Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Do I need shelter now?

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Are you in need of a place to stay? The United States has been split into four zones based on 40 years of tornado history and more than 100 years of hurricane history, which geographically represent the number and strength of violent windstorms. Zone IV has seen the most and the most powerful tornadoes. Zone III comprises coastal areas that are vulnerable to hurricanes and has seen a lot of tornado activity. Check with your local building official, meteorologist, emergency management official, or television weather reporter to discover more about the wind history in your area. Your home was most likely constructed in compliance with local construction codes that take into account the impacts of "code-approved" design winds in your location.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

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The Foundations of Shelter Design

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

The Foundations of Shelter Design

A shelter's objective is to provide a safe haven for you and your family to withstand a tornado or hurricane with minimal or no damage. The shelter cannot be built in a storm-prone area where it will be swamped during a hurricane. Your refuge should be easily accessible from all sections of your house and be clutter-free. The shelter must be adequately attached to the home foundation to prevent overturning and elevation in order to protect the residents during severe windstorms. The connections between all sections of the shelter must be robust enough to withstand failure, and windborne projectiles must not penetrate the walls, roof, or door.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

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Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

A torrential downpour has finally subsided. Perhaps a long winter has finally come to an end, and the deep snows have started to melt.

While the pleasant weather may appear to be a welcome break, the risk of water damage may only be beginning. Flooding and property damage can occur when storm water runoff overwhelms natural and manmade systems.

When bad weather strikes, the efforts you take today to prepare your home and yard for adequate drainage will save you time and money in the long run.

Storm water runoff is absorbed by soil, evaporates into the atmosphere, or runs into bodies of water such as streams, lakes, and rivers in the natural environment.

https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/maintenance/protecting-your-home-from-storm-water-damage

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Storm Season approaching

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

The Atlantic hurricane season outlook improves, with fewer storms projected.

Top hurricane experts have some positive news: According to a new forecast released on Monday, the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season will be quieter than usual.

Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach and other Colorado State University scientists - widely considered as the nation's best seasonal hurricane predictors — predict the formation of 10 named tropical storms, four of which will become hurricanes.

This is a significant decline from their April projection of seven hurricanes. Subtropical Storm Alberto, for example, formed in May. If the calm prognosis comes true, 2018 will be a welcome relief following the devastating 2017 season, which saw monsters like Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria wreak havoc across the country.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/03/hurricane-season-2018-forecast/755215002/

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How to prepare your home for a storm

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Protect the critical areas

Wind is a major threat to your roof, windows, doors and garage doors. Either you or a building contractor can build and install temporary protection, such as approved wind shutters or plywood on windows and coverings for patio and entry doors, strengthen and stiffen garage doors, and install heavy-duty door hardware.

Protect your valuables

Protect mementos in waterproof containers and/or take the items with you if you evacuate. Inventory valuables and contents in the home with pictures or video. Note the approximate value of each item and the date of purchase. You can also send an inventory to a family member outside your region for safekeeping. Also, make sure important documents, such as an insurance policy or mortgage papers, are stored in a safe deposit or fire safe box.

https://news.nationwide.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-storm/

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How to prepare your home for a storm

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Stock a basic emergency kit

A true emergency can leave you without basic services, including electricity, water, gas or sewage, for a few hours or a few days. Stock your family’s emergency kit with enough food, water and supplies to carry all of you through at least three days—and restock your kit once the emergency has passed. Be sure to include:

Water: One gallon per person per day to cover drinking and sanitation
Food: At least a three-day supply of food per person
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Hand-crank flashlight
First aid kit
Cell phone with charger
Local maps

Create a family emergency plan

Staying connected is of the utmost importance during an emergency. Designate an out-of-town family member or friend to be your check-in person in case local phone lines are down. Make sure every member of your family knows that contact’s number and has a way to reach him or her—ideally a cell phone and charger or a prepaid calling card.

Choose a local place where your family members should meet if they are separated when an emergency strikes and your home is unsafe. This might be a landmark or even a parent’s workplace.

https://news.nationwide.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-a-storm/

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Top Tips for Rebuilding Your Home Office After Storm Damage

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes nature can wreak havoc with our lives. When your in-home work space is damaged by storms, knowing how to pull things back together can be overwhelming. Here is important advice for renovating your office to put you back on track and avoid more troubles down the road.

First Thing’s First

Once you are assured your family members are safe, you may be tempted to start cleaning up the mess. However, when your property is damaged by a storm, one of the first things you should do is contact your insurance company. As Houzz points out, sometimes getting an adjuster to come to your home and make an evaluation can take time, especially if you live in an area extensively damaged by storms. If connecting with your insurance company is difficult, try employing multiple methods. Call, fax, email, and check their website for additional resources. You should also check your homeowners insurance policy to review what is covered. Some policies will replace items, some won’t, and some pay for reduced replacement costs. You should also examine whether your insurance covers your home business separately, as some experts note that not all homeowners policies cover home business-related damages.

https://blog.familyhomeplans.com/2018/06/top-tips-rebuilding-home-office-storm-damage/

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How Does Insurance Define Storm Damage & Storm Insurance?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage is the destructive result of weather-related events. It can include damage to the exterior of your home, such as your roof shingles blowing off after a windstorm, or the siding of your home being dented from hail. Storm damage may even affect the interior of your home, like power surge damage from a lightning strike. Storm insurance is part of your homeowners policy that can help cover the cost — after your deductible — to repair or replace the damaged area.

What Is Storm Damage Insurance?

Storm damage insurance isn’t its own policy — it’s part of your homeowners policy. It’s designed to protect your finances from the expensive costs of damage to your home after a storm-related event. If your home faces damage after a storm, you can file a claim with your insurance company and they’ll send an adjuster to assess the damage to your home. After you pay your deductible, your insurance company will help cover the remaining cost up to your coverage limits.

https://www.amfam.com/what-does-insurance-cover/storm

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Get your home ready.

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.
Be ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.
Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/before.html

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Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Gather emergency supplies.

During and after a hurricane, you may need supplies to keep your family safe and healthy. Remember that a hurricane could cut off your power and water supply. You also may not be able to drive because of damage to your car. Roads may be flooded or blocked.

That’s why it’s best to be prepared—stock up on everything you might need now. Be sure to prepare the following:

An emergency food and water supply
An emergency medicine supply
Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don’t forget extra batteries).
Safety and personal items
Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.
A fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! Read the National Fire Protection Association’s tip's for using fire extinguishers

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/before.html

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What to Do if Lightning Strikes

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

If lightning does hit your house, chances are a few things may happen. Let’s look over what you need to look for in the aftermath.

