Heavy rains this season continue to cause water damage to homes and businesses in our area. Our crews are trained and IICRC certified to clean and dry your damaged property to industry standards. The picture shows our fleet ready to deliver flood relief supplies earlier this year. Our trucks are always loaded with the right equipment and ready to dispatch to any size disaster. With the right experience and equipment, the men and women from SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties stand ready to answer the call, day or night.
If you have any flood damage or water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties at (606) 836-8000. Our experienced crews are always here to help.
A Water Damage can be devastating - Who should you call?
SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties Professionals are available 24/7. We are 24 hour emergency service company. When you have a water damage, whether it is on a holiday or the middle of the night, we have Professional Technicians that are ready to help you clean up the mess.
Our IICRC Certified Technicians will walk you through your loss, helping you understand the claims process and how to help you dry out your water damage. Then we can begin services to remove the water and affected contents. We will then use air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining water. Finally, we will clean and sanitize restorable items and structures that were damaged by the water.
Conduct a pre-storm assessment. Identify trouble spots before a storm hits.
Some potential hazards to look for on your property:
Cracks in tree trunks or major limbs
Hollow, aged and decayed trees
One-sided or significantly leaning trees
Branches leaning more than 45 degrees over the roof
Anything in close proximity to utility lines
Shelf-like fungus or mushrooms
Trees with dangerous leans
Take measures to prevent damage. After assessing possible hazards to your property, you may need to take any number of measures to limit potential damage.
Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs
Have leaning trees inspected and consider removing those with large cavities
Prune branches too close to your house and over the street
Check your gutters, and remove debris to prevent water damage.
No power: If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump won’t be able to drain the water
Wrong size: If your sump pump is too small a sump pump for your home’s size can mean too big a job for it to handle. On the flip side, running too large a sump pump can shorten its lifespan.
Old age: Just like any appliance, the years can reduce the efficiency and working order of your sump pump. The average lifespan of a sump pump is roughly 10 years. If yours is creeping up in age, consider replacing it with a more current model.
Clogged pipe: Debris can enter your discharge pipe and create a backup. With nowhere for water to flow, your sump pump will come to a stop.
Lack of maintenance: Your home and the appliances that make it run require regular maintenance. Clean your sump pump three to four times a year to avoid blockages in your discharge line, vents, and floats.
Switch issues: When the sump pump shifts in the basin, the float that administers the switch can cause it to become jammed.
Product or installation problem: In addition to product defects, which are out of your control, improper installation can also cause sump pump failure.
Sump pump fails and causes water damage while you are out of town.
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. FEMA reports, in the last 8 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. As most of us have recently experienced, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.
Here are a few Flood Facts provided by FEMA:
Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.
Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.
Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires.
A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12 feet of water damage could cost more than $50,000 to repair.
Here are a few supplies you need to prepare for a flood:
Stock up on First Aid items
Non-perishable foods
Three gallons of water per person for 3 days
Battery operated radio for weather reports
Extra batteries
Personal hygiene necessities
About SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties
SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
As summer continues and fall approaches, we may see some major power outages across the nation. Power outages can not only be dangerous to you and your family; but they can also cause immense stress if you are not properly prepared.
According to ready.gov:
Before a Power Outage:
Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
Make sure you have alternative charging methods for your phone or any device that requires power.
Charge cell phones and any battery powered devices.
Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it.
Purchase ice or freeze water-filled plastic containers to help keep food cold during a temporary power outage.
Keep your car’s gas tank full; gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. If you use your car to re-charge devices, do NOT keep the car running in a garage, partially enclosed space, or close to a home, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by visiting your state’s or local website so you can locate the closest cooling and warming shelters.
If you rely on anything that is battery-operated or power dependent like a medical device determine a back-up plan.
During a Power Outage
Only use flashlights for emergency lighting, candles can cause fires.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four (4) hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours.
Take steps to remain cool if it is hot outside. In intense heat when the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theater, shopping mall or “cooling shelter” that may be open in your community. If you remain at home, move to the lowest level of your home, since cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Put on layers of warm clothing if it is cold outside. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices. Consider adding surge protectors.
If you are considering purchasing a generator for your home, consult an electrician or engineer before purchasing and installing.
Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
If you experience a water damage after a storm, call SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lewis Counties at 606-836-8000 to remediate your damage and restore you home to pre-storm damage condition.
With summer approaching, this means that we will begin to see a rise in storms. If your home or office floods due to heavy rainfall, immediately there are thoughts of ruined floors. A common question that is asked is:
“Can I dry hardwood floor after water damage?” The amount of homes with hardwood floors is steadily increasing for many reasons, the most prominent being that hardwood floors not only tend to sell homes faster, but they also increase the price. The only downfall is that in the event of a flood or water overflow, hardwood floors cannot be easily taken out and dried like carpet can.
Water damage can increase drastically if not taken care of properly, professionally, and in a timely manner. Here are some of the main considerations:
Response Time - Water damage can be greatly decreased depending on the response time to the problem. Time is of the essence when it comes to hardwood floor water damage – the moisture, temperature, and dust layer beneath a wet wood floor can provide an ideal environment for mold and many other problems.
Type of Wood Flooring - Before you can determine how to properly dry hardwood floor, you need to determine what type of wood flooring you have.
Amount Of Moisture - A flooded hardwood floor can have up to 40% moisture content and can retain well above the normal amount of moisture for weeks if left to dry on their own. Nails may begin to lift, glue may release causing separation between floor pieces, and tongue and groove floors often cup or buckle when moisture has been absorbed.
If you decide to attempt to dry and save hardwood floors in place SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties has specialized drying equipment that forces airflow beneath the surface of the floor, allowing moisture to be released.
Stay Aware of the Weather to Help Avoid Water Damage to Your Business or Home
When a winter storm or unusually cold temperatures strikes your home or business, widespread damage can be expected. Among the worst type of damage is water damage, which can take a few forms, including:
Water and ice damage from clogged gutters
Frozen outdoor hoses causing burst valves
A pipe break in exposed plumbing
Businesses Should Clean the Gutters Just Like a Homeowner
Even if you rent the building you occupy, the gutters need to be regularly cleaned. Leaves and debris can cause ice dams during a winter storm, leading to serious water damage. It can force water under eaves and destroy a roof.
Once water gets into unprotected areas, it can cause tons of havoc inside. Plus, mold can grow from wet building materials, and if it gets bad enough, your operations might be shut down while it’s cleaned up. Gutter guards can also help prevent ice dams.
Rubber Hoses Can Cause a Plumbing Disaster If your business uses hoses outside for cleanup or landscaping maintenance, make sure they are taken in if the weather is supposed to drop below 30 degrees. The water valve can take short excursions below freezing, but not long ones. If you expect a deep freeze, protect the valve with an outdoor foam faucet cover.
Exposed Plumbing Suffers During Unusual Cold Virtually every winter in Ohio comes with a prolonged cold wave that will cause burst pipes for many businesses. If a winter storm happens late at night, it might not be caught for hours, causing massive destruction.
Once it gets this serious, you’ll need an experienced local storm damage cleanup company to evaluate your immediate needs and stop further damage.
Storm damage comes in all shapes and sizes and can have ill effects on your business. Having a Disaster Recovery Plan in place in case of business interruption can keep your business running at a certain capacity in the event of an emergency.
If your business takes the time to create and implement a good disaster recovery plan that includes steps to contain the effects of a storm damage, as well as minimize the potential for down time it can assist in getting your business back up and running quickly.
Take advantage of our FREE Emergency Response Plans and call our office at (606)-836-8000 to schedule your appointment today. Our SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties professionals can help put a tailored plan together for your business that ensures you can effectively bounce back from storm damage that might occur. Give us a call at (606)836-8000.
You Weathered the Storm. Now It's Time to Weather The Insurance.
It’s not often that you file a homeowners insurance claim, but when and if that time comes there are many aspects to keep in mind during the process.
If you have endured storm damage in your home it is important that you assess your property, but only after it is safe to do so. Ensure that there are no downed power lines or other dangerous conditions before investigating the damage. Once you have investigated your property for damage it is time to report the damage to your Insurance Company. Knowing what to look for and what to expect with the claims process can relieve some of the stress in the situation.
How Do You Evaluate Your Property for Damage?
