Recent Storm Damage Posts

Long Term Effects of Storm Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

What You Need to Know About the Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

Do you think that post-storm water damage dries without help? If you do not treat this potentially serious issue immediately, take a look at what you need to know about the long-term effects of water damage.

Flooring Failure

Water that seeps into your home and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?

In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.

Your regular home vacuum can't pull water from under the carpet's surface. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause serious damage over time.

The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.

To prevent warping and other related issues, contract a professional storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. If you do wait, the professional may still have ways to treat the area and restore your home's flooring.

Faulty Furniture

Your flooring is not the only part of your home that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water sits on your furniture, it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from.

Hard, non-porous plastic surfaces are relatively easy to clean and dry. Provided no evidence of mold growth or bacterial contamination exists, you can wipe the item with your choice of household cleaner and dry it with a towel. But if the furniture in question is made of wood or is upholstered, you will need a professional restoration expert's help.

What happens if you wait to call this professional? Like with carpeting, the water could soak through upholstered items and into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage wooden support frames. This destroys the integrity of the item and can cause complete failure.

Again, like with wood floors, wooden furniture can soak up water and warp. Water can also cause spotting on the surface or swelling. Even though the initial water damage may have happened days or weeks ago, a storm damage professional may still have the ability to restore these items.

Weak Walls

Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your home. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your home will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.

Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean everything underneath is free from moisture too. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.

Long-Term Effects of Storm Damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Do you think that post-storm water damage dries without help? If you do not treat this potentially serious issue immediately, take a look at what you need to know about the long-term effects of water damage.

Flooring Failure

Water that seeps into your home and floods your flooring can sink through carpets and padding. The result is a damp rug that is slow to dry. But what happens if the rug feels dry to the touch?

In some cases, you can dry and restore storm-damaged or flooded carpeting. This does not mean you should attempt to save your carpets without help. Failure to properly dry the carpets or the padding underneath can cause additional problems for what lies underneath.

Your regular home vacuum can't pull water from under the carpet's surface. Likewise, a fan or other type of similar drier will not reach beneath into the padding. This means what may feel like a completely dry carpet can hide a wet, moldy, or dirty pad. If you have wood flooring under your carpets, a damp pad could cause serious damage over time.

The longer the moisture sits on the wood floor, the more likely the cellulose fibers in the material will soak up excess water. This can warp the wood and cause permanent damage. While other types of flooring, such as tile, may not warp, the constant presence of water can still cause problems.

To prevent warping and other related issues, contract a professional storm damage restoration company as soon as possible. If you do wait, the professional may still have ways to treat the area and restore your home's flooring.

Faulty Furniture

Your flooring is not the only part of your home that is subject to the long-term effects of storm-related water damage. If water sits on your furniture, it can also cause permanent damage. The type of damage your furniture sustains after a flood or storm depends on what it is made from.

Hard, non-porous plastic surfaces are relatively easy to clean and dry. Provided no evidence of mold growth or bacterial contamination exists, you can wipe the item with your choice of household cleaner and dry it with a towel. But if the furniture in question is made of wood or is upholstered, you will need a professional restoration expert's help.

What happens if you wait to call this professional? Like with carpeting, the water could soak through upholstered items and into the padding underneath. This can result in internal mold growth or damage wooden support frames. This destroys the integrity of the item and can cause complete failure.

Again, like with wood floors, wooden furniture can soak up water and warp. Water can also cause spotting on the surface or swelling. Even though the initial water damage may have happened days or weeks ago, a storm damage professional may still have the ability to restore these items.

Weak Walls

Water damage can extend from the floors and furniture to the walls of your home. Like with other types of water damage, the longer moisture sits on your walls, the higher the likelihood that your home will have permanent problems such as mold growth, warping, or other similar issues.

Like with flooring, a dry wall surface does not always mean everything underneath is free from moisture too. Long-term water exposure can result in seepage through drywall or plaster. The underlying wood and other building materials can warp or rot. This can cause serious or extensive structural issues. A restoration professional can evaluate the situation and create a treatment plan.