Make sure no one is hurt! If someone has suffered any harm, seek medical assistance immediately. When in doubt dial 911.
Look for signs of a fire – Smoke, charred electrical outlets or heat from your attic, etc. If there is a fire follow our What to do if you have a fire guide.
Make sure there isn’t damage that could create a dangerous situation. A whole in the roof, hanging beams, exposed wires, all of these can cause injury.
Check for other damage – Shorted appliances, fried wiring, blasted roof shingles, damaged trees, or downed powerlines.

The primary thing is to BE SAFE. You don’t want to survive the actual strike itself and then put yourself in a position of being hurt after.

Lightning can cause as many dangerous situations as it presents itself. Fire is the most common risk from a lightning hit, and it can start in hard to find places that hide detection.

Make sure you check attics, look at electrical outlets for burn marks, and (once it is safe and the storm has passed) look at your roof to make sure there isn’t smoke or other signs of a fire in your home.

https://www.myallianceinsurance.com/what-to-do-if-lightning-hits-your-house/

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Documenting Damage

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Documenting Damage

You'll need to document the damage that has been done by the storm as soon as possible, particularly if your homeowner's insurance only covers certain types of damage. Take photos of the damage, and be sure to document any potential problems, such as mold, crumbling drywall or exposed power lines. It's a good idea to have pictures on file of the normal state of your house. So if you're concerned about a storm that hasn't hit yet, take photos both before and after the storm.

Insurance Claims

Contact your insurance company, which will assign you a claim representative. Work with the representative to have repairs done. The process sometimes takes several months, but most insurance policies will cover the damage after you've paid your deductible. Most homeowner's insurance policies won't cover flood damage, so if your home has flooded, contact your flood insurance company instead. If you don't have flood insurance, you might be stuck paying for the damage yourself. Contact a disaster clean-up company to come in and evaluate your home and begin the post-flood clean-up process.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-after-house-damaged-storm-58794.html

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Hurricanes

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

Know your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water, even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.

Recognize warnings and alerts

Have several ways to receive alerts Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes#before

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Keep updated on current weather information

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Before a storm hits, make sure you know how to get up-to-date weather information. You can:

Subscribe to national weather alerts
Download FEMA app real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Sign up for community alerts in your area.
Follow @TDEM, @GovAbbott, @TxDOT, as well as your local county and city governments on Twitter for real-time emergency weather updates.
Check the Texas Fire Service’s Daily fire danger map
Check the National Hurricane Center’s website for current tropical weather forecasts.
Check the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s Drivetexas map for updated road conditions and closures due to flooding and storms.

https://www.opic.texas.gov/news/residential-property/spring-storm-prep/

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Staying Safe After a Storm

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Listen to the radio for advisories and other instructions.
Do not venture outside until it has been declared safe to do so.
Stay away from downed power lines and avoid standing water or metal objects near downed wires.
Leave and do not enter buildings that have sustained structural damage.
Stay away from damaged trees and dangling or broken limbs.
Do not swim or wade in flood waters.
Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
Watch out for snakes or other wild animals.
Turn the gas off at the meter if you smell gas.
Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
If you must drive, watch for undermined roads and damaged bridges.
Do not attempt to drive through flooded streets or bridges.
Avoid using candles or other open flames indoors.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times.
Test battery powered smoke and CO alarms.
Make sure your sewer system is working before flushing toilets.
Keep pets indoors and use a leash when taking them outside.
Operate generators outdoors in the open away from windows and doors.
Don’t eat perishable food that has warmed to over 40° F.

https://todayshomeowner.com/dealing-with-storm-damage-to-your-home/

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Returning Home After a Hurricane

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.
Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris, and maintain a physical distance of at least six feet while working with someone else. People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if they do not have an allergy to mold. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Continue taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, such as washing your hands often and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses, debris, chemicals, waste and wildlife. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
Engage virtually with your community through video and phone calls. Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. Take care of your body and talk to someone if you are feeling upset. Many people may already feel fear and anxiety about the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The threat of a hurricane can add additional stress. Follow CDC guidance for managing stress under during a traumatic event and managing stress during COVID-19

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes#before

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Here are some important terms you may hear:

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Here are some important terms you may hear:

Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.
Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.

During a watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued. During a warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it. In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which means that extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide/

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Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush having the following on hand:

Extra batteries
Candles or lamps with fuel
Matches (keep these dry)
Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
Prescription drugs

A three-day supply of drinking water
Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook
First aid supplies
A portable NOAA weather radio
A wrench and other basic tools
A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you'll bring these supplies with you. As expirations dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.

https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane

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Securing Your Home

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Know how to secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.

Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood.
Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
Reinforce your garage doors.
Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.

https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide/

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Preparing for a Hurricane

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:

Prepare for a hurricane Take basic steps now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. COVID-19 vaccines help protect you from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19 and may also help protect people around you.
Get emergency supplies: Stock your home and your car with supplies. Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water, and medicine supplies. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect your and others' health when running essential errands.
Make a plan: Create a family disaster plan.
Prepare to evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order. Pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters, including shelters for your pets.
Protect older adults: Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
Protect your pets: Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after a hurricane.
When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet from others) and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/hurricanepreparedness/index.html

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Equip yourself with a standby electrical source

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical lines are usually vulnerable during storm damage. Fallen trees, as well as branches, can easily damage the power lines and lightning strikes can potentially blow up electrical transformers, resulting in major power outages.

It is also critical to mention that a downed electrical pole, short circuit, or even a lightning strike can result in your home’s power voltage to increase significantly, leading to serious damage to some of your most expensive household appliances.

As such, installing a surge protector should also be a priority. Surge protectors will offer protection to your electrical devices against unexpected voltage spikes.

You need to have an alternative power source such as a generator to keep you going in the event of extended electricity outages.

https://thearchitectsdiary.com/5-ways-to-protect-your-home-during-a-storm/

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Install hurricane shutters

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Entry points such as windows and doors are usually the weakest and most vulnerable parts of your property during a hurricane. Regardless of how strong your windows or doors are, heavy rains and strong winds can still damage them.

Once a window is broken, the strong winds will blow inside your house and wreck the interior of your structure. These winds will apply some upward pressure on your roof, which might just be enough to send it flying! And when the roof is gone, the walls will ultimately collapse and the house will be gone as well.

Storm shutters are protective coverings that effectively prevent the force of strong winds and hurricane debris from causing damage to a house’s interior or destroying its windows and doors.

