What is the difference between rain damage and flood damage to your home?
Rain damage is caused by falling water. A leaky roof or window can cause rain to intrude into your home. Gutters and downspouts can also be a large contributor to rain damage. It is important to clean your gutters and downspouts to keep the rain away from your walls and windows.
Flood damage is caused by rising water. Improper grading, failing drainage, or rising creek water are all examples of how flood damage can occur in your home. Flood damage can also cause cracks to your foundation allowing excess water to intrude into your home.
It is important to professionally dry the structure so as to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of NEDL uses updated technology and professionalism to treat your home as it is ours. We want to help you restore your home “Like it never even happened.”
Thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, and can oftentimes become very severe with strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding. It is important to be prepared before these storms happen to protect yourself and your family. Take the following precautions in order to keep you and your family safe.
Before a Thunderstorm:
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard, including understanding the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning. A severe thunderstorm watch means there is the potential for severe thunderstorms (damaging winds/large hail) to impact your area within the next 6 hours. A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately. Note, a severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing winds of 58 mph or greater, 1-inch (quarter) sized hail or larger, and/or a tornado. Although lightning can be deadly, severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are not issued specifically for lightning.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a thunderstorm.
Know your lightning safety rules. For example, if you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
If thunderstorms are expected in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
During a Thunderstorm:
If there is a thunderstorm in the area, go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile, if possible.
If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby.
If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
Listen to a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or radio for the latest updates.
Avoid taking a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Do not use electrical items such as computers or television sets as power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
A corded telephone should only be used in an emergency, but cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use. Things to avoid include:
Tall or isolated trees or other tall objects Hilltops, open fields, the beach, a pool, a boat on the water, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Anything metal — wires, metal fences, tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
After a Thunderstorm, remember to:
Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown!
Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of thunderstorms.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your local power company.
If your home or business is damaged by a storm, please contact SERVPRO of NEDL. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.
SERVPRO Storm Response - Ready for Whatever Happens
Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreak havoc on communities large and small.
Whether its turbulent blizzards, or torrid flooding, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.
In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.
SERVPRO strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation.
From the initial damage assessment, to communicating with your insurance adjuster, to final billing and processing, SERVPRO supports our clients by providing superior customer service.
SERVPRO happily responds to local and outside STORM events. Nationwide, SERVPRO franchises mobilize and act fast, traveling cross country to assist in disaster clean up in communities across the US and Canada.
SERVPRO works in conjunction with all insurance companies, and is part of the Preferred Service Provider program for many nationally recognized insurance organizations.
For our self-pay customers, SERVPRO offers reasonable, competitive pricing and payment options. We understand that STORM cleanup is an unexpected expense, and strive to make reasonably priced restoration accessible to all our customers.
So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.
Call SERVPRO today, no matter how big or small your water or fire damage may be. 662-289-7473. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Does You and your family have an Emergency Storm Kit?
Mississippi is no stranger to severe storms that cause power outages, flooding, and severe damage. Therefore not having an emergency storm kit that has at least several days of supplies in it, can cause some serious issues whenever the area does have a major storm come through.
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Here are a few items to keep in mind while putting together an emergency kit in the event of a severe storm approaching.
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Any medicine currently being taken
Emergency food and water
Extra change of clothes and shoes
Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.
Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. Residents can add whatever else they may need. There should be an emergency kit in every residential building as well as all commercial buildings if possible. Aside from having an emergency kit ready, a plan should also be in place. If there is a designated storm area inside the home or office, occupants should head there with the emergency kits. Severe storms cannot be avoided, but with the right tools and resources they can be easier to deal with.
How To Protect Your Company's Roof From Sustaining Damage
Buildings that endure the ravages of nature are likely to experience considerable roof damage. As the individual tasked by your company with handling necessary structural repairs, it is in your best interest to implement proper mitigation measures before the next storm hits.
