Recent Storm Damage Posts

Dealing with Water Damage After a Storm

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can bring heavy rainfall, flash floods, and water leaks, causing significant water damage to homes and businesses. Dealing with water damage can be a daunting and stressful task, but taking immediate action is key to preventing further destruction and minimizing the impact on your property. In this blog, we will discuss essential steps to effectively deal with water damage after a storm, including safety precautions, water removal, drying, and restoration.

Ensure Safety

Prioritize your safety and the safety of others by turning off electrical power to affected areas to prevent electrocution hazards. If standing water is present, avoid direct contact to reduce the risk of contamination. Use personal protective equipment, such as rubber gloves and boots, when handling water-damaged items to minimize exposure to potential health hazards.

Remove Standing Water

Utilize pumps, wet vacuums, or buckets to remove standing water from affected areas. Start with the highest point and work your way down. Open doors and windows to increase ventilation and aid in the drying process. Consider hiring water damage restoration professionals for larger-scale water extraction projects or situations involving contaminated water.

Dry Out the Area

Use fans, dehumidifiers, and air movers to facilitate drying. Aim for maximum airflow to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth. Remove wet carpets, rugs, and furniture from affected areas to prevent further damage and promote faster drying. Remove baseboards, drywall, and insulation if they have been extensively water damaged. This will aid in proper drying and minimize the risk of mold growth.

Salvage and Clean

Salvage items that can be restored. Wipe down furniture, electronics, and other items with clean, dry cloths to remove excess moisture. Dispose of items that cannot be salvaged, such as severely waterlogged furniture or heavily damaged appliances. Use mild detergents or disinfectants to clean and sanitize surfaces that have come into contact with floodwater or contaminated water.

Prevent Mold Growth

Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water damage, so it's crucial to take preventive measures. Thoroughly dry affected areas and items to prevent mold spores from taking root. Use mold inhibitors or professional-grade antimicrobial products to treat surfaces and inhibit mold growth. If mold growth is extensive or if you are unsure about proper remediation, consult with a professional mold remediation specialist.

Document the Damage

Take photographs or videos of the water damage for insurance purposes. Document the extent of the damage and any affected items before beginning the cleanup process. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to water damage repairs and restoration for insurance claims.

Seek Professional Help

If the water damage is extensive or if you are unsure of the appropriate steps to take, it is best to consult with professional water damage restoration experts.

Water damage professionals have the experience, equipment, and expertise to thoroughly assess and restore your property, ensuring proper cleanup and preventing long-term damage.

Dealing with water damage after a storm can be challenging, but following these steps will help you effectively address the situation and prevent further destruction. Prioritize safety, remove standing water, dry out the affected areas, salvage and clean items, prevent mold growth, document the damage for insurance purposes, and seek professional assistance when needed. By taking swift action and implementing these measures, you can minimize the impact of water damage and begin the process of restoring your property to its pre-storm condition.

Recovering Your Landscaping After Storms

9/28/2023 (Permalink)

flood water on sidewalk Recovering your landscaping after a storm is possible. Contact SERVPRO for professional assistance with recovering your landscaping properly.

The South Central region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including lush gardens, towering trees, and manicured lawns. However, storms in the area can cause significant damage to your landscaping, leaving it in disarray and in need of recovery. In this blog post, we will discuss how to recover your landscaping after storms in the South Central region.

Assess the Damage

Before you begin any landscaping recovery efforts, it's essential to assess the damage caused by the storm. Inspect your property for any fallen trees or branches, damaged landscaping features, and eroded soil. Evaluate the structural integrity of any outdoor structures, like gazebos or pergolas, and check for any safety hazards.

Once you have assessed the damage, make a plan for recovery. Consider which tasks can be handled by yourself or your landscaping team and which require professional attention. Set reasonable goals and prioritize your efforts based on the severity of the damage. Make an inventory of any materials and equipment you will need and ensure you have everything required before you start.