Storms can easily send objects flying, causing damage to glass windows and doors. Shattered glass can fly around, potentially causing damage to both property and your family.

On most occasions, the material used in making hurricane shutters are aluminum and steel. Sometimes homeowners use plywood as a more cost-effective alternative.

By having shutters installed, your home will stand a chance against destructive winds and flying debris. This will significantly protect your property and other important establishments from devastating calamities including storms, hurricanes, and heavy winds.

https://thearchitectsdiary.com/5-ways-to-protect-your-home-during-a-storm/

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steps to help prevent wind damage

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Examine trees and shrubs

High winds and loose branches are a bad combination. Keep trees and shrubs in good condition and cut down dead trees before they do any damage (check your municipal bylaws before you do this). If you are not comfortable cutting branches yourself, hire a professional.

Before a storm, trim any damaged branches. But be careful—if the branches are touching any hydro cables, you could get an electric shock.

Identify vulnerable entry points

Homes have 4 weak spots: the roof, windows, doors, and garage. If they’re in poor condition, they can get seriously damaged in a windstorm. Roofs are particularly vulnerable in high winds. Check your home’s weak spots regularly and get any repairs done promptly.

Before a storm, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked securely.

https://www.thepersonal.com/blog/-/6-steps-to-protect-your-home-against-high-winds

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What if I can’t live in my home because of storm damage?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

If you can’t live at home because of a damage, such as tree damage, you can get additional living expenses under the “loss of use” portion of your homeowners insurance policy.

Additional living expenses can help cover extra costs such as:

Hotel bills
Restaurant meals
Laundry services
Pet services

Loss of use coverage is usually set at a certain percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your loss of use limit is 20% of your dwelling coverage amount, and your dwelling is insured for $250,000, you would have up to $50,000 for additional living expenses. You may be able to purchase higher limits for loss of use.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/storm-damage-insurance-claims/

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Common Storms

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Floods

Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.

Derecho Storms

A derecho is a large, violent, fast-moving, complex of thunderstorms that follow one another along a path of at least 240 miles, with wind gusts of at least 58 mph. Although derechos are very difficult to predict, they often form along the boundary of a large, hot air mass near a jet stream air current.

https://www.stormdamagecenter.org/common-storm-types/

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Preventive Measures

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Although you might have the right coverage for freezes, snow, ice, or windstorm damage, you still need to maintain your property. Before winter starts, take the opportunity to evaluate your roofs.

Large, flat roofs, those with heavy insulation, and those in shady areas have highest risk of dangerous snow and ice build-up, as do roofs of varying levels, which can create drifts. Skylights and vents can also cause structural weaknesses and leaks. Poorly insulated areas of roofs can cause problems by allowing heat to escape, causing snow to melt and refreeze.

Snow causes the most problems when it accumulates over time. The actual weight of the snow doesn’t depend on its depth, but rather the amount of water that it contains. Water content varies because of the difference in snow crystal structure. In general, snow that falls at warmer temperatures will be denser; snow also packs down over time and becomes denser. Zurich Re, a reinsurance company, estimated that one foot of dry snow weighs about three pounds per square foot, while wet snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds per square foot. If snow accumulations occur in your area, plan ahead for safe removal.

Likewise, in high-wind areas, roofs, windows, and doors can allow wind to enter and are your building’s most vulnerable areas. Checking structures on a regular basis to ensure they are in proper working order and meet current codes can help you prevent major damage. Ensure your company has enough business income coverage to weather a loss in income due to damage from snow, ice, windstorm, or other covered cause.

https://www.bpj.com/resources/blog/avoiding-winter-storm-damage/

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Major hazards associated with hurricanes

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy Rainfall and Inland Flooding

Tropical cyclones often produce widespread, torrential rains in excess of 6 inches, which may result in deadly and destructive floods. In fact, flooding is the major threat from tropical cyclones for people living inland. Flash flooding, defined as a rapid rise in water levels, can occur quickly due to intense rainfall. Longer term flooding on rivers and streams can persist for several days after the storm. When approaching water on a roadway, always remember Turn Around Don't Drown

Rainfall amounts are not directly related to the strength of tropical cyclones but rather to the speed and size of the storm, as well as the geography of the area. Slower moving and larger storms produce more rainfall. In addition, mountainous terrain enhances rainfall from a tropical cyclone.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php#rain

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Lightning Damage Insurance Claims

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

Lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures around 50,000 degrees, according to the NOAA. While lightning strikes are most prevalent in the summer, a house can be struck any time of the year.

Lightning can enter your home through power lines and cause electrical fires and damage a home’s electrical systems. Fortunately, damage caused by lightning is typically covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.

You might want to consider a lightning protection system (LPS) to help protect your home. An LPS is installed on your rooftop and has a network of lightning rods or air terminals that safely carries the current down to a grounding network.

Keep in mind, an LPS is not a do-it-yourself project. You’ll need to hire a professional who works within the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association and who is certified by the Lightning Protection Institute. It’s a good idea to ask your home insurance agent if you’ll qualify for a discount if you install an LPS.

For example, we looked at a policy from Amica that offers a lightning protection system discount if it is installed by a certified Lightning Protection Institute installer. To qualify for the discount, the system must include lightning rods and lightning surge arresters that protect the electrical wiring and all electronic devices in the entire house.

You can file a claim for lightning damage on your homeowners insurance. You will be responsible for paying the deductible.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/storm-damage-insurance-claims/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What to do if lightning strikes

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

If lightning does hit your house, chances are a few things may happen. Let’s look over what you need to look for in the aftermath.

Make sure no one is hurt! If someone has suffered any harm, seek medical assistance immediately. When in doubt dial 911.
Look for signs of a fire – Smoke, charred electrical outlets or heat from your attic, etc. If there is a fire follow our what to do if you have a fire
Make sure there isn’t damage that could create a dangerous situation. A whole in the roof, hanging beams, exposed wires, all of these can cause injury.
Check for other damage – Shorted appliances, fried wiring, blasted roof shingles, damaged trees, or downed powerlines.

The primary thing is to BE SAFE. You don’t want to survive the actual strike itself and then put yourself in a position of being hurt after.

Lightning can cause as many dangerous situations as it presents itself. Fire is the most common risk from a lightning hit, and it can start in hard to find places that hide detection.

https://www.myallianceinsurance.com/what-to-do-if-lightning-hits-your-house/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

After a storm

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Documenting Damage

Insurance Claims

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-after-house-damaged-storm-58794.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Does Homeowners Insurance cover storm damage?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Homeowners insurance may help cover certain causes of storm damage, including wind, hail and lightning. However, damage caused by flood and earthquakes typically is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. It's important to read your policy to learn what types of storm damage may or may not be covered.