Here Whenever You Need Us

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storms do not check to see what our schedule is like, nor do they check the clocks. They often come at the most inconvenient time. This is why SERVPRO is a 24/7 business. We do not pass up the opportunity to help in case of emergency.

Whether the storm is a winter snowstorm or a spring thunderstorm we are ready for action during or after hours. This is very important to us because these types of damages and repairs require immediate attention. A quick response is critical in limiting a secondary loss during a storm event.

With any type of storm, water is present and wreaks havoc on one's home or business. Response time is one of our top priorities to ensure water does not become a bigger issue than it already is.

Call SERVPRO 

Water Damage from Contaminated Water

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

What to DO:

-Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

-Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

What NOT TO DO:

- Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. 

- Turn on the HVAC system in there is a possibility of spreading air.

- Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contamination.

-Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

          Harmful Waste 

(Sewage, bloodborne pathogens, etc.)

What to DO:

- Stay out of effected areas.

- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.

- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.

What NOT TO DO:

- Attempt cleanup of any kind.

- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids. 

Facts About Storm Damage

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Is Storm Damage Covered by Insurance?

Storm damage may be covered by your insurance policy, but you’ll need to reach out to your agent to get specifics about your particular coverage. It’s important to note that your home must be maintained to a reasonable standard. Otherwise, it could be hard to prove that the storm was the cause of the damage versus a lack of proper maintenance and general wear and tear.

Who Do I Call After A Storm?

SERVPRO provides many of the services you may need after a storm blows through your area. We provide emergency roof tarping and board-up services to help prevent additional damage from the elements and provide security to your property. This service may be needed immediately if your property was damaged by falling trees, hail, high winds, tornado debris or fire. A SERVPRO location near you offers 24/7 emergency service and is available to help.

How Long Does it Take to Fix Flood Damage?

The time it takes to fix flood damage depends on the severity of the flood. We’ll inspect your home or business and discuss with you the severity of damage and our plan to help return your property back to preloss condition. We’ll then work to remove the water that shouldn’t be there using pumps and water extracting equipment. Once the excess water is gone, we use dehumidifiers and other specialized drying equipment to help return the area to its normal moisture level. This is a closely monitored process, with our teams continually making adjustments to equipment to help ensure the area is recovering as quickly and as safely possible.

Critters in The Attic

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County responds to dozens of calls each year for home damage caused by a small critter. Raccoons, rats, and birds are all small animals that can set up camp on or even in your roof. This may seem like a small issue but in fact can lead to major issues.

These small animals can claw and chew there way through the layers of your roof until they eventually make there way through. This leads to massive roof underlayment damages followed by costly repairs. Once they are established, it is very difficult to keep them away permanently. An exterminator will need to come in and remove any scent of the animal and often that is just the beginning of the repair efforts needed.

Water Damage

If these animals do make it through the layers of your roof, water can seep through into your attic and make its way inside your home. That water can cause damage to your ceilings, walls, and floors.

Soffit Damage

Heavier animals can knock the soffit right off your home, giving them access to your attic.

If you find yourself in need of repairs after damage to your roof call SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County today!

Basement Flooding

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

With spring coming in the middle of summer this year, our team has been working around the clock to keep up with the overflow of calls we have received. Our team is one of the largest in the area and we are still struggling to keep up. 

Is your basement flooded?

Cant get someone out today?

Here is what you can do to minimize the damage..

  • Early cleanup after your basement floods is not only efficient but also important from a health standpoint. After you are certain the cause of the flood has been repaired you can start the cleanup.
  • Before you begin anything, be sure the situation is safe! With flooded basements sometimes comes sewage leaks, structural damage, or electrical hazards. 
  • If you have a flood contained in a small area, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water.
  • Larger floods require the use of your sump pump. Connect a garden hose to the pump with the opposite end running away from your house and preferably into a storm drain. DO NOT remove all the water at one time. Remove about 1/3 of the water at the time, marking the level each time to confirm the leak has been cared for properly. 

Why not remove all the water at once?

  • If the flooding in your basement is caused by heavy rain or snow fall, the water pressure in the ground is likely high. The water in your house may be stabilizing your foundation. Removing it all at once can lead to cracks in the foundation. 

