Recent Storm Damage Posts
Prompt Storm Damage Clean Up
6/21/2024 (Permalink)
Storms can wreak havoc on our homes and communities, causing significant damage and disrupting our lives. Whether it's a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, or severe rain. The aftermath of such events can be overwhelming. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the prompt cleanup of storm damage.
Minimizing Secondary Damages
After a storm, your property may be left with debris, fallen trees, damaged structures, and waterlogged areas. If left, these can lead to secondary damages. Prompt storm damage cleanup is essential in minimizing further harm to your property. With debris cleared and damaged structures secured, you can prevent potential hazards and save yourself from more extensive and costly repairs down the line.
Preventing Microbial Growth and Water Damage
Water damage is a common issue after storms, especially if there are leaks or flooding. Excessive moisture can lead to microbial growth, which not only damages your property but also poses health risks. Certain microbial growth can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems. By promptly cleaning up water damage and addressing moisture issues, you can prevent the onset of mold growth and reduce the risk of related health issues.
Storms
6/7/2023 (Permalink)
Storms are extremely scary especially when dealing with the aftermath of the damage. There is so much that needs to be taken care of such as the clean up and restoration of your property.
This is why here at SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview we are fully equipped to help out our customers in times of need.
There are many different types of damage left by the storms such as:
causes damage to the roof, trees, vehicles, and windows
leaves indents in exterior of house, and vehicles
can sometimes lead to a fire
cold temperatures lead to issues with the roof, and pipes
Give us a call if you are handling any of these issues a the moment so we can help you out. Leave all of the hard work to us so we can make it look "Like it never even happened."
Call us at 951-344-6115
Rain Flooding
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Floods cannot be avoided no matter where you live. Although some people live in areas that are more prone to storms. In southern California the weather is difficult to predict. What has been predicted does not always line up with what actually happens. It is best to always be prepared for rainfall and flooding as it can happen to anyone at anytime.
There are different types of flooding such as:
- Flash flooding
- River flooding
- Snowmelt
- Dam breaks
- Storm surge
The different types of floods may affect the area differently which is why it is important to be prepared.
SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview is prepared to help you with any storm or water damage. We are quick and reliable for any of your cleanup/restoration needs! We are available with a 24 hour emergency response service. Call us at (951) 344-6115
Stormy Weather
1/25/2022 (Permalink)
Storms have the ability to potentially cause an insane amount of damage. If it does cause damage to your home or commercial property, there is a need for a quick reaction. The longer the damage is left, the more difficult it is to revert everything back to normal.
It is best to always reach out to a professional for help. Thankfully here a SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview we are fully equipped to handle even the biggest damage issues.
In order to properly clean up after a storm has caused irreversible damage to a property, there are specific steps to take.
- Sewage cleanup
- Biohazard remediation
- Rodent clean up services
These are required steps to take in order to safely handle the damage. This can successfully be done by stopping the growth of microorganisms with antimicrobials. Also by disinfecting materials and deodorizing any foul smells.
At SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview we use chemical agents and a physical approach to fully restore the damage. Give us a call at (951) 344-6115.
Emergency Kit
1/25/2022 (Permalink)
A storm can hit at any moment typically without much warning. This could potentially create many issues if it causes damage to your property.
It is important that you understand the risk of the unknown and are prepared. In order to be prepared we need to take action and create a plan for an emergency. After you have prepared yourself, it is important to pass on the information that you already know to your family and friends.
To build an emergency supply kit, we need:
- food
- water
- flashlight
- first aid kit
- clothing
- whistle
- documents
- cash
- radio
In the case that a storm does hit and causes damage to your property, call your local professionals.
SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview is prepared to serve you with our 24 hour emergency service. Give us a call at (951) 344-6115.
Be Prepared For Any Weather
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Living in Southern California, we are not used to having stormy weather. Although one thing that we are familiar with is having high winds.
High winds may not seem intimidating but it can cause issues within your home or business. The wind can cause rocks, debris, and tree branches to damage your property. This causes damage to roofs, windows, and other things around the house.
If this happens to you, your first thought is how to fix the situation. Just give us a call and then we make it easy by taking care of the rest of the steps for you.