Water and Ice damage

Whether it's a thunderstorm in the spring or a roof covered in ice, water can damage a home. While ice and hail damage are typically covered by homeowners insurance — up to the limits stated in your policy — coverage for water damage varies, depending on the cause.

Lightning strikes and power surges

Should lightning strike your home or other structure covered by your policy, the resulting damage, such as fire or smoke damage, is typically covered by homeowners insurance. Some policies also provide coverage for power surges and outages that are the result of a lightning strike, such as damaged electronics or appliances. As with any coverage, limits will apply.

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-cover-storm-damage.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What should I do after my house is damaged by a storm?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Federal Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a variety of assistance to victims of storm damage. You can get help with temporary housing, with repairs, with meals for your family and with filing insurance claims. Contact the FEMA branch in your area. If the storm damaged many homes in your area, a FEMA representative may be traveling through your neighborhood or available at a local temporary FEMA office. So talk to your local representative for assistance.

Documenting damage

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-after-house-damaged-storm-58794.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prep your home for a Hurricane

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Stock up on plywood

Plywood is an affordable solution to protect windows without shutters from airborne projectiles. You can stock up on plywood to prepare for the next storm. “Always make sure the plywood you purchase complies with any state inspection standards,” said Frank Klavon, president of Glass Doctor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Once you have the plywood in hand, you’re ready to start boarding up your windows on the exterior side of your house … during hurricane season, plywood supplies go fast, so be sure not to wait.”

Seal windows & doors

Leaky windows and doors can let in water, so make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. This can also make your home more energy efficient.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2017/07/15/9-affordable-ways-prep-your-home-hurricane-season/472268001/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to clean up after a hurricane

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Document and photograph everything: To assist with the insurance claim process, be sure to document items you throw out. You can do this by saving your receipts, photographing the items and by making a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged goods. Include manufacturers’ names, dates and places of purchase and prices.

Do not throw out any expensive items, such as large televisions and furniture, until authorized by your claim representative. These items may need to be inspected first.

Safely store personal property: Take all personal property, especially small valuables such as jewelry, to a safe place to avoid theft.
Take special care with antiques and art: Handle antiques, art objects, sterling and brass with special care. Allow them to dry, but don’t oil or rub them since this could damage finishes or surfaces.
Clean and dry wood furniture as soon as possible: Be careful not to rub in abrasives such as soil or plaster that may have fallen on the surfaces.
Dry out furniture and bedding: Try to dry bedding and upholstered furniture that is saturated with water. Don’t store other possessions near these items.
Dry and clean any carpets and rugs that have minor water damage: Carpet or rugs that have been saturated with water should be disposed of as noted above.
Dry metal objects: To prevent corrosion, dry any metal objects, such as home appliances and drapery rods, then rub or spray with appropriate cleaning solution.
Dry, but don’t oil radios, televisions and other electronic devices: Any electronic equipment exposed to water should be professionally serviced before use

https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/what-to-do-after-a-hurricane

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to protect your home during extreme cold weather

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Extreme cold weather can be hard on both you and your home. Here are some tips to put into practice when freezing weather, snow, and ice hit your area.

How to Deal with Frozen Pipes: Disconnect and drain garden hoses., Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers., Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain., Turn off sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them., Close or cover foundation vents under house and windows to basements., Close garage doors., Insulate exposed pipes (both hot and cold) under house with foam pipe insulation., Open cabinet doors under sinks.

https://todayshomeowner.com/how-to-protect-your-home-during-extreme-cold-weather/

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Dealing with wind or water damage to your home caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe storms can be both difficult and dangerous.

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After a Storm

Be very careful climbing ladders or working on roofs.
Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to cut trees or branches.
Cover leaking roofs before the next rain to prevent further water damage.
Remove wet rugs and carpet from floors.
Open windows and run fans if you have water damage in your home.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Storm

Document damage to your home before clean up with photos or video, and compile a written list of damaged items.
Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.
If you have trouble contacting your insurance company, try a multipronged approach including phone calls, emails, faxes, and letters.

https://todayshomeowner.com/dealing-with-storm-damage-to-your-home/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

In case of a Windstorm

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

In case of a Windstorm

Thunderstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes involve heavy winds that can seriously damage property or cause death. To minimize the damage these weather events can cause, follow the recommendations below.

In Case of a Weather Warning about Violent Winds

Follow the prompts weather alert radio, television or on Internet.
Tie down or store indoors anything the wind might carry, such as garden furniture, barbecue, garbage cans or satellite dish.

Preparing for a Windstorm

Have your emergency kit
Cut down and remove dead tree branches from your yard. If you have trees near electrical power lines, contact Hydro-Québec or your local power company to clear branches.
Check the drain around your home regularly to ensure rainwater drains away from your home.

https://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/en/civil-protection/preparing-for-disasters/disasters/windstorm.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Help Prevent Wind Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Help Prevent Wind Damage

Examine trees and shrubs

Before a storm, trim any damaged branches. But be careful—if the branches are touching any hydro cables, you could get an electric shock.

Identify vulnerable entry points

Before a storm, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked securely.

https://www.thepersonal.com/blog/-/6-steps-to-protect-your-home-against-high-winds

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What to do During a Flood

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

What to do During a Flood

ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS

If you smell gas or if your natural gas equipment is visibly damaged, call the emergency services number for your natural gas provider.
If you are using a generator, follow the instructions for its installation and use.

EVACUATION AND TRAVEL

Evacuate your home if the water level requires you to leave or the authorities order you to evacuate. Pack a few essential items such as warm clothing and waterproof gear if it is raining.
Avoid walking and driving on flooded streets. Abandon your vehicle if the engine stalls.
Check the road conditions before setting out
Advise municipal officials how to reach you if you are not going to a municipal shelter.

