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Damage to Your Home | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito right away.
Owning a home comes with a lot of joy and a lot of risks. There are so many ways your home can be damaged, whether it is during a storm, because of a fire or due to just everyday aging. Even the neighbor who gets a little overzealous while playing ball with his kids can leave you with a broken window and one more thing to fix.
There may be risks to our homes on a daily basis, but we can’t spend all of our time worrying about them. If you are proactive about preparing for the ways in which your home might experience a disaster, even an unpredictable storm won’t do much harm.
The best way to prepare is to first understand what exactly could happen in different scenarios. Understanding the kinds of damage your home might face not only helps you stay ahead of them, but it also can give you reassurance of how quickly recovery can happen. SERVPRO® of Harlingen/San Benito is right around the corner, ready to get you back on your feet after any disaster.
The Biggest RisksLife in Texas comes with plenty to enjoy and plenty to be prepared for. Being so close to the Gulf means that coastal flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and strong thunderstorms are all possible. Our homes are also at risk because of the extreme heat we often see in the summer—and even the occasional wildfire.
While we may experience a multitude of risks in Harlingen, we need to be most prepared for the three most common kinds. Damage to the roof, water damage and fires are the top dangers to homes everywhere, including our corner of Texas.
There are a number of ways water may damage your home, including internal sources you might not often think about, like plumbing or appliance failures. In the same way, your roof is at risk in just about every storm that blows through, but also from a tree limb that suddenly comes loose on a bright sunny day. Damage from fires can also start from different sources, although most home fires originate from human error.
Compounding DamagesLiving through a disaster is a traumatic experience that can only feel even more overwhelming when you begin to see the extent of damage that has been done to your home. Damages are often compounded, too—a flood not only leaves everything wet, but it also allows for mold to rapidly start to take over.
When a fire strikes, your home will experience damage from the flames, smoke and soot. Soot damage can spread into rooms that were nowhere near the actual fire, and water damage can abound as well from the firefighting efforts.
No matter how your home was damaged, recovery can happen one step at a time. Our crew has training in a number of scenarios, which means that there isn’t a single part of your restoration we can’t handle. We have industry-leading equipment and techniques to deal with water, fire and wind damage, but we can also tackle mold, remodeling, construction and odor issues.
After water has damaged your home, our first step will be to get everything as dry as possible. We will also seal off your home and make sure everything is structurally sound. This might include replacing a roof beam or it could mean repairing your foundation. We will also make sure any mold that forms is remediated, and everything is well sealed so that it cannot return. Sanitizing and odor removal will be one of the finishing steps in order to make your home as good as new.
Fire damage will be handled in a similar manner by tackling the most burned places first and ensuring your home is sealed from the elements. We will take a look at your whole house and rid every room of smoke, soot or odors that may have spread to them. If there are issues from the water or chemicals that were used to put the fires out, we will address those as well, and we can even rebuild parts of your home when the damage is extreme.
SERVPRO works directly with your insurance company, and since we are locally owned and operated, we know the right people to call at every step of the process. You won’t have to coordinate multiple contractors, we’ve got that covered for you. It’s our goal to make you recovery quick and smooth so you can get back to life as normal.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
Why Having an Emergency Plan Matters for Businesses | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here for you when disaster strikes!
Over the last few years, natural disasters have been on the rise. When you take a look at the statistics, you can see that not only are the number of occurrences going up, but so is the intensity of these disasters. That means more extensive damage in more places.
Statistics only represent a possibility, though, and your business might not ever see a natural disaster that creates a business interruption. Even still, there is always a possibility of manmade disasters occurring and knocking your business off track.
You may not love thinking about all the things that could leave your business in a bad spot, but getting to know your risks is important. When you understand the challenges you might face, you can plan for them and take steps towards prevention.
The Importance of a PlanAs the possibility of natural disasters occurring gets higher and higher, making a plan for your business can help save lives and prevent losses. When you take the time to think through the threats you could face, you can stay prepared and take fast action even before a flood, storm or fire happens.
When a disaster strikes, your business will not only face potential physical damages, but it can also cause extreme financial challenges. With a plan, you can get back to work faster with a team that is not only safe, but that also knows exactly how to keep things going.
