Essential Steps to Take After Storm Damage in Northeast Charlotte | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

9/16/2024 (Permalink)

Don't delay! When storm damages affects your property, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte to restore your space.

As fall arrives in Northeast Charlotte, the region can experience unpredictable storms that bring not only a crisp breeze but also the potential for significant damage to homes and businesses. If you’ve recently endured storm damage in this area, it’s crucial to act swiftly and effectively to address the issues and start the recovery process.

Here’s a guide to help you manage the aftermath and restore your property.

Understanding the Seasonal Risk of Flooding During Summer | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

7/15/2024 (Permalink)

When storms strike, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte to restore your property to preloss condition faster!

Summer is a season cherished for its warmth and sunshine, but it also brings a hidden menace: the risk of flooding. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many regions experience an increase in precipitation, leading to potentially devastating flooding events.

Understanding the risks associated with summer flooding is crucial for homeowners and businesses alike.

Understanding the Nature of Summer Storms in Charlotte | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

6/17/2024 (Permalink)

Whether its storm damage cleanup or restoration, SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is ready to respond in a moments notice to your call.

As the temperatures rise and the humidity settles in, summer storms become a common occurrence in the Charlotte area. These storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes even hail, posing a threat to both property and personal safety. Understanding the nature of these storms is the first step in preparing for them effectively.

Charlotte experiences a variety of summer storms, ranging from typical thunderstorms to more severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms. Thunderstorms can develop rapidly, bringing sudden downpours and lightning strikes. Hurricanes and tropical storms, although less frequent, can cause significant damage with their high winds and torrential rain.

Preparing for a Power Outage During a Summer Thunderstorm | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

6/3/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe this summer with SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte's thunderstorm safety tips! Be prepared and stay informed to protect your home and family.

Summer thunderstorms can be breathtaking to watch, with their booming thunder and dazzling lightning displays. However, they can also bring a host of problems, including power outages.

While it’s impossible to prevent these outages entirely, being prepared can make a big difference in how you handle them. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a power outage during a summer thunderstorm.

Guidelines for Preparing for Storms With Anxious Children | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte to help you recover.

The roar of thunder, flashes of lightning and blaring tornado sirens create a chaotic scene. Your dog paces anxiously, while your kids are on edge. Storm situations can be terrifying, especially in our community.

While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare how to react effectively to keep everyone calm and safe, especially our little ones.

Keep reading for tips on how to plan for storms as a family, ensuring everyone remains calm, cool and collected when emergencies strike.

Back to the Basics of Flood Damage Prevention | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.

We can all find success when we take life back to the basics. Whether you are trying to teach your child his or her math homework, trying to figure out where a recipe went wrong or troubleshooting a leaking appliance, starting from the beginning and working your way out can be immensely helpful.

The basics of life also apply when it comes to disaster preparation and storm preparedness. While we all know that Mother Nature can’t be tamed, we can take certain steps now so we can be prepared for what is to come this season.

Flooding emergencies can be really scary if you aren’t prepared, so we offer some helpful tips to help you stay in control no matter what the year has in store for our community.

The Best Alert? The Alert That Works for You | SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte

3/1/2024 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte help you get from April showers to May flowers.

The spring season in the Charlotte area is always an interesting one! It can be warm and dry, mild and rainy, or a combination of everything in between. In addition, we all need to keep an eye out for serious thunderstorms and severe weather.

While we can all glance at the sky when the clouds start to change, it is important to know far in advance when severe storms are in the area. Check out our tips below for some easy ways to stay connected and stay in the know when storms are on the horizon.

The 3 Largest Storm Damage Threats | SERVPRO® of Northeast Charlotte

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte your first call.

If you see severe weather in the forecast, chances are that there is always an element of worry in the back of your mind. Storm damages are very real and common when the weather gets severe enough! Thankfully, a lot of homes nowadays are built to withstand severe weather, but there is always a risk involved when it comes to Mother Nature.