COMMUNICATIONS

Keep in touch with your loved ones through brief telephone conversations so as to not overload the telephone systems.
If possible, communicate via text messages and social media and carefully monitor the battery level on your mobile device.

https://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/en/civil-protection/floods-information-citizens.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Do Not Build a Shelter in a Storm Surge Area

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Do Not Build a Shelter in a Storm Surge Area

A shelter designed to protect you and your family from a hurricane should not be built in an area expected to be flooded during a hurricane. Residents of these hazardous coastal areas should abide by the warnings of their local emergency services personnel and evacuate to safer ground. The protection from wind provided by safe rooms and shelters is quickly negated when stranded homeowners find themselves trapped by flood waters. If you do not know whether your house is in a storm surge area or other area subject to flooding, check the community service section of your local phone book for storm surge evacuation information or ask your local emergency management or floodplain management official.

the term storm surge refers to the rise in the level of the ocean that results from the effects of wind and the drop in atmospheric pressure associated with hurricanes and other storms.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

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Basis of Shelter Design

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Basis of Shelter Design

Extensive testing by Texas Tech University and other wind engineering research facilities has shown that walls, ceilings, and doors commonly used in house construction cannot withstand the impact of missiles carried by extreme winds. The shelter designs in this booklet account for these findings by specifying building materials and combinations of building materials that will resist penetration by missiles in extreme winds. The shelter designs, including both materials and connections, are based on wind speeds that are rarely exceeded in the United States. Therefore, a shelter built according to these designs is expected to withstand the forces imposed on it by extreme winds without failing. Those forces may cause cracks or other signs of stress in the materials or connections used in the shelter, and they may cause materials or connections to yield. However, the intent of the designs is not to produce a shelter that will always remain completely undamaged, but rather a shelter that will enable its occupants to survive an extreme windstorm with little or no injury.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What Is a Hurricane?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

What Is a Hurricane?

Hurricanes are categorized by the Saffir-Simpson scale

Category / Typical Damage C1 Minimal: Damage is done primarily to shrubbery and trees, unanchored mobile homes are damaged, some signs are damaged, no real damage is done to structures. C2 Moderate: Some trees are toppled, some roof coverings are damaged, major damage is done to mobile homes. C3 Extensive: Large trees are toppled, some structural damage is done to roofs, mobile homes are destroyed, structural damage is done to small homes and utility buildings. C4 Extreme: Extensive damage is done to roofs, windows, and doors; roof systems on small buildings completely fail; some curtain walls fail. C5 Catastrophic: Roof damage is considerable and widespread, window and door damage is severe, there are extensive glass failures, some complete buildings fail.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Should you consider a storm shelter?

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Should you consider a storm shelter?

Every year, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme windstorms injure and kill people, and damage millions of dollars’ worth of property in the United States. Even so, more and more people build houses in tornado- and hurricane-prone areas each year, possibly putting themselves into the path of such storms. Having a shelter, or a safe room, built into your house can help you protect yourself and your family from injury or death caused by the dangerous forces of extreme winds. It can also relieve some of the anxiety created by the threat of an oncoming tornado or hurricane. Should you consider building a shelter in your house to protect yourself and your family during a tornado or hurricane? The answer depends on your answers to many questions, including: • Do you live in a high-risk area? • How quickly can you reach safe shelter during extreme winds? • What level of safety do you want to provide? • What is the cost of a shelter?

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/ism2.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Mobile Homes

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Mobile homes are especially susceptible to high winds from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. You will likely not be safe in a mobile home, whether you’re in a hallway, a closet or a bathroom. Mobile homes cannot stand up to even a weak tornado, and you should make plans BEFORE the storm arrives to get to a safe shelter. Due to the potentially short amount of time between a warning and the arrival of a tornado, people should consider executing their safety plans when a tornado watch is issued- Do not wait for the tornado warning!

Taking cover under sturdy furniture, in a bathtub or closet or under a mattress will be meaningless in a mobile home if the home itself is destroyed, blown over, or rolled over by tornado or severe thunderstorm winds. Get out of mobile homes and find a more substantial shelter as quickly as possible.

Again, you need to have access to a shelter that is available at any time of the day or night.

https://www.weather.gov/oun/safety-severe-homesafety

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Safe Rooms

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Safe Rooms

A reinforced safe room (or above-ground tornado shelter) is as good as an underground shelter in most situations. Safe rooms are specially-designed reinforced tornado shelters built into homes, schools and other buildings. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in close cooperation with experts in wind engineering and tornado damage, has developed detailed guidelines for constructing a safe room.

If No Underground or Reinforced Shelter is Available

If you're like most people, you don't have an underground shelter. In this case, you need to find a location that is...

As close to the ground as possible

As far inside the building as possible

Away from doors, windows and outside walls

In as small of a room as possible

If you don't have a safe room, basement or underground storm shelter, what should you do? Remembering the basics of tornado safety, you should look around your home to determine the best place.

https://www.weather.gov/oun/safety-severe-homesafety

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Hailstorm Damage

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Hailstorm Damage

Hailstorms are a common weather occurrence that hits different cities, especially during spring. They cause damages worth billions of dollars to homes and businesses. The reason why they are so dangerous is because they cause major damage to roofs, windows, sidings and just about anything that is outside. Regardless of the type of roofing material you use, hailstorms can create small or large fractures in the roof shingles or tiles and end up weakening the entire roof. Over time, small cracks will get bigger and cause sections of your roof to tear and fall off. The damage caused will depend on the intensity of the hailstorm and how big it was. To prevent substantial roof damage from hailstorms, you must always choose a strong and durable roofing material for installation and contact professional roofing contractors for an inspection after a hailstorm. Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming everything is okay only to be surprised when the next hailstorm hits.

https://www.scrapality.com/2017/04/how-do-storms-weather-affect-your-roof.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

HURRICANE DAMAGE CAUSED BY WIND

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

HURRICANE DAMAGE CAUSED BY WIND

Wind is typically among the perils covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. However, some policies partially or completely exclude wind-related damage. It's important to read your home insurance policy or contact your agent to learn if and how your home's structure, as well as your belongings, may be covered against a hurricane's winds.

If your policy does offer coverage for wind damage, you may find that it includes a separate hurricane deductible that is higher than your standard deductible, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). And, if coverage is provided by your policy, it's important to remember that coverage limits will apply.

Be sure to review the amount of coverage you have in place and make any necessary adjustments to help ensure your limits are in line with the potential cost of repairing or rebuilding your home.

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/insurance-for-hurricane-damage.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

DEDUCTIBLES AND LIMITS ON COVERAGE FOR TORNADOES

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

DEDUCTIBLES AND LIMITS ON COVERAGE FOR TORNADOES

Remember that when you file an insurance claim, you will likely need to pay your deductible first. This is the amount you're responsible for before an insurer will pay toward a covered claim.

It's also important to remember that limits — the maximum amount your insurance policy will pay toward a covered loss — will apply. Your local agent can help you review your coverages to determine whether your coverage limits are appropriate to help repair or rebuild your home.

When it comes to replacing your belongings, your insurer will usually reimburse you in one of two ways: for the item's actual cash value or replacement cost.

