Are You Winter Prepared?

Name: SERVPRO of Petaluma / Rohnert Park / Santa Rosa
Telephone: (707) 588-8226

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

ARE YOU WINTER PREPARED?

You may have heard, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Wise words to live by! This same advice goes for home prepared as well. SERVPRO has $$ suggestions that can help you not need us. It is suggested to perform these checks yearly prior to the start of winter. These checks can help you eliminate potential damages before they even occur.

Perform the following every year before the start of Winter.

Clear limbs and trim trees near your home and away from power lines.
Check roof for damage.
If you have a fireplace, make sure to check it for proper ventilation.
Check windows and door seals to prevent water intrusion.
Check gutters and down spouts for blockage.
Check all exterior water lines to make sure they are properly insulated.
Check all interior water lines for damage and ware.

Doing these annual checks can greatly help in preventing damage to your home during the winter months.

Storm Preparedness Tips Before Storm

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

See below tips from The City of Rohnert Park:

? Establish or review your emergency plan for family and pets.

? Pick up leaf litter and yard clippings around your home.

? Use a broom to sweep your driveway and the gutter in front of your house, never rinse with a hose.

? Clear gutters of leaves and other debris. Compost or recycle yard debris in City-issued garden waste containers.

? Park your vehicles and place waste containers one foot away from the curb so that stormwater can flow unobstructed.

? Move vehicles to higher ground; avoid parking near streams or creeks if rain is imminent.

? Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit and store in a safe, high place. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies including necessary prescription medications.

? Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before a flood.

? Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or other hazards.

Storm Ready

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, Northern California experienced several atmospheric rivers that generated a large demand for emergency services across many counties. Flooding, roof leaks and water intrusions from windows and doors were being reported daily.

Many companies were overwhelmed. This is where SERVPRO differs from all the others. SERVPRO is nationally supported with 1,900 locations across the U.S and Canada. With a single call to our “Storm Ready or Large loss support teams” we can acquire the equipment and resources to tackle any job, no matter how big. With support of this magnitude, you can be rest assured that we are always available to help.

Call SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park at (707)588-8226

Storm Damage? Call SERVPRO

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

The storm weather can sometimes be unpredictable and dangerous. Whether the storm was originally caused by a hurricane, heavy rain, or flooding, it can devastate a home or business in a matter of minutes. Water can quickly spread throughout a property and is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings. If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your property's structure and can lead to potential harmful mold.

SERVPRO of Petaluma / Rohnert Park is a trusted company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. Our highly trained technicians are on standby, ready to respond quickly to a disaster, and can restore your home or business into preloss condition.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At (707) 588-8226. We are always Here to Help!

Do's and Don'ts of California Wildfire Cleanup

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

California Wildfire Cleanup

Strong winds and low relative humidity in the past have caused wildfires to spread throughout California rapidly. Droughts along with high temperatures have caused dry conditions across fire-prone areas, further fueling the wildfires spread. While homes and businesses may not be destroyed during a wildfire’s uncontrolled spreading, there may still be significant damages suffered as a result.

Personal safety is a significant concern in the event of a wildfire. The first several days after the fire is controlled are critical to preventing irreversible smoke and soot damage. As soon as the local authorities confirm that it is safe to return to your home or business, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa offers the following dos and don’ts when facing wildfire damage to help minimize additional harmful effects.

DO:

Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into the upholstery.
Keep hands clean as soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
Brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpet.
Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances with Vaseline or oil light coating.
Wash house plants on both sides of leaves.
Change HVAC filter.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over registers.

DON’T:

Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa.
Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that might have been stored near the fire, heat, or water. They may have been contaminated.
Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet because the wiring may be damaged.
Do not send garments to your standard dry cleaner as improper cleaning may allow smoke odor to set.

Regardless of the Fire Damage, SERVPRO Can Help

Wildfire damage knows no bounds and can cause widespread damage, so it is vital to contact a company you can trust to step up to the plate. Regardless of the extent of the damage, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa can handle any size disaster. Our Disaster Recovery Team will respond quickly with additional resources during catastrophic events like the wildfires in California.