Many businesses that are forced to close as a result of a disaster never reopen. A plan can get your team back in action fast, which means you can keep your businesses intact and your finances protected even if you no longer have a physical location to work from.
An Emergency Ready PlanIf you are ready to create a plan but don’t know where to start, SERVPRO® has you covered. With our Emergency Ready Plan, you can create a personalized plan that meets your businesses needs. Our plans start before a disaster can strike and walk with you through the entire process.
In order to create your plan, our staff will come and take a total assessment of your business. We will work with you to form an action plan that keeps your business on the best path to safely avoiding losses. Our team will make sure you know what to do before, during and after a disaster.
Ahead of an event occurring, your plan will cover exactly what your staff should be doing. It might mean some of your employees are assigned to protecting paperwork, while others are taking care of the building. You won’t have to scramble in order to give out directions; with a plan, everyone will know what to do as soon as you say “go.”
Keeping a strong line of communication will be a crucial part of your plan at every stage of a disaster occurring. Your Emergency Ready Plan will lay out a chain of command so that your team knows exactly who to report to and who to expect directions from.
After a disaster, our highly trained crew will respond to your property in order to start restorations while your staff gets business going again. If remote work isn’t an option, your plan will include alternate physical locations in order to facilitate your needs.
Creating an Emergency Ready Plan with SERVPRO means you get a plan that is a complete package. Our customized plan can protect your business from financial losses and keep your staff safe. In addition to laying out every step to take, your plan comes with our 24⁄7 availability and the backing of a national brand. We make it our goal to get your business back to work fast.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
A Holly Safe Holiday | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito on the case!
The holiday season has finally arrived again. Whatever your favorite way to celebrate during this time of year is, it probably involves some good food. Whether you are the cook or Grandma doesn’t allow anyone else in the kitchen, it is important to cook with as much safety as possible.
The number of home fires goes up every year during the holidays, and a good number of them start in the kitchen. The good news is that you can keep Grandma and everyone else safe by taking a few proactive steps that will protect the whole house.
Reducing Flammable Materials in the KitchenBefore you ever turn you stove on, do a little bit of fire safety prep work to get your space ready. Many kitchen fires happen because a flammable item was left near a heat source.
Pay special attention to pot holders, towels and oven mitts. Wooden utensils, although a popular cooking tool, are also a risk when it comes to flames. A single pop of oil or a spark that leaps out could catch anything close by on fire.
Consider your clothing as well. Skip dressing up in the fun apron or goofy sweater until after the cooking is finished. Loose fabric, hanging strings or dangling decorations all present a fire risk you should avoid.
Keep a Close Eye on FoodWhen you cook, it is always a good rule to stay close by until everything has cooled down. Kitchen fires can start quickly in a number of ways. Whether you are cooking in the oven, on the stove or even in a countertop appliance, you will need to move fast to prevent a total disaster should something spark a flame.
If frying a turkey is part of your plans, you will need to take a few extra steps to stay safe. Don’t overfill your fryer, and take the time to read the safety guidelines from the manufacturer.
Put it on a level spot away from flammable materials, and make sure your turkey is totally thawed. A partially thawed turkey can make the oil pop and splatter, creating burn and fire risks.
Install Protective MeasuresFires may not be totally avoidable, but the more you do to stay safe the lower your risks will be. Make sure your home has enough protective equipment in place, including smoke detectors on every level of your home. Check them monthly, but make it a point to check the one in or near your kitchen before you head in to cook the holiday meal to ensure it is working properly.
Invest in a small fire extinguisher and store it close to the kitchen as well. Make sure a few family members understand how and when to use it. Get your pot lids out and keep them within arm’s reach to quickly smother grease fires.
Make your holiday season truly one to remember by avoiding disasters and keeping everyone safe. If you do suffer any size fire in your home, call us the moment the flames are out. We can respond quickly to handle your restoration needs so you can get back to celebrating.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
When Winter Storms Blow In | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito has your back with these helpful tips.
