Recent Storm Damage Posts
Flooding
1/2/2024 (Permalink)
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- In case of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
Why SERVPRO in a storm?
5/26/2023 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage can refer to a large range of loss types resulting from water intrusion from the ground flooding or the roof of a building from trees or winds. This kind of damage is devastating and much of your property, business, or home can be damaged. Regardless of the extent of damage, speed, or duration of its occurrence the storm can result in ownership and possession loss. The longer you wait to call us to come to the rescue, you could be allowing more issues into the problem such as mold.
Storms, heavy rains, mudslides, and severe climate can leave massive losses to a community. This is why proper damage restoration should be a must. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties is here for you 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We are highly skilled and trained to make it "Like it never even happened."
(360)533-8667
Preparing for the stormy season!
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
Cold temperatures can create a negative impact on your home and property; it’s key that you take the necessary precautions for your home not only for cold weather, but for storm season as well in order to limit potential risks and damages. When doing routine maintenance, it’s always better to be prepared and go the extra step to insure that you are limiting risks of damage. It’s important to be thorough while inspecting your building.
- Basements and crawlspaces in your home can be areas where heat escapes. Be sure to seal and insulate around any HVAC ducts, basement windows, and any exposed pipes.
- Try installing foam-rubber gaskets behind electrical outlets & switch covers on exterior walls.
- If you don’t use your fireplace, plug the flue with an inflatable plug, or another item, that is safe and limits possible water to entry into your home.
- Make sure you replace any broken windows, re-putty any loose window panes, seal around windows and door trims, or use weather stripping for windows that are opened. This minor step can make a world of a difference in heat efficiency and preventing water intrusion.
- For attic spaces it’s best to weather strip & insulate the access door properly, seal around your chimney with metal flashing or a high temperature sealant, seal around plumbing vents, seal any holes between the heated space of your home and the attic, and don’t forget to insulate any exposed water pipes!
If water damage occurs in your home due to extreme weather or any other means, make sure to call SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties where the crew is trained and experienced in dealing with not only average water damage but storm water damages to buildings as well. (360)533-8667
Summer sometimes brings storms, are you prepared?
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
During long summer days, it’s easy to forget that there is always a possibility of a downpour! Air conditioning maintenance and air duct cleaning are essential for the inside of the home, but don’t neglect the outside! Summer rains can bring high damaging winds that can dislodge branches from trees which may look to find a new home...on top of yours! So, it’s essential that after every troublesome storm, an inspection to your rain gutters is performed. It is simple enough - all you will need is a ladder, gloves, protective goggles, water hose and a scoop. Let’s dive in!
Cleaning your gutters can be performed in 3 easy steps:
Climb the ladder and start scooping! Start from the end closest to the drain outlet and remove any debris with your scoop, working away from the drain outlet. For faster cleanup in the end, toss the offending material into a bucket on the ground.
With your water hose in tow, spray a steady stream of water through the gutters towards the drain outlet. This is much easier using a hose with a pressure gauge for high and low power, but any will work just as well.
Check your drainpipes for any blockages. Hopefully any potential blocks are minimized by scooping out the debris before it makes it into the pipes. However, there are instances where the rain storms forced material into the pipes. If you see a trickle instead of a flow coming from your pipes, use the hose at the top of the gutter and spray directly into the outlet. For harder to reach items, try a plumber’s snake.
Use these quick and easy tips to ensure your rain gutters are ready for any storms Mother Nature wants to throw your way.
Winter & Frozen Pipes
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the back-flow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.
To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:
Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing.
When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
Keep your heat on and if you leave always keep the heat to at least 55 degrees.
Apply heating tape to pipes. It works like an electric blanket for your pipes. There are also sleeves for your pipes that you can put on them to keep them from freezing.
Add extra insulation to areas of the home without it and where the pipes are. Generally basements and or attics are the places where there wouldn't be enough insulation installed.
Snow Birds
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
Snow Birds! This is a term I’m sure we have all heard but may not know what it means. According to Wikipedia, Snowbirds are typically retirees who wish to avoid the snow and cold temperatures of northern winter, but maintain ties with family and friends by staying there the rest of the year. In recent years, younger people with jobs tied to seasonal tourists often migrate southward, following the tourist season to southern resorts. Some are also business owners who have a second home in a warmer location or whose business can be easily moved from place to place. Many families in the United States often spend their Christmas holiday time (up to 2 weeks) at beach resorts in Florida and California.
Getting away from the winter definitely sounds amazing from time to time but make sure you take the proper steps before running away from Jack Frost and properly prepare your home.
