannot be restored then at least you know up front rather than waiting weeks upon months only to find out that nothing can be done!

Does Restoration Work Change Depending On What Was Destroyed?

Yes, in fact it does change depending on what was destroyed by the fire. Different types of materials require different kinds of treatments because some elements may not react well together. For example, if your things are made of metal then you need to make sure that the restoration company has experience in dealing with this material. If they do not, then it can cause further damage and be more costly than it needs to be!

What to Do After a Fire?

If there is anything at all that was destroyed by fire or heat damages don't try cleaning up yourself no matter how much you may want too. You could actually end up doing worse harm when trying to clean something like a television screen because chemicals on your cloth might react even more aggressively than the flames did originally. This way you will know exactly what kind of treatment each individual damaged item requires which also means lower costs for every single one of them!

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help The Restoration Process?

No matter how much you may want to help in the restoration process, do not try and fix anything on your own. This is especially true when it comes to electrical wiring because this can be just as dangerous for someone attempting a repair than it was before the fire even happened! Let professionals handle all of that so that they know what needs done and also if there is any chance of danger involved with an item or room itself.

Can You Really Restore Things After A Fire Damage?

Yes, companies like ours specialize in making sure everything returns back to normal after such a disaster strikes. So whether you need new drywall put up or appliances restored we have got professional technicians who will take care of it all for you. All of our workers are fully insured and licensed so that we can ensure your safety as well as the quality of materials used in making sure everything looks just like new!

Tips for Repairing Storm Damage

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for Repairing Storm Damage

Storm damage can come in the form of fallen trees, roof damage, and interrupted electrical service.  The good news is that most storm damage repair jobs are low-skill projects that do not require an extensive level of knowledge or experience to handle on your own.

Even a fairly small tree has the potential to cause substantial damage during a storm if it falls onto a home or other property. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take after a tree has fallen into your yard to help prevent further problems from developing.

Assess How Much Damage Has the Storm Caused

The first thing to do after a storm is to assess how much damage it has caused to your property. This will give you a good idea about how much money you might have to spend on the repairs and restoration. So it is always good to have insurance for such cases.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Check with your insurance agent before starting repairs. Insurance coverage is dependent upon the type of storm, its location and other factors. Some types of damage may not be insured.

Document all storm-related damages to your home or building using photographs or video before making any repairs. This will provide a full record of damage for future reference should it become necessary to file an insurance claim later.

Only Focus on the Things That Are Actually Damaged During the Storm

Repair only those areas that are immediately damaged; stop further damage by boarding up broken windows, covering exposed outdoor electrical wiring or gas lines, etc., as soon as possible after the event has passed. Dispose of debris promptly in order to avoid mosquito breeding sites. Keep children away from dangerous materials such as broken glass, tarp-covered tree branches and other hazards.

Seal Holes in Foundation, Roof and Siding to Stop Water from Going In

Make sure to properly repair all holes in the roof and walls due to fallen trees or wind gusts. These holes can not only let water seep in but they can create easy access points for wasps, bees and other insects that could be attracted to water inside your home's damaged walls or foundation.

Repair Tree Damage to Your Property As Soon As It's Safe to Do So

One of the best ways to prevent more damage is to get damaged trees off of your property as quickly as possible. If there is a lot of damage, it may be wise to contact an arborist for advice and assistance if needed.

Hire a Professional to help you with the restoration

Storm damage is not always an easy task to take on yourself.  Hire a professional if you feel intimidated or do not have the time to deal with the cleanup and repairs your property may require after a storm. SERVPRO can help you with the restoration of your property after a storm has caused its destruction.

6 Simple Ways to Assess Total Damage after a Storm

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

6 Simple Ways to Assess Total Damage after a Storm

When a storm hits your property, it can be difficult to assess the total damage. You want to know what needs repairing and how much it will cost you. The following is a list of 6 simple ways that you can assess the damage from a storm:

1) Check for structural integrity

Does your building have any cracks in the foundation or leaking pipes? If so, then there may be more extensive repairs needed. It is very important to check the damage to the structure for timely repairs and restoration. If you don’t check the building for any damages then it can create a very dangerous living environment.

2) Check for water damage

Look around your house at all of the wet surfaces and make sure that no mold has grown anywhere yet. If you see any signs of mold growth, then this could lead to further complications down the road with respiratory illnesses and allergies.

3) Take pictures

One of the most important steps in assessing a storm's damage is to take pictures. It will help with getting insurance claims and also reminds you of what needs repairing or replaced.

4) Check for Damages to the Doors and Windows

Are your windows loose or cracked? How about your doors, are they damaged too? Take a special look at the glass windows. Sometimes even the protective wooden panels aren’t enough to save the windows from breaking.

5) Check the Utilities, Gas lines and Electricity Lines

If you smell gas, turn off your appliances and open doors and windows. Get outside immediately! If there is a power outage or the electricity lines have been damaged then this will need to be addressed as soon as possible so that they do not catch fire. It can also cause serious damage to any electronic devices in your home which you may want to address quickly before more problems arise down the road.

6) Take an Inspection Round outside Your House

Inspect things outside the house including your car, trees, lawn and most importantly your house's roof. Roof of a house is the most vulnerable thing during a storm. Strong storms can break off shingles and expose your roof to a lot of serious damage. You may need to replace your roof if it is very damaged. If you find any tree that is in a bad condition and may fall down any minute then you need to get away from the house and call a tree maintenance company as soon as possible.

It is very important to assess the total damage after a storm. There are many things that you can do at home before calling in an expert. By taking pictures, checking for water damage and structural integrity, as well as assessing the damages to doors and windows you will be able to figure out what needs repaired quickly. Then call up someone with experience when it comes time for more extensive repairs!