After a Storm Strikes, Look Out for Roof Damage to Your Rohnert Park Home

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

After the Storm: Detect and Repair Roof Damage

Your roof is designed to shelter you and your belongings from the elements. Roofs are designed to withstand the worst weather conditions, but your home may face damage from wind, hail, or debris during a severe storm. However, this type of roof damage is typically tough to see with the untrained eye. Homeowners must be able to identify roof damage, so you can quickly restore your home's overall safety. If not handled swiftly, your home can face structural damage, every homeowner's worst nightmare.

Stay Safe and Assess Storm Damage

Before surveying the exterior of your home, it is essential to wait until the storm has passed and outside the conditions are safe. Even if everything looks clear, proceed with caution, particularly on or near your roof. Your roof can be the most dangerous place for post-storm damage to hit as it can create structural damage that is out of your standard line of sight.

Detect Signs of Roof Damage from Hail

Hail damage is evident as hail has a distinct and powerful sound striking your roof and windows. You will see a collection of ice pellets on the grounds of your property. Hail causes damage in the form of dents to your siding or can even shatter your windows if it is strong enough. Additionally, hail can leave marks on your roof or even break off shingles.

Hail damage typically causes the following damage to your home's roof:

Missing Shingles: Keep an eye out for gaps in the roof pattern or segments of the exposed roof. It is also common to find missing shingles on the ground close to your property.
Damaged Shingles: Look for shingles on your roof that are curled, buckling, dented, or cracked.
Look for gutter and downspout buildup that have collected asphalt granules. Moreover, downspouts that are dented, hanging, or even missing.

Check for Signs of Wind damage

Winds with high speeds can incite chaos by knocking over trees, shattering windows, and damaging roofs. If shingles fly away from strong winds, underlayment is unprotected from the elements. This can make your home a hazardous living environment that is susceptible to water damage.

Look for Signs of Water Damage

Missing or broken shingles from hail and wind damage are easily identifiable, but the effects of water damage are more challenging to detect. If water damage and leaks are left untreated it can lead to mold growth, damaging your home's foundational structure.

Your roof is designed to shelter you and your belongings from the elements. Roofs are designed to withstand the worst weather conditions, but your home may face damage from wind, hail, or debris during a severe storm. However, this type of roof damage is tough to see with the untrained eye. Homeowners must be able to identify roof damage, so you can quickly restore your home’s overall safety. If not handled swiftly, your home can face structure damage, every homeowner’s worst nightmare.

Stay Safe and Assess Storm Damage

Before surveying your homes exterior, it is important to wait until the storm has passed and outside the conditions are safe. Even if everything looks clear, proceed with caution, particularly on or near your roof. Your roof is typically the most hazardous place for post-storm damage to hit as it can produce structural damage and is out of your sightline.

Detect Signs of Roof Damage from Hail

Hail damage is obvious as hail has a distinct and powerful sound hitting your roof and windows. You will see a collection of ice pellets on the grounds of your property. Hail causes damage in the form of dents to your siding or can even shatter your windows if it is strong enough. Additionally, hail can leave dents on your roof or even break off shingles.

Hail damage typically causes the following damage to your home’s roof:

Missing Shingles: Keep an eye out for gaps in the roofs pattern or segments of the exposed roof. It is also common to find shingles on the ground close to your property.
Damaged Shingles: Look for shingles on your roof that are curled, buckling, dented, or cracked.
Look for gutter and downspout buildup that have collected asphalt granules. Moreover, downspouts that are dented, hanging, or even missing.

Check for Signs of Wind Damage

Winds with high speeds can incite chose by knocking over trees, shattering windows, and damaging roofs. If shingles fly away from strong winds underlayment is unprotected from the elements. This can make your home a more hazardous living environment that is susceptible to water damage.

