Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Getting Started: Steps Toward Severe Weather Protection | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio Storm Damage
10/8/2023 (Permalink)
Whenever an area is susceptible to storms, there is no telling when one will cause damage to an area and when one will pass by without incident. Though they can be unpredictable, a little preparedness goes a long way when it comes to storm safety. By being certain that you are doing all that you can to protect your home and household, you can make sure that you have peace of mind and are being as safe as possible.
<h3your-home-and-family-for-storms">Preparing Your Home and Family for Storms
Prepare your home as much as possible. There are many damages that storms can cause, and while some may be unavoidable, there are some you can prepare for through household maintenance. Simply securing projectiles such as patio furniture and ensuring trees are trimmed can go a long way. Many homeowners also choose to have a household generator installed in case of a power outage that lasts for a long time.
Create a family communications plan. In the event that everyone is not home when a storm starts, it is important that you are able to communicate and make sure everyone is safe. If everyone is home, be sure they know where your designated shelter area is in the house so you can all migrate there. Designate someone to bring the animals to this safe area too so they are not forgotten in the chaos.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Keeping an emergency kit handy is recommended for any type of preparedness, including severe weather. Having a kit that is well-stocked with nonperishables and supplies is a great way to keep everyone safe and comfortable both while the storm is raging and in the aftermath in case of a power outage. Store your kit in your designated shelter area for best results.
Consider getting a weather radio. Though our phones are the primary source of weather information, power outages and dead batteries can render them useless—hence the need for a backup. Getting a weather radio is a great solution, as you will be able to keep up with emergency alerts and weather updates directly, regardless of what state your cellphone is in.
If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.
Getting ready to a storm kit
10/8/2023 (Permalink)
Cold weather, snow, and ice storms may wreak havoc on your house or company. When tragedies like these hit, you must act quickly to prevent more damage to your property. SERVPRO is always willing to assist, and we'd like to offer some advice on how to put together a basic emergency kit in case the unexpected occurs.
One thing that 2021 has taught us is to always be prepared in a year full of surprises. Here are a few essentials to include in your Emergency Storm Kit.
The following items should be included in a basic emergency supplies kit:
-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
-A battery-operated or hand-crank radio, as well as a NOAA weather radio - Weather Tone alarm on the radio
-Flashlight
-Kit for first aid
-Extra batteries are available.
-A whistle (to signal for help)
-Mask to protect against dust (to help filter contaminated air)
-Duct tape and plastic sheeting (to shelter in place)
-Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
-pliers or a wrench (to turn off utilities)
-Can opener (manual) (for food)
-Maps of the area
-Chargers and a backup battery are included with the phone.
Some advices to get prepared for a hurricane
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
A blowing Hurricane
Is your commercial enterprise hurricane-ready?
Here are some resources to assist businesses with hurricane preparation:
- Make a backup of your important computer data and save it elsewhere.
- Make a thorough inventory of your company and take lots of photos.
- A communication plan for employees should be in place, and it should include a specific out-of-town phone line where employees can check in and get corporate information. Make sure employee emergency contact information is up to current.
Establish storm procedures so that staff members are aware of what to do and post them beforehand.
Defend electrical devices from potential water damage. - In case additional funds are required after the storm, have extra cash and blank checks on hand.
- If your facility is damaged, establish a temporary location for business operations.
- Choose a safe space for workers who must stay in the building.
- Give employees enough time to safeguard their homes and families. Protect the structure and any goods you can't bring into construction sites.
Licensed contractors must protect their job locations in the case of a tropical storm warning or hurricane watch. Objects that could be dangerous must be secured or removed.
Dial Us Now! If you need any help!
SERVPRO is always here to help with storm water damage
8/17/2022 (Permalink)
Hurricane
Many people believe that the hurricane and storm season has little bearing on their life, but those who have really experienced them can speak to the enormous devastation a tropical cyclone causes. If you don't use qualified service providers to repair your property for you, it could be stressful and expensive.
Call SERVPRO to protect your home from the stresses of tropical stormwater damage. We have a group of experts on staff that are skilled at repairing homes after a storm. We have cutting-edge tools on hand and are prepared to renovate your home.
We are equipped to address any damage caused by tropical storms, including wind and flood damage. The phases of our restoration process are as follows:
- The job site is inspected and assessed as part of emergency response.
- Demolition, water removal, and drying are followed by daily inspections to assess the job's progress.
- Cleaning and sanitising
- Deodorisation
- Replacing damaged materials
Non-penetrative moisture metres can be used by our SERVPRO professionals to find moisture. We have self-priming trash pumps that we can utilise to remove water from your home. These pumps are frequently used when only a small lift is needed or when horizontal water transfer is necessary. For instance, self-priming trash pumps can be used to remove water from one-story buildings in the wake of a cyclone.
In order to prevent a mould infestation, our SERVPRO staff can also employ air-moving and dehumidifying equipment to eliminate all moisture from your house.
We can choose options that are advantageous for our customers because of our understanding of construction and drying. Additionally, we may clean your home and remove any damaged insulation, flooring, or drywall.
SERVPRO conducts confirmatory tests to make sure the home and any impacted things are restored to their original state before enabling clients to move back in.
We may ask you to sign a Certificate of Satisfaction once we conduct a walkthrough.
Dealing with summer storm and safety
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
Summer is approaching, and with it comes the risk of catastrophic storms. When you're outside, there are a few things you can do to lessen your risk of being struck by lightning.
Offices, schools, and houses are all well-protected structures. Once inside, keep your distance from windows and doors. Keep an eye out for anything that conducts electricity.
If you don't have access to a safe shelter, take the following steps to lessen your risk:
- Never take refuge under a lone tree or utility pole; these places are more likely to be hit.
- Get off the ridges, peaks, and hills.
- Get away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Objects that conduct electricity should be avoided.
- Do not lie completely flat on the ground.
- When thunderstorms are predicted, keep an eye on the weather and postpone or cancel outdoor activities. Even if your building is damaged, make sure you are protected at all times.
We're here to assist you with the damage that storm damage might create.
Get ready to a Storm kit
5/29/2022 (Permalink)
Cold weather, snow, and ice storms may wreak havoc on your house or company. When tragedies like these hit, you must act quickly to prevent more damage to your property. SERVPRO is always willing to assist, and we'd like to offer some advice on how to put together a basic emergency kit in case the unexpected occurs.
One thing that 2021 has taught us is to always be prepared in a year full of surprises. Here are a few essentials to include in your Emergency Storm Kit.
The following items should be included in a basic emergency supplies kit:
-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
-A battery-operated or hand-crank radio, as well as a NOAA weather radio - Weather Tone alarm on the radio
-Flashlight
-Kit for first aid
-Extra batteries are available.
-A whistle (to signal for help)
-Mask to protect against dust (to help filter contaminated air)
-Duct tape and plastic sheeting (to shelter in place)
-Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
-pliers or a wrench (to turn off utilities)
-Can opener (manual) (for food)
-Maps of the area
-Chargers and a backup battery are included with the phone.
Getting your business ready for a heavy storm!
5/27/2022 (Permalink)
How to Prepare Your Company for a Major Storm
At any time, a big rainfall can strike. When the building is packed of people, lightning and thunder may strike outside. Thunderstorms are very hazardous. Winds of 58 miles per hour or 1-inch hail are common in this type of storm. It can result in a range of problems, including:
Outages of electricity
Flooding in a flash
The lightning strikes.
As a result, it is critical to prepare your property prior to the arrival of severe weather. This will ensure the safety of your personnel and reduce the demand for storm cleanup services. Here are a few pointers to help you prepare for the heavy rain, lightning, and high winds that are expected.
Keep yourself up to date
An emergency alert system should be in place in your community. Make sure you have permission to use this system. You should also be aware of the meanings of the various notifications. When severe weather is expected in a certain area, a severe thunderstorm watch is issued. Meanwhile, a severe thunderstorm warning means that radar or storm spotters have detected dangerous conditions in the area.
Protect Your Assets
Any important equipment you put outside your building can be blown away by the wind that often comes with a big downpour. Before the terrible weather approaches, make sure you bring these items inside.
Shrubs and tree limbs can also be blown to the ground or into windows by the wind. Trim the plants regularly and remove any damaged portions to keep them vigorous and healthy.
Take precautions.
Your employees may be locked inside during the worst stages of the storm if severe weather strikes during office hours. As a result, you should keep an emergency kit on the premises. The kit should include materials that personnel can utilise if they are trapped inside the facility for several hours or days. A first-aid kit should also be readily available on site.
A heavy downpour can inflict significant wind and flood damage to your home. You can keep your staff safe and reduce the damage to your property by being proactive.
Winter Storms Can cause Damage to Commercial Properties; Be Prepared and get ready with A SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile
5/26/2022 (Permalink)
Businesses can register their properties with the local SERVPRO project manager for free using SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile. This profile contains information on the property(ies) that your local SERVPRO manager manages so that we can be prepared in the event of an emergency. This profile can save you hundreds of dollars in storm or other severe weather-related damages.
During the winter, large snowstorms can destroy electricity lines, resulting in power outages and a reduction in heat supply for homes and businesses across the region. When this occurs, many commercial premises may be left vacant. Equipment can be damaged and water supply lines can rupture due to the freezing temperatures. In order to switch off the water supply, a firm with a current SERVPRO ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) will know exactly where to find water, electricity, and other important locations.
To learn more about our free preparation service, give us a call. Before the next winter storm, the project manager will organise a walk-through of your property.
What Safety Issues Do Flood Emergencies Cause and How Do Professionals Control Them?
2/13/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if you experience any storm damage.
Trust the SERVPRO to Evaluate Carefully for Safety Concerns and Put Proper Controls in Place During Flood Damage Cleanup.
What Kinds of Safety Issues Can Summer and Fall Seasonal Storms Create?
The storms contributing to the flood damage homes experience create a long list of significant safety issues that must be discovered, documented, and controlled during the overall restoration project. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the safety concerns we anticipate could be present in your home post-flood damage:
Slip, trip, and fall
Electric shock or electrocution risks
- Structural Wind and Water Issues
Damage to roofs, windows, siding, and more
Migration from exterior damage, causing caches of water to collect in building cavities, threatening the collapse of structures and injury to occupants and workers
- Overland Flooding and Seepage Issues
Water contaminated with a broad range of dirt, chemicals, and infectious agents, creating a risk of illness or worse to occupants and workers. Contaminants can include:
Industrial yard, roadway, and landscaping chemicals, including pesticides
Dirt, oils, gravel, mud, muck, and organic materials, including dead animals and insects
Sewage from overwhelmed curbside drainage systems or a backup of your own waste line
Previously contained materials such as asbestos and lead and newly discovered mold damage all have significant health effects attached if the substances are breathed in, absorbed through skin contact, or ingested
If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.
What to Do After Storm Damage Hits Your Home?
2/13/2021 (Permalink)
Our teams are always available.
SERVPRO can give your Westerly home's hardwood flooring the attention it needs to avoid loss from floodwater damage
Flooding happens unexpectedly, fast, and most often, the flooring gets the brunt of it. The key to any water spill in a home is removing the water as quickly as possible, which may involve actions such as mopping, blotting. If there is any inkling water seeped under the floorboards or behind baseboards, you need professional assistance to extract the water and dry the boards.
What Does Water Damage Do to Engineered Hardwood Flooring?
Several factors affect the outcome of water damage in your homes to engineered hardwood boards. First, the construction of this type of flooring differs from a conventional hardwood floorboard and tends to with water loss better. Second, the length of the exposure the boards had with the water.
If your engineered boards meet the following criteria, there is the potential for restoration through rapid action for extraction and drying:
- Your floorboards have hardwood or plywood materials
- The top layer veneer is not thin
- The sealant on each board is intact
- Your floorboards do not have fiberboard centers
Necessary Actions to Save Different Types of Wood Flooring from Water Loss
Hardwood floorboards are absorbent, and, to some extent that assists in saving the boards in a water loss event even though they may cup and buckle; most boards return to their original shape with little to no sanding necessary. However, the longer the high moisture conditions exist, the less chance of full restoration as the sealant and top veneer layer can only hold up so long against water. Avoid contact with the water, mainly if it is groundwater, and put down towels or rags as needed. Additionally, if it is safe to do so, move furnishings and small items out of any room experiencing flooding as a precautionary measure. If the water has a foul odor or has known chemicals in it, avoid all contact and await the arrival of the SERVPRO technicians.
you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.
Flood water Damage
2/13/2021 (Permalink)
Regardless of your geographic location, or your proximity to bodies of water, storms can help water find you. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, tropical depressions...any number of these, or other types of weather, can bring water damage to your property.
Should you experience water loss caused by a storm, whether it be from rising floodwaters or persistent rain that leaked in through your roof and ceiling onto the floor below, that’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Our professionally trained team ensures that the situation is analyzed, water extracted, damaged materials removed, moisture levels are returned to normal, remaining surfaces are treated against additional damage, and reconstruction returns your home or business to pre-damage condition.
If you find yourself facing damage from a storm, don’t panic. Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call…and make your loss "Like it never even happened."
3 Types of Home Damage to Look for After a Hail Storm
1/28/2021 (Permalink)
Hail storm
3 Areas to Inspect After a Hail Storm
Severe weather can happen in any season, and without warning, you may find yourself in the middle of a violent hail storm. Once the storm is over, you will want to give your home a thorough inspection for hail damage. Some damage may simply be cosmetic, but there could be heavier damage that will lead to greater concerns. These are the three areas you should inspect after a hail storm:
1. Windows and Doors
Large pieces of hail can reach speeds of up to 100 mph, and broken windows can easily happen. Be sure to inspect glass doors for cracks or holes. Depending on the severity of the rain, water seepage could have occurred, causing greater damage to the interior of the house. Carefully check for any water damage to the window frames or drywall.
2. Siding and Exterior
Hail can dent aluminum siding and even cause shredding and splitting. It is important to look for dents, holes, or chipping on the exterior of the house. Hail can also peel away paint, exposing the wood underneath to the elements.
3. Roofing and Structure Covering
Roof damage is the No. 1 type of damage from a hail storm. A metal roof may appear to only have dents and dings, but it could also have damage to the seams, which will cause leaking. Shingled roofs should be thoroughly inspected because their damage is not easily seen. Keep an eye out for “bruising,” or dark spots on an asphalt shingle where it is missing its granule finish. Wood shingles may have split. Shingles that have sustained significant damage and all missing shingles should be replaced.
Once you've identified roof damage or other destruction from a storm, or if you want assistance in doing so, Call SERVPRO® of East San Antonio
We can help. Our professionals can give you added advice and help you maintain your peace of mind after Mother Nature makes a house call.
What Should I Look for in a Storm Restoration Company? | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio
12/30/2020 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms and other severe weather incidents are alarming, to say the least—and if your property is damaged in the chaos, they can be downright overwhelming to experience. Studies have shown that destructive storms are becoming more common and causing more damage to areas that are impacted.
In case your home or business is damaged in a storm, knowing how to have your damage restored is key.
Picking the right restoration company to handle your damages is one of the best things you can do for yourself. While there will often be many pop-up companies that come through the area after severe weather hits, choosing a restoration provider that is reputable and professional will be much more helpful in the long run.
Qualities of Reputable Storm Restoration CompaniesThey are well-regarded on a local and industry level. As with any purchase, you should do your research on a restoration company’s reputation before you enter into a contract with them. There are many companies that show up and attempt to make a quick buck after severe weather, many of which are scams. That is why we are so proud of the reputation we have earned—we are considered leaders in the restoration industry and are extremely active within the community as well.
They are prepared to handle an increase in demand. If there is a severe weather event in your area, there will likely be a large swatch of the neighborhood that is damaged, creating a surge in restoration demand. Making sure your chosen restoration company can handle this surge is key—with our system, we are able to call upon our other SERVPRO® locations to provide backup and extra resources when needed.
They are able to provide you with service at any time. There is no schedule that severe weather abides by, so picking a company that adheres to strict office hours may not provide you with the best possible service. Thanks to our 24⁄7 emergency line, you can call us any time you experience damage so you can be certain we are working on it no matter what time of day a storm rolls through.
When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.
Getting Started: Steps Toward Severe Weather Protection | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio
12/30/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if you experience any storm damage.
Whenever an area is susceptible to storms, there is no telling when one will cause damage to an area and when one will pass by without incident. Though they can be unpredictable, a little preparedness goes a long way when it comes to storm safety. By being certain that you are doing all that you can to protect your home and household, you can make sure that you have peace of mind and are being as safe as possible.
Preparing Your Home and Family for StormsPrepare your home as much as possible. There are many damages that storms can cause, and while some may be unavoidable, there are some you can prepare for through household maintenance. Simply securing projectiles such as patio furniture and ensuring trees are trimmed can go a long way. Many homeowners also choose to have a household generator installed in case of a power outage that lasts for a long time.
Create a family communications plan. In the event that everyone is not home when a storm starts, it is important that you are able to communicate and make sure everyone is safe. If everyone is home, be sure they know where your designated shelter area is in the house so you can all migrate there. Designate someone to bring the animals to this safe area too so they are not forgotten in the chaos.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. Keeping an emergency kit handy is recommended for any type of preparedness, including severe weather. Having a kit that is well-stocked with nonperishables and supplies is a great way to keep everyone safe and comfortable both while the storm is raging and in the aftermath in case of a power outage. Store your kit in your designated shelter area for best results.
Consider getting a weather radio. Though our phones are the primary source of weather information, power outages and dead batteries can render them useless—hence the need for a backup. Getting a weather radio is a great solution, as you will be able to keep up with emergency alerts and weather updates directly, regardless of what state your cellphone is in.
If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.
Stay Safe From Summer Storms Anywhere You Go | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio
12/28/2020 (Permalink)
Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of East San Antonio is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.
When the weather turns hot and humid, you can be certain that thunderstorms and pop-up showers are not far behind. While some of these are run-of-the-mill events, any time there is thunder involved, there is a potential for things to progress and become severe.
It is important to never ignore thunderstorms and keep these safety tips for warm-weather storms in mind.
Safety Tips for Warm-Weather Storms
Know your options for shelter. When you are aware that a storm is a possibility, you should stay home and seek shelter if at all possible in case things turn severe. When you are out and about when a sudden storm pops up, however, you may not have that luxury. Sheltering in your car is a viable option if a storm is in the area—just be sure to park safely, cut the engine and avoid touching metals in the car.
Practice electrical safety. As lightning strikes a building, it routes itself down the path of least resistance in order to reach the balancing charge of the ground—which often means it runs through a home’s electrical wiring system to do so. This can cause a power surge, which is when the charge overwhelms the system and runs through the outlets to anything plugged in. Running everything through your home and office through surge protectors is a great first step, but if you know a storm is coming, you can also unplug everything to be extra safe.
Avoid direct contact with concrete. Concrete is a solid construction material, but it can also transfer electrical charges quite efficiently depending on its construction. Most concrete structures will be reinforced with metal as they are poured, meaning that when lightning strikes, the metal can absorb the lightning’s energy and disperse it through the concrete. Avoid leaning against a concrete wall or sitting on a concrete floor when lightning is in the area.
Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. If a quick storm has put your plans on hold, clear skies may signal that it is time to resume your activities. However, lightning has been known to strike across 25 miles, so even if the storm is in the distance, the lightning can still be a hazard. For safety, wait at least 30 minutes after a thunder clap before heading back outside.
If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.
Recovering From a Flood With a Safety-Focused Approach | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio
12/14/2020 (Permalink)
If your experiences any water damage from flooding, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is available 24/7 to assist you with any repairs.
Finding out that your home has been impacted in a flood can be a devastating experience, and many homeowners will want to rush to recover from the damage and restore their lives to normal.
Taking quick action after a flood is the general recommendation as it can lessen the severity of the overall damage, but as you work to recover, it is necessary to keep safety in mind as well. Taking a safety-first approach to recovery is always advised to mitigate injury or further damages.
Remembering Safety and Recovering From a Flood
Avoid further safety hazards. Being adamant about returning home quickly is common following a flood, but you should also wait until you are authorized to do so by your local officials. There are many hidden hazards that can be a risk during the aftermath of a flood—electrical hazards and contamination are all things that officials will need to inspect before it is safe to return to your property.
Air out the home. Mold growth begins extremely quickly after water damage is introduced, which can make the air in your home dangerous to breathe. While airing out the home will not prevent mold from growing, it can lessen the hazardous health impact it can have. Open windows and doors as soon as possible after entering the home, and consider letting the house air out for a bit before beginning recovery work to increase the fresh air available.
Document the damages. It is a common reaction to immediately begin removing damaged items after a flood, but having photographs of the damages will help you with your insurance claims and categorizing the overall losses from the flood. If you have not purchased flood insurance, your coverage may be limited, but you may still be eligible to file a claim and recuperate some of the damages.
Contact your restoration and insurance companies right away. Alerting your insurance company and restoration company regarding the damages right away can help you start the restoration process in earnest. Your insurance provider will be able to advise you on next steps, and your restoration company can begin removing moisture from the air and assessing the damage to create a long-term plan of action. Considering that water damage worsens the longer it sits, making these calls quickly is key to start mitigating damage effectively.
If your home has been damaged in a flood, we are here for you. You can contact us 24⁄7 to receive a quick response and set the restoration process in motion
When the Power is Out, the Generator should Stay Out as well
11/14/2019 (Permalink)
Always place your generator Outside of your San Antonio home for safety
When the lights start to flicker one's first instinct is to grab the flashlights to be ready if the power goes out.