Remove Debris

One of the first steps in landscaping recovery is to remove any debris accumulated in your lawn or garden. This may include fallen branches, damaged plant material, rocks, and other debris. Discard any damaged or dead plants as they are unlikely to recover and could spread disease to healthy plants. Remove any plant debris that is around the base of trees or shrubs to prevent fungal decay.

Storms can cause significant soil erosion, which can impact the health of your grass and plants. Rebuilding soil is an essential part of landscaping recovery. Consider adding a layer of compost or organic matter to help replenish nutrients and improve soil structure. This will also promote healthy plant growth, reduce soil compaction, and prevent future erosion.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Strong winds and heavy rain can cause trees and shrubs to become overgrown or damaged. Pruning can help these plants recover and promote healthy growth. Regular pruning will help remove any damaged or diseased growth, improve air circulation, and keep your trees and shrubs healthy.

If any of your landscaping was significantly damaged, consider replacing it with new plants. Choose hardy, drought-tolerant species that can resist the harsh weather conditions of the South Central region. Be sure to plant new landscaping in well-draining soil with plenty of compost or fertilizer so that they can thrive.

Monitor Watering Carefully

After a storm, many homeowners want to help their plants recover by overwatering them. This can actually do more harm than good. When watering new or damaged plants, care must be taken to allow for adequate drainage. Before watering, check that the top few inches of soil are dry to avoid overwatering and check the weather forecast to avoid watering during rainy days.

If the damage to your landscaping is extensive, you may want to seek professional assistance. A landscape professional can help you assess the damage, diagnose any plant diseases or infestations, and provide advice on the best way to restore your landscaping. They can also provide critical tips on enhancing the landscape's resilience against future storms.

Recovering your landscaping after storm damage is possible. By assessing the damage, making a plan, removing debris, rebuilding soil, pruning trees and shrubs, planting new landscaping, monitoring watering, and seeking professional assistance, you can restore the beauty of your outdoor spaces. Landscaping recovery takes time, effort, and patience, but the resulting healthy and thriving landscape will be worth it.

Hiring A Contractor

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Once your insurance company gives you the go-ahead, you will need to hire a contractor for repairs. Your insurance company might recommend someone to you. If not, search for someone local if at all possible, inquiring with friends, neighbors, and area businesses for references.  Check the credentials of prospective contractors, and as The Balance explains, you should get estimates from them at no charge. Your insurance company will pay the contractor directly for the storm damage.

Smart Alterations

You should rebuild in a manner that will improve your situation and help prevent future storm damage. Some experts suggest high-impact glass and functional (versus decorative) shutters to protect windows. You can also reinforce your attic area and roof, and consider replacing the roof with a high-impact material. Another suggestion is to brace your garage door to better withstand storms. Any changes from the original dwelling will need to be paid for by you.

Keeping your property safe!

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

A torrential downpour has finally subsided. Perhaps a long winter has finally come to an end, and the deep snows have started to melt.

While the pleasant weather may appear to be a welcome break, the risk of water damage may only be beginning. Flooding and property damage can occur when storm water runoff overwhelms natural and manmade systems.

When bad weather strikes, the efforts you take today to prepare your home and yard for adequate drainage will save you time and money in the long run.

Stormwater runoff is absorbed by the soil, evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs into bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and rivers in the natural environment.

Secure Valuables

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Secure equipment and valuables

If you live in an area prone to strong winds or hail, keep an eye on the weather forecast so that you can protect your valuables before a storm hits. Ensure any high-value items are in a safe and secure area, stored up high and away from windows. Any outdoor equipment should be securely fastened so it’s not lost or turned into a projectile during a storm.

Keep your employees safe

In the event of a storm, safety is of the utmost concern. Stay away from windows, and take shelter in the safest part of your property. If your building doesn’t have a designated storm shelter, have employees take shelter in an area devoid of windows, such as a lavatory or break room. Prepare an emergency plan ahead of time and communicate it with employees, so they’ll know what to expect. Practice an emergency drill if possible, so that everyone will be prepared if weather conditions are threatening your safety.