It is important that you complete a visual inspection of the exterior of your home, paying special attention to your roof, windows, gutters, facia and siding. If you have a chimney you will want to inspect it as well. Notate any missing shingles, cracks in the siding or brick, fallen gutters and window damage. Also, inspect your HVAC unit for any noticeable damage. Be sure to discuss all of the items and areas notated with your insurance adjuster.
Adjuster Insurance Inspection
Once you have contacted your Insurance Company and filed a claim they will assign an adjuster. The adjuster assigned to your claim will schedule a time to come and assess the damage of your property. Adjusters are trained to look at certain areas of the home that are prone to damage, but be sure to share the items that you notated on your initial inspection as well. Once their inspection is completed they will begin the process for your claim.
Once you have everything in order you can begin the process of repairs to your home. SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties is here to help. We are experienced and skilled in Water & Fire Damage. Call our office today at (606)-836-8000 if you would like to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.
Slow the Flow of Storm Water with Smart Landscaping
Have you ever seen a school science demonstration of water being poured into two equal containers of soil, but one has plants growing and one does not? In the box void of vegetation, the water runs out the bottom nearly as quickly as it flowed in. In the box containing rooted plants, only a minimal amount of water trickles out. This experiment shows the importance of proper water management around your property. Learn how you can become one with the flow, using easy landscaping projects to prevent storm run-off from causing outside flooding around your home in Boyd, Carter, Greenup, or Lewis County home.
Slow the flow. Apply a deep layer of heavy mulch to slow rain drainage, giving it time to filter through the soil instead of pooling or running off to problem areas.
Cultivate plants. Installing plants and shrubs at the base of your home can help slow the flow of water and prevent outside flooding. If you have a particular area where water tends to pool during storms, consider making a rain garden. This shallow basin is not a bog or a pond, but it uses plants to filter the rainwater and facilitate its travels to the water table.
Be a water mover. During the next rainstorm, check the flow of water from your roof. Look for areas that need to be rerouted and consider adding rain chains, moving gutters, or adding flexible extensions to downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
Keep water captive. Add a rain barrel to the end of a downspout and feel good about your impact on the environment when using that recovered water to help take care of your plants.
Outside flooding can cause damage to structures on your property.
When water damage happens, it can quickly lead to mold trouble since mold spores are abundant in the environment and reproduce quickly. Professional water mitigation specialists can help clean up floodwater and ensure materials are dried thoroughly to prevent your minor problem from becoming a major one.
Give our SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties team a call anytime that you need us at (606)836-8000.
Many people are unprepared for the quickly approaching winter season and the winter storms that bring frigid temperatures along with ice and snow. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties recommends having a winter checklist for your home or business to help prevent water damage from winter storms.
Here are a few items to consider:
Put weather stripping on doors and windows to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering.
Insulate water pipes to help prevent them from freezing and possibly bursting.
Check your roof for possible leaks and loose or broken shingles.
Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
Trim tree limbs that are close to the house.
Clean gutters.
Stock up on ice melt.
If your property is affected by a disaster, such as water damage, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties at (606) 836-8000; we are always here to help.
Heavy rains this season continue to cause water damage to homes and businesses in our area. Our crews are trained and IICRC certified to clean and dry your damaged property to industry standards. The picture shows our fleet ready to deliver flood relief supplies earlier this year. Our trucks are always loaded with the right equipment and ready to dispatch to any size disaster. With the right experience and equipment, the men and women from SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties stand ready to answer the call, day or night.
If you have any flood damage or water damage in your home or business call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties at (606) 836-8000. Our experienced crews are always here to help.
Flooding can happen when runoff from the mountains causes the water levels of small creeks to rise to unsafe levels. The waters move fast and can reach heights of ten to twenty feet easily. When floodwaters end up in homes, they can cause severe damage to the structures and contents.
If your home floods, you should turn off the utilities until emergency officials say that is it safe to turn them on. Also avoid weakened walls, floors, and roofs. Floodwater may contain chemical toxins, bacteria, mud, and sewage. Therefore, wear rubber boots, masks, and gloves before you begin cleaning up your home. If the floodwater has soaked items like upholstered furniture, carpet and pad, and mattresses, it is advisable to discard them because it is difficult to clean them adequately. You should also discard all the food that came into contact with the floodwater. If you have canned foods, wash the cans thoroughly before opening.