If you or someone you know has experienced basement flooding, do not wait!

Give us a call today!

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County.

810-732-3298

What Happens when Water Gets Under your Ceramic Tile?

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Tile can withstand small quantities of water but if your home has been flooded and you are thinking of leaving the affected tile untouched, there are a few important things you should know. Water that has found its way under ceramic tile can cause mold growth. If that mold is not taken care of it can become very dangerous. Mold spores can lead to health effects and will eventually compromise the structure of the tile itself.  

This is where your insurance company steps in and tells you to call SERVPRO of Port Huron. Our trained professionals will come in, asses all damage and identify potential future problems that you may not have even known to check for. Our Project Manager will work directly with you and your insurance adjuster to repair or replace all damaged areas.  

With 24/7 on-call technicians, we are faster to any size disaster.

 

Have Your Home Ready Before the Storm

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Once again all of Michigan has a winter storm advisory!

Here are some quick tips to protect your home 

keep your pipes warm- insulate pipes in the cold parts of your home and leave cabinets open to allow warm air to reach the pipes

Check your roof- Large amounts of packed snow can cause your roof to collapse so be on the lookout

Carbon-monoxide detectors- Poor ventilation is a huge risk factor in the winter months. Keeping a detector on each floor of your house can help keep your family safe

Generator- A generator can be pricy but will keep you warm in the case of a power outage and save you money by protecting your pipes from freezing

Emergency kits- Incase of a power outage be sure to have flashlights, candles, battery powered radio and extra batteries on hand

As always SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is here to help with highly trained technicians ready for your call should your home or business be affected this winter.

810-732-3298

Damage to Your Roof After High Winds

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

We have received a ton of calls for roof repairs after all of the high winds we have seen lately. 

If your home has taken a beating from high winds, the damage is not always obvious. Damaged shingles may look fine from the street and the issues may not reveal themselves until after some time has passed. 

Damaged shingles can lead to a leak in the roof. The leak will be small and hard to notice but may make its way through your homes siding or roofs waterproof material. These small areas allow moisture and pests to enter your home.

The wind can also cause the roof decking to lift away from the framing. Even the slightest lift can lead to loose screws and nails. If this happens it may take only one more high wind situation to completely lift the roof decking away from the home. 

The damage your home sustains will depend on several factors. These include:

  • Direction of high winds
  • Type of home construction
  • Materials used for roof and siding
  • Age of home

 When you have your home assessed for damaged by SERVPRO professionals, they will look beneath the surface to find the hidden damage.

Did you know that wind damage is often covered by your insurance company? 

Check your homeowners policy to learn the details about your coverage. Most policies include reimbursement for roof and siding repairs due to wind damage.

If you suspect you have roof damage give SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County a call today. one of our Project Managers will meet you at your home, asses the amount of damage and submit an estimate to your insurance adjuster. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County 

810-732-3298

Preventing Frozen Pipes

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Genesee County is headed for some single digit temperatures in the next week - here’s some ways you can prevent your pipes from breaking in the extreme cold.

As a general rule, the “temperature alert threshold” for freezing pipes is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep your pipes from freezing, make sure they are not exposed to temperatures approaching this. Installing pipe insulation, sealing cracks and applying electrical heating tape to your pipes are all good preventative measures.

Make sure that heat is generating throughout your house by keeping the garage door shut, opening the cabinets to circulate heat, never let your thermostat drop below 55 and keep the temperature of your home consistent.  

You can always call SERVPRO of NW Genesee County and Fenton 24/7 if you experience damage from a burst pipe.  810-732-3298

Roof Health

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Living in Michigan your home is bound to see its share of wind, rain, snow and ice. Replacing or repairing a roof usually comes with an expensive price tag. Keeping an eye on a few simple things will help you maintain a healthy roof and keep you from spending a fortune. 

Keep an eye on your shingles

Missing or damaged shingles are the cause of most major roof repairs because they are not attended to in time. Cleaning them on occasion to keep them free and clear of dirt, and replacing one or two missing shingles will help keep the integrity of your roof.