Helpful Shelter Info

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Are you in need of a place to stay? The United States has been split into four zones based on 40 years of tornado history and more than 100 years of hurricane history, which geographically represent the number and strength of violent windstorms. Zone IV has seen the most and the most powerful tornadoes. Zone III comprises coastal areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes and has seen a lot of tornado activity. Check with your local building official, meteorologist, emergency management official, or television weather reporter to discover more about the wind history in your area. Your home was most likely constructed in compliance with local construction codes that take into account the impacts of "code-approved" design winds in your location.

The Foundations of Shelter Design

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

The Foundations of Shelter Design

A shelter's objective is to provide a safe haven for you and your family to withstand a tornado or hurricane with minimal or no damage. The shelter cannot be built in a storm-prone area where it will be swamped during a hurricane. Your refuge should be easily accessible from all sections of your house and be clutter-free. The shelter must be adequately attached to the home foundation to prevent overturning and elevation in order to protect the residents during severe windstorms. The connections between all sections of the shelter must be robust enough to withstand failure, and windborne projectiles must not penetrate the walls, roof, or door.

Winter Storm Damage Tips for Businesses

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of River Oaks today at 713-666-9222

6 smart steps to protect businesses from winter storm damage

As winter storms arrive, they bring with them massive destruction to property and the economy. Businesses must take preventive measures to protect themselves in the event of a winter storm. SERVPRO of River Oaks, a flood damage restoration company, shares some tips below.

An average winter storm in the US can cost $3.9 billion per event. Although the characteristics of winter weather vary with location, every business faces varying threats as winter nears. A small business or a large-scale enterprise must have a winter weather preparedness to mitigate the impact of such incidents on employees, customers, and the bottom line.

Here are six steps to protect a business all season long.

Step 1: Assess the risks

The various hazards businesses need to watch out for during cold weather are:

  • Icy roads and snow accumulation
  • structural stress and damage
  • Dangerous fire activity
  • Slip and fall injuries 
  • Seasonal illnesses
  • Unsafe driving conditions
  • Road closures
  • Flight delays and cancellations
  • Local school delays and closures
  • Electrical fires and other hazards
  • Power/systems outages (both in the workplace and for employees working remotely)

Assessing the unique risks that a business faces is imperative for the preparation of a plan. Factors such as the location of employee residences, office location, type of industry, employees' work routine are some of the questions that help identify the threats that must be considered while making winter storm preparation plans. For instance, the increase in remote work presents its unique safety and preparedness challenges.

In the event of a storm forecast, the management must vigilantly check local news and follow travel safety recommendations to stay atop the regional threats. 

Step 2: Delegate responsibility

Assigning the responsibility for the safety of employees as well as the business facility is important to ensure there is no confusion during the emergency event. All processes and responsible parties must be laid out for internal functions such as keeping employees informed of rapidly developing situations, ensuring all employees are accounted for and keeping facilities and equipment in safe operating condition.

Any organization is accountable for its employees’ overall safety and well-being for which all necessary safety precautions must be taken. A project team of involved stakeholders must be assembled to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of each function. A clear, documented plan of who will do what during a winter storm is important to help avoid confusion, finger-pointing, and missteps during the emergency.

Step 3: Plan for each threat

A specific action plan must be prepared for each winter storm threat that has been identified. From extreme cold, freezing rain, heavy snow to carbon monoxide poisoning, and blizzard warnings, a specific plan must be created. The people responsible for each storm threat management must be kept in the loop to eliminate ambiguity. These people including employees and managers must be trained to watch out for signs of hypothermia, frostbite, and other health threats.

A winter storm preparation checklist must be prepared with each step explained elaborately. Include preparation items like filling gas tanks, dripping faucets, and buying extra supplies. All these winter weather scenarios must be rehearsed in drills with key leaders and people managers while employees must be trained on the safety measures during the seasons.

Step 4: Fortify against extreme cold

A business facility must be fortified to withstand winter threats and hazards. Regular inspections and maintenance of offices, supplies, and equipment must be conducted. Carbon monoxide detectors, elevators to walkways, and evacuation routes must be checked. These regular inspections allow timely maintenance and a functional system.