Look for Signs of Water Damage:

Missing or broken shingles from hail and wind damage are easily identifiable, but the effects of water damage are more challenging to detect. If water damage and leaks are left untreated it can lead to mold growth which can damage your home’s foundational structure.

SERVPRO experts emphasize important places on the interior and exterior of your home to check for signs storm damage that requires restoration services.

Gutters: Check for water build-up because if water is not appropriately redirected, it can create pooling in your home and trigger mold growth.
Ceilings: Keep an eye out for water spots and yellow or brown discoloration.
Walls: Inspect for signs of cracking, peeling, or bubbling in the paint or wallpaper.
Look for mold or wood rot and leaks in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces. This can materialize with a musty smell, which can take place in the short time span of between 24 to 48 hours following a storm.
Flooring: Check for gaps or curling floorboards, sagging wood or expansion in wood and laminate floors. This expansion can occur when the materials become saturated with water.
Roof: Shingles that are cracked, curled, or missing.
Windows: Examine moisture buildup in the form of fog between glass panes.

In case of water damage, roof leaks, and storm damage, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa provides 24-hour emergency services, 7 days a week.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today – (707) 588-8226

Professional Storm Damage Restoration is Important

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park is ready!

SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! (707) 588-8226

No matter what degree of storm damage you might have to deal with, you can trust us at SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park to make it like it very happened. Call us 24/7 at (707) 588-8226.

Hiring a Professional Damage Restoration

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park is ready!

SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today! (707) 588-8226

No matter what degree of storm damage you might have to deal with, you can trust us at SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park to make it like it very happened. Call us 24/7 at (707) 588-8226.

Flooding Can Strike Anywhere

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and flash floods can happen almost everywhere, and at any time during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when snow melts too fast, or when dams or levees break. Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. According to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) more than 20% of all flood insurance claims come from areas in low to moderate risk flood zones. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S.

Flash floods are the most dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the destructive power of a flood with incredible speed and unpredictability. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 2 feet of water can sweep your vehicle away. Flash floods occur when excessive water fills normally dry creeks or river beds along with currently flowing creeks and rivers, causing rapid rises of water in a short amount of time. They can happen with little or no warning.

Many residents and business owners are unaware that they qualify for flood insurance. You can take steps to reduce the financial impact of flooding before a disaster strikes.

Preparing for a Flood

Residents and business owners need to prepare for flood conditions. Before the threat of flooding becomes imminent, residents and business owners should:

Purchase a flood insurance policy if they do not already have one.

Review their current insurance policy, become familiar with what is covered, and ensure the limits are adequate for their building and personal belongings.

Make an emergency kit, plan evacuation routes, and keep important papers in a safe, waterproof place.

Itemize and take pictures of possessions.

If you are experiencing water damage due to flood, give SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park a call 707-588-8226 We're Here to Help restore your home or business back to pre-water damage condition. We can quickly extract the water and then dry your property using state-of-the-art equipment.

Storm Damage? We Can Help

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

The storm weather can sometimes be unpredictable and dangerous. Whether the storm was originally caused by a hurricane, heavy rain, or flooding, it can devastate a home or business in a matter of minutes. Water can quickly spread throughout a property and is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings. If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your property's structure and can lead to potential mold.

SERVPRO of Petaluma / Rohnert Park is a trusted company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. Our highly trained technicians are on standby, ready to respond quickly to a disaster, and can restore your home or business into preloss condition.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Please Call Us At (707) 665-0822. We are always Here to Help!

BE FLOOD READY...AND FLOOD SMART

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Flood after heavy storm

Certain areas of Petaluma are at risk of flooding during and after heavy winter storms. Be prepared by taking the following actions:

1. Identify whether your home or business is in the flood zone.

2. Make sure you are properly insured.

3. Develop an emergency plan for your family. In the case of businesses, develop a continuity plan to protect your operation; be sure to inform staff about how you will handle flooding situations.