Roof Sealants

Replace your roof sealants once they show signs of wear or visible cracking.

Watch out for Rust

Rust spreads fast so if you have used any metal in the construction of your roof check it often. If rust does appear you should try to lightly brush it off. 

Trim Branches

keep nearby branches trimmed and away from your roof in the case they fall over during a storm. 

Tree and Down Power Line Damage After a Storm

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

Winter brings more than snow and cheer, it also brings ice and wind with home damage fear!

A large snow and ice storm comes through and leaves an accumulation of ice and snow, heavy enough to take down even some of the strongest and healthiest trees. 

if you find yourself in this situation call SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County

First our highly trained specialists will bring in a tree company to safely remove the tree, causing as little damage as possible in the process.

Next, we will cover the affected areas to save it from any additional damage.

We will then clean and mitigate your home with proper drying equipment to prevent any underlying issues.

Finally, we will work with your insurance company and get the approval needed to begin work on your home and to live up to our promise, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County

810-732-3298

Storm Repair and SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today (810-732-3298)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of NW Genesee County specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. They utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of NW Genesee County can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  •  A quicker remodeling process
  •  Protecting items from potential damage
  •  Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. For additional information, check out Contents Claim Inventory Service.

Tornado Season

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

It may be hard to believe with snow hitting the ground but we are actually in the beginning of tornado season in Michigan. Do you have a safety plan to keep you and your family safe?

Make A Plan 

-Talk with your kids and educate them on the difference between a tornado watch, a tornado warning and a tornado spotted.

-Show them what to look for as warning signs. 

  •     Dark, often greenish sky
  •     Loud roar 
  •     Large hail
  •     Large dark and low  hanging clouds 

- Discuss where to take shelter if there is a tornado. The basement is always the best place but if you are living in an apartment or a home with no basement then you should go towards the center of the home, away from all windows and doors. 

For more information on tornado safety, visit this site

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is here to help with any size disaster. 

Water Damage Timeline

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

What happens when water is left unattended..... 

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Safe Snow Removal

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Snow on your roof can lead to leaks, mildew buildup in your attic, and damage to your gutters. It has  been a pretty mild winter so far but we at SERVPRO of Lapeer have a feeling it is not over just yet. Pay attention to the following three tips for safe snow removal. 

1. Stay at ground level if possible. If it is wet you can assume it is slippery. Better to stay closer to the ground.

2. Dont let snow pile too high, remove as much as you can. Falling ice or a buildup of snow can be dangerous. The weight of the snow on your roof can also result in water leaks. 

3. Use a plastic shovel. They are lightweight, flexible and easy to handle. Snow is also less likely to stick to a plastic blade. 

What is a Sump Pump and What Happens if it Stops Working?

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Hundreds of Michigan residence are finding out just how important it is to have a battery back up for your sump pump in the case of a power outage. After the severe weather we experienced this weekend many basements have been left with standing water.

A sump pump eliminates moisture and prevents flooding by collecting excess water from drains and pumping it out and away from the building. You will find a sump pump sitting in a specially constructed pit that sits lower than the basement floor in homes that are susceptible to major rain and snow fall. 

If your pump stops working, water could get into your basement and foundation walls. This may cause mold and mildew to grow and if enough water builds up, the basement can flood. 

How do you know your sump pump is working?

You can check your sump pump tow different ways. Two separate plugs are attached to the unit. Unplug them both and then plug in only the one for the pump. If the pump does not immediately turn on then something is wrong. Your other option is to add water and wait to see if the pump turns on and properly evacuates the water. 

Roof Damage and Repair

1/12/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damage is always a major concern when big rain or snow storms come through. Usually the signs are very evident. Water spots on the ceiling,curled shingles, wet walls or winter ice damage are are all very easy ways to determine if your roof is in need of a little TLC.

Missing shingles are always a sure tell sign but you should also pay close attention to any possible damage done to the remaining shingles. 

Missing flashing at the edges of the roof, vents and chimneys should also be attended too in order to prevent unwanted water from entering your home during the next storm. 

pealing sealant can also cause problems so be sure to look for that as well.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is on call 24/7. We can restore or replace any issues with your roof.