There is a large number of homeowners and businesses that own generators that can keep the vital systems in a building running.
The generators, which run on gas, exhaust fumes very similar to your automobile. Making sure these fumes don't come back into your home is extremely important.
Generators should be placed Outside in order to exhaust the fumes out into the open. Even putting the generator int he garage is not safe practice, the generator should be outside of the home and venting away from any fresh air inlet.
When the power goes off and your property sustains property damage, call SERVPRO to do your repairs and mitigate the damage. For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/
How to Handle Damaged Belongings After a Flood in San Antonio, TX
11/14/2019 (Permalink)
Paperwork/documents damage from San Antonio storm
How to Handle Damaged Belongings After a Flood
If your building was damaged during a storm in San Antonio, TX, the items inside may have been affected as well. If this is the case, it can be difficult to determine how you should proceed. If you are unsure about how your belongings should be treated, the following content cleaning information may help you.
- Curtains and Other Fabrics
Because these materials are porous, they can absorb a lot of water. This can be especially troublesome when black water is involved. It carries a high level of contaminants such as waste, mud and bacteria that can be difficult to remove. While you may be able to salvage some porous items with a thorough cleaning, some of them may need to be thrown out.
- Hard Surfaces and Non-Porous Items
Content cleaning for objects with hard, non-porous surfaces is generally much easier. Because the contaminated water is not absorbed, you don’t need to worry about bacteria lingering beneath the surface. With these items, scrubbing them with an anti-bacterial cleaner will likely be enough to sanitize them.
- Artwork and Paper Items
These items can be important and sometimes irreplaceable, so it can be upsetting when they are damaged in a flood. The good news is that they are not necessarily ruined beyond repair. A professional service will likely have access to high-quality equipment that will be able to dry these items and remove the bacteria and other contaminants.
- Electronics and Equipment
Like porous materials, electronics can be difficult to save if they have been damaged by contaminated water. For the best results, you should have them taken to a professional right away for inspection. Do not attempt to use these items before you know it is safe as you may cause more damage.
If your items have been damaged by contaminated water, then the best thing to do is have content cleaning done by a professional. A cleanup and restoration service can salvage many of your belongings and can perform any necessary repairs on your building as well.
For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/
The Top 3 Tips To Prepare Your Bexar County Business for a Disaster
11/13/2019 (Permalink)
Disaster preparedness is crucial for business owners in San Antonio, TX
Prepare Your Business For A Disaster
When you imagined owning a business in San Antonio, TX, disaster preparedness was likely the last thing to cross your mind. However, the fantasy and reality of entrepreneurship are not always the same. In the world of corporate America, business preparedness can mean the difference between success and failure. Here are the top three tips to protect your livelihood in the unfortunate event of a disaster:
1. Protect your employees.
In an emergency, safety takes priority. Take steps in advance to optimize the well-being of staff and customers when the unexpected strikes. First, communicate crisis procedures verbally and in writing with employees. Second, practice evacuation and shelter-in place practices with your team. Third, maintain disaster kits that include items such as bottled water, first aid and flashlights.
2. Arrange for business continuity.
After a tropical storm or other destructive weather event, restoration professionals work to return your business to preloss condition. During this time, you may not be able to operate from the premises. A good disaster preparedness plan includes backing up data and housing copies of important documents easily accessible off-site. These include customer information, inventory, insurance policies, employee records and financial papers.
3. Safeguard your commercial property and inventory.
Protect your investment by ensuring you have the proper insurance coverage. For example, not all general policies include flood damage. Business interruption insurance is also commonly offered as an add-on option. When a storm is looming, take precautions such as boarding windows, securing furniture and moving valuables to a safe location.
Disaster preparedness is crucial for business owners in San Antonio, Proper planning protects your employees, commercial property and inventory in a weather catastrophe. Maintain relevant insurance and back up important financial documents off-site in the event your building is not accessible. This level of business preparedness allows you to run your business in an alternate location, while the restoration company focuses on repairing the Storm damage to looking “Like it never even happened."