4. Sign up for City Nixle Alerts.

5. Businesses: Complete the Emergency Contact Information Form so that the City can let you know if your site is being affected by flooding or other emergency.

6. Keep leaf litter and other debris out of the storm drains near your property.

7. When heavy storms are predicted, take precautions:

Review our Flood Safety Tips.
Put up sand bags or erect flood barriers in front of your property.
Move valuables or business assets (e.g., auto fleet) that could be destroyed in the event of flooding.
Tell staff what to do and let customers know what to expect if flooding is predicted.

Report a Water, Sewer, or Storm Water Emergency
Call Public Works at 707.778.4546.

Sand Bags
During some flood events sand and sandbags are made available from an un-staffed station located at the end of Hopper Street. Shovels are provided for you to bag your own sand.

Remember, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park is ready to respond 24/7 to take care of any water damage restoration need. Please call us at (707)588-8226

Tips to Making it Through Storm

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

We have been having some major storms lately. Tornadoes, hurricanes and torrential rains have been wreaking havoc throughout the United States. It is important to be as prepared as possible if a storm is coming your way. This means different things depending on the areas in which you live. Also, storm damage varies from location to location. Weather extremes make storm damage nearly impossible to predict. Lightning, wind, ice, floods, rain, extreme cold and heat can cause all types of damage to your home.

When a storm hits it is best to be prepared. Here are some tips to help you maximize safety and minimize the inconvenience storms and storm damage can bring to your life.

1) Have flashlights with spare batteries in a location that is easy to access. Avoid candles if at all possible. It is easier than many homeowners think to leave a candle lit and have fire ravage through your house. Storm damage creates a mess but fire damage creates an environment where the effects are long lasting.

2) Purchase extra bottled water and canned foods. This will create less havoc for you encase of a long lasting power outage. It is important that you have extra water to cook with as well as to drink.

3) Use surge protectors on all major appliances. They will help eliminate the surge from entering these valuable pieces of equipment rendering them useless. If you do not have surge protection and you have fair warning a storm is headed your way unplug all major appliances and electronics.

4) Make sure you have a battery operated radio. It should be on and tuned in to a local station for regular updates.

5) If you go out after a storm has hit you area make sure to avoid down power lines. They are still full of energy and will shock you.

6) If your lights blow during a storm double check your fuse breaker box make sure that you have not just blown the fuses by asking neighbors if their power is out also. If it is the power call the electric company to make sure they are aware of the outage.

7) It is important if your power is out to conserve the energy left in your freezer and refrigerator. You can do this by limiting the times you open and close them. Dry ice is also available for purchase at local groceries if you are able to get out.

8) Of course if the power outage comes at a time of extreme cold you can store food in a cooler outside.

9) In cold weather you will want to make sure that you leave the water dripping to avoid pipes from freezing.

10) Warm clothes should be worn. Use caution with fireplaces and never use flammable liquids to start a fire. It is also important that you never use a gas stove to heat your home. This practice is unsafe and can result in more damage.

11) It is important that if storm damage occurs and you are without power that you use care and caution in running generators.

It is important to note that after a storm you should immediately restock your emergency supplies. It is likely that the season of storms is upon you and that it won't be the last one through your area. Storm damage cannot be prevented but it can be managed. Your reaction in the situation will likely determine how well you cope with the difficulties that come along with the aftermath of storm damage

How to Prepare For Storms and Hurricanes

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fortunately with today's advance technology, meteorologist has the ability to use scientific principles to explain, understand and observe the forecast through computer programs, Doppler radar and satellite. Knowing where storms are now can help forecasters predict where storms will be tomorrow and the next day. Though storms or hurricanes may not always be predictable, it should be taken seriously and this required that we be prepared.