Do not hesitate to give us a call today....

810-732-3298

Storm Damage

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Storms of any size can cause major damage to your home. Obvious damage may include shingles being blown off the roof or flooding in the basement. 

More severe damage may be power line damage that leads to a fire or a tree falling into your living room.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County has an extremely fast response time so no further damage will come to your home. Our trained professionals will quickly asses the situation, board up any broken windows and provide coverage for any exposed part of your home to keep rainwater out. 

No matter how big or small the damage may be SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County understands how important your home is to you and we will work hard to make it "Like it never even happened."

810-732-3298

How to Protect your Home from Storm Damage

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

The frozen pipes have stopped and the storms will soon come. Follow these easy steps to keep your home safe from storm damage.

-After every winter you should check for missing or damaged shingles and replace them

-Keep your gutters clean -SERVPRO can help you with that

-Repair loose siding- We know someone for that too

-Ensure water can flow away from your home 

-Make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly 

-Make sure your sump pump is in working order before all of the spring rain hits

-Maintenance any trees near your home regularly

-Keep a generator on hand

-Lastly, walk around your home. Home owners are not always able to fix the problems they find around their property but that is why SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is available 24/7-365 days a year to answer your call. 

810-732-3298

What you Need to Know About Tornado and Storm Season

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Today officially marks the beginning of Tornado and storm season in Michigan. Make sure your family is prepared!

TORNADO WATCH: is issued to warn people of the possibility of a tornado in your area.

TORNADO WARNING: Is issued when an actual tornado has been spotted.

Important Fact: Tornadoes are not always visible and can be hidden in low hanging clouds and heavy rain.

If you are at home when a tornado hits you should take shelter in the basement. If you do not have a basement you should move to the center part of the house, in the smallest room under heavy furniture.

If you are driving or live in a mobile home you should get out of the car or leave your home and take shelter in the nearest ditch or low area.

If your home or business is affected by a tornado SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

We can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 810-732-3298

WEA Cell Phone Alerts.... Keep Them On!

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

It has been a crazy and extremely cold winter but soon enough the snow will melt and the rain will come. It is so important that this time of year you have your WEA alerts active on your phone. 

This alert system has been used more than 40,000 times to warn about incoming storms and local Amber Alerts. 

How it works is the system monitors weather reports all over the country then reviews which cell phone towers will be affected and sends out an alert to any capable smart phone in that area.

With the help of SERVPRO you can always restore or replace your home, business and personal items but you cannot replace a loved one! Keep your alerts active this stormy season and if your home or business is effected give SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County a call day or night.

810-732-3298

Generator Safety

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

With the high winds and constant snow fall it is so important to know how to properly own and operate a generator for your home.

- The first and most important thing to remember when using a generator is to keep it out of your home! Generators should never be used in your garage or basement and should be kept 20 feet away from your doors and windows. The exhaust from a generator contains a high amount of carbon monoxide, a poisonous and odorless gas that can kill a person in a matter of minutes.

- Second, keep your generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface that provides coverage and do not touch your generator with wet hands.

- Third, plug appliances directly into the generator or make sure that you are using heavy duty extension cords that have no visible tears or loose wiring.

This article has more information and tips on what carbon monoxide poisoning is and how to prevent it.

How to Protect your Home Before a Storm Hits

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Once again all of Michigan has a winter storm advisory!

Here are some quick tips to protect your home 

keep your pipes warm- insulate pipes in the cold parts of your home and leave cabinets open to allow warm air to reach the pipes

Check your roof- Large amounts of packed snow can cause your roof to collapse so be on the lookout

Carbon-monoxide detectors- Poor ventilation is a huge risk factor in the winter months. Keeping a detector on each floor of your house can help keep your family safe

Generator- A generator can be pricy but will keep you warm in the case of a power outage and save you money by protecting your pipes from freezing

Emergency kits- Incase of a power outage be sure to have flashlights, candles, battery powered radio and extra batteries on hand

As always SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is here to help with highly trained technicians ready for your call should your home or business be affected this winter.

