Preparing for & Handling Storm Damage

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

We're here to take care of whatever storm damage comes your way this spring!

Storm Prep is Worth the Time

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $27 million in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Stay Safe During a Storm

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County today and let the experts take care of it! 

SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is Ready for All of Your Storm Needs

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County will be there for you. Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm anywhere in the United States! We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes.

How to Prepare and Deal with Spring Water Damage in Your Avon Home or Business

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

When Mother Nature strikes, we're there to make it "like it never even happened!"

Preparation is Key 

Dealing with water damage is a pain staking process, from the time it takes, the cost, and the hassles of dealing with insurance. We can all agree that it is much easier to take the steps to prevent water damage than to deal with the damage after the fact. If you have already suffered water damage in your home, the best thing to do is call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County. If you haven’t experienced water damage, take these three precautionary steps to avoid this stressor!

1. Learn Where Your Shut Off Valve Is

You and everyone living in your household should know where the water shutoff valve is. This way, if something goes wrong, anyone can quickly turn off the water and prevent too much damage.  

2. Regularly Check for Leaks

Leaky taps may seem like a small amount of water with their methodical dripping, but they can leak up to eight gallons a day. That can become expensive very quickly, and it will also cause significant water damage to your home. Water damage like this can lead to mold. Every few weeks, it is important to check around sinks and appliances for leaking pipes or standing water.  

3. Check Your Roof

The easiest way for you to see if you’re suffering from a leaky roof is to go into your attic as it rains and shine a flashlight at the ceiling. Shiny spots indict a leaky roof. If you find a shiny spot, make sure to mark the area. It is best to contact an expert to come make repairs. You would not want to incorrectly work on your roof as this may risk injury or further damage.

Know the Facts in Case of Disaster

Even after taking preventative measures, disasters can still happen. Whether you love to fall asleep to the sounds of dripping rain and low thunder, or you cower under the table with your four-legged friend during a storm, it is always important to be prepared for any damages that may come with severe weather. After a storm, always check and make sure that your property is unharmed and water isn’t where it shouldn’t be. Untreated water damage or flooding could lead to mold.   

What To Look For

• Standing water in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else it shouldn’t be
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, and it can cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as negative health effects. If you have mold growing, you need to act fast for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

Dry and Sort – Saving Your Belongings

If you’ve fallen victim to water damage in your home or business, you may feel like throwing in the towel when it comes to handling the aftermath. Not only do you have to worry about the damage your structure has faced, but you also have to deal with the potential damage your contents have suffered. You may think that trashing everything is the quickest and most viable option, but some of your assets are salvageable.

If a broken pipe is the culprit, you can have a little peace of mind that you don’t have to deal with the potential black water that comes with flooding. There is still the possibility that mold has begun to spread, so it is important to get everything affected by the water thoroughly dried out. Once you have completed this process, inspect and sort everything to determine what can be salvaged. Items that will likely need to be thrown out include any porous materials that can’t be dried or cleaned and fabrics that show signs of discoloration.

Clean the Damage

When faced with a flooded company or home, having your investments sorted will allow for a better understanding of the actual damage. Along with cleaning some things yourself, remember that dry cleaning is not just for clothes. Furniture, upholstery and draperies can likely be good as new after the services of dry cleaners. When it comes to the rest, considering the following tips to make the process easier:

• Organize items based on cleaning methods, such as hand or machine washing.
• Use a disinfectant on furniture, walls and floors to prevent mold growth.
• Wash items in the hottest water possible to remove potential contaminants.
• Use a professional water damage restoration service to ensure there is no interior damage to specialized items such as electronics.

Flooded property is a hassle, but it doesn’t have to result in a long-lasting impact on your home or business. Quick action, proper cleaning and the help of specialists can make it seem “Like it never even happened."

If your home or business experiences a water loss, know that SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County not only handles the restoration of your structure, but we also store and restore your belongings as well.

SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 800-293-9555

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

Know the Facts: Commercial Property Fires

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Our highly-trained pros know how to handle your business's fire damage restoration needs!