Since they are so rare, a winter storm can really throw our community off. We are far more accustomed to the warmer-than-average winters in Texas, but heavy, cold rains and ice can’t be ruled out during the season.
Regardless of what our winter does, when we take time to prepare, we can keep our families safe and prevent damage to our homes. Get to know what to do when a winter storm rolls through so you can avoid a disaster.
Preparing Your HomeWhen the weather is predicted to turn cold and severe, you need to be prepared to stay indoors for a little while. Heavy, cold rains, wind and ice can create a very dangerous driving situation as the roads get wet and sloppy.
If you have hurricane supplies, get them out ahead of a winter storm. Make sure your weather radio is working well, and think about what you will need to stay safe if the electricity goes out. We know from years past that winter storms can leave us without power long-term sometimes, so making sure your emergency supplies are ready is crucial for staying safe.
Make sure you have plenty of batteries, basic first-aid supplies and flashlights. If you use a generator, make sure you have the proper fuel for it and that you are prepared to use it according to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Gather up blankets, warm clothing and sleeping bags in order to bundle up and stay warm.
Think about your evacuation plans as well. While your reason for leaving isn’t the same as during hurricane season, you should still talk with your family and friends about potential alternate places to stay in order to keep everyone warm.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce the storm has blown over and you can safely get outside, give your house a good assessment to check for potential damage. Even if you don’t notice any damage from the storm, there are some things you need to do in order to make sure it stays that way.
Take a look at your roof to check for wind and rain damage. If there is any ice sticking around, break it up and make sure it can flow through your gutter system well. Check for other debris in your gutters and across your roof as well—leaves and limbs are still a common problem throughout the winter.
Once you know your roof is good, walk around your property and take note of the rest of your gutter system. Make sure everything is connected and that the exits of the downspouts are all clear. Clear debris from external vents on your home as well in order to prevent carbon monoxide build up inside.
How We Can HelpIf you do find damage outside or water starts coming in during the storm, call us right away. We are available to respond quickly and get a team out in order to assess everything your home will need to be completely restored.
We make it our goal to restore your damage quickly so that you can get outside and enjoy everything that the winter season has to offer.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Weather Emergencies at Work | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you were to ask someone what the most important part of running a business is, there is a good chance the answer will be staying prepared. Keeping a company going means you need to be able to weather any storm—and sometimes that can be literal storms.
Preparing your business and your employees to handle weather emergencies is crucial in keeping everyone safe and avoiding as much loss as possible. Create a plan to add one more layer of preparation to your team.
Know Your RiskIn order to create a plan that covers all of the risks your business might face, you need to first assess what those risks might be. Get to know the weather you see each season, and investigate previous disasters that have left your building or those near you damaged.
We enjoy pretty warm and mild weather in this part of Texas, but living so near water and in a tropical climate also means we have to contend with heavy rains, storms and occasional hurricanes. Spring and summer are the most weather heavy months, but flooding, wind damage and other storm-related damage is possible year-round.
Always check your business’ location on flood maps so that you can consider every possible situation as you create your emergency plans. Check local weather every day, and keep up with long-term forecasts in order to prepare as early as possible.
Make a Plan to CommunicateOnce you better understand the risk you may face while at work, create a communication plan that can keep everyone on the same page as you put emergency protocols in place. Create multiple avenues to keep your team connected at all times.
Your team should have two ways to receive weather alerts, including one that does not involve electricity in the event the power goes out. Messages should be sent more that one way as well so that everyone knows when it is time to gather supplies and when it is time to evacuate.
Plan Your EvacuationDuring some emergency events, evacuating your building will be the best way to keep your team safe. Map out safe routes to exit from throughout your building, and ensure doors are clearly labeled. Practice your evacuation plan with your crew regularly.
When an evacuation isn’t the safest way to weather a storm, your employees need a safe space to shelter in. Choose a location on the lowest level of your building with no windows, and keep a store of supplies nearby. Visit this location when you practice your emergency plan, and ensure it is also clearly labeled.
As you enact your emergency plan, it is crucial to keep your team calm. Panic can make disasters worse, and whether you are staying or going, your response needs to be handled quickly and safely. Practice often and clearly communicate in order to keep anxiety levels as low as possible. Preparation is key for a successful business, so prepare now for storms and avoid disaster later!