Actual cash value coverage pays you the cash value of the contents you insured, but factors in depreciation of the item.
Replacement cost coverage helps reimburse you for the cost of replacing a damaged item with one of similar type and quality.

You can typically choose which type of personal property coverage you'd like when purchasing insurance. If you choose replacement cost coverage, your policy premium may increase.

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/insurance-for-tornado-damage.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

WHAT TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-cover-storm-damage.aspx

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What Happens When You Make A Storm-Related Claim?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

What Happens When You Make A Storm-Related Claim?

When you make your claim, your insurer is likely to check the storm conditions in your area. Then, dependant on the severity of the damage and likely cost of the claim, an assessor may come to your home. This may be an independent surveyor connected to your insurance company, or an employee of the insurer.

An important point to note is that the insurer will actively be looking to assess whether the damage on your property can be fully attributed to the storm, or if it occurred due to a lack of general upkeep and property maintenance. When assessing a claim, your insurer will always take the condition of your property into account because a well-maintained building should withstand all but the most severe weather damage. That is why it is important to always keep your property in good condition, so you do not increase your chances of an invalidated claim. An example of this would be if you make a claim for water damage but the insurer's inspection finds that the gutters aren't clear.

If it is clear that the damage is a result of the storm, then your insurer will let you know how they will proceed after inspection. If the damage to your home is serious, making it uninhabitable, your insurer should pay for temporary accommodation while it is being repaired.

Any policy details and procedures due to take place will be explained to you when you speak to your insurer. One piece of advice is to make sure that you take detailed photographs of all of the damage caused to your property for a personal record.

https://www.bewiser.co.uk/knowledge-base/home-insurance-knowledge/how-do-storms-affect-your-home-insurance

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

How Do Storms & Weather Affect Your Roof?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

How Do Storms & Weather Affect Your Roof?

Your roofing system acts as the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your home against various weather elements. While every homeowner is well aware of the risks that storms and weather pose to their roofs, most of them don’t understand how they affect their roofing structures. Roof damage can happen gradually over time and go unnoticed, especially if you don’t carry out regular roof inspections. Extreme weather—like snowstorms, hurricanes, hailstorms, torrential rains, and heat—can also cause significant damage to your roof. For those living in areas that experience extreme weather conditions, it’s important to know how storms and weather have an impact on your home’s roofing. Below is a guide to help you understand how different weather elements affect your roof structure and cause damage as well as the steps that you should take to repair damages.

https://www.scrapality.com/2017/04/how-do-storms-weather-affect-your-roof.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Tree Damage

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Tree Damage

If your home is in the vicinity of any large trees, you’re at a higher risk of possible property damage when a storm hits. Your roof faces the greatest risk of damage from broken branches, debris or falling trees due to strong storm winds. In most cases, falling trees cause extensive damage to roof tiles, shingles, and even roofing frames. If the damage caused is small, it can be fixed quickly to prevent rain and dampness seeping into your home.

For extensive damage, you will need to contact roofing experts who can provide more reliable repair and installation solutions to prevent future storm damage. Such experts recommend getting rid of any trees or cutting off branches that pose a risk to your home, especially in storm-prone areas.

https://www.scrapality.com/2017/04/how-do-storms-weather-affect-your-roof.html

Protect your home during a storm

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Install storm shutters

No matter how many preventative measures you take in your yard and around your home, the turbulent winds and heavy rains of a storm can still damage your windows.

If you live in an area that frequently gets hit with high winds or is prone to hurricanes, storm shutters can prevent your windows from shattering and protect you from harsh debris.

Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms.

Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install.

https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2016/02/23/5-ways-to-protect-your-home-during-a-storm/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Documenting Damage

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Documenting Damage

Insurance Claims

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/should-after-house-damaged-storm-58794.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Food safety after a hurricane

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Food safety after a hurricane

Keep food fresh

If your power is out, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep in the cool air.
Put a block of ice in your refrigerator if you expect the power will be out for more than 4 hours. It will keep food cool longer. Wear heavy gloves when handling the ice.
Even if it's partially thawed, you can still cook or refreeze frozen food as long as you can see ice crystals or if it's still 40°F (degrees Fahrenheit) or lower.

Throw out spoiled food

Get rid of food if it:

Is in a can that’s open, damaged or bulging.
Has a strange smell, color or texture.
Needs to be refrigerated but has been warmer than 40°F (degrees Fahrenheit) for 2 hours or longer. Foods that need to be kept cold include meat, eggs, fish, poultry and leftovers.

https://www.uth.edu/news/story.htm?id=526b7fac-a078-4963-9440-0e7b86de3b48

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

WHEN IT COMES TO STORM DAMAGE, BASIC UPKEEP GOES A LONG WAY

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

WHEN IT COMES TO STORM DAMAGE, BASIC UPKEEP GOES A LONG WAY

Keep Your Gutters Clear

Make sure your gutters are free-flowing and your downspouts flow away from your foundation.

Water damage or flooding is one of the quickest ways to devalue your home. So ensuring your gutters are clear is the first line of defense in helping water to flow away from your home. Which leads to another important preventative measure …

Ensure Water Can Flow Away From Your Home

The grade of your lot should keep water flowing away from your home and into a ditch, drain, or some other proper retention area

Keep Your Sump Pump in Working Order

Before Spring rains start up, we suggest checking whether your sump pump is in working order. If you want to feel extra-secure, having a backup sump pump is a sure-fire way to prevent basement flooding.

https://www.reinbrechthomes.com/blog/10-steps-to-protect-your-home-from-storm-damage/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HIGH WINDS

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HIGH WINDS Is the roof sheathing properly installed? During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls, down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Roof sheathing (the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses) can fail during a hurricane if not properly installed. Examine the sheathing from the attic. If many of the nails have missed the rafters, you may need to renail the sheathing. If you’re putting on a new roof, make sure the sheathing complies with current recommended practices.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/nhp/hurdam.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365 for all of your mitigation/restoration needs.

Protect your home from flooding

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your home from flooding

Do you know the projected flood elevation for your area? Ask your building department, flood plain management office or emergency management office to see a flood map of your community. There may be a projected flood elevation for your neighborhood. This information will help you determine how much water is likely to come in. Is the main electric panel board located above potential flood waters? The main electric panel board (electric fuses or circuit breakers) should be at least 12” above the projected flood elevation for your home. The panel board height is regulated by code. All electrical work should be done by a licensed electrician. Are electric outlets and switches located above potential flood waters? Consider elevating all electric outlets, switches, light sockets, baseboard heaters and wiring at least 12” above the projected flood elevation for your home. You may also want to elevate electric service lines (at the point they enter your home) at least 12” above the projected flood elevation. In areas that could get wet, connect all receptacles to a ground fault interrupter (GFI) circuit to avoid the risk of shock or electrocution. Have electrical wiring done by a licensed electrician.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/prevent/nhp/hurdam.pdf

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation/restoration needs.