It often effects areas that are more open and near the mountains. We have the experience and equipment to handle any damage the stormy wind may cause.
SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview is looking forward to helping your family or business out during this time. We offer 24 hour emergency service so that you never have to worry about what to do during an emergency. Give us a call today at (951) 344-6115.
How To Handle A Storm
1/24/2022 (Permalink)
Many Californians are unequipped to handle a big storm. Thankfully we do not see much of those in Southern California, but it is important to be prepared.
Here are four main tips on how to prepare for a storm or high winds.
- Secure the foundations and all of the windows
This is important because floodwater can get through cracks. The seals must be working and up to date.
- Place important documentations in a safe space
Place important documents in plastic, scan extra copies, or keep them in a safe space.
- Inspect the backflow system
This keeps sewer water from contaminating the area. It should be checked by a trained professional to ensure safety precautions are up to date.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters
The gutters should be cleaned regularly so that rain water can flow.
If homeowners take these steps during an emergency, they can be sure to reduce the damage. A storm can also cause flood waters within a business or home which cause even more damage.
It may take some time to prepare everything and assure that all measures are taken. It will be well worth it after the storm passes. If there are any issues, give SERVPRO of San Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview a call! We have a team of trained professionals looking forward to restoring any of your homes needs.
Flooding In Your Home
1/21/2022 (Permalink)
What is Flooding?
Flooding is the temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in thee United States.
Floods may-
> Result from rain, snow, coastal storms and over flows of dams and other water systems.
> They can develop slowly or quickly. If there is flash flooding it can happen with out any warning.
> Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings and cause landslides.
If you receive a flood warning-
> Find shelter immediately
> Do not go into flooding water, this includes walking, swimming and driving. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you down and 1 foot of moving water to sweep your vehicle away.
> Avoid bridges that are going over fast moving water.
If your home experiences flooding call SERVPRO of SAN Jacinto/Idyllwild/Lakeview. We have specialized training and years of experience dealing with flooded houses and can get your home back to pre-storm condition.
Keep Your Home Safe in Wind Storms
1/20/2022 (Permalink)
Severe winds can occur at any time, or they can accompany storms like hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Here are a few things you should do in order to help keep your home safe-
> Review your insurance policy and make sure you understand it completely. If you are unsure, reach out to your insurance company so they can help you.
> Make sure you keep your roof well maintained. In severe winds it is your first line of defense. Check for loose shingles or tile and check to see if there are any weak spots.
> Prevent wind and water damage inside your home by looking for cracks or gaps around any seals. Make sure caulking around doors and windows is in good condition and fill any holes or gaps around pipes/wires that enter your home.
> Trim or remove dead, damaged or rotting trees. High winds can easily tear up or cause trees to fall, have someone check the condition of your trees to ensure they are strong and healthy.
These are only just a few options to help keep you and your home safe in high winds. The hard work ensuring it is well maintained and safe will go a long way if you ever experience a storm.
What To Do When Lightning Strikes
12/6/2020 (Permalink)
Do-
>If the weather is showing possible signs of a thunderstorms, keep an eye on the weather forecast and postpone your trip or activity, or make sure adequate safe shelter is readily available.
>Go indoors as quickly as possible. Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.”
>Seek shelter immediately even if caught out in the open. If you are caught in an open area, act quickly to find adequate shelter. The most important action is to remove yourself from danger. Crouching or getting low to the ground can reduce your chances of being struck, but does not remove you from danger.
Don't-
>Don’t stay in open vehicles, structures, and spaces.
>During a thunderstorm, avoid open vehicles such as convertibles, motorcycles, and golf carts. Be sure to avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. And stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches.
>Don’t stay near tall structures.
>Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Tips For Flood Damages!
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
Finding flood damage in your home can create quite a bit of stress; after all, no one likes discovering that their living room has been turned into a water recreation facility. As a result, many homeowners are likely to panic and make poor choices in the hours that follow. You can avoid these mistakes by following the flood damage checklist below:
Ensure your safety
Once you see a flood of water in your basement, it may be tempting to go charging right in, but this is generally a bad idea. First, you need to ensure that you're safe. If the power is still on, you could be electrocuted. Additionally, sewage will make you ill, and the water from flood damage can conceal sharp objects to cut yourself on.