Roofing Destruction Weather Events
Roofing can suffer considerably as a result of:
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
Tropical storms
These natural disturbances are capable of delivering gusts in excess of 74 miles per hour, making wind damage a likely outcome. Diminish the possibility that one of these intense climate situations affects your location by utilizing one of the following methods. Having done so, you will be less likely to need services provided by a commercial storm restoration team.
Roofing Destruction Prevention Techniques You have plenty of options when it comes to stopping roof damage. One way is with metal clips. Using these wall connectors, you can tightly secure your roofing infrastructure. Another possibility is installing a roof deck attachment by fastening plywood rafters directly to your building. A third option is fitting water resistance barriers, protective devices that are inserted both underneath and atop your roof. They are excellent at preventing rainwater from sneaking into unwanted places. Comprehensive roof coverings may be eyesores, but they are highly effective at discouraging harmful winds from wreaking havoc. As a last resort, move to a structure that features sloping geometry. In comparison to flat roof designs, these shapes offer greater protection against extreme elements by allowing better drainage. For an additional precaution, you can also supplement these defensive roofing approaches with storm glass and reinforced shutters. Both of these do a good job of securing windows and doors from tree branches and other blowing debris. Never suffer more roof damage than is unavoidable. Reduce the possibility that your building will need an entire roof replacement after a storm by making use of these suggested safeguards.
With rain gardens, you can provide a place for the water to pool.
How To Protect Properties From Heavy Rainfall
When heavy storms hit, outside flooding can cause damage to your landscape and your building. If your property is not properly protected, storm waters can find their way inside and cause damage to basements, crawlspaces, or other areas. Fortunately, there are several common techniques that are used to protect properties from heavy rainfall.
1. Planting a Rain Garden With rain gardens, you can provide a place for the water to pool, which slows the rain drainage and reduces the amount of water going where you do not want it to go. To create a low maintenance rain garden, use native plants and place plants with the highest wet-soil tolerance toward the middle of the garden.
2. Applying Heavy Mulch Mulch made of pine or other lightweight materials can easily be swept away by a heavy rain storm. By using heavier hardwood or man-made mulches, you can keep chips from being swept away or clogging drains.
3. Using a Swale A swale, which is a depression in a landscape, is used to redirect water drainage. You can slow the water's path by placing rocks in the bottom or putting plants with deep roots along the sides. To slow or prevent outside flooding, direct the water coming out of the swale into rocks, a rain garden, or gardens that contain plants with deep roots.
4. Installing Downspouts Make sure that as the water rolls off your building, it is directed far away from your foundation or other areas you are concerned about. A downspout diverter is used to release the water into a location where it follows a natural downward path away from your property. Outside flooding can cause a lot of damage when the water has nowhere to go. Luckily, once the proper safeguards are put in place, your risk of damage becomes much lower. If you have already sustained water damage , a professional water remediation company can help get your business back to its pre-flood condition
When your property incurs water damage, acting quickly is important
When you discover water damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands six-step restoration process to truly restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration
Initial Emergency Contact
You can call us 24 hours a day to begin the water restoration process because taking immediate action is crucial after water damage occurs. When you call us, we will ask you questions to get an overview of the damage and to help us determine what resources to dispatch to you.
Inspection and Damage Assessment
When we arrive on the scene in response to water damage, we will do a detailed property inspection to assess the scope of the damage and to develop a thorough plan of action. We will identify the water source, the category of water, and check for safety concerns.
Moisture Extraction
The water extraction process will remove the majority of moisture via our vacuum and pump units. We will start this process as quickly as possible to lessen the likelihood of more damage occurring and to reduce drying time. We can also help you move out of your belongings in the event that they might be damaged as well.
Dehumidifying and Drying
After the excess water has been removed, we can begin fully drying all porous materials that have absorbed water. Our industrial-grade equipment moves air quickly and helps moisture to evaporate as fast as possible, which will dry out floors, walls, and carpets as well as discourage mold growth.