To save wet documents

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

To save wet documents

If valuable papers have gotten wet, chances are you won’t have time to pull them apart and find a large enough area to let them dry. If they are partially drying, they will stick together and rip.
So, take the entire file or stack of papers and resubmerge them briefly in water. Then wrap them in plastic and put them in freezer bags and freeze them until you have time to deal with them. They stay preserved and, for some reason, thaw without sticking together or ripping.
Saving photos: resubmerge and gently pull apart. Lay them on a flat surface to dry. Remember, photos are developed in liquid in the first place.

Cleaning up mold

After a storm or flooding is over, mold can be a serious problem. Act fast to prevent or clean it up:

Protect yourself from injuries during cleanup by wearing

Hard hats,
Goggles,
Heavy work gloves,
Waterproof boots with steel toes, and
Earplugs or headphones (if you’re working with noisy equipment).

Clean up and dry out your home quickly after the storm ends — within 24 to 48 hours if you can.
Air out your house by opening doors and windows.
Use fans to dry wet areas.
Clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.
Fix any leaks in roofs, walls or plumbing as soon as you can.
Throw away anything that you can’t clean or dry quickly. For example, you might need to get rid of carpeting and some furniture.

https://www.uth.edu/news/story.htm?id=526b7fac-a078-4963-9440-0e7b86de3b48

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation/restoration needs.

How Can You Protect Your Home from Storm Water?

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

How Can You Protect Your Home from Storm Water?

“The key to developing a yard drainage plan is to understand the specific characteristics of your property and implement the system that works best for you,” says Mike Koppang, a Travelers Risk Control professional. During a storm, you can go outside and observe how the water flows. Take note of the different grades and slopes and whether they divert the flowing water away from your home. Look for any low spots that collect or pool water and for any steep slopes that have indications of surface erosion.

Consider the steps needed to protect your property from water runoff. Rain that falls on roofs, driveways, patios, roads and other impervious areas moves across the ground surface at greater speeds. The property adjacent to these areas could be more susceptible to damage. Frozen soil can also increase risk of damage by preventing water from being absorbed by the soil. Replacing impervious areas with pervious surfaces, such as permeable paving stones or pavers, can also help.

https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/maintenance/protecting-your-home-from-storm-water-damage

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Protecting your home from storm water damage

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Protecting your home from storm water damage

Is storm water that falls on impervious surfaces diverted away from your house? This is the work of things like roof gutter downspouts, driveways, walkways and patios. Runoff from these surfaces should be directed to an area that has the ability to absorb or slow the surface flow, such as landscaped areas, and away from your house.

Does your house have a stream, pond or lake close by? Consider the flood potential and how it may impact your property. You can research local flood maps that will detail flood water levels for various storm events and their flood potential.

Does your driveway or other impervious surface have a negative pitch back toward the house? Consider installing trench drains or area drains to help prevent pooling and divert water away from the house.

Do you have retaining walls on your property? If so, it is important that the walls have a drainage system in place to alleviate pressure behind the wall. Periodically clean weep holes to ensure they are not clogged. Surface water should not be allowed to cascade over the top of the wall and instead should be diverted to the end of the wall or around it.

https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/maintenance/protecting-your-home-from-storm-water-damage

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation needs.

Be Proactive with Tornado Damage Insurance

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Be Proactive with Tornado Damage Insurance

Tornadoes can appear from any direction and may or may not be accompanied by hail, lightning, thunder, and rain. The most dangerous aspect of the tornado is its force and sudden appearance, destroying property with little warning.

Because of this, being prepared, not only for the safety of your family but in the type of insurance you have, will make a significant difference on how you come out from these dramatic weather situations.

Make Your Tornado Insurance Checklist

Create a basic checklist of things you can do in advance to prepare yourself so you can prevent damage, and increase safety in the event of a tornado. The idea is to prevent injury and damage on or to your property, as well as to ensure that if you have to make a claim that you get the best possible settlement.

In terms of cost, you may also consider changing your home's insured value.

https://www.thebalance.com/home-and-car-insurance-for-tornado-damage-4026154

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to Protect Your Home Against Flooding

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

How to Protect Your Home Against Flooding

Protecting Your Home Against Water Damage from Flooding

Short but intense rain storms and flash flooding have become a growing concern in many areas. Flash floods happen as a result of too much rain hitting the ground too quickly for the ground to absorb. This is especially true when the ground is still frozen or too dry. Floods can also happen because the ground is too saturated with rain to hold any more water.

Flash floods don't just occur out in the country. Runoff from urban buildings, parking lots, and streets can overwhelm municipal storm water sewers. In some instances, there's so much water in the sewers that the pressure can blow off manhole covers at the bottom of hills. Even worse, it can back up sewage into your basements through household sanitary pipes. Even if your home is sited on a hill, heavy rain storms can also leak water into your basement, possibly damaging your possessions and your home's foundation as well. Fortunately, you can prevent the water damage that floods can cause your home.

https://www.directenergy.com/learning-center/weather-readiness/prepare-your-home-against-floods

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Throw away unsafe food

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Throw away unsafe food.

Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out. For more information, visit Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency.

Use safe water.

Floodwater can contaminate your drinking water. Some contaminants from surface water get into the groundwater and affect private drinking water wells and municipal water systems that use groundwater.

Follow local guidance on whether your water is safe to drink.
If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it.
Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
Your state, local, or tribal health department can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating water in your area. For more information, visit Keep Food and Water Safe After a Disaster or Emergency.

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here foe all of your restoration needs.

