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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Qualities of Reputable Storm Restoration Companies | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

large downed tree laying on top of light brown house Choosing the right restoration company is crucial to getting things back to normal. Call SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona to set up an appointment.

Having a severe weather situation can be a frightening experience for anyone, but for those who sustain damage, it can be frustrating as well. The frequency and overall destruction of storms is increasing in recent years, and with that comes the necessity of deciding how you will be able to handle damage if it happens to your home or business.

Being able to choose a restoration company you can count on will make the restoration process much simpler from beginning to end. While sustaining damage will always be an added stressor, working with a company you can count on is a great way to gain peace of mind as your damage is handled.

What to Look for When Choosing a Storm Restoration Provider

Look for a company with a good reputation. As with any purchase, you should do your research on a restoration company’s reputation before you enter into a contract with them. There are many companies that show up and attempt to make a quick buck after severe weather, many of which are scams. That is why we are so proud of the reputation we have earned—we are considered leaders in the restoration industry and are extremely active within the community as well.

Look for a company that can handle spikes in demand. When a storm or other weather event impacts an entire neighborhood, there will be a spike in demand for restoration—and finding a company that can handle that is vital to getting the best service possible. When we need backup or more resources, we can get in touch with SERVPRO® partners throughout the country to get the workforce we need to match the demand.

Look for a company that is always there for you. Severe weather can occur at any time of the day or night, holidays and special events notwithstanding. For that reason, we are always here to take your call to report damage to your home. You can get in touch with us whenever you need to and we will immediately start taking action and getting a team assembled to handle your damages right away.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

Preparing Your Home and Family for Storms | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

large yellow storm warning sign in front of dark forming clouds SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if you experience any storm damage.

Though many storms may come through an area without incident, it only takes one to lead to damage to your home and property. All storms have the potential to cause damage, but not all of them do—which is why we encourage people to be prepared at all times. To help you prepare your household, we have put together some safety tips so you can be certain you are taking every precaution possible.

Take Every Precaution Possible to Prepare for Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. With hail, high winds and heavy rains, storms can cause all kinds of damages—many of which can be protected against. By maintaining your yard, cutting trees and limbs and securing objects that could be tossed around by high winds, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of sustaining damage. Many people choose to install a generator as well, so they can continue to use appliances during a long-term power outage.

Create a family communications plan. It may be the case that everyone is home when severe weather becomes possible, in which case everyone should proceed to the designated safe area of the home to take shelter—and do not forget the pets! If your family is scattered, however, it is important that you have a plan of action to keep in touch and have the away family members return home if it is safe to do so.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Your emergency kit is there for both your comfort and your safety in trying situations, including with severe storms. Your emergency kit should be stocked with nonperishable food, sealed water and medical supplies, and should be checked often to be sure everything is in date and functional. We recommend keeping your kit in the designated sheltering area of your home so it is right where you need it.

Consider getting a weather radio. Though our phones are the primary source of weather information, power outages and dead batteries can render them useless—hence the need for a backup. Getting a weather radio is a great solution, as you will be able to keep up with emergency alerts and weather updates directly, regardless of what state your cellphone is in.

If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.

Safety Tips for Warm-Weather Storms | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

lighting striking hillside during storm at night Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence when the days get longer and the sun gets hotter, but just because they are routine does not mean they are not dangerous. Any storm has the potential to cause severe damages if safety protocols are not followed—and because these storms are often sudden, their risk factor is higher.

No matter where you are, memorizing safety tips regarding summer storms is key to staying safe.

Memorize These Safety Tips Regarding Summer Storms

Know your options for shelter. If a storm is in the forecast and you have the ability to, you should always shelter in an interior room of your home and stay put until the threat passes—but unfortunately, the sudden onset of storms does not always provide that luxury. If you are able to park safely and turn off your engine, your car can actually be a good place to seek shelter if necessary.

Practice electrical safety. If lightning strikes a building, it can travel through the electrical wires and cause a power surge to occur. For electronics that are currently plugged in, this voltage can overwhelm them, which can ruin them and even cause hazardous sparks. Surge protectors are a must at home and at work to prevent this, but if you have the time, unplug things before a storm draws near just in case.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete is a solid construction material, but it can also transfer electrical charges quite efficiently depending on its construction. Most concrete structures will be reinforced with metal as they are poured, meaning that when lightning strikes, the metal can absorb the lightning’s energy and disperse it through the concrete. Avoid leaning against a concrete wall or sitting on a concrete floor when lightning is in the area.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When your summer fun is interrupted by a thunderstorm, you will want to get back to what you were doing as soon as the skies clear. However, experts recommend waiting at least a half hour before you resume any activities to be on the safe side, as lightning has been known to strike as much as 25 miles away from the storm clouds.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.

Weatherproofing Tips for Homeowners Hoping to Avoid Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

a person placing weather stripping on a white window If you have any storm damage, SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona is here to help. We are available 24/7 and ready to assist you when you need it most.

Brand-new houses are well-equipped to handle most weather, but as a house ages, its natural defenses will need updating over time in order to prepare for severe weather.

Thunderstorms can cause serious damage—in fact, half of all insurance claims filed by homeowners are due to weather. Doing what you can to make your house more resilient to severe weather damage is a wise choice to keep you safe and keep your savings on track.