Calling SERVPRO franchise professionals to assist you with the cleanup efforts is also vital. We have competent technicians who can help you get back to your home within a short time. We're available around the clock for emergency call-outs. Whether working with your insurance company or directly with you, our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) can assess the destruction to your property, offer an estimate, and handle the restoration process. We can provide your insurance company with images, videos, measurements, and other pertinent information using insurance-industry approved and preferred methods for resolving claims seamlessly.
We use advanced equipment to extract water from floors, basements, and crawl spaces quickly to expedite drying. We can remove water from many types of flooring using wet vacuuming. Our crew then dries the affected areas using air movers and dehumidifiers. Our professionals also use air scrubbers to filter the air. Using air scrubbers helps control the spread of air-borne mold spores and other harmful microorganisms.
We also use germicides and disinfectants to destroy microorganisms. They destroy up to 99 percent of the organisms they contact on the surfaces where we apply them. These products may or may not affect fungal or bacterial spores, which are typically dormant, reproductive bodies. The common disinfects we use include phenols, quaternary, chlorines, and alcohol.
Flooding may also leave unpleasant scents in your home. Our SERVPRO crew can apply deodorizers to eliminate bad odors. We can also use deodorizers that remove wet material odors that you may misinterpret as mold. Our team can use an electric sprayer, pump sprayer, or mister to apply the deodorizers directly to the affected materials.
After a flooding incident, contact SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Countiesfor help. We have the expertise to perform proper cleanup of your home to make the water intrusion seem “Like it never even happened.” Call us any time at(606) 836-8000.
Extreme cold weather can be hard on both you and your home. Here are some tips to help in preparing for the cold months ahead.
How to Deal with Frozen Pipes
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
Let your faucets drip just a bit at night to prevent the temperatures at night from freezing your pipes
Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain
Turn off the sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
These are just a few tips to take into consideration when performing fall cleanup in getting your property prepared in Gaylord for the freezing ice and snow that we are experienced with! These tips can help prevent frozen pipes and water damage throughout your home or business.
Winter is approaching the Chicagoland area sooner than usual this year. SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties want to help keep you safe in the event of a snowstorm. Here are some tips form the American Red Cross to help keep you safe and get you ready for traveling in the cold weather:
Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued.
Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather.
Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.
Keep in your vehicle: a windshield scraper, small broom, matches in a waterproof container, an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.
Keep your gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency.
Have a cell phone with you and make sure the battery is charged.
“Can I dry hardwood floor after water damage?” The amount of homes with hardwood floors is steadily increasing for many reasons, the most prominent being that hardwood floors not only tend to sell homes faster, but they also increase the price. The only downfall is that in the event of a flood or water overflow, hardwood floors cannot be easily taken out and dried like carpet can.
Water damage can increase drastically if not taken care of properly, professionally, and in a timely manner. Here are some of the main considerations:
Response Time - Water damage can be greatly decreased depending on the response time to the problem. Time is of the essence when it comes to hardwood floor water damage – the moisture, temperature, and dust layer beneath a wet wood floor can provide an ideal environment for mold and many other problems.
Type of Wood Flooring - Before you can determine how to properly dry hardwood floor, you need to determine what type of wood flooring you have.
Amount Of Moisture - A flooded hardwood floor can have up to 40% moisture content and can retain well above the normal amount of moisture for weeks if left to dry on their own. Nails may begin to lift, glue may release causing separation between floor pieces, and tongue and groove floors often cup or buckle when moisture has been absorbed.
If you decide to attempt to dry and save hardwood floors in place SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties has specialized drying equipment that forces airflow beneath the surface of the floor, allowing moisture to be released.
Cold temperatures are inevitable. When freezing temperatures hit, here are some helpful prevention tips:
When you know temperatures will be dipping below freezing, allow water to run in all the sinks at a slow, constant drip. It only needs to trickle, and that tiny amount of water will keep the water moving through the pipes and prevent them from freezing.
Open up the cabinet doors in the bathrooms and kitchen. This will allow the heat from the home to circulate and warm up the pipes.
Keep the garage door closed to keep garage pipes from freezing.