Know the Facts: Fires

Flames can cause the most visible damage to your property during a fire, but smoke and soot are silent and sometimes invisible hazards that could cost lives. Water is also a reason for damage after a fire. Even firefighters themselves may cause some damage before they can completely put out a fire. Here are 10 important things to know about fires.

1. In a fire, more people die from inhaling smoke than from the flames. Never think that if you avoid the flames you are safe. Always keep away from smoke

2. Soot is a coating of fine, black dust created when wood, coal, or oil-based substances are burned. These carbon particles float into the air and settle anywhere. Inhaling soot can caused severe lung deficiencies or even death. 

3. If soot contaminates items in your home or business, a fire restoration service provider, like SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County, must assess the damage to see if restoration is possible.

4. The worst possible effect of soot is its tendency to cause cancer and cause serious defects in newborns. Soot produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are responsible for gene mutation for particular groups of genes. They can cause birth defects and increase the chances of getting cancer.

Water’s Good And Bad

5. Water’s great at putting out most fires, but the water itself can cause great damage. You must make sure, after the fire is out, that your home or business is completely dried. If you don’t, mold, mildew, and other consequences will lead to further damage and loss. This is why SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County provides industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to dry saturated carpets, padding, furniture, and any other wet items.

6. Mold colonies can begin to grow just 48 hours after water damage occurs.  The combination of fire, water, and mold damage to your commercial property or home could result in a complete loss if not handled properly.

7. Use caution if you decide to do some of the cleanup after a fire. Never start your cleaning process until you’re properly attired. Wear heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask. Carefully cover your nose and make sure your safety glasses have no place for dust or soot to get into your eyes.

Why Firefighters Break Windows And Cut Holes In Roofs

8. Firefighters are true heroes. However, they often must break windows and cut holes in the roof of buildings on fire. As a fire burns, the fire moves up and down and across, growing very fast. Firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs to provide ventilation that slows the fire’s growth. Ventilation also helps get rid of dark smoke that makes it hard for firefighters to see where they’re going. The holes and broken windows help firefighters fight the fire more quickly. The bottom line is that breaking windows and cutting holes in roofs help save lives and property.

9. Firefighters will also cut holes in walls at times. That’s not about ventilation. It’s done so the fire department is sure that the fire is completely out. Fire departments don’t want to risk leaving a fire that’s not visible, but is still active inside the walls or in other hidden places.

10. If you have a fire, get a copy of the fire report. In most areas, a fire report is a public document. Ask for it at the fire department or fire marshal’s office. The fire report will help you with information that your insurance company and other official offices may request.


Here To Help

The team at SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services and natural disaster cleanup.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 800-293-9555

Prepare Your Business for Disaster with SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Profile

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County uses the best technologies to ensure that your business is disaster free!

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster in the Avon area is to Plan For it NOW.

Almost 50% of businesses will not recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that do survive, the majority had a preparedness plan in place before disaster struck.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile, ERP, for your business, you interruptions, and you can get back to business quicker.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile is an approach that provides important information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. This profile is designed to serve as a reference to important building and contact information. Taking advantage of the Emergency Ready Profile helps your business receive the benefits of over 40 years of experience in handling disasters, whether they be natural or man-made. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage mitigation and restoration and can help fix any disaster as quickly as possible.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

This is a no cost assessment that includes:

A Profile Document: This concise file only contains the critical information needed if emergency strikes. This takes a short amount of time to complete, and saves a lot of time if ever needed.

A Guide to help you get back into your building following disaster: This helps to minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by establishing an immediate plan.

Establishes SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider: A close by, industry leader.

Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin: This saves time so we can begin our mitigation work right away, which saves you money.

Our 3-D Modeling for facility details: This includes things like, shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. This provides us with a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to contact.

Put your mind at ease before disaster strikes, and have SERVPRO of Northern Lorain County set up an Emergency Ready Profile for you today! Call (440) 597-4406