Cleaning and Repair
After sustaining water damage, impacted surfaces will typically require professional cleaning. In addition to structural cleaning, we will clean your belongings that are able to be restored. We will also do odor removal to prevent the musty odor that water-damaged objects often develop.
Restoration
The final step is ensuring that your property is restored to its pre-water condition. This will involve things like drywall and flooring repairs or even reconstruction. By working with us, you are working with a company that can handle all elements of the restoration, including the difficult reconstruction parts that truly restores things back to their pre-damaged state.
If a community is not prepared for a severe storm, the results can be devastating. Since the Central MS Area is no stranger to severe storms, SERVPRO of NEDL wants to share some of the following tips to keep in mind while putting together an emergency kit in the event of a severe storm approaching. FEMA has stated that emergency kits should include some of the following:
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Any medicine currently being taken
Emergency food and water
Extra change of clothes and shoes
Pet supplies if you are taking care of an animal
These are just a few examples of what an emergency kit should contain. Residents can add whatever else they may need. There should be an emergency kit in every residential building as well as all commercial buildings if possible. Aside from having an emergency kit ready, a plan should also be in place. If there is a designated storm area inside the home or office, occupants should head there with the emergency kits. Severe storms cannot be avoided, but with the right tools and resources they can be easier to deal with.
When flooding affects your home our technicians may perform a technique called a "flood cut".
This specific technique requires cutting out sections of drywall about a foot above the flood line to inspect the wall behind it. While this process is not always necessary, there are a few circumstances that may require it after a flood occurs.
1. Black Water Floods
When outdoor flooding invades your home from overflowing streams or rivers, it may contain sewage, chemicals or dead animal carcasses. This water can be considered contaminated and is known as black water. A flood cut is usually necessary when this type of flooding occurs because your home’s drywall and any insulation behind it may be affected by the dirty water and may need replacing.
2. Wet Insulation
Flood technicians may perform a flood cut and tear out sections of drywall if they believe any insulation behind your home’s walls has water damage. Because insulation cannot be properly dried, a flood cut may be needed to remove any wet material. Once the interior wall is cleaned and dried, new insulation can be installed.
3. Mold Growth
After flooding, mold can begin to grow behind interior walls and spread quickly if it is not addressed. Flood technicians may perform a flood cut to check for mold and treat the area if any is found. Because mold does not need sunlight to grow, it can spread from interior walls to other areas and cause an unpleasant odor in your home. A flood cut can prevent this and keep mold at bay.
Flight information at an airport showing cancelled flights because of storms
Storms can cause a variety of issues. It can leave businesses in need of storm damage repair, and it can interfere with people's flight plans. Dealing with a canceled flight is something no one wants to deal with. It isn't uncommon for flights to be delayed or canceled due to a snow storm, thunderstorm, or even high winds. It's inconvenient, but there are several things you can do to help get to your desired location sooner rather than later. If you are stuck for a while, there are some storm tips that can at least make your wait a little more comfortable.
Looking for Alternatives
There may be an alternative that can help you get where you need to be sooner.
You can call the airline to see if there is anything they can do.
You should also speak with the gate attendant to see if there is a flight they can get you on.
You can do your own research as well.
These options may help you find a seat on another flight so you can get to your destination sooner. Consider looking for a connecting flight, even if you were originally on a flight that gets you straight from A to B.
Ask to Be Put Up in a Hotel
If you are stuck in the city due to a canceled flight, with no hope for a same day switch, you can ask the airline if they are willing to put you up in a hotel. This can at least make you a little more comfortable before you decide what your best option is. They may or may not accommodate you, but it's something to consider. They may be willing to provide you with food vouchers or a discount.
It can be really frustrating to deal with a canceled flight, and sometimes, there is nothing you can do. See if there are alternatives that can get you to your destination sooner, by either making a few phone calls or checking with the airline attendants. If all else fails, make yourself comfortable for a while until you can figure out an alternative to get home.
