The Importance of Storm Damage Mitigation: Protecting Your Property Before, During, and After a Storm

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing extensive damage and disruption to daily life. From heavy rains and flooding to high winds and hail, the effects of severe weather can be devastating. That's why proactive storm damage mitigation is crucial in safeguarding your property and minimizing the impact of these natural disasters.

Before a storm hits, it's essential to take preventive measures such as:

1. Securing Loose Items: Secure outdoor furniture, equipment, and other loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.

2. Clearing Gutters and Drains: Ensure that gutters and drains are clear of debris to allow for proper water drainage and reduce the risk of flooding.

3. Reinforcing Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows and doors to protect against flying debris and wind damage.

During a storm, prioritize safety above all else. Stay indoors, away from windows, and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

After the storm passes, assess the damage and take immediate action to mitigate further loss:

1. Tarping and Board-Up: Cover damaged roofs and openings with tarps and boards to prevent additional water intrusion and secure the property.

2. Water Extraction and Drying: Remove standing water and initiate drying procedures to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

3. Structural Repairs: Promptly repair damaged roofs, walls, and windows to restore the integrity of the building and prevent further deterioration.

At SERVPRO of SE Summit County / Lake Township, we specialize in storm damage mitigation and restoration services. Our experienced team is available 24/7 to respond quickly to emergencies and help you navigate the aftermath of a storm. Don't wait until it's too late – contact us for expert storm damage mitigation and restoration solutions.

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Preparation Before a Storm

Stay Safe During the Next Big Storm

Depending on the person, you may either love to watch a storm roll in, or you may find yourself stricken with anxiety as dark clouds form at the horizon. No matter what end of the spectrum you fall on, knowing what to do to stay safe during a storm can benefit anyone. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you the next time a storm is on the radar:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Is Your Home Prepared for the Next Storm?

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $15 billion in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property:

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation.
4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to park your vehicles in the garage.
8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

How to Handle the Aftermath

After the Storm: What You Can Do

A storm has just blown through, but thankfully you and your family took precautions and no one was harmed. However, there is still a chance something happened in your home, whether it be flooding, backed up sewage, or damage from falling debris. If there’s any major damage to your SE Summitor Lake Countyhome, the best thing you can do is call the experts at SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County and let the professionals clean up, but there are still some things you can do yourself if you feel up to it.  

• Clean up sticks and branches that may have fallen during the storm. This one is by far the easiest, and the branches can easily be thrown away, or used for something like firewood or compost. If a branch or tree has fallen against your house and caused damage, go ahead and call SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County to have it quickly, and expertly repaired.  
• Dry out your house as soon as possible. After a storm, if water has gotten inside your home, it will very quickly cause mold to grow, which will create many issues down the road. It’s best to clean up any standing water and dry off surfaces that may grow mold.
• If you see any damage involving sewage, live wires, or possible gas leaks, don’t try and fix it yourself! Immediately call the experts at SERVPRO ofSE Summit/Lake County to solve this issue for you.  

We Handle Flood & Storm Damage

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County, specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake County is ready when a storm strikes.  Our resources can handle a small or large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (330) 249-7741

After Storm Care Tips

11/19/2022 (Permalink)

Make smart choices when it comes to driving and after care following a big storm; choose SERVPRO!

Handling the Aftermath of a Storm

Your family has taken the necessary precautions during a storm, but what do you do to deal with the aftermath? There is a chance that something happened to your home, whether it be flooding, backed up sewage, or damage from fallen debris. If there’s any major damage to your home, it’s best to call the experts at SERVPRO of Southeast Summit/Lake Township and let the professionals clean up. But, there are still some things you can do yourself if you feel up to it.  

• Clean up tree debris from your property. Picking up sticks and leaves is by far the easiest step, and is something even your kids and pets can get involved in. These materials can be discarded, or saved for firewood or composting. If a branch or tree has fallen against your house and caused damage, make sure you call SERVPRO of SE Summit/Lake Townshipto have it quickly, and expertly repaired.  
• Dry out your house as soon as possible. Water that has entered your home, typically in a basement or attic, can lead to mold if left untreated. Mold can lead to severe property and health detriments, so it is important to get these areas dried as quickly as possible. If some time has passed and you suspect mold may already be growing, a bleach-based household cleaning solution can kill the mold and prevent further damage.  
• If you see any damage involving sewage, live wires, or possible gas leaks, do not attempt to fix these things yourself. Leave these types of cleanups to the professionals at SERVPRO

If you feel unqualified or just need a helping hand, be sure to call in professionals to handle your after storm clean up.

What to do if Lightning Strikes

It’s one of those things that you hear about on a rare occasion, but you never think about it happening to you. The chances of your house or business being struck by lightning are basically zero, so why would you need to worry about it? Surprisingly, from 2017-2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported just over 311,000 claims for lightning, with an average cost of $28,885 per claim. Makes you want to worry about it a bit more, right? So, what do you need to do if lightning strikes your home or business?

• First, make sure that no one in your home or business was hurt. It’s a bad idea to do things like wash dishes or shower during a lightning storm, so try to avoid these practices when you know a storm is approaching. This could save you from injuries.
• Next, check for damage or a fire. As you do this, make sure to check everywhere from the attic to the basement looking for things like smoke, charred electrical outlets, sorted appliances, damaged roof shingles, or fried wiring.
• If you find any storm damage and need storm damage repair, then it’s best to contact the experts at SERVPRO of Southeast Summit/Lake Townshipto mitigate your lightning or storm damage. We’ll take care of everything, so you don’t have to worry.

Driving After a Storm

After a bad storm, driving may be the furthest thing from some people’s minds. But, if you were stuck at work during the storm, or just have somewhere to be, driving may be inevitable after a storm. It is important to understand the best tactics when driving post storm, especially if the streets are flooded. Here are a few things to remember if you find yourself driving on flooded streets.

Avoid Standing Water

When you have somewhere to be, driving through a flooded street may not seem like a big deal. “That’s the quickest route, I’ll be fine.” But, there can be dangers below the surface of flooded streets, such as:

• Branches or other debris
• Potholes or washed out pavement
• Moving water

It is hard to tell just how dangerous a flooded street may be, so don’t take the risk. Even a few inches can stall your vehicle or even move it off the road. Flood damage experts recommend that you find an alternate route or just wait until the water has a chance to drain. A few extra minutes on your trip is better than damage to your car.

Slow Down

A flooded street is not a racetrack. Even if the water is shallow enough to navigate, you still need to reduce your speed so that you don’t stall your vehicle or hydroplane. If your tires cause water to fan out to the side, you are probably going too fast to be safe.

Don’t Use Others as a Gauge

Just because other drivers make it through flooded roads, that doesn’t mean you should try it. Flood conditions change rapidly. The car in front of you could have inadvertently knocked some debris into your path that will tear up your vehicle. Their car may be able to withstand more than yours as well. It is important to use your best judgment and focus on your own driving, rather than someone else’s.

A flooded street is not meant to be a challenge. It’s better to turn around and find an alternate route, or wait until the water drains rather than risking your car or your own safety. Wherever you need to be would want you there later safely than not there at all due to flood damage.

If you experience storm damage and are in need of restoration following the next big storm, call SERVPRO of SE Summit County/Lake Township today: 330-786-0505