Additionally, a power outage backup plan must be made. Winter storms often knock out power lines, which can hamper employee productivity, threaten employee safety, and impede vital business operations. From keeping a variety of portable chargers and battery banks and investing in a backup generator to a secure data backup solution and communication plan, an organization must take necessary preventative measures before a storm arrives.

Step 5: Equip the people

Employees must be prepared and provided with the equipment and resources they need to stay safe.

  • Share tips with employees on staying safe this winter, at home or work. 
  • Review space heater and backup generator safety reminders. 
  • Ensure employees that work outdoors have adequate protective clothing and know how to recognize the warning signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Company vehicles should be serviced before the winter season to ensure the battery, tire tread, windshield wipers, and antifreeze levels are satisfactory. 
  • Make sure that employees have access to emergency supplies at home, at work, and while driving.
  • Stock up on winter safety essentials at the facility such as flashlights and first-aid supplies.
  • Make a winter emergency vehicle kit for employees who travel for work.

Step 6: Keep everyone informed

Build a communication plan for how and who needs to be contacted when a winter storm hits. Have accurate contact information on hand for third parties such as clients, vendors, utility providers, the landlord, and insurance company. Identify how storm-related information will be disseminated and maintain contact with employees during winter weather events. Have a plan to inform clients and supplies about important information such as office closures or delayed openings. An emergency communication system—with features such as multichannel delivery, two-way messaging, and pre-built communication templates can help when there are power outages. 

Why SERVPRO?

  • SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of River Oaks is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Houston, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 
  • With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
  • The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

When Lightning Strikes a House

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of River Oaks is Here to Help 713-666-9222

When lightning strikes a house

Lightning is the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. This violent and sudden electrostatic discharge generates a bright flash and thunder. SERVPRO, a storm restoration company, explains the impact of a lightning strike on a house.

What Happens When Lightning Strikes a House

A cloud-to-ground lightning bolt will find the path of least resistance from the cloud to deep into the ground. Most houses have a path that the lightning can follow, causing immense damage in its wake. From gas and water pipes, electric lines, phone lines, cable TV/internet lines to gutters, downspouts, and metal window frames, any reasonable conductor becomes an opportunity for the lightning to continue its journey

Only a home with a professionally installed lightning protection system can prevent a direct lightning strike. It is important to be aware of how lightning can damage a house and the dangers it poses. Here are some damages that may occur to a house when lightning strikes:

  • Shock wave damage: Lightning can crack and break bricks, concrete, stone, and even cinder blocks. It can damage chimneys which are made from brick and stone. Lightning's shock waves can blow out plaster walls, shatter glass windows, create trenches in soil, and crack foundations.
  • Power surge damage: The electrical system of a house is the most common point of entry of increased voltage from a lightning or surge event. When lightning strikes a nearby power line, it can travel from the power line to the meter and then into the home’s electrical panel into the home’s wiring, burning the insulation and fusing the wires. It can travel through the wiring to the outlets and damage the electrical appliances as well. This can be a potential fire hazard as well. 
  • Fire damage: A house is made of highly flammable materials such as wood. As lightning travels through the house, it can easily ignite a fire. The attic or the roof is the most common area where lightning can start a fire since it has to pass through some structural material before reaching a conductive path. As the wiring or the pipes come in contact with lightning, a fire hazard becomes a very imminent possibility.  

Preventive measures 

It is always wise to take preventive measures in anticipation of a storm.

  • Trim the trees: Tall objects attract lightning. A tall tree near a house can become a possible direct route for lightning to enter the house. So trimming the trees close to the house is a safety measure homeowners can take. 
  • Pay attention to the shingles: Repair and replace shingles that are damaged or missing to protect the house from a devastating lightning strike. Ideally, replace shingles made from wood with shingles made from fire-resistant asphalt, tile, or metal to prevent possible fires.
  • Be cautious: During the storm, avoid direct contact with any potential lightning routes. Appliances or landlines should be avoided. Do not take a bath or do dishes during the storm. And unplug the computers and large appliances. 

Why SERVPRO?

  • SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of River Oaks is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Houston, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 
  • With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
  • The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry