Stay Ahead of the Storm: Top Weather Apps for Tracking Severe Weather

9/12/2024 (Permalink)

Staying informed about weather conditions is crucial, especially during storm seasons. With the right weather apps, you can track storms, receive timely alerts, and make informed decisions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best weather apps available for tracking storms, highlighting their key features and benefits.

The Weather Channel

• Key Features: Real-time weather updates, severe weather alerts, radar maps, and storm tracking.
• Benefits: The Weather Channel app offers comprehensive weather information and detailed storm tracking. Its user-friendly interface and accurate forecasts make it a reliable choice for staying updated during storm seasons.

AccuWeather

• Key Features: Minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts, severe weather alerts, radar maps, and customizable notifications.
• Benefits: AccuWeather is known for its precise weather predictions and detailed storm tracking. The app's MinuteCast feature provides hyper-local forecasts, helping you stay ahead of changing weather conditions.

Weather Underground

• Key Features: Interactive radar maps, severe weather alerts, storm tracking, and hyper-local weather data from personal weather stations.
• Benefits: Weather Underground leverages data from thousands of personal weather stations, offering highly localized and accurate weather information. The app's detailed radar maps and storm tracking features are particularly useful for monitoring storms.

NOAA Weather Radar Live

• Key Features: Real-time radar maps, severe weather alerts, hurricane tracking, and detailed weather forecasts.
• Benefits: This app provides real-time radar and satellite imagery from NOAA, ensuring you have access to up-to-date weather information. Its hurricane tracking feature is especially valuable during storm seasons.

MyRadar

• Key Features: High-definition radar maps, weather alerts, storm tracking, and customizable notifications.
• Benefits: MyRadar is known for its high-quality radar imagery and user-friendly interface. The app allows you to track storms in real time and set up custom alerts for your area, ensuring you stay informed about severe weather.

Storm Radar

• Key Features: Advanced storm tracking, real-time radar maps, weather alerts, and future radar forecasting.
• Benefits: Storm Radar, by The Weather Channel, focuses on providing detailed storm tracking and radar information. Its advanced features and interactive maps make it a powerful tool for monitoring storm activity.

WeatherBug

• Key Features: Real-time weather updates, severe weather alerts, lightning detection, and storm tracking.
• Benefits: WeatherBug offers comprehensive weather information with a focus on severe weather alerts and lightning detection. The app’s Spark Lightning Alerts feature provides real-time notifications about nearby lightning activity.

Dark Sky

• Key Features: Hyper-local weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, radar maps, and minute-by-minute precipitation predictions.
• Benefits: Dark Sky is renowned for its accurate, hyper-local weather forecasts and detailed storm tracking. Its intuitive interface and precise predictions make it a favorite among weather enthusiasts.

Staying informed about storm activity is essential for ensuring your safety and preparedness. These weather apps offer a range of features, from real-time radar maps to severe weather alerts, helping you stay ahead of the storm. Download one or more of these apps to your smartphone and stay informed. Call SERVPRO of Germantown/ Collierville to protect yourself and your loved ones during severe weather events.

Protecting Your Electronics During Storms: Surge Protectors 101

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about surge protectors and how to use them to safeguard your electronics during storms.

During a storm emergency, your electronics can be extremely vulnerable to power surges that can damage or destroy them. Lightning strikes and power fluctuations caused by storms can send surges of electricity through your home's electrical system, endangering your valuable electronics. That's where surge protectors come in. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about surge protectors and how to use them to safeguard your electronics during storms.

What is a Surge Protector?

A surge protector is a device designed to protect your electronics from power surges. It works by diverting excess voltage and regulating the flow of electricity to prevent damage to connected devices. Surge protectors typically feature multiple outlets and come in various forms, including power strips, wall-mounted units, and standalone devices.

How to Use Surge Protectors to Protect Electronics During Storms

1. Purchase a High-Quality Surge Protector: Not all surge protectors are created equal. Invest in a reputable surge protector that offers adequate protection for your electronics. Look for a surge protector with a joule rating of at least 600 or higher.
2. Assess Your Electronics' Needs: Determine the total wattage and the number of outlets needed for the devices you want to protect. Make sure your surge protector has enough outlets to accommodate all your electronics.
3. Plug Directly into the Surge Protector: Connect your electronics directly into the Surge Protector rather than plugging them into multiple extension cords or other power strips. This ensures that your devices receive the maximum protection from power surges.
4. Do Not Overload the Surge Protector: Pay attention to the wattage limits of your surge protector and avoid exceeding its maximum capacity. Overloading the surge protector can lead to overheating and an increased risk of power surges.
5. Replace Old Surge Protectors: Surge protectors have a limited lifespan. Over time, the protective components wear down, reducing their effectiveness. Replace your surge protector every 2-3 years to ensure optimal protection for your electronics.
6. Prepare for Storms in Advance: Before a storm hits, unplug sensitive electronics such as computers, TVs, and gaming consoles from the surge protector. This provides an extra layer of protection against power surges during the storm.
7. Use Whole-House Surge Protection: Consider installing a whole-house surge protection system for ultimate protection. These systems are installed at the electrical panel and provide defense against power surges that may enter through other pathways, such as phone, cable, or satellite lines.
8. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather updates and be prepared to unplug your electronics and disconnect surge protectors if necessary. Additionally, following a severe storm, it's crucial to check your surge protectors for any signs of damage and replace them if needed.

By following these surge protector tips, you can safeguard your electronics during storms and minimize the risk of damage caused by power surges. Incorporate surge protectors into your storm damage plan to ensure your electronics are protected and ready to use after storms pass.

At SERVPRO®, we understand the importance of protecting your belongings during storm emergencies. If your electronics or property suffers damage because of storms, our experts are here to help with efficient storm damage cleanup and restoration services. Contact us for assistance and quick recovery after storms and power outages.

Electronics After Storm Damage

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

Taking Certain Steps Quickly Can Help Save Electronics in Your Home

After any flood, the damage to your home's contents can be severe. Not only are furniture, flooring, and documents at risk, but electronics can also be ruined by water. Televisions, computers, power tools, appliances, and other devices require immediate attention to have the best chance of being saved. 
 
Homeowners with flood damage typically have electronics that they're worried about, whether the flooding was caused by a storm or burst pipe. Not only is replacing these items an extra expense but going without certain electronics for even a short amount of time can be a huge inconvenience. Whether any specific piece of electronic equipment can be restored or saved depends on a number of factors. 

Humidity 
 
It's not just the standing water in a flood-damaged house that poses a threat to electronics, but humidity as well. This becomes a bigger issue the longer it takes to get the flood damage restoration process started. Our team will dehumidify your home to get things stable and decrease the chance that your electronic devices will incur damage.
 
Exposure to Water 
 
The less water that has been in or around an electronic device, the more likely it can be saved. For instance, a microwave sitting on a wet counter can have the excess water wiped from its base, while a laptop that's been submerged in water is a much greater challenge and may not be salvageable. SERVPRO takes special measures when handling electronics in a home with flood damage, which can often save the equipment. 
 
Preventing Further Damage 
 
When you call SERVPRO after your home has encountered flood damage, it's important to avoid turning on your electronics. It's tempting to see if each item still works, but doing so can increase the chances of irreversible damage. Once we're on the scene, we'll quickly work to save your electronic equipment if at all possible. 
 
If you need to restore your home after a flood, count on the experts at SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville. We'll do our utmost to help you keep your possessions and avoid the cost of replacement. For more information about our flood damage services or to get a quote, call us today!

How to Prepare Before a Storm

What to do before the storm:

• Check that loose items such as outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and trampolines are safely secured.
• If it is safe to do so, check that gutters, downpipes, and drains are not blocked.
• Park your car undercover and away from falling debris.

What to do during the storm:

• Stay indoors and away from windows.
• If outdoors, stay away from drains, gutters, creeks and waterways, where the water can move up to 10 miles per hour.
• Be prepared for power outages, if possible carry flashlights or any portable light.
• Floodwater is dangerous and toxic – never drive, walk, ride, or swim in floodwater.

What to do after the storm:

• Check your home and property for damage.
• Keep clear of damaged buildings, power lines, and trees.
• Be aware of road hazards such as floodwater, debris, and damaged roads or bridges.
• Do not drive through affected areas unless it is absolutely necessary.

If you suspect damage after a storm, count on the experts.

Approximate The Distance To Lightning Strike: Know How To Prepare for Storms

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Know How To Prepare for Storms

Lightning causes around 43 deaths in the U.S. annually (based on statistics from 1989-2018). Thankfully, this number is only 10% of the average lightning strikes, the other 90% are left alive, but with various degrees of disability.

Nationally, lightning ranks second only to flash floods in weather-related deaths. Lightning is the most frequent important weather threat to personal safety during the thunderstorm season. Since the threat of lightning is so common, it is typical that many have a lackadaisical approach to protecting themselves. The main reason is that people stay outside too long as thunderstorms approach or form nearby. 

For example, during the early part of the thunderstorm season, "dry" thunderstorms are quite common. With these types of thunderstorms, little or no precipitation reaches the ground and, as a result, people are less likely to seek shelter.  See lightning facts below for statistics on lightning events. 

Did you know?

• The air near a lightning strike is heated to 50,000 ° F, that is hotter than the surface of the sun!
• The average flash could light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months.
• Lightning occurs with all thunderstorms.

While most lightning casualties occur at the beginning of an approaching storm, a significant number of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed.  If thunder is heard, then the storm is close enough for a lightning strike.  DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave shelter just because the rain has ended. 

A Cool Lightning Hack

You can approximate the distance of lightning!

Did you know you can approximate the distance a storm is from you but counting the time between the flash of lightning and the thunder sound that coincides with the lightning flash? That means you can, at your own home, with minimal supplies, figure out how far a lightning strike is from you!

What You’ll Need:

1. You Ears
2. Your Eyes
3. A watch with a second counter or a phone

From the time you see lightning, it will take the sound of thunder 5 seconds to travel 1 mile. To approximate the miles a strike is from you, count the seconds between the flash and thunder, divide by 5!

For example, if you see a flash of lightning, start a stop watch and hear a large crash of thunder 5 seconds after the flash, your lightning is only 1 mile away! Anything less than 5 seconds is definitely close, so seek cover!

It's not raining, is there still danger from being struck by lightning?

YES!  Lightning often strikes outside of the heavy rain area and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

Will the rubber soles of my shoes or tires on my car protect me from being struck?

NO! However, the steel frame of a hard-topped car provides a sort of Faraday Cage or Faraday shield. This increases protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the car than outside. When skies darken, or thunderstorms are forecast, look and listen for increasing wind, flashes of lightning, sound of thunder, and static on your AM radio.  While no place is safe from lightning, some places are much safer than others. 

Where you can go…

• Get inside a house or large shelter
• Remain clear of tall, isolated trees and telephone poles
• If possible, move to a sturdy building or hard top automobile
• If you are caught outside, away from shelter, you need to get to a place of safety as quickly as possible. If safe shelter is not possible, lie down on low lying ground or in a ditch.
• If boating or swimming, get out of boats and away from the water, get to land and find shelter immediately

What you can do...

• Watch for signs of an approaching thunderstorm
• Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation
• REMEMBER, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning

If your home or property has been damaged by severe winds, water, or storms—call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville for a free damage restoration estimate.

Sewage Backup Causes and What You Can Do

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners and business owners in Memphis, TN, can often contend with slow drains, poor water pressure, or blocked pipes. If these problems sound familiar, you've probably used household solutions to overcome them. For more serious concerns, like a backed-up sewer or significant blockage in your plumbing lines, you may need more professional help with sewage cleaning.

Common Causes of Plumbing Issues

Even small plumbing problems can frustrate you, so it is helpful to know how these start. Once you know the root of the concern, you can develop a game plan to solve it. Here are a few:

• Buildup in pipes from sediment, human waste, hair, and food, causing a clogged pipe. 
• Faulty appliances
• Cold weather freezing pipes, causing them to burst

Overflowing Toilets

You can face a toilet overflow at home due to a few causes. Sometimes, you may even see this happen when you turn on the water in the shower. This indicates blockage somewhere between the toilet and the sewer. Water will back up in the waste lines and exit the first place it can: the toilet. Repairing this could be as simple as using a plunger. If that is ineffective, you could try using a sewer snake tool. You might have to call a plumber if the job gets too big. If you don't resolve this overflow, you could face significant damage and should proceed to hire a professional sewer cleaning crew. 

When your Sewage System Backs Up

If the main sewer line into your home or business backs up, you'll notice it pretty quickly because of the foul odor. Luckily, if the blockage is under the street and not on your property, your local water and sewer company should take care of it. 

If sewage water enters your home, we recommend treating the situation as an emergency and immediately calling a sewage cleanup company, like SERVPRO. Sewage water is considered Category 3 water, which can cause severe health problems and should be avoided. Our team has the protection and knowledge to safely clean up and restore your home or business after Category 3 water damage. We respond immediately, giving you peace of mind and reducing your stress during a sewage overflow. 

The prospect of sewage cleaning can be scary. Pay attention to common plumbing issues and how you can spot and repair them. If you experience a water leak emergency, call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705. We are here to help 24/7! 

Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

4/10/2022 (Permalink)

Have a storm plan in case of an emergency!

Protect Your Business from Water Damage

Any building has the potential for flood damage. Even properties nowhere near water can incur damage from toilets overflowing, pipes bursting, roof leaks or intense rains. To avoid having to put your business on hold for massive flood cleanup, follow these tips to protect your building from significant damage.

Inspect Building Before Bad Weather

While sticking to a seasonal inspection schedule is recommended, if the forecast indicates that a strong storm is approaching, it makes sense to inspect it again. Look for cracks and leaks in exterior walls, foundation, and roof. If you find any, contact storm damage experts for repairs that can be done before the storm hits. 

Clean Drainage

Giving excess water a place to go is vital to keeping it out of the cracks and crevices of your roof and walls. Clean gutters and downspouts of debris, particularly during storm season. Directing the downpour away from the roof and foundation of your building can help prevent seeping flood damage. 

Test Sump Pump

If your building has low-lying ground that holds water after rain, a sump pump is beneficial to pump out the extra water—but only if it is working properly. These pumps are designed to get rid of water as soon as sensors are triggered. Regular testing, particularly before a major storm hits, is advisable.

Have an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan can help everyone understand clearly what they are supposed to do in any case of damage. Make sure it is up to date and that all employees have access to the latest version. Assign tasks that designate what each person needs to do in the event of a flood emergency. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville creates emergency plans for businesses, call us today at (901) 755-3705 to find out how you can protect your business and make it as flood-resistant as possible.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs. We are proud to be an active member of the Germantown, TN community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.

We are proud to serve our local communities:

• Germantown, TN
• Collierville, TN
• Glenalden, TN
• Poplar Estates, TN
• Dogwood Grove, TN
• Germantown Trails, TN
• Kimbrough Woods, TN
• Collierville Farms, TN
• Dogwood Gardens, TN
• Almadale Farms, TN

How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.

Plan For Your Pets

Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well. 

Make an Evacuation Plan

Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. 

You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate. 

Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:

• A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
• Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
• A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
• Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
• Medications
• Toys

Don’t Have to Evacuate? 

If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.

Pet Stress Symptoms

Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.

As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:

• Remain calm as an owner
• Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
• Close blinds and curtains
• Keep them in their normal routine, if possible

Read more storm and pet related articles here.

How to Prepare a Business for Storms

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Give us a call at (901) 755-3705 for 24-hour emergency service. Our commercial loss team is standing by to return your business to preloss condition.

3 Ways to Prepare for Storms

While disaster preparedness is not everyone's favorite activity, it can be the difference between a company surviving a storm and one that does not. When a hurricane strikes a small company, as many as 40 percent of these businesses never reopen. So a good plan is critical. Read further for our four top tips to prepare your company.

1. Buy Insurance. Have the right policy in effect when a storm strikes. Claims payments can replace lost inventory and damaged equipment that is vital to your success. Structuring a policy that makes sense for your company may take a time investment on the front end, but will save valuable time, money and energy given a claim-qualifying event. Business interruption insurance covers some expenses if the damage is severe enough to suspend normal workplace operations. 
2. Fortify the Building's Exterior. As common sense tells us, a sturdy building will prevail against high winds—like a hurricane or tornado—longer than a weaker builder. A fortified roof system, durable siding, and storm windows will have a better chance of keeping water out and holding up in strong winds.
3. Make a Disaster Preparedness Checklist. This document will include all the information needed in a storm: important contacts of emergency services in the area, the location of critical equipment, shutoff valves, and emergency supplies, and the phone number of a local storm remediation team for assistance in the recovery. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville offers this information in the form of an Emergency Ready Plans or ERPs. These plans are drawn up by one of our team members to make sure you have access to our emergency services and other important information at a moment's notice.

It's a good idea to consult with experts and bring in professionals to coach employees on what actions to take and not to take in times of stress. Organizations such as FEMA have helpful resources to help with your efforts. 

About SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville

We specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a storm, water, or fire 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.

Give us a call at (901) 755-3705 for 24-hour emergency service. Our commercial loss team is standing by to return your business to preloss condition.

Do You Have an Emergency Kit for Severe Weather?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Severe weather is unpredictable and safety is important, no matter the season! Be prepared, following these readiness tips to guide you, no matter what type of severe weather you may encounter.

Have a Weather Radio

Weather radios are the most reliable way to receive notifications of severe weather in your area in an emergency. Although cell phones, weather apps, social media, and wireless emergency alerts (WEA’s) are what the majority of us depend on for information, they can be interrupted during severe weather. Be sure to properly program your weather radio so you only receive the alerts you want for your county.

Keep an Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Most emergency management agencies recommend supplies for up to three days. The following is a list you can use as a guideline for mitigating disaster effects:

Personal Items:

• Water – 1 gallon per person per day
• Non-perishable food
• A simple, manual can opener
• Battery or crank operated radio—preferably a weather radio
• Battery or crank operated flashlight
• Extra batteries and matches or lighter in a waterproof case
• First Aid kit with whistle to signal help
• Clothing, blankets, hygiene items & dust masks
• Important documents. (Copy of insurance policy, bank account info, identification, etc.)
• Cash

Repair Items:

• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape for leaks
• Wrench or other tools to shut off utilities
• Fire extinguisher

Make a family plan

Make sure all members in the household are aware of where they are to go in the event of severe weather. If for some reason the family is separated in the event of a severe storm, have a meeting place established to aid in finding each other amidst the devastation.

Highly Trained with Resources to Handle Storms

SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville specializes in severe weather restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We can also scale our resources to handle a larger storm or flooding disaster. 

Locally Owned & Operated = Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville today! We are here to help.

First 3 Steps to Take When Your Commercial Roof is Leaking

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy rains and strong winds can cause considerable storm damage to your Germantown or Collierville, Tennessee, commercial building.