Shut off the water source
Now that you know you’re safe, next you need to ensure that the source of the water has been taken care of. Sometimes, this is as simple as turning off a water supply valve. However, more complex problems, like a flooded sewer line, could actually take a few hours. It's a good idea to call the appropriate professional, like a plumber, right away to give them time to start driving out to your flood damaged property.
Call your insurance
Sure, it's tempting to have your first call be to a flood damage clean-up professional, but there's a chance that your insurance doesn't contract out with them. Instead, it's better to have your insurance's claim number programmed into your phone. Call them, report the flood damage, and then call a professional they contract out with.
Call a clean-up crew
Most flood damage clean-up projects are just too large for you to tackle by yourself. Besides, depending on where you live, you'll likely have mold to clean up afterwards as well. Any money spent on a flood damage clean-up crew will likely be well worth it.
Take pictures and document damage
Your insurance policy will need proof of flood damage if they are going to write you a check. When you're on the phone with your insurance company and the clean-up crew, take photos of the flood damage. Make sure to get detailed photos of valuable items.
If you've planned well, you'll also have pictures of your home in an undamaged state. This lets you prove the state that your house and items were in before the disaster.
Remove what can be saved
Once you've ensured that the area is safe, you have help on the way, and you've thoroughly documented the flood damage, you can begin to remove items out of the area. A word of caution: water is extremely heavy. Any water soaked items will weigh a lot more than you expect. Please, be careful not to injure yourself.
Begin the remediation process
This is where professionals will come in handy. During the remediation process, all excess water will need to be removed, the humidity will need to be brought down to an appropriate level, mold prevention steps will need to be taken, and damaged drywall or flooring will need to be replaced. All of this is a lot of work for one person, so please get professional help.
Hurricane Damage To Your Home
8/28/2020 (Permalink)
When a hurricane or a major storm hits, sadly it can be extremely devastating to anything it touches. If your home has sustained damage, you and your family can take steps to ensure safety precautions are met and repairs can be made as efficiently as possible.
- Beware of any outdoor hazards, dangling power lines and broken tree branches are just some examples of the dangers.
- Boil water until you have been told it is safe to drink.
- Avoid flood water, as it may have harmful contaminants and dangerous debris.
- Once flood water is gone, immediately clean and repair damages to avoid mold—and wear protective gear.
- If property damage occurs, submit an insurance claim as soon as you can.
Here at SERVPRO we have special teams who we deploy to areas that have witnessed such storms. We can assist you with removing items from your home, removing all the damaged materials then placnig equipment to get your home ready for repairs and helping you through each step of the insurance process.
We are always happy to help however we can when such devastating damage has occurred. Please don't hesitate to call SERVPRO if you suffer any form of damage to your home.
Protecting Yourself & Your Home During High Winds
8/6/2020 (Permalink)
High winds may not seem like it, but they can potentially be very dangerous if they get strong and fast enough. If you live in an area where you experience high winds read these tips to keep yourself and your home safe.
1. Beware of surrounding threats
Before the wind storm picks up, check the perimeter of your home to be aware of any potential risks. Whether it's a broken fence, loose branch or crumbling roof shingles, make any necessary renovations or improvements to ensure you keep your family safe.
2. Keep your appliances grounded
Along with making any last minute exterior renovations, make sure any of your outdoor furniture or appliances are tied down and secure—this includes patio furniture, barbeques, sporting equipment, and even your garden shed.
3. Cover your doors and windows
You might also want to consider installing storm shutters if the wind continues to grow stronger. This will protect your windows from shattering in case flying objects hit your glass, or from bursting open if they are hit by strong gusts of wind.
4. Secure your roof
Strong winds can damage your shingles, making homes more vulnerable to rain and leaks, but homes with metal roofing also face the danger of entire panels being torn away. This raises the risk of wind entering your home.
5. Ensure your garage door is in good condition
A home has four weak spots that will be vulnerable to strong weather conditions: the roof, windows, doors, and garage. In order to make sure your garage is in good condition, call a contractor from a garage company to inspect it and make any repairs to ensure it will withstand a wind storm.
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