Here are some useful tips to help you and your family prepare for the storm or hurricane:

Tune In - Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
Create an Emergency Plan - Discuss with your family or household members on preparing escape routes from your home. Make sure to have means of communication (e-mail, phone and cell phone) and set places to meet. Plan for your pets should you need to evacuate. Most shelters will accept service animals.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies - Stock non-perishable food supplies, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries in air-tight containers.
Prepare your Home - Check your roof regularly to make sure it’s in good condition. Keep gutters, down pipes and drains clear. Remove tree branches that are close to your house. Fix any corrosion, loose fittings and rotting or termite-affected timber and secure loose items around your property.
Fill up Car & Get Cash - Fill up as soon as a storm looks like a possible threat. Similarly, don't wait to get cash because you might need to purchase supplies after the storm.

If you are experiencing the unfortunate storm damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of Petaluma / Rohnert Park a call at (707) 588-8226. We can help restore your property to preloss condition and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Restoration from Storm Damage

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Locker room with red lockers to the left and red doors to the right. Dehumidifiers are located on the floor.

This locker room was one of many rooms in the building that needed water removal.

This winter season, we did not experience that much rain. However, the weather channel is predicting that beginning in March, we will experience rain in the bay area. Therefore, we must make sure that our properties are protected. Recently, our team got a call about a flood in their building and we went to go remove the water with our industrial size pump. We then had to monitor and remove any trace of water to avoid further damage done to the floor of this building. During this process, as you can see in our photo, we used dehumidifiers and other machines to make sure that the area is completely dried. Eventually the job took a few days to complete given the size of the damage. But we made also made sure that the property was restored, “Like it never even happened.” However, we also would like to state that prevention is key and that having your best interests in mind. We would like it if a disaster of this scale does not occur to your property. But if it does, then contact us and we will minimize the interruption in your life.

SERVPRO^®representatives respond faster to any size disaster.

High Chance of Storms this Year 2020

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Three Victorian style homes in the center of a slanted uphill road with rain and lightning in the sky above them.

Damage from a storm? Contact us!

According to an article written by Reuters, an international team of scientists forecast that there is an 80% that El Niño will make its way across the Pacific. Which means we might in for a chaotic winter season here in the bay area. There is a high probability that if El Niño will flood our streets which could lead to water damage to our properties.

Prevention is Key

Here at SERVPRO® of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa we provide services such as our Emergency Ready Profile, an app from SERVPRO® that enables you to list out critical information needed in the event of an emergency. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us through the number provided below. Through this free of charge service, we want you to know that we have your best interest in mind, and we can equip you with the tools needed in the event of intense weather conditions. Also be sure to follow this blog which will be updated at least weekly and follow us on social media so that way in case you need restoration services, we are only a click away.

SERVPRO® professionals are known to be, "faster to any size disaster," and we take pride into making your damaged property look, “Like it never even happened.”

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Six Ways to Protect Your Home Before A Storm

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Old and dirty brown roof shingles that are in desperate need of repairs.

This roof needs repairs.

1. Reduce flying debris

If you see any tree branches near or hanging over your structure, the best solution may be to cut them off. You can also secure weak and loose fencing and anchor any heavy objects around your yard into the ground.

2. Replacing windows and exterior doors

If possible, consider replacing your windows and outside doors with pressure and impact resistance improvements so that you can have better protection from the outside force of a storm.

3. Inspect and repair your roof

Inspect your roof and overhang to look for signs of wear or damage. This is crucial to prevent water from entering through the cracks and damages your ceilings, causing mold.

4. Check caulking

Make sure the caulking around your windows and doors are in good shape and not cracked or broken. If there are any gaps, make sure to get a caulk gun to fill up holes around pipes or wires that enter your building. This will reduce the risk of leaks from wind-driven rain.

5. Inspect carports and other attached structures

Have porches, carports, entryway canopies, and storage sheds inspected to make sure they are firmly attached and in good condition.

6. Create an inventory list

This can help you out when filing an insurance claim.

Taking these preventative measures can help you before a storm hits. However, if your property does suffer damage from a storm. Our SERVPRO® team of professionals are either a click or call away.