Keep your house at a warm, consistent temperature both day and night.
If you leave your home for extended periods of time, do not set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees.
If you do end up with frozen pipes, a hand-held hair dryer or heat lamp can thaw them.
Flooding and other intrusive water can damage a Somersworth home rapidly, showing visible signs immediately. Other damage that continues unabated within the hidden areas of a home's interior cavities can lead to severe infestations of microbes, allow insect pests to nest and burrow in softened materials, and create unwanted odors.
Residents in Somersworth might find that elevated humidity in their home continues to occur after they experience flood damage to their property. This can happen when small pockets of moisture in your home go undetected. One common location is lower surfaces in basement floors. SERVPRO's technicians are IICRC Certified to get these areas dry for you and protect your home from the continued negative effects of damage from flooding.
Water that continued to seep into damaged areas of your home's basement after a flood can smell particularly dank because of the additional odors picked up from the soil underneath your home. Even though the soil can act as a filter, the water's odor and still smell foul, even though it no longer smells like floodwater. The soil around homes that experienced flooding can become so saturated their foundations sometimes move. The pressure can become extremely intense.
If flood damage seems to revisit your home again a short time after mitigation workers complete the initial work, we can help restore your home, so odors and continued damp conditions no longer occur. Desiccant machines can prove highly effective in these situations, as can our air scrubbers. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) can run machines that produce either ozone and hydroxyl gases to eliminate odors from further bothering you and your family.
Eliminating dangerous excess moisture in your home accomplishes more than hindering the growth of microbial and other infestations and keeping your home smelling normal – it also protects occupants from inhaling damp air. SERVPRO technicians can quickly remove any additional materials damaged by this leftover flood damage, test and treat for any microbial activity, and also use different odor-controlling techniques that leave your home smelling “Like it never even happened.”
Freezing Pipes causes Water Damage during winter storm
When pipes freeze in extreme winter weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise, these pipes tend to crack and burst, causing leaking and flooding. Wrapping your pipes with heat tape can help.
Prevent frozen pipes from damaging your home by keeping your home’s thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you will be out of the home for a lengthy period, consider shutting off and draining your water system.
SERVPRO Professionals have the experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.
No power: If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump won’t be able to drain the water
Wrong size: If your sump pump is too small a sump pump for your home’s size can mean too big a job for it to handle. On the flip side, running too large a sump pump can shorten its lifespan.
Old age: Just like any appliance, the years can reduce the efficiency and working order of your sump pump. The average lifespan of a sump pump is roughly 10 years. If yours is creeping up in age, consider replacing it with a more current model.
Clogged pipe: Debris can enter your discharge pipe and create a backup. With nowhere for water to flow, your sump pump will come to a stop.
Lack of maintenance: Your home and the appliances that make it run require regular maintenance. Clean your sump pump three to four times a year to avoid blockages in your discharge line, vents, and floats.
Switch issues: When the sump pump shifts in the basin, the float that administers the switch can cause it to become jammed.
Product or installation problem: In addition to product defects, which are out of your control, improper installation can also cause sump pump failure.
Sump pump fails and causes water damage while you are out of town
Being proactive in a storm event is the best thing you can do!
When storm damage hits Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties homes and businesses, it's important to know what to do until SERVPRO crews get on site.
Call SERVPRO at (606) 836-8000 immediately upon discovering damage.
Shut off the source of water (ie: replace sump pump) or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Use a shop vac or carpet cleaning machine to suck water from carpets. Do Not use a household vacuum cleaner.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Remove electronics, documents, sensitive or valuable items to a dry place.
Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and window curtains off damp floors.
Pull carpet back from the walls to limit water wicking into the drywall.
The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season produced 17 named storms, 10 hurricanes and six major hurricanes, including three Category 4 hurricanes that made landfall in the United States: Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. It was the most active season since 1936.
When it comes to hurricanes, most of the overwhelming damage, is from the "very few strongest storms," Mann said. "What matters is how many Category 3, 4, and 5 storms we get, and we're likely to see more of those storms, and more damage… as a result." —Penn State climate scientist Michael Mann
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Knowing the category of a hurricane can help you understand how threatening it may be.