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Storm-Proofing From the Outside | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
There are so many potential risks to your home from weather. Wind, hail, heavy rain, hurricanes and flooding all pose different threats that could cause complete chaos in your life. While the extremes will change seasonally and vary according to where you live, the threat is always present and something you should be prepared for.
Taking care of your home can feel pretty overwhelming just with regular maintenance. When you add in getting ready for severe storms and the endless amount of threats you might face, it can all be pretty daunting to think about.
Texas weather is always a mixed bag, with longer seasons of warmth than a lot of regions bringing the possibility of severe thunderstorms, heavy rains and even occasional tornadoes year-round. In the spring and summer, we also have to be prepared for the possibility of hurricanes.
In order to avoid damage, the best place to start your prep work is outside. Spend some time caring for the exterior of your home so that you can stay safe and cozy through every storm.
Seasonal PrepsWhile it might feel like a lot, protecting your home from severe weather doesn’t have to become a full-time job. Actually, there are a lot of ways you can incorporate some preparation steps into your regular routines in order to ensure you are always ready.
Wind and heavy rains are a force of nature pretty much everyone everywhere will have to contend with year-round. Regularly clean out your gutters and trim trees near your home to prevent flying debris that could smash windows and puddles of water that could work their way into your foundation. Keep outdoor furniture tied down or have a place to stash it quickly when things are getting rough. Get the kids involved and play “who can pick up the most sticks” to keep the yard clean.
At least once a week, walk the exterior of your home and look for signs of aging. Take note of gaps in bricks or siding and snap pictures of rotting wood so you can replace it. Make sure windows and doors are well-sealed, and get to be good buddies with your roof. Give your roof a complete inspection at least four times a year, looking for missing or loose shingles, spacing around any chimney or other piping or any other issues you should correct.
Home UpgradesKeeping your home safe doesn’t have to cost you anything, but there are a few home upgrades you might consider to create the safest home possible.
If you don’t already have them, consider adding storm shutters to your windows. These are a great way to get your home hurricane-ready in a hurry. Check on the wind rating for your windows as well, and consider updating them to thicker materials. Gutter guards on your roofline gutters can be a great way to prevent buildup and keep water flowing, especially when the driving rains of a hurricane blow in.
Make sure your outbuildings have proper structural reinforcements to withstand the abuse of sustained winds. Modular homes should also have additional tie-downs in order to stay in place during severe weather.
Get to know the different kinds of warnings that come along with our weather, and always have two ways to receive alerts. Make sure the whole family knows where the safest part of your home is and where your emergency supplies are stored. If you do end up with damage after bad weather, call SERVPRO®. We are available 24⁄7 to get your life back in order fast.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Cooking the Burgers and Staying Fire-Safe | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to get your space back in shape.
Summer has finally rolled around again, and it is time to get outdoors and spend your days with the ones you love the most. Texas summers might get hot, but it is also the best time to break out the grill and cook endless amounts of burgers.
Did you know that grills, when used improperly, are one of the leading causes of house fires in the summer? We may all love cooking over an open flame, but it can turn dangerous in a matter of seconds. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito wants to ensure that you are able to enjoy all the grilling you heart desires—without the worry of fire.
The SetupAs you dust the winter grime off of your grill, think about where you are going to place it. Grills should be in an area that is open and clear of overhangs and combustible materials. Harlingen weather can get rainy over the summer, but you still shouldn’t move the grill to the garage. The heat and flames can quickly toast and damage anything above them.
When you find a spot that is open, make sure it is also at least 10 feet from any structures. This 10-foot barrier should also be a kid- and pet-free zone, so make sure everyone in the family understands to keep back while you are cooking.
Charcoal grills should be cleaned every time they are used. Ash and any other buildup should be removed, and the body of the grill needs to be inspected for signs of wear and tear. Spend time inspecting your propane grill as well. Make sure connections are tight and look for holes in the gas line.