However, more elements than strong winds can cause damages in vulnerable areas. Standing water and other flooding types can cause a roof leak, which may interrupt normal business operations and cause monetary loss.

Take these steps to repair and reduce the risk of long-term roofing difficulties.

1. Call for Mitigation

Taking quick action upon discovering a leak can help prevent costly water damage to your building. Call storm damage and flood mitigation experts to stop the leak using tarps and temporary sealant. This can be one of the most effective ways to stem the flow of a serious roofing leak. You may want to be prepared for flood technicians to evacuate affected areas of your building while mitigation is performed.

2. Take Note of the Damage

Once you can safely access your building’s roof, make a list of any damage you see so you can report it to your insurance provider or roofing contractor. You should note any missing shingles, visible sagging, standing water, and damaged roofing material that may need replacement. Creating this list will help gauge the cost of the repair of a roof leak. Additionally, take photos, so you have visual evidence of the damage you list.

3. Compare Repair Estimates

A damaged roof repair can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the destruction. Before you settle on a contractor, take the time to compare a few estimates so you do not overpay. Consider asking other business associates if they have any recommendations.

When your Germantown or Collierville, Tennessee, commercial building suffers a roof leak, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Knowing which steps to take may help you resolve the issue quickly and lower the risk of financial loss. Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville for additional information.

3 Ways FEMA Can Save the Day

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

While the nation's countless victims struggled to pick up the pieces after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, many might wondered how they might recover from storms in their areas. Although it might not sweep across a neighborhood with the force that could wipe out buildings, an average storm can bring a significant amount of flooding. Below are three ways the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help during such difficult times.

1. Financial Support

FEMA steps in when a natural disaster takes over. After a governor confirms a state of emergency, FEMA formulates a method to respond to the crisis effectively. The organization can also work with the states to form funding before an expected storm.

2. Organization

When a flood strikes, it can seem as if a catastrophe has suddenly affected life in general. Since FEMA works at the state level, victims may check whether their specific area can receive support. Through a straightforward system, they may then apply for disaster assistance. Even if you have insurance, connecting with all programs before moving forward might be a wise step.

3. Promptness Matters

Despite the differences in each situation, FEMA can respond to disasters that prioritize victims first. When you register, an inspector specializing in disasters generally visits within a week. From there, the agency can work with homeowners to determine the right assistance plan. To ensure speedy support, victims may also need to work with the agency to specify damages.

No matter the extent of the damage, discovering that your home has become the setting for a flood can be shocking, challenging, and stressful. However, this is the point at which FEMA can step in to help you get your space – and subsequently, your life – back on track.

How to Recover Your Home After Flood Damage

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

If your property experiences storm damage, call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville.

When floods cause havoc in your home, there're some recommended immediate practices to reclaim your property. Whether the flood damage results from groundwater, a leak, or rainwater, you need a fast, professional water cleanup. You surely don't want floodwater in your business. In any case, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is here to help.

Water Cleanup and Mitigation

Issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), home and commercial premises owners should inspect their buildings for signs of structural damage immediately after severe flooding. With qualified water damage and mitigation inspector, you need to do a water cleanup and check for cracked or loose foundations, cracked walls, fractured floors, holes on floors, or wobbly warping.

You should consult the utility companies to inspect the water in the home, electric, gas, and sewer lines. According to Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness," a combination of water in a business, floodwater, and electricity means disaster.

Your Safety

Before entering a flooded home, you should wear protective clothing, a dust mask, gloves, and hard headgear. Don't get into the flooded building unless you are sure that the structural integrity is intact. Never risk your life when floodwater fills the place all over.

Assessing the Water Damage

If flood water fills your home, the type of water cleanup and repairs required depends on the extent of the damage. First, check how deep the water is and how far it has soaked the household items and the internal structures. A resistance meter is ideal for measuring moisture levels. Sometimes, the person assessing the floods may drill exploratory holes and slot in a humidity probe gadget.