Category 1: Winds range from 74 to 95 mph and can be expected to produce some minor damage to property. Injuries to people and animals are generally isolated and limited to flying or falling debris. During a Category 1 storm, protected glass windows generally remain intact. Some roof damage to frame homes, apartments, and shopping centers can also occur, as well as short-term power outages due to snapped power lines and downed trees.
Category 2: Winds range from 96 to 110 mph and can be expected to produce extensive property damage. Greater wind velocities mean that debris poses a greater threat to humans and animals, while the roofing, siding, and glass windows (protected and unprotected) of frame homes are more vulnerable to damage. In a Category 2 storm, significant structural damage to apartment buildings, mobile homes, and shopping centers is also expected, as well as flooding in low-lying areas. Extensive power outages ranging from a few days to a few weeks are common, and residents are encouraged to stock up on potable water as filtration systems also fail during this time.
Category 3: Winds ranging from 111 to 130 mph cause significant damage to property, humans, and animals. Mobile and poorly constructed frame homes are often destroyed, and even well-built frame homes commonly sustain major damage. Significant damage to apartments and shopping centers (even those made of wood or steel) can be expected. Category 3 storms can also cause extensive inland flooding. Electricity and water are commonly unavailable for several days to several weeks after the storm, therefore it’s important for residents to have their own stores of canned food and water.
Category 4: Winds range from 131 to 155 mph and can cause catastrophic damage to property, humans, and animals. Severe structural damage to frame homes, apartments, and shopping centers should be expected. Category 4 hurricanes often include long-term power outages and water shortages lasting from a few weeks to a few months, so again, it’s important for any remaining residents to have a significant nonperishable food and water supply at hand.
Category 5: Winds at or greater than 155 mph cause catastrophic damage to property, humans, and animals (read: you should be nowhere near this storm!). Complete or almost-complete destruction of mobile homes, frame homes, apartments, and shopping centers should be expected, and nearly all trees in the area will be snapped or uprooted. Power outages can last for weeks and possibly months. Long-term water shortages should be expected as well, and most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
The strongest hurricanes, have brought severe water and storm damage to coastal locations, including Southwest Brooklyn and other local Brooklyn areas including, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Dyker Heights, while totally disrupting utility power for days across the interior from downed trees and high winds. Both the stronger hurricanes and many of the weaker tropical storms have caused inland river flooding in parts of the New England. History shows that everyone living in southern New England must take tropical storms and hurricanes seriously. Whether you live along the coast, by a river or stream, or far inland, a tropical storm or hurricane striking Southern New England will affect our local area, SERVPRO of Southwest Brooklyn is ready to help you repair your home/business water damage.
The Difference Between a Hurricane Watch and a Hurricane Warning
The difference is 12 HOURS. A watch is issued when a hurricane or tropical storm is possible within 36 hours. A warning is issued when those same conditions are expected within 24 hours.
It’s important to take steps while you have time before a storm arrives to protect the well-being of your family/employees and home/business.
Step 1: Have an Emergency Communication and Evacuation Plan; have a predetermined location both on your property, like the large tree in the front yard, or the family station wagon; and in your local town to meet incase an emergency causes your family to separate. It’s also a good idea to discuss a relative out of town that will be a check-in since it could be difficult to reach others in the same emergency area.
Step 2: Supplies; you should have enough supplies in your home for 72 hours for each member of your family, this includes having specialty items for babies and children or the elderly. You should also have an emergency and first aid kit for your home, your car and each person should have a personal kit for themselves. Another good thing to think about is flashlights, batteries and multiple copies of area maps.
Step 3: Insurance Coverage; consider your coverage for flooding, it’s important to have contact information incase of an emergency and make sure you know what to do if a storm causes damage to your property. If flooding is predicted try and move your vehicles to a safer location. Taking a home inventory can be as simple as snapping cell phone photos of the contents in each of your home’s rooms, and recording the item number or serial number of more important items.
Step 4: Important Documents; you should keep copies of important documents including; proof of ownership for homes, cars and other property. Make sure to keep copies of you and your family’s personal identification and banking information. It’s also a good idea to have some cash available, after a storm getting to an ATM or bank maybe difficult depending on the severity of the damage.