Manning the FlamesEven after you have inspected everything on the grill, take a look at your supplies before firing anything up. Make sure you have a squirt bottle handy to extinguish any flames that grow too tall, and put a garden hose or fire extinguisher somewhere you can quickly access it if things do get out of control.
While you certainly deserve some applause for your hard work, let someone else take the food once it is cooked while you shut everything down. Turn off the gas and any burners you might have been using. If charcoal is your primary source of fuel, close any vents in order to cut the oxygen supply and start the cooling process.
Remove ashes as quickly as you can safely do so, disposing of them in a metal can. These can easily catch flame again, so it’s best to remove them from the source of heat. Check your grill before you call it a day and ensure it has properly cooled down.
San Benito brings some beautiful summer weather. You deserve to enjoy every moment of it without fear of a disaster striking. Take the time to grill safely, and keep SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito’s number in your contact list. We can respond 24⁄7 when flames do get out of hand to get your home put back together quickly.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito for a fast restoration.
How to Respond to Water Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito right away.
Isn’t water just an incredible thing? Its power is often unmatched, even when we try to control it. Water can pump through the pipes in our house and start and stop with the wave of a hand, or it can be raw and natural and a force to be reckoned with like on the shoreline of a sandy beach.
We can’t live without water, and it plays so many critical roles in our day. But when water starts sneaking into places it doesn’t belong, it can leave our homes turned upside down. Heavy rains and storm surges from hurricanes have left some of our homes flooded over the years, as Texas is certainly no stranger to all kinds of water damage. Whether from a leaky pipe or a natural disaster, water can create utter chaos.
You can spend a lot of time preparing and protecting your home from flooding, but sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop water from entering into places it shouldn’t be. That’s why having water restoration experts in your backyard is invaluable.
The First StepsIf the unfortunate happens and your home experiences a water disaster, a fast response is your best bet for mitigating damages. Water moves quick and it can hide out even quicker, so finding the source of the water and doing what you can to control it is crucial.
After you find where the water is coming from, you need to try and stop the flow. If the flood is from a natural disaster, that might mean just waiting it out in a safe space, but an internal leak should be turned off. Learn your home well, including where all of your water shut-off valves so you can move quickly.
You should also know how to quickly shut off electricity to the flooded area. Never step into a puddle that could contain live electricity. Turn off the electricity at the source before tackling the water.
Once you can safely do so, call SERVPRO®. We have 24⁄7 availability, so it will never matter what time of day disaster hits your home. The faster you can call us, the faster we can start your recovery process and slow down the progression of damage.
How We Dry Your HomeAfter we have taken your call, we start your restoration right away by taking as much information as possible over the phone. At this point, take photos of the water and anything that is damaged. We will work directly with your insurance company to create a smooth process, and documentation will be very helpful.
As we gather your information, we will begin dispatching a team of our professionals to your home with all the industry-leading equipment needed to start drying things right away. Removing standing water and drying out soft materials will be the first priority. We make it our goal to restore as much of your property as possible so that you are not replacing your belongings. We stick with the process until your items are completely dry, sanitary and odor-free.
Our team is trained and equipped to handle every aspect that comes along with water damage restoration, including any construction needed. If an area of your home is destroyed beyond repair, we’ll tear it down and rebuild it so that your home is truly your home.
Anytime something happens that leaves your home with more than an inch of water, you need to call in our professionals. Different kinds of flooding require different kinds of responses, and our team can safely and sanitarily handle every single one of them. With your locally owned and independently operated SERVPRO in your very own neighborhood, you can sit back and enjoy the incredible source that water is without worry.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
How to Handle Storm Damage | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to restore your space in no time!
Storms can be incredibly powerful, and even when you know they are coming, they can still surprise you. A thunderstorm can move into the area fast and leave behind destruction that makes your head spin.
Living in Texas has certainly taught us this, particularly in the warm months when tropical storms, hurricanes and strong thunderstorms dominate the news. Our weather can quickly swing from dry to wet, which leaves us vulnerable to flooding as well.
We know how incredibly important being prepared before a storm is, but it is also important to know what to do after a storm has moved out and left behind damage. When a storm leaves destruction in its wake, take quick action to make a fast recovery.