We address the three largest threats to our homes in this latest blog post! Water, wind and impact damages are among the most common reasons for home damage, and if the incoming storm is producing all three threats, you could have a big mess on your hands.

However, just because there is a storm in our area, it doesn’t mean that your home will suffer any sort of damage. It all depends on the incoming system and the weather it is producing. Your location in the city, the landscape around your home and the very structure of your home also come into play as well.

In Charlotte, we see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding and winter storms, so it is crucial to be prepared for the variety of threats that we are susceptible to.

Wind, water and impact damages can come out of any of the above threats, so let’s break them down below:

Wind

Wind can come with tornadoes and any sort of severe storm. When it blows quickly enough, it can cause massive amounts of localized damage. Even thunderstorms alone can produce winds over 100 mph.

Wind has dual threats. By itself, it can sheer off house siding or pull shingles off the roof. And wind can make trees and other large objects seem weightless, allowing them to become projectiles.

Make sure to stay inside if a straight-line wind warning is issued or if the wind speeds start to pick up.

If you have enough of a heads-up before any incoming storm, you can tie down any loose furniture or play sets in your yard and also clean up any dead trees or limbs. Reducing the amount of hazards in your yard can keep your damage risk low.

Water

We rely on water from storms to keep our lawns, trees and gardens thriving, but if the rain is heavy enough, it can cause massive headaches for homeowners! Water can flood basements, weaken walls and floors, and cause exponential mold growth if left untreated.

To reduce your risk of widespread water damage, make sure that any landscaping you do ensures water flows away from the foundation of your house, or consider installing a rain garden! A rain garden can enhance the beauty of your yard while also providing a place for all of the storm water to flow to.

If your home has gutters, keep them clear of any blockages. When your gutters can function properly, it helps move water off of your roof and away from your home.

Impact

Perhaps the most scary of the three is “impact damage.” Whenever a large tree or outdoor object falls or is tossed into your home, there is the potential for catastrophic and costly damages.

Do your best to keep your trees maintained by trimming them regularly and removing any dead limbs quickly. You can also try to secure any large outdoor furniture if you have enough time ahead of a storm.

The cost associated with severe weather damages is huge! In just 2021 alone, Americans reported over $145 billion in damages. This number can be reduced by incorporating some of our storm preparation tips!

When you do suffer some sort of storm damage to your home or property, we want to be your first phone call at SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte. We have a quick response time and can get going on your restoration project right away.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

SERVPRO Is the Restoration Restoration Business You Can Trust | SERVPRO® of Northeast Charlotte

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of Northeast Charlotte has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

Life happens, and we want to be there for you when it does. Here at SERVPRO, we specialize in cleanup and restoration services to help you navigate water, fire and storm damage and the subsequent cleanup process, but we also offer disaster relief cleanup in the event of a natural disaster.

Water Damage

Flash flooding happens often without much warning, especially if it stems from a hurricane or a large storm system that moves through the area quickly. Whether it be an inch or a foot of water, any water damage at all can produce a serious impact. In fact, floods cause more than $10 billion in damages nationwide every year.

If you are a homeowner in Northeast Charlotte or you own a business in town, unexpected water issues and the upcoming hurricane season can cause major damage to your home or business. Our SERVPRO technicians are fully trained to handle all kinds of water damage and can help you get back to normal in no time.

We have the skills and ability to act quickly by drying up standing water, detecting hidden moisture and assisting in returning your space to the condition it was before the damage occurred. We pride ourselves on the ability to help people in their time of need.

Fire Damage

A fire department in the United States responds to a fire every 23 seconds, and there was roughly $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide in 2020.

If your home or business has suffered fire damage, we’ll jump right into action with our seven-step restoration process.

In order to be thorough while assessing fire damage, we follow that step-by-step procedure very carefully to understand the full extent of the damage and to help restore your home or business as safely and quickly as possible.

Storm Damage

Storms can develop in an instant and wreak immediate havoc on our homes, especially when you aren’t expecting the severity or location of the damage.When the unexpected happens and you don’t know where to turn, call us and we will be there for you.