For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/
The Dangers of Hail for Your San Antonio Commercial Roof
11/12/2019 (Permalink)
The impact of hail damage on your roof can be influenced by several factors
While your commercial building in San Antonio, TX, can be vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters, a hailstorm is one of the more destructive ones. Hail can cause many problems for your business, including roof damage. This specific type of damage can severely harm your property if it's not prevented or treated on time. Continue reading to learn more about the effect hail can have on your building and how to prevent it.
The Factors Behind the Damage
The impact of hail damage on your roof can be influenced by several factors. For instance, the size and weight of each hailstone can create different degrees of damage to the roof. Additionally, the roof can successfully absorb the collision of the hailstones depending on the building materials used on it. Other factors that can influence the damage include the speed and direction of the wind, as well as any present barriers.
The Types of Damage
Hail can not only greatly ruin the roof of your business establishment, but it also inflicts additional harm to the entire building.
- Dents or cracks on roof
- Damaged or missing shingles
- Compromised sheathing
- Water leaks
- Water on the attic
- Wet insulation
The roof damage allows water to enter the location and create further problems. You might need to contact a roofing specialist and water damage repair to fix both the roof and the affected parts of the building.
Preventing Damage From Hail
The repair process may slow down your productivity and deter consumers away from your business. You can prevent these issues and save on time and expenses by taking active measures against hail damage. Invest on using hail-resistant materials such as cooper, plastic or asphalt to decrease the effect of hail on the shingles. Also, install protections on valuable outdoor items and use storm shutters to protect the windows.
Hailstorms are particularly harsh on your commercial property and roof damage exposes it to additional risks. Focus on this potential damage as you protect and reinforce your commercial roof.
For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/
SA Folks Rely on SERVPRO for Safe Stormwater Cleanup and Restoration
11/12/2019 (Permalink)
Dealing with Water Contamination after Flood Damage in Your San Antonio Residence
Road overflow or flash flooding can result in a contaminated supply of water entering your property. Overnight, these problems can intensify, causing lasting damage to your home and contents. Our large loss recovery team is here to help protect your home from further losses and restore it to a pre-flood condition. We employee local technicians that are available on-call to perform out-of-hours emergency services for residents in this community that has been afflicted by flash flooding.
Black Water Can Contain Pathogens, Chemicals, and Pesticides
One of the main challenges a technician faces when restoring flood damage in your San Antonio home is contaminated water. Floodwaters may have traveled several miles before reaching your property and have picked up all kinds of pathogens along the way. These may include animal carcasses, raw sewage, chemicals, pollutants or other pathogens that have entered your property in floodwater.
The safety precautions against contaminants may require some regions of the house to be cordoned off using physical barriers. To prevent the spread of toxic materials, SERVPRO technicians can establish clean rooms as well as laying down pathways between areas of the home to avoid pathogens being transported on shoes, clothing, or equipment.
Solid waste must be sealed up in waste bags and taken with us for safe disposal at a Biohazardous waste facility. SERVPRO must also carry out controlled demolitions of the drywall as well as the removal and disposal of porous materials like carpeting or fabrics. With contaminated materials thoroughly removed, we can then thoroughly disinfect the area to return your home to a safe, liveable environment.
To Improve IAQ Indoor Air Quality
Malodors are common in flood restoration services with powerful disinfectants adding to the issue. Once a SERVPRO technician is satisfied, the property is clean; we can use pressure spray equipment to thoroughly deodorize the affected area with odor masking solvents to remove malodors. Box fans may need to be placed overnight to exchange the air and restore natural indoor air quality. Depending on the source of the odors, we also used air scrubbers to trap particles or hydroxyl generators to alter the foul-smelling compounds chemically.
Contaminated floodwaters require specific procedures to return your home to a sanitary condition. For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/
Rising Floodwaters
10/15/2019 (Permalink)
Storms can bring flood damage. We're here to help.
Regardless of your geographic location, or your proximity to bodies of water, storms can help water find you. Hurricanes, thunderstorms, tropical depressions...any number of these, or other types of weather, can bring water damage to your property.
Should you experience water loss caused by a storm, whether it be from rising floodwaters, or persistent rain that leaked in through your roof and ceiling onto the floor below, that’s when you call the professionals at SERVPRO of East San Antonio. Our professionally trained team ensures that the situation is analyzed, water extracted, damaged materials removed, moisture levels are returned to normal, remaining surfaces are treated against additional damage, and reconstruction returns your home or business to pre-damage condition.
If you find yourself facing damage from a storm, don’t panic. Call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We’re here 24/7 to answer the call…and make your loss "Like it never even happened."