Though weatherproofing is a fairly easy DIY project, it is seriously effective. While it is impossible to protect your home from every possible scenario, implementing the following tips can do wonders in reducing your chances of sustaining storm damage.

Prepare for Storms With Weatherproofing

Keep Your Shingles in Shape
Any time it rains, there is potential for a roof leak to develop, and they can start for many different reasons. To reduce the chances of experiencing a roof leak, doing a visual check on your shingles can go a long way. Replace any shingles that are cracked or loose before the next rainstorm to reduce the chances of a roof leak starting up.

Beat the Weather With Weatherstripping
The addition of weatherstripping is a simple way to boost your home’s storm defenses. Not only can it keep water from seeping in during heavy rains, but it is also a cost-saving measure recommended by the Department of Energy. It only takes a few hours to apply weatherstripping to windows and doors, and it has serious benefits for storm protection.

Gut Debris From Your Gutters
Gutters that are filled with leaves and debris cannot drain water away from the home effectively, which can lead to leaks and standing water around the foundation of your home. Cleaning gutters should be done every six months at minimum, and it is wise to check them for signs of damage or clogging even more frequently to be safe.

Pick the Right Paint
External paint color is important, but for storm protection, the technology in the paint matters even more. Many new paints are equipped with waterproof finishes to keep out moisture, as well as resistance to UV rays to keep it in good shape for longer. Shopping for both style and substance is key when it comes to repainting your home.

If you have issues with storm damage to your home, we are always here to help. Contact us 24 hours a day for a rapid response.

Tips to Increase Your Safety When Severe Weather Is in the Forecast | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

severe weather red sign with dark cloudy sky in background If your home has been impacted by storm damage, SERVPRO of Flagstaff / East Sedona will respond quickly to assist in any repairs.

Because of how often storms move through an area, it is not uncommon for people to fall into the habit of not taking them seriously enough. However, it is important to note that any thunderstorm does have the potential to be dangerous, causing personal and property damage that can be devastating.

Therefore, it is smart to increase your safety measures before the next time severe weather is in the forecast. Understanding the meaning behind common weather alerts, stocking your household with disaster supplies and making sure you can tune into emergency broadcasts from multiple sources will help you make sure you are being as safe as possible.

Know the Meaning Behind Common Weather Alerts

Being aware of the meaning behind common weather alerts can help you know exactly how to respond and react when certain things are issued. For example, a thunderstorm watch means that one is possible due to the current weather conditions, but has not started yet. The proper reaction is to stay tuned to weather alerts and be aware. For a thunderstorm warning, however, a thunderstorm has been spotted or is indicated on the radar, so you should seek shelter right away.

Stock Your Household With Disaster Supplies

When a severe weather warning is dispatched from local officials, you want to be sure that you stay put and stay safe until the storm passes. That is why you should always stock your household with disaster supplies so you can safely hold out until the worst of the weather passes. Nonperishable foods, adequate amounts of water, flashlights and batteries are all good things to include. Additionally, have a designated spot to head to during severe weather—preferably on the ground floor and away from any windows that could shatter during high winds.

Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts From Multiple Sources

Many people list their cell phone as their No.1 way of receiving emergency alerts, and while the benefit of always having your phone handy is good, you should have a secondary method to tune into broadcasts in case of an emergency. Because cell phones can die and cell reception can be knocked out during storms, having a non-electric radio like the NOAA’s Weather Radio can help you stay connected regardless of the circumstances.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact us 247 to get a quick response to your home’s damages.

How We Can Help After Destructive Storms | SERVPRO® of Flagstaff/East Sedona

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

storm damage flagstaff Call SERVPRO Flagstaff immediately in the event of storm damage

Storms occur with a high frequency, but it is important to remember that they can still cause severe damage. For homeowners in 2018, storms caused approximately $2 billion in losses making them one of the most common causes for insurance claims.

If your home sustains damage in a storm, having a plan in place will be helpful. Picking a restoration company in advance means you can make the call as soon as you discover damage to get the repair process underway, and when you choose us, we will be there for you every step of the way.

Why to Work With Us for Storm Restoration

We Will Handle All Types of Damage
Storm damage is often a multifaceted problem, involving structural and water damage that homeowners must contend with. To provide our customers with the highest level of service, we make sure that we are fully qualified and trained in all types of damage restoration—this way when you call us, you can be assured that all your damage will be handled.

We Will Send Highly Trained Technicians
Because we understand the importance of high-quality work, we invest heavily in our technicians’ training and continued education. We make sure everyone is familiar with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification industry guidelines, and we host many seminars and online learning programs to keep everyone informed on the latest techniques.

We Will Be Able to Help With Any Disaster
We are proud to be locally owned, but we also have the benefit of national resources behind us. Because there are SERVPRO® locations throughout the nation, we are able to call for reinforcements in the event of particularly widespread or severe damages. This means we can help the community restore faster, and make sure everyone receives top-notch service.

We Will Prove Our Reputation Is Deserved
When severe storms come through, there are many who try to take advantage of homeowners with empty promises and fake businesses. Our reputation as a leader in the restoration industry is something we are proud of, and you can trust that we will do the work we promise to perform.

If you have experienced storm damage or want to learn more, you can call us 247 for more details.