Not only can storms damage the actual structure of your home, they can also damage your personal possessions and furniture. Thankfully, your possessions can go through our content restoration process with the intention of restoring them instead of replacing them. Your original items are as important to us as they are to you.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

We are here and ready to help. Our SERVPRO experts will answer your call ²⁴⁄₇. We know that disasters and accidents don’t happen only 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, so we work around the clock to be prepared for when you need us. Reach out to our Emergency Line and receive immediate assistance, day or night.

With more than 50 years of restoration experience, our experts in green are the reason we are the No. 1 cleanup and restoration team in the nation. We’re locally owned and operated here in Charlotte, but we’re also backed by a network of more than 1,900 locations around the United States.

That means we have the resources of a large business with the touch of hometown love for Charlotte! You can count on us to have your home or business back to "Like it never even happened." status as quickly as possible.

Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.

Summer Storms Can Be Intense | SERVPRO® of North East Charlotte County

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North East Charlotte County is on the line, ready to make things right.

Summer is here, and it brings with it many of the things we love. Vacations that have been postponed have been taken, high temperatures are encouraging us to go to the pool or lake, and the days are long and full of sunshine. At least, most of the time!

If you think we experience more storms in the summer, you would be right. Conditions in Charlotte are ripe for summertime storms since all you need is a little moisture and warm air.

In Charlotte, the summers are hot and muggy and the winters are cold and wet. We have our share of severe weather in the form of tornadoes and thunderstorms.

Be Aware During the Summer Storm Season

Though storms happen with more frequency in the summer, it doesn’t mean you need to take them less seriously. Always pay attention to storm alerts, and consider postponing or canceling outdoor activities when storms are forecasted.

Local weather forecasts are more accurate than national forecasts, in general. Consider purchasing an NOAA Weather radio to receive updates in case of a power outage.

Plan on staying home and off the roads if flooding is a possibility.

High winds can break tree limbs and send outdoor furniture flying. Consider removing dead branches and trimming low-hanging branches close to your home as a precaution. Store outdoor furniture indoors or secure it in a safe place outside.

People die every year in storm-related incidents. Caution is the rule of the day.

Be Storm-Safe

Lightning is another hazard associated with summertime storms. Stay inside during lightning and wait for 30 minutes to pass without hearing thunder before going outside. Lightning has been known to strike up to 10 miles away from a rain storms.

Consider unplugging sensitive electronics, and never shower or bath during a thunderstorm.

Have an emergency kit prepared, and know the evacuation route for your area.

Stay at home during floods. However, if you are already out and flooding occurs, stay on high ground and avoid flood waters if possible. Attempting to walk or drive through flood waters is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Storm Damages Have Been Increasing Over the Last Decade | SERVPRO® of North East Charlotte County

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of North East Charlotte County to start the restoration process.

With a good bit of news coverage last year dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have missed an important piece of news. Last year was a year filled with weather-related disasters.

Financial losses due to inclement weather set records again in 2020. According to data from the Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, storms last year created the largest financial loss that the Unites States has ever recorded.

Weather disasters have been increasing steadily over the past decade and hit a fever pitch last year. The technical definition of a weather disaster means the storm or weather event generated at least $1 billion in damage.

In 2020, we had 22 of these. And this doesn’t include the literal thousands of storms that didn’t meet the billion dollar threshold. For the first time since 2005, the NWS had to reach into the Greek alphabet to name storms.

Storms Are Outpacing Hurricanes for Inflicted Financial Damage

Hurricanes create an immense amount of destruction. The size of the storm is so large it’s easy to believe hurricanes are responsible for the majority of financial damage, but they are not.

While hurricanes may be larger, they can’t approach the sheer quantity of thunderstorms. Fourteen out of the official 22 disasters last year were severe thunderstorms.

Consider this example of an impactful storm: Last August, Nebraska experienced a derecho. The NWS defines a derecho as a band of storms that last at least six hours and covers 250 miles, with at least 60 mph sustained winds along the entire span of the front. During this derecho, Nebraska lost over half of its corn crop and 11% of US corn production was impacted.