Make a List. Check it Twice
Look carefully at the interior and exterior of your property and make note of everything that needs to be done. Come up with an action plan that will also come in handy once you open the house again. When you return to your home at a later date, you more than likely will have forgotten several tasks that will now need to be undone.
Turn Off Your Water at the Exterior
Don’t just turn off your water sources inside. If your furnace fails while you’re away, water in the pipes could freeze and potentially burst the pipes causing extensive damage. After you have turned off the main source, open up every faucet and drain the water lines. Go through your home and make sure the toilets, water heater (turn off the gas or electric supply first), and the expansion tank have all been drained.
Safety Checks
Walk around the home and unplug any appliances or gadgets including microwaves, TVs, and even your oven. This will avoid the risk of fire in the event of a faulty switch or a rodent gnawing on the wires. For a very long absence, experts suggest turning off gas hot water heaters completely. Hot water heaters use a lot of energy, just keeping water in the tank hot. For gas water heaters, the simplest option is to switch the unit to “pilot”.
Clean It Up
Don’t keep any food that is likely to go bad while you’re away. Empty your freezer. If the electric fails in your absence and then is restored, the food in your freezer will thaw and refreeze, which is very dangerous. If you must keep food in your freezer, place a coin on top of a frozen ice cube tray. If the ice cube melts while you’re away, the coin will sink into the ice cube and will freeze inside of it once the power kicks back on. If this happens you will know that there was a power outage while you were away and now you can discard any frozen foods.
Remove any items that could freeze in your absence such as beer bottles, paint containers, sodas, and mineral water. These items could burst and cause damage to your home.
Handle the Outside
Store outdoor furniture such as tables, chairs, hammocks, and delicate garden ornaments inside a garage, shed or storage unit. A strong wind could blow these pieces away or they can become damaged in a storm.
Flooding
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- In case of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
Flood Facts
5/1/2023 (Permalink)
Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, out in the country, or even in the desert, there is a potential for flooding. Anywhere it can rain, it can flood.
A variety of events can cause flooding, like: heavy rains, when ocean waves come onshore, if snow melts too fast, or when damns or levees break. A flooding event may occur over a long period and could last days, weeks or longer.
The most dangerous type of flood, a flash flood, happens quickly with little or no warning. Flash floods are the top weather-related killer in the U.S. since they can roll boulders, tear out trees and destroy buildings and bridges. A flash flood is the rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than 6 hours, caused by intense rainfall from a thunderstorm or several thunderstorms.
At least 25% of the businesses that close after an event like a flood never reopen their doors. As little as one-inch of water can cause costly damage to your property. Over the past 5 years the average flood claim was more than $75,000.
With many years of experience, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have restored flood damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure if not treated quickly and properly. If a flood strikes your home or business, call your local SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties! (360)533-8667
Flooding
1/3/2023 (Permalink)
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- In case of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
Why SERVPRO in a storm?
5/9/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage can refer to a large range of loss types resulting from water intrusion from the ground flooding or the roof of a building from trees or winds. This kind of damage is devastating and much of your property, business, or home can be damaged. Regardless of the extent of damage, speed, or duration of its occurrence the storm can result in ownership and possession loss. The longer you wait to call us to come to the rescue, you could be allowing more issues into the problem such as mold.
Storms, heavy rains, mudslides, and severe climate can leave massive losses to a community. This is why proper damage restoration should be a must. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties is here for you 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We are highly skilled and trained to make it "Like it never even happened."
(360)533-8667
Why SERVPRO in a storm?
5/4/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage can refer to a large range of loss types resulting from water intrusion from the ground flooding or the roof of a building from trees or winds. This kind of damage is devastating and much of your property, business, or home can be damaged. Regardless of the extent of damage, speed, or duration of its occurrence the storm can result in ownership and possession loss. The longer you wait to call us to come to the rescue, you could be allowing more issues into the problem such as mold.
Storms, heavy rains, mudslides, and severe climate can leave massive losses to a community. This is why proper damage restoration should be a must. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties is here for you 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We are highly skilled and trained to make it "Like it never even happened."
(360)533-8667
Flooding
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- In case of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
Flooding
1/6/2021 (Permalink)
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking "Like it never even happened."
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- In case of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
Why SERVPRO in a storm?
5/8/2020 (Permalink)
Flooding and water damage can refer to a large range of loss types resulting from water intrusion from the ground flooding or the roof of a building from trees or winds. This kind of damage is devastating and much of your property, business, or home can be damaged. Regardless of the extent of damage, speed, or duration of its occurrence the storm can result in ownership and possession loss. The longer you wait to call us to come to the rescue, you could be allowing more issues into the problem such as mold.