810-732-3298

Lightning Safety Tips

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months.  Stay safe with these basic tips:

  • Have a safety plan, and cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
  • If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects (this includes electric wires, fences, etc).  Seek shelter in a substantial building, or a fully enclosed vehicle.
  • If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows.  Do not use the telephone, and consider unplugging computers, power tools, and television sets.  Lighting may strike exterior electric or phone lines, and send jolts of electricity to inside equipment.

If a storm has damaged your house and you need help cleaning or repairing the interior or exterior of your home, don't hesitate to give us a call.  You can reach SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 810-732-3298.

SERVPRO of NW Genesee County- Faster to Storm Damaged Homes

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 - (810)-732-3298

Faster to Any Size Emergency

In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. With over 1,700 U.S. and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to be faster to any size emergency. An immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Water is particularly invasive, quickly spreading throughout your property and being absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, etc. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately.

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

  • Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
  • Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
  • Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
  • Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

  • Drywall begins to swell and break down.
  • Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
  • Furniture begins to swell and crack.
  • Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
  • A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

  • Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
  • Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
  • Metal begins to rust and corrode.
  • Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
  • Paint begins to blister.
  • Wood flooring swells and warps.
  • Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

  • Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
  • Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants

Cell Phone Storm Alerts

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Technology has come a long way!  The only way you used be able to receive Emergency information was by radio or television, but there is a better way and that is your cell phone.

Everyone has a cell phone, right?  In this day and age, we couldn’t imagine anyone not owning a cell phone; it’s practically unheard of.  More people own a cell phone than a car or a TV, and could you blame them.  You can watch TV or catch a ride from your phone in minutes.  In 2002, only 62% of U.S. adults possessed a cell phone, and that percentage increased to 95% of Americans in 2016.  Today, cell phones are used for more than just to make calls.   Cell phone capabilities aren’t what they were 10 or even 5 years ago. New technology has helped make our cell phone do practically anything, from GPS services to video chat, to web surfing, and to virtual reality.

Now knowing this, what is the best and quickest way to notify Americans in case of a major emergency?  I’d say through our cell phones!  You can be warned of upcoming dangers by emergency alerts from anywhere, while choosing how you’d like to receive them from your cell phone.  The ability to be warned of oncoming dangers at a moment’s notice can provide you with a jump-start to safety.  Here are 5 different ways to set up your emergency alerts from you cell phone.

  1. National updates

Receive updates regarding National Security from Homeland Security, the latest outbreaks from CDC, and computer threats from US-CERT.  These notifications are issued through WEA- Wireless Emergency Alerts.  If you have ever received an Amber Alert it’s coming from the WEA, which is a default setting in most cell phones.

  1. Statewide activity updates

Do a Google search for a Public Warning System for your state.  This will allow you to customize your alerts specifically to your state. 

  1. Weather apps for smart phones and tablets

You can receive custom weather alerts from your state or city while customizing the level of warning you want to receive.   Apple users can download NOAA Radar Pro and android users can download the app Pro Weather Alert.  These apps can range from $2- $3, and is worth every penny to keep you and your family notified of weather emergencies and dangers.

  1. FEMA

The FEMA text message program informs you of safety tips for specific disaster types, and allows you to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.

  • Apple devices-text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA)
  • Android devices-text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA)
  • Blackberry devices-text BLACKBERRY to 43362 (4FEMA)
  1. Survivehive Alert Center

For those of you that are like me and hate cluttering up your email and social media, this is the resource for you. Stay up to date with the latest disaster/emergency, terrorism, disease outbreak, significant earthquake, and severe weather alerts all from one site.

Remember to call SERVPRO of NW Genesee County in the event of a storm (810-732-3298)

Storm Damage Services SERVPRO of NW Genesee County Offers

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today (810-732-3298)

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of NW Genesee County specializes in restoring contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. They utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned. 
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning, SERVPRO of NW Genesee County can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  •  A quicker remodeling process
  •  Protecting items from potential damage
  •  Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. For additional information, check out Contents Claim Inventory Service.

When Storms or Floods hit NW Genesee County, SERVPRO is ready!

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

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

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit NW Genesee County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 810-732-3298