The Decade of Weather Change

Last year was the tenth consecutive year of recording at least eight billion-dollar weather-related events. In 2017, as one example, severe storms generated over $300 billion in property damage, the highest recorded.

Storm preparation is more important than ever before. Everyone can benefit from taking the proper precautions when storms are coming.

No matter what precautions you take, though, sometimes property damage is going to happen. Our goal is to help you recover when it does. We can help restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

Do you have storm damage? We’re here to help you restore your property. Call us today to see how the experts at SERVPRO can help.

What Should I do First After Flooding in my Mecklenburg Home?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County is your ally in an emergency.

When Your Home in Mecklenburg County Floods, Calling a Professional Restoration Service Is Your Priority

Flooding can happen within a short time. You may be enjoying your home one day and find it full of water the next. As much as we prepare as homeowners, Mother Nature is a more significant force than we are. When a water event occurs, you must take the crucial step of calling a professional restoration service to assess and remediate the damage.

In Mecklenburg County, the answer to your flood damage is our team at SERVPRO. We are members of your community and understand the needs of our neighbors. Our training and job experience prepare us to handle even the most complex situations, so you can have peace of mind when you rely on our expertise. Upon arrival at your home, we ensure the safety of your family and our team by making sure all electrical and water sources are either shut down or operating safely. We also wear personal protective equipment to avoid contamination from bacteria and debris within the floodwaters.

How do I decide what to care for first after a flood?
Homeowners face difficult decisions when a flood invades your home. At the same time that you try to preserve your priceless memories and family heirlooms, you strive to protect the structural integrity of your home. When our SERVPRO team arrives, we can help guide you through the process so that you can achieve both objectives. Our team understands the steps necessary to preserve your home and its contents, and we proceed with the following:

    •    Separate unaffected areas with protective barriers to avoid cross-contamination as much as possible.
    •    Extraction of water using pumps, air movers, dehumidifiers, and air circulators to encourage evaporation.
    •    Disinfect your home using EPA approved solutions that kill microorganisms and prevent their reproduction.

As we travel through the restoration journey, we also look at any documents or priceless objects you wish to restore. Our team creates a tailored approach to restore as much of your home as possible.

SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County is your ally in an emergency. Call us at (704) 596-9700 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Mecklenburg click here.

We Act Fast In Mecklenburg After A Flood

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians work on making sure equipment is appropriately cleaned, filters are changed, and equipment is ready to go and available 24/7.

Flood Damage Mecklenburg County – Storm Damage

Storms roll through an area leaving one home left untouched, while the next home suffers broken windows, a torn roof, and extensive water damage inside. It isn't straightforward to understand how these events occur in this manner. With all of the damage, neighbors pitch in to help each other providing support, food, and clothing.

SERVPRO is part of Mecklenburg County providing flood damage services to the county and the surrounding areas. We are part of the community and pitch in to help our neighbors and friends in these situations. Our trucks are pre-equipped with everything required to help out in these situations. We can respond in less than 4 hours, and our professional teams are available 24 / 7.

Emergency Storm Damage

We have a certified team of mold, water, and fire specialists trained to mitigate the flood damage, clean, and dry the home after storm damage. Also, our in-house division of general contractors can assist with emergency repairs to eliminate additional damage. We board up windows and doors as well as place temporary tarps on the roof to reduce additional water damage and prevent rodents and birds from entering.

Water and moisture should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent mold damage and deterioration of the contents and the structure. SERVPRO deploys truck-mounted pumps, as well as smaller submersible, pumps to remove standing water. In situations where there is standing water, damaged drywall must be removed and discarded. The exposed studs can be dried and water removed from cavities. Once everything is dry, repair and reconstruction can proceed.

Our in house division of general contractors can assist in making these repairs. We work in conjunction with your insurance adjuster to enable efficient claims and processing. We check all of the electrical systems, install new drywall, and paint as needed. All floor materials are usually replaced. We aim to return your home to its original condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County at (704) 596-9700 for 24/7 service. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

See more about Mecklenburg County.