After a flood, many homeowners and property managers wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved. The answer is, it depends. Factors such as the age and quality of the carpet and pad, as well as the type of installation used, have to be taken into consideration. However, the type of floodwater that caused the damage is most important when determining whether or not carpet and padding can be salvaged.
There are 3 floodwater categories that determine whether the carpet and padding can be restored to their pre-disaster condition:
Category 1 (clean water): non-contaminated water that may come from a broken pipe, sink, etc. After the water has been extracted, carpets and pads can be dried and restored in place.
Category 2 (gray water): dirty water that has been released by sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. The carpet can usually be restored if it has been wet for less than 48 hours. The pad is replaced in most cases.
Category 3 (black water): water containing dangerous contaminants that may originate from sewage and toilet backflows as well as from floods caused by natural disasters. To protect your family’s health, carpets and pads should be removed, discarded and replaced.
Since every water damage situation is different, you cannot know for sure if or when your carpet and pad can be salvaged until you have a professional restoration company inspect the situation.
The faster you report the disaster, the lower the costs will be. If you’re dealing with a flooding problem, contact SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands today to speak to a Mitigation Specialist at 662-289-7473.
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.
There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:
-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands. Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order.
Whether there is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, or sleet and snow; all of these can cause property damage. You can't control Mother Nature but you can be prepared so here are some tips to help you:
-Check for tree limbs and branches that might have fallen.
-Roofs, pipes and gutters should all be inspected and make sure they are in proper working order. Clear gutters from debris, a damming effect could cause roof damage or interior water problems. Downspouts should be facing away from the home or building.
-Clean your chimneys and exhaust systems from debris.
-Test your gas lines for leaks.
-Inspect your property for proper drainage.
-Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If any pipes are under cabinets leave the cabinets open. Make sure exterior pipes are properly insulated.
-If there are any outdoor faucets, you might want to shut the water off.
-Make sure all exterior doors and windows have sufficient weather stripping.
Lately there has been flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below!
What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.
Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:
Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.
PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
Check on neighbors.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS:
Prepare NOW
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.
PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
Check on neighbors.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS:
Prepare NOW
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
Across the United States though, flooding is one of the most commonly widespread weather-related disasters. Whether your home or business is near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is always potential for flood damage Though you may have never experienced a flood in the past, there’s no level of security to assure that you will not in the future. Did you know that 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster. The ARC offers the following safety tips:
Stay away from floodwaters
If you approach a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
Driving on a flooded road
turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and water are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
Keep children out of the water
They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
Always be prepared and ready. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands is prepared to handle any size disaster. The sooner work begins; the sooner your home or business can return “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Birmingham Storm Damage News And Updates
Power Outages
Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:
Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.
PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
Check on neighbors.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS:
Prepare NOW
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
Thunderstorms are common here in the South, and can oftentimes become very severe with strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail, and flash flooding. It is important to be prepared before these storms happen to protect yourself and your family. You should take a few precautions in order to keep you and your family safe.
Before a Thunderstorm:
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a thunderstorm hazard, including understanding the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning. A severe thunderstorm watch means there is the potential for severe thunderstorms (damaging winds/large hail) to impact your area within the next 6 hours. A severe thunderstorm warning means a severe thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon. If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately. Note, a severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing winds of 58 mph or greater, 1-inch (quarter) sized hail or larger, and/or a tornado. Although lightning can be deadly, severe thunderstorm watches and warnings are not issued specifically for lightning.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a thunderstorm.
Know your lightning safety rules. For example, if you hear thunder or see lightning, go indoors. Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
If thunderstorms are expected in your area, postpone outdoor activities.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.
During a Thunderstorm:
If there is a thunderstorm in the area, go quickly inside a home, building, or hard top automobile, if possible.
If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby.
If on open water, get to land and shelter immediately.
Listen to a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio or radio for the latest updates.