Visit Our Website

Learn more: disastersafety.org

This Home Was Destroyed During a Wildfire

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Front view of a home destroyed by a fire with a white painted railing leading to the ground and unharmed by the fire.

A home we visited that was destroyed by fire damage.

We speak a lot about fire prevention but there are times where natural disasters occur and a storm can devastate your property. Recently, we experienced the destruction of Kincade, which destroyed many homes and businesses. Fortunately, there are no reported casualties due to quick decision making and mass evacuation of people north of Santa Rosa, CA. Many surrounding counties suffered blackouts and even we had to undergo a time period with no power. However, we at SERVPRO are always prepared and were there along with teams from other counties and states to lend a hand and help businesses and homeowners restore their property or protect them from harmful air pollution.

However, there are times when our representatives arrive to a location that has been completely decimated by a fire. In this case, an entire home was destroyed leaving a family with the decision of relocating while the repairing process began.

Prevention and planning are key for ones' safety during a storm that is out of our control.

IS4000 of the Storm

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

December is on average the wettest season in the north bay. However, we are not in the clear skies yet, as the rain will persist during the month of January. Therefore, I would like to discuss the process of contents or item restoration. When a storm hits your home, the devastation may leave numerous locations in need of restoration or repairing. That is why we also conduct organized and efficient pack-outs for all belongings in your property. This ensures a quicker remodeling process and protects your items from any potential damage from a coming storm or from on-site work. We take your belongings to our warehouse where we will cleanup and remove any water damaged using our Esporta IS4000. This machine can restore up to level 4 water damaged items. We remove any water and leave it to dry with our specialize heaters and dehumidifiers.

This ensures that your belongings can also either be restored like nothing ever happened or protected to ensure that nothing happened. Like our tagline says, we make it, "Like it never even happened."

For any storm related situations, feel free to contact us and our service professionals will help you through the process.

Protect Your Home and Personal Property From Lightning Storms

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

With spring, comes lightning storms. Many people enjoy watching as they illuminate the dark night. Mother Nature puts on a beautiful show as the lightning bolts streak across the sky, sometimes flashing for what seems to be an eternity.

The not-so-beautiful part of spring storms is that they cause more property loss in any given year than floods, tornadoes and hurricanes combined! Lightning is a discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere and flashes from one cloud to another. Therefore, the first thing most people think of when lightning is present is the chance for a fire.

Though lightning storms can happen any season - any month, for that matter - storm season is June through August. Early spring comes in as a close second for active, damaging lightning storms. July has the highest number of lightning fires; 41% strike residential and other structures.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 17,400 fires are caused by lightning on an annual basis, resulting in a total of $138 million in property damage. The dollar loss per fire is almost double that of other fires.

PROTECTION

The first thing you might think of is a lightning rod. Though many think they attract lightning, what they really do is provide a safe path for the electricity to follow to the ground.

In addition to the structure, you must also protect the personal property inside. Electrical surges often occur and can damage TVs, computers and other electronics. A surge protector installed at the main electrical panel and also at the outlets will often prevent sudden spikes in electrical current, which could have resulted in "fried" electronics.

RECOVERY

Review your insurance policy with your agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage on your home and the personal property inside.

Also, create an inventory of all the personal property you own (personal property is described as all items that will fall out of a building when turned upside down and shaken). Insurance companies will require this list when you file a claim for the loss. They will ask for each item you want replaced, what you paid for it, when you purchased it and who the manufacturer was. They will also request model numbers and serial numbers for appliances, electronics, power tools, etc.

Proper insurance and a personal property inventory - together, these will enable you to recover financially if a lightning storm results in a fire that damages or destroys your home or business. You'll not only have your inventory to file the insurance claim quickly, this will lessen the stress while it maximizes your settlement.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Cindy_Hartman/199627

Storm Damage: Tips to Making It Through a Storm

5/15/2019 (Permalink)