Flooding In Your Charlotte Home

1/24/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Emergency Services to Limit Further Flooding in Charlotte Homes

As home and business owners have seen in recent years, our area can see some of the harshest weather events that can make landfall from the Atlantic. With thousands of businesses and homes in the city and its surrounding neighborhoods, a prompt response after a devastating storm loss situation is vital to protecting your property as much as possible. With years of experience, a combination of our technicians and licensed general contractors can work to provide vital emergency services and mitigation.

Flood damage to Charlotte homes after a damaging storm might be unavoidable, but how severe these effects become hinges on the response of our technicians and the actions they take once we arrive. Our general contractors, for example, are vital to sealing up penetration points to prevent further runoff or newly developing storms from entering the household through vulnerabilities in the roof, siding, or other structural elements.

These same professionals might have to conduct tree removal as well when larger limbs or full trees have fallen into the structure. A direct impact from a massive tree limb or the trunk can collapse a roof or cause substantial structural damage in other ways. This situation can lead to floodwater entering the property unabated. Roof tarping and board up services can reduce direct water flow and wind-driven losses.

Much like our general contractors have vital steps to take when flooding is occurring, our restoration technicians must also get started on recovery as quickly as possible. We arrive with helpful mitigation tools like powerful extractors and pumps to reduce standing water in the affected areas. Once surface water gets addressed, our direct evaporative equipment like air movers can work to address saturated materials to minimize the need for reconstruction in your house.

Reducing the out of pocket expenses for our customers after a flood might mean the way we can navigate the needs of your insurance provider, but also hinges on the fast response and emergency services that we can provide immediately following a storm loss. No matter how we can help, you can reach our SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County team 24/7 at (704) 596-9700.

For more about Charlotte click here.

Charlotte Flooding Got You Down? SERVPRO Can Lift You Up with Swift and Efficient Restoration Services

12/22/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Mitigation by SERVPRO for Charlotte Property Owners

Mixed Wintry Precipitation Means Storm Damage in Charlotte

Heavy rains and high winds can share center stage with sleet and snow in Charlotte as we move through the last weeks at the end of the year. When torrential precipitation pounds down with temperatures dipping nearing freezing, your home risks exposure to significant storm devastation. Saturated ground coated with an icy mix accelerates overland flooding and seepage into crawl spaces and foundations as wet moves to the dry construction and space inside your lowest levels.

First We Secure

When storm damage in Charlotte comes lapping up your basement stairs or through a hole smashed through your roof by an ice-covered branch, you need a reliable emergency response. After we assess safety risks such as submerged debris or live electricity, our crew works fast to tarp over or board up breaches in your home’s exterior.

Second We Extract

Floodwaters can rain down from above, flow in from the surface, or ooze through the surrounding ground. A rapid removal of fluids is essential as porous building materials deteriorate quickly, and secondary damage like mold growth can gain hold within a 24 to 48-hour window. SERVPRO's service vehicles contain submersible pumps and both truck-mounted and portable extractors. If the electricity is temporarily unavailable because of the storm, our gas and generator-powered equipment prevents delays in water extraction.

Third We Manage Contamination

Storm damage leads to water damage which nearly always complicates with significant amounts of contaminants. Household, road and landscaping chemicals, infectious wastes, other microbial infestations, and hazards like asbestos and lead can all join the mix. SERVPRO crews are familiar with local hazardous waste containment and disposal mandates, ensuring the dangerous fluids and debris we capture, bag, or otherwise secure are lawfully managed. Our crews clean contaminated surfaces with appropriate products using industry best practice methods. Sanitization with EPA-registered products makes your living spaces safe to inhabit.

Finally We Dry

SERVPRO employees are scientist-like, masters of psychrometry, the theory and application of efficient structural drying. Using a range of moisture detection and metering tools to collect data, we establish drying goals. Air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers each add a drying element. Our technicians evaluate the needs and position the equipment to achieve the right balance for effective drying. Monitoring and adaptations throughout the project eventually deliver a clean, sanitized, and dry home to you and your family.
 