Avoid taking a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
Do not use electrical items such as computers or television sets as power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
A corded telephone should only be used in an emergency, but cordless phones and cell phones are safe to use.
Things to avoid include:
Tall or isolated trees or other tall objects Hilltops, open fields, the beach, a pool, a boat on the water, isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. Anything metal — wires, metal fences, tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
After a Thunderstorm, remember to:
Never drive through a flooded roadway. Turn around, don’t drown!
Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of thunderstorms.
Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to your local power company.
If your home or business is damaged by a storm, please contact SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your property to pre-storm condition. We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.
Violent weather such as storm damage can wreak havoc on buildings as well as vegetation.Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain and snow to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems.Elements such as wind, rain, hail, and lightning can result in turning people’s lives upside down, this is why having SERVPRO to help this type of emergency is a good option.
Here are some of the activities you can expect from the SERVPRO professionals.
Whether it is a business or residence, SERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands will come to your property and our trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help us discover the level of the damage. In many cases, SERVPRO will discuss the restoration plans with you and your insurance adjuster.
When everything is agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment that we will use. In the case of flooding, we will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas.
Generators will be brought in to operate dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a chance to make matters worse. Using customized cleaners, we will then disinfect hard surfaces and shampoo salvageable carpets as well as apply deodorant to combat any odors. If you've recently suffered from storm damage and are looking forstorm damage repairorwater damage cleanup, contact the specialists atSERVPRO of Northeast Delta Lands at 662-289-7473 today to help reinstate your home.
When a flood hits your home, there is not much time to collect yourself, let alone start to mitigate damages. However, if you can manage to get things in motion quickly, you may be able to reduce expenses and repair times associated with flood damage to your residence. When a flood hits, try your best to follow these points of advice to minimize property damage and headache in the ensuing days and weeks.
Get Things Higher Up Before the Storm - You may want to spend some time in the hours before it hits moving your belongings to higher ground. Floods don't often reach higher than a few feet in the home, and you should be able to keep most of your belongings safe by taking them to higher floors or placing them on counter-tops and secure tables. Be careful not to place too much trust in a feeble table, however, as it may buckle or overturn as sweeping floodwaters overtake it.
TORNADOESTornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:
1. Know your community’s warning system.
2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.
5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.
THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:
1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.
3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.
FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:
1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
2. Stay away from floodwaters.
3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
4. Keep children out of the water.
5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
If I had to sum up my first storm experience in two words, the words that come to mind first are fast and furious. That is exactly how I would describe it. With this being my first year with SERVPRO and my first storm experience, I’ll admit, it was a little overwhelming at first. It is easy to get overwhelmed in a situation where you are getting so many jobs in such a small window. If it would not have been for my training and for the advice handed down to me by those who had been through it before, I would have been in way over my head. Personally, I believe, without a doubt, that a person learns best when that person does not have a choice but to learn. The training videos do help, but videos can not prepare you for the speedy, nonstop process of a storm. You learn to organize and plan better, because you simply do not have a choice. My first storm experience hit me unexpectedly and was full speed ahead, and for that, I am grateful, because it made me understand how important teamwork actually is. I look forward to learning and growing in areas where we, as a company, can improve to better prepare ourself for the next storm.
I recently had the opportunity to travel to a flood zone and work for and meet some great people. This area had flood waters higher than they had experienced in years. There were families that were land locked and could not leave, some houses were underwater completely. There were others that were affected in different ways such as sewage backups and drainage systems that failed due to such a large volume of water. But even in the midst of all the chaos, business interruptions and displacements, the customers were so nice and welcoming to all of us. The restaurants, hotels, service stations we visited while in the area were thanking us as well for what we were doing in the area helping get others homes back in order. There were other franchises in the area from out of state that I had the chance to speak with and they shared the same sentiment. It’s great to be able to work for a company that can have this kind of positive impact in a community where customer can feel comfortable knowing we have their best interest in mind.
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