Storms, heavy rains, mudslides, and severe climate can leave massive losses to a community. This is why proper damage restoration should be a must. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties is here for you 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. We are highly skilled and trained to make it "Like it never even happened."
(360)533-8667
Storm Damage in Aberdeen, WA
5/25/2018 (Permalink)
Storm damages to your home, know that SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties are available 24/7 and are here to help (360)533-8667.
Back in 2017, when some storms happened here in Grays Harbor, the Grays Harbor Beauty College had some storm damages. They had water intrusion from the roof and flooding throughout the building, causing secondary water damage. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties had to extract water from throughout the 7,000 square foot building and move their chairs and equipment up and away from affected areas. After we were able to get the extraction done and content moved, we placed equipment to dry the structure out. While the work was being done the business was able to be up and running in no time. If there are any storm damages to your home, know that SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties are available 24/7 and are here to help (360)533-8667
Mold in Montesano, WA
5/25/2018 (Permalink)
If there is any mold give us a call we will take care of it! (360) 533-8667
Living around Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, storms are ALWAYS a possibility. SERVPRO of Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties was called to a home in Montesano, WA where a garage had flooded from a massive rain and wind storm. The home owners didn’t get taken care of the loss correctly so as time when on mold began to grow. The home owners didn’t catch it in time, so mold began to grow but luckily the home owner found the mold before it spread throughout the home. After finding the mold the SERPVRO crew found out that the mold had spread through the walls and ceiling. Mold is not something to mess around with. If you think you have an issue, call SERVPRO today (360) 533-8667!
Preventing Storm Damage
5/18/2018 (Permalink)
Help keep yourself,family, and your home safe. If a emergency does happen give SERVPRO a call.
Usually there is a warning before a huge storm comes rolling in. In any case that a storm is coming, there are some ways to help prevent storm damages to your home and/or vehicles. If your home is around large bushes or trees, remove the dead branches. These dead branches will be the first to fly around in a heavy wind. Also, cut back branches that overhang onto your driveway or over your house. Secure outdoor items such as pools, trampolines, grills, picnic tables, and lawn furniture. These pose a risk to fly into the exterior walls of homes or into vehicles. Clean out gutters and other drainage areas around your home to ensure the best flow of storm water. Have sand bags on hand to prevent any water from coming into your home. Check roof for loose shingles or nails. With a heavy wind storm, loose roofing materials can be dislodged and leave openings exposed for further damage. If you do have any damages from a storm, SERVPRO of Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties is only a call away (360)533-8667!
Flood Damage To Your Home
5/17/2018 (Permalink)
From a little loss to a large loss SERVPRO is here to take care of you.
Living around Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, storms are ALWAYS a possibility. In many situations, there are some storm damages to homes, large or small. In many cases there are floods and debris damages. Just like the huge flood in 2015, do not worry we have equipment to extract the standing water and to dry out the structure of your home. We will help take care of your belonging by getting them back to our shop by cleaning and getting them back in tip top shape. We will do any demo needed to reconstruct your house to the condition it was in before the storm. SERVPRO will help you every step of the way. For any future storm damages, know SERVPRO is here to help (360) 533-8667!
Storm Care
5/17/2018 (Permalink)
Making sure your home has a stable foundation because in Grays Harbor & Pacific Counties the weather is very unpredictable.
Living around Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, the weather is never predictable. In the last 11 years, there have been many storms from small to large but one of the largest storms was the power outage in 2007, it extremely windy and the rain was blowing so hard that there were trees taking out windows and trees falling on roofs. There were foundations of houses slipping and landslides so large that people’s houses were sliding down hills. Weather does not stop the SERVPRO team if you call we will be there to take care of both you and your home. In a storm like that, SERVPRO has the capability of boarding up windows/doors once they are damages. Also, we can tarp roofs to help prevent any further damages. Just give us a call (360)533-8667
Dealing with Floods
1/29/2018 (Permalink)
It doesn’t matter what time of day or what day of the week it is SERVPRO is here for you 24/7. Contact US (360)533-8667
We have had a lot of rain and it doesn’t look like it is going to slow down any time so. Rivers, lakes and bodies of water, are getting high and can potentially cause flooding. If flooding occurs and the water flows into your home, do not panic, try your best to stay calm. SERVPRO specializes in Flood Damage. As soon as we get your call we will have people at your home to begin drying it out. To help get your home looking like it never even happened.
Taking Precautions
- Water proof your basements, doors and windows.
- Try to have a backup water supply
- Incase of severe flooding try to have extra food and liquids
After Math’s of Flooding
- Turn off Electricity
- Avoid anything that has been soaked by the flood
- Call SERVPRO
- Contact Insurance
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