The trained and well-equipped team at SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County is poised to help your recovery from storm damage. Call us 24/7 at (704) 596-9700. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When a storm comes your way, call the people that are prepared

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

We're a 24/7 company and always prepared with equipment for whatever a storm may bring you!

SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenberg County 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.

SERVPRO prides itself in its fast response times.

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

When a storm hits Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius or Davidson - we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States. 

Call us today at 704-596-7900 to schedule your appointment! 

We at SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenberg County want to help you prepare for Hurricane Season

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season is here!

-Make sure you have bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies, and a small amount of cash or traveler's checks.

- Take proactive steps to protect your property from loss. Install storm shutters or cover windows prior to a hurricane. Be sure there is no loose siding on your home and no damaged or diseased trees growing over your home.

- Take an inventory of your personal property, such as clothes, jewelry, furniture, computers and audio/video equipment. Photos and video of your home, as well as sales receipts and the model and the serial numbers of items, will make filing a claim simpler, leave a copy of your inventory with friends or relatives, email it to yourself, and/or store it in a safe location. In addition, add insurance information to your inventory information- the name of your company and agent, policy number and contact information.

- Move all of your important documents to a safe location. Take them with you when you evacuate or store them in a safe deposit box outside the area.

- Make a plan for your pets. Not all emergency shelters will take pets. Check with your local veterinarian for help with plan.

- Review your insurance coverage. What does your insurance policy cover? What does it exclude? The standard homeowners' insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Check if your policy covers debris removal and sewer back-up.

Above all else, stay safe!

Lake Norman Residents, are you Hurricane Prepared?

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of North Central Mecklenburg County want to remind residents of Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, NC that now is the time to start preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.

 -Make sure you have bottled water, a first aid kit, flashlights,  a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food items, blankets, clothing, prescription drugs, eyeglasses, personal hygiene supplies, and a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks.

  -Take proactive steps to protect your property from loss. Install storm shutters or cover windows prior to a hurricane. Be sure there is no loose siding on your home and no damaged or diseased trees growing over your home.

 -Take an inventory of your personal property, such as clothes, jewelry, furniture, computers and audio/video equipment. Photos and video of your home, as well as sales receipts and the model and the serial numbers of items, will make filing a claim simpler, leave a copy of your inventory with friends or relatives, e-mail it to yourself, and/or store it in a safe location. In addition, add insurance information to your inventory information – the name of your company and agent, policy number and contact information.

 -Move all of your important documents to a safe location. Take them with you when you evacuate or store them in a safe deposit box outside the area.

 -Make a plan for your pets. Not all emergency shelters will take pets. Check with your local veterinarian for help with plan.

 -Review your insurance coverage. What does your insurance policy cover? What does it exclude? The standard homeowners’ insurance policy does not cover flood damage. Check if your policy covers debris removal and sewer back-up.

Above all else, stay safe!

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Severe thunderstorms can be dangerous and even life threatening. Being prepared beforehand can keep you safe and secure during a thunderstorm. Here are some safety tips that you can do before, during, and after the thunderstorm. 

Before: 

• Keep an up to date medical kit within your home in an accessible area. 
• Keep multiple flashlights with extra batteries, you don't know if you could lose power.
• Be stocked up on extra food and water
• If anyone in your family takes a special type of medicine, keep an extra stock with your medical kit. 
• Check the weather forecast and be up to date on the storm around your area.

During:

• Take shelter in a safe and sturdy area and stay inside.
• Turn off your air conditioning and anything else that uses a large amount of power
• If flash flooding occurs, get to the highest ground possible. 

After:

• Check around your home to see if you have any damages to your structure or property.
• Avoid any downed power lines.
• Be neighborly! Check in on your neighbors, especially anyone who is elderly or requires special assistance. 
• Continue to monitor the storm and watch its path.