Step 5: Secure Your Property; Experts recommend piling up sandbags at least 2 feet high as an effective barricade against floodwaters. Unplug unused household electronics and appliances, if you are evacuating consider shutting off electricity. Think about trimming trees to reduce any falling limbs and cleaning up things around your home and yard like potted plants, lawn furniture and children’s toys.
Step 6: Electronic Concerns; Aside from keeping extra batteries and chargers around during a hurricane, people are also encouraged to backup any electronic devices. It’s a good idea to store your data at an off-site location.
Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. FEMA reports, in the last 8 years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods. As most of us have recently experienced, nearly 20% of all flood insurance claims come from moderate-to-low risk areas.
Here are a few Flood Facts provided by FEMA:
Flash floods can bring walls of water from 10 to 20 feet high.
Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snow melt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.
Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires.
A 2,000 square foot home undergoing 12 feet of water damage could cost more than $50,000 to repair.
Here are a few supplies you need to prepare for a flood:
Stock up on First Aid items
Non-perishable foods
Three gallons of water per person for 3 days
Battery operated radio for weather reports
Extra batteries
Personal hygiene necessities
About SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties
SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
With the high volume of rain that has fallen and may continue to fall, the rivers, creeks and lakes have and will rise quickly. This is known as Category 3 water aka "black water" and is grossly unsanitary.... They are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water. It is important that you call the company that specializes in this mitigation process. SERVPRO® of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties offers services 24/7 no matter how big or small your job may be, we will help you make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 606-836-8000 to set up your appointment.
With winter quickly approaching SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup & Lewis Counties would like to remind everyone of some of the dangers of snow.
Accumulating snow can make driving motor vehicles very hazardous.
Visibility is reduced by falling snow and this is further exacerbated by strong winds creating whiteout conditions.
Heavy snowfall can immobilize a vehicle entirely, which may be deadly depending on how long it takes rescue crews to arrive. The clogging of a vehicle's tailpipe by snow may lead to carbon monoxide buildup inside the cabin
Snow buildup can weigh down a roof and cause trusses to cave in.
Snow piling up outside the house can block dryer vents or even some furnace exhaust vents causing dangerous fumes to enter your home.
Ice dams forming along the roof can create a backup of water to be forced up under your shingles.
So be safe out there this winter and if any of these thing happen to your home call us at (606) 836-8000 and we will send a crew over.
Our crews worked hard and fast to get help clean up
Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Major Hurricane at Category 4 strength on Friday, August 25 causing widespread devastating flooding and wind destruction along the Texas and Louisiana coast. After making landfall, the storm’s track continued through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, causing heavy rains and additional flooding situations.
Unprecedented flooding occurred across Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas. Rainfall totals exceeded 50 inches in Houston.
SERVPRO mobilized and deployed Disaster Recover Teams to the most heavily impacted areas of Texas and Louisiana. Over 700 fully-equipped storm crews were deployed to help with the disaster.
With a disaster of this magnitude, residents and business owners were encouraged were encouraged to see the "Sea of Green" as all of the SERVPRO teams that were there to help.
When we received word of the magnitude of Hurricane Harvey we began packing the trucks and trailers to head to Houston, Tx to help with the efforts. We knew that is was going to be a hard task but we were willing to go lend a hand. A crew of six certificated techs from SERVPRO of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lewis Counties and lead by our storm team manager loaded up the trucks and headed south. Over the next month the crew worked countless hours to help serve the people of Houston. With their boots on the crew waited through water, removing belongings that the costumers cherished and trying to put a smile on the their face. It was a long month and a lot of hard work, but we were happy to lend a hand.
Conduct a pre-storm assessment. Identify trouble spots before a storm hits.
Some potential hazards to look for on your property:
Cracks in tree trunks or major limbs
Hollow, aged and decayed trees
One-sided or significantly leaning trees
Branches leaning more than 45 degrees over the roof
Anything in close proximity to utility lines
Shelf-like fungus or mushrooms
Trees with dangerous leans
Take measures to prevent damage. After assessing possible hazards to your property, you may need to take any number of measures to limit potential damage.
Remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs
Have leaning trees inspected and consider removing those with large cavities
Prune branches too close to your house and over the street
Check your gutters, and remove debris to prevent water damage.
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