There is apparent flood damage, while other injuries may require some special water cleanup and inspection. Your unwanted water in the home involves drying and an assessment of these damages:

• Wet plaster, wallboard, insulation, or paneling
• Distorted warping and floorboards due to flood damage
• Severe wood rot in the lumber structures
• Termite damage for termites infest wet wood
• Weak home foundation or an eroded ground surrounding the home
• Roof damage in the form of cracked or missing shingles, faulty flashing, or holes

Further checking may include the walls and ceilings for any discoloration. Additionally, you should observe the premises for any signs of textured growth, primarily black or green, musty smells, or foul odors.

Reputable water in a business company can assist in ascertaining the flood damage to the important installations. The following equipment will need drying and cleaning:

• The air ducts
• Heating and air conditioning
• Sewage system
• Electrical systems

Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 for water and flood damage assistance.

A Quick Guide to Commercial Storm Insurance

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

As a business owner in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, insuring your property is a no-brainer. However, not all people know precisely how storm insurance works or what it covers. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is here to help. Here are some tips to help you understand insurance coverage.

Categories of Coverage

Not all storms, or deductibles, are created equal. The best way to understand your specific coverage is to read your commercial insurance policy or speak with the agent. Generally, insurance policies reference these three categories:

• Windstorm – This includes any damage to the property resulting from wind or hail that does not fall into one of the other categories.
• Hurricane – The definition of a hurricane differs by state and storm insurance company. Some define it by wind speed; others consider the amount of time between the National Weather Service (NWS) announcement and the damage time.
• Named Storm – When a tropical storm is severe and widespread, the NWS calls it. For some insurance coverage, this may fall into the hurricane category.

Differences in Deductibles 

When you first buy property insurance, you consider your deductible. This is the amount of money you, the business owner, must pay out of pocket before receiving insurance funds. When the damage results from a natural disaster, people are often surprised that the same deductible does not apply. Instead of a standard amount, coverage is a percentage of the total cost for storm restoration professionals to mitigate and repair the damage. A typical rate is between one and five percent.

Whether severe winds in Germantown, Tennessee or Collierville, Tennessee, knocks a tree into your commercial building or a hurricane causes significant destruction, understanding storm insurance is critical to getting your business up and running again. When the unexpected happens, take comfort in the notion that your insurance agent and SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is here for you!

Characteristics of Blackwater

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know the characteristics of blackwater?

When your commercial building in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, floods, you may not realize that the damage can vary based on the water source. Flooding usually falls into one of three categories—clean, gray, or black. For example, if a pipe burst, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville may not have to worry about the decontamination process as if they would if the flood water came from rain. To better understand these differences, you need to consider the characteristics of the third category of water damage.

Source

The source of the water may dictate whether it is considered black, gray, or clean. Anything in the black category usually comes from one of the following sources:

• Sewage backup

• River overflow

• Heavy rain

Because the source plays such an essential role in a flood's categorization, storm damage often falls into the black water category. In some unique circumstances, stormwater may still fit into the second, slightly cleaner grouping.

Contaminants

What is in the water is also essential for its categorization. Blackwater is categorized as when the liquid is combined with feces, harsh chemicals, viruses, spores, or microbes. The more contaminated the water is, the more likely it will fall into the black category rather than the gray.

Time

Of course, even flood water, once considered clean, can morph into this dirty category. When floods are allowed to sit in a commercial building for long periods, the liquid may pick up pollen, bacteria, and chemicals from the environment. Too much time between the flooding and the cleanup essentially degrades the water into the black category.

The floodwater that fills your commercial building may be considered black if it has the three characteristics mentioned above. As you start the cleanup process, it may be helpful to learn more about the three classes of standing water that can affect your property. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville can help educate you regarding these three water classes to begin the cleanup process at your business. Contact us at (901) 755-3705 for additional information.