Immediately After the StormStaying vigilant after the initial threat has passed is important in order to continue protecting your family. Lighting may be lingering, or the rain may pick back up as another round of storms pushes towards you. Keep a weather alert device close at hand, and make sure you can get back to a safe shelter quickly.
Once things have quieted down, begin checking on your family members. If you don’t have cell service, text messaging may still work. When you are planning before a storm, make sure your family knows how you plan to communicate.
If you can safely exit your shelter, check on those around you. Don’t go into damaged buildings, but instead look for places you may be able to access anyone who needs help. As safely as you can, clear the street or other roadways so that emergency personnel can reach you.
Start taking pictures, and call us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito. With our 24⁄7 availability, we are ready to take your call and start your recovery.
As More Time PassesAs you are able to further digest the shock of a severe storm hitting, the scope of work that awaits you to recover will become clear. Make sure you still remain cautious of both the area around you and the weather. Always wear the proper shoes and other safety equipment, avoid nails and boards, and keep a weather radio handy.
One of the first priorities our crew will take on when they reach your property is securing your home so that no further damages can set in. This might mean tarping your roof or sealing off windows, or it could mean removing standing water and starting the drying process on anything that got wet. Depending on how hard your home was hit, you may want to consider finding a safe place to stay while restoration continues.
SERVPRO® will work with your insurance company directly so that the claim process is as smooth as the rest of your recovery. While we are putting your life back together, it’s crucial to try and stay as calm as possible. Seeing your home damaged in a storm can be devastating. With our team working on your property around the clock, we will have you back home in no time.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
When Heavy Rains Strike... | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito on the case!
Isn’t rain a wonderful thing? On a hot summer day, it’s the perfect way to cool down the earth, making everything sweet-smelling and cozy. Rain is a wonderful thing, until there is so much of it that there is no longer anything wonderful about it.
Heavy rain can create flash flooding and leave our gutters overflowing, making our homes vulnerable to leaks. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito wants to help you come out of every heavy rain storm dry and damage-free.
Hazards of Intense RainTexas weather comes with a lot of ups and downs, but we all know our hot and humid spring and summer mean strong thunderstorms, heavy rains, tornadoes and tropical weather are all possible.
Flash floods and coastal flooding are also a common issue we deal with in Harlingen and the surrounding areas. When a storm blows through with intense rain, it often leaves roadways covered and can sweep away anything that isn’t tightly secured down.
Flooding in particular can be very unpredictable, which is why it is crucial to be prepared in advance of a storm. Make sure you always have two ways to receive weather alerts and keep up with the local news when the weather is predicted to be wet.
Staying SafeWhen it comes to getting prepared for a storm, safety should always be your first priority. If you are on the road, get to a safe indoor location quickly and never drive through floodwaters. At home, bring inside patio furniture and any other objects that could be swept away in a flash flood, and park your car in a garage or on high ground.
Inside your home, spend time moving anything precious or irreplaceable to a higher location. Always keep important paperwork in a watertight container, but move it when flooding threatens. If water starts coming in while you are at home, find a safe place to wait it out. Do your best to stay dry, especially while the water is still flowing. Turn the electricity off to the flooded area or your whole home if you are able before stepping into any water.
Future Prevention StrategiesThe faster you are able to call us, the better. We will start drying your home the moment we arrive, and as we work through your restoration process, we can also help identify ways to better protect your home from the next flood.
Starting outside of your home is ideal since the goal is to keep water out in the first place. Talk with a landscaping professional about increasing the grading and organic materials in your yard. This can keep water rolling away from your home and help prevent puddles that might eventually seep in.
Another item you might consider is a sump pump. This can be installed in your basement or crawl space and will pump water away from the foundation of your home. The correct size sump pump can go a long way in preventing major flooding when heavy rains come through.
Mother Nature may be unpredictable, but the more prepared you are, the better your home will fare in every situation. Keep our number in your emergency contacts so that you can call us any time a disaster strikes. Knowing you have a team of professionals right around the corner that can dry, sanitize and prevent mold growth after a flood can help you sleep easier at night.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
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