Staying safe after a storm

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After a Storm

Be very careful climbing ladders or working on roofs.
Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to cut trees or branches.
Cover leaking roofs before the next rain to prevent further water damage.
Remove wet rugs and carpet from floors.
Open windows and run fans if you have water damage in your home.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Storm

Document damage to your home before clean up with photos or video, and compile a written list of damaged items.
Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.
If you have trouble contacting your insurance company, try a multipronged approach including phone calls, emails, faxes, and letters.

https://todayshomeowner.com/dealing-with-storm-damage-to-your-home/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What to do After a Tornado

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

What to do After a Tornado

Stay Informed: Continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay updated about tornado watches and warnings. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes are possible during severe weather outbreaks.
Contact Your Family and Loved Ones: Let your family and close friends know that you're okay so they can help spread the word. Text messages or social media are more reliable forms of communication than phone calls.
Assess the Damage:After the threat for tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.
Help Your Neighbor: If you come across people that are injured and you are properly trained, provide first aid to victims if needed until emergency response teams arrive.

https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado-after

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

WHAT TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

Wind, Hail and Fallen Trees

If a strong storm roars through, you may find your siding damaged by hail and shingles that the wind ripped off the roof. Homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage. Coverage also usually includes damage from hail, wind-driven rain or snow that gets inside the home when a roof or wall is damaged due to wind. Most policies also offer some coverage for fallen trees that damage your home, provided the tree broke because of a storm or wind.

https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-cover-storm-damage.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

After a storm

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After a Storm

Be very careful climbing ladders or working on roofs.
Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to cut trees or branches.
Cover leaking roofs before the next rain to prevent further water damage.
Remove wet rugs and carpet from floors.
Open windows and run fans if you have water damage in your home.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Storm

Document damage to your home before clean up with photos or video, and compile a written list of damaged items.
Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.
If you have trouble contacting your insurance company, try a multipronged approach including phone calls, emails, faxes, and letters.

Hiring a Contractor for Repairs

Except for emergency repairs, check with your insurance company before hiring a contactor.
Avoid “fly by night” contractors who are not from your area.
Check the local homebuilder’s association for recommendations of reputable contractors.
Get several written bids and understand exactly what each bid includes as far as the work to be done and the materials used.
Be persistent but patient since reputable contractors may be overwhelmed with work after a storm.

https://todayshomeowner.com/dealing-with-storm-damage-to-your-home/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation and restoration needs.

Weather-Related Liability

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Weather-Related Liability

You probably think about weather-related insurance claims in terms of damage to your home, but liability can be a concern as well. There is a risk that if you don't properly maintain your property, other people could get injured and you'd be liable. Fortunately, your home insurance covers liability as well.

For example, if the mail carrier slips on ice on your walkway and gets hurt, or if snow or ice falls from your roof and injures a person below, you could be held responsible.

To avoid these situations, make sure you properly maintain your property, keeping sidewalks clear and removing hazards like dead tree branches as soon as you can.

Any time an accident occurs on your property, the first step you should take is to contact your insurance company, even if you think it's not your fault. The insurance company can then get involved to help you and give advice on the next steps. They may help with legal defense costs if needed, as well.

Make Weather-Related Claims as Soon as Possible

If you notice weather-related damage to your home, call your insurance company right away. Most insurance companies have 24-hour phone numbers you can call in an emergency.

Insurance does not cover gradual damage, so leaving things like leaking water until later could cost you a lot of money. When you alert your insurance company, they can send out an emergency crew to help you prevent further damage.

In fact, in many cases, the relationships insurance carriers have with contractors and service providers mean you'll get assistance much faster through your insurer than if you try to call the providers yourself.

Your priority should be preventing further damage to your home, and your insurance company will expect you to take reasonable steps to do this.

https://www.thebalance.com/weather-water-damage-home-insurance-coverage-3862186

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your mitigation and restoration needs

How to prepare your home for a storm

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

Protect the critical areas

Protect your valuables

https://blog.nationwide.com/news/storm-preparation-tips-for-home/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

It's never too early to prepare

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding

Purchase flood insurance.
Buy and install a backflow-prevention device in your sewer line.
Consider moving heating/cooling appliances and electrical panel to higher level.
Purchase plastic sheeting and sand bags.
Seal basement walls to prevent seepage.

Tornado

Consider buying or building a safe roomor shelter.
Have mattresses or padding available at your place of shelter.
Decide how to tie down large outdoor equipment, and purchase supplies.

Did you know?

Most hurricane damage is caused, not by wind, but water entering the house from leaks, broken windows, flood water, storm surges and back- flowing sewers.
In over 80% of the cases, wind damage to homes starts when the garage door is compromised.
SUVs—because of their larger size and larger tires—are actually more buoyant than small cars and can be swept away on flooded roads just as easily.
The most common cause of roof shingle failure during a hurricane is poor installation and improper nailing.
If you store water in case of emergencies, you’ll need at least one gallon per person, per day. A three-day supply is a good minimum.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/prepare-your-home-for-a-storm-checklist/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Do you know if you live in a Hurricane zone?

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

Do you know if you live in a hurricane zone? If you live in Florida, Texas, Mississippi, or Louisiana, the answer is probably yes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), determining the likelihood that a hurricane will strike your home is the number one step in preparedness. Hurricanes often bring heavy flooding, winds, and even tornadoes, so don’t just assume that you won’t get hit by a hurricane if you don’t live on the coast. “Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland,” says NOAA. If you’re wondering if a hurricane in headed your way, NOAA has awesome tracking tools that can show you exactly where the storm will be and around what time, as well as check out hurricanes that already occurred and see the danger zones.

https://www.rd.com/home/improvement/how-to-prepare-house-for-hurricane/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Long range planning

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Long-range hurricane planning

Make sure your home meets or exceeds current model building codes for regions often impacted by hurricanes. You may also want to do the following:

Talk with your family members about what to do in case of a hurricane. Designate an emergency meeting spot and have a plan for your pets.
Show adult and teen family members where electrical, gas and water shut-offs are – and how to turn them off. Make sure the proper tools are nearby.
Have a well-stocked first aid kit, flashlights and plenty of batteries.
Install impact-resistant windows.
Be sure your doors have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock with a bolt at least 1 inch long.
Install permanent wood or metal stiffeners on your garage door. Or contact the door manufacturer about temporary supports you can easily attach and remove.
Make sure your roof covering and sheathing beneath it can resist high winds.
Consider replacing gravel and rock landscaping with mulch or shredded bark, which can be less deadly in high winds.
Trim trees and shrubbery. Pay particular attention to weak or dead branches that could fall on your home or your neighbor's home.
Decide how and where to secure your boat.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
Learn the elevation level of your property (above or below sea level) and whether the land is flood-prone. This gives you a better idea of how your property might be affected by a storm surge or tidal flooding.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn hurricane evacuation routes. Figure out ahead of time where to go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

https://www.nationwide.com/hurricanes.jsp

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Evacuate

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

Evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Do so immediately (do not wait!) and be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes (no matter how well fastened to the ground).
If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
If you feel that you are in danger.

Have an arranged meeting place for your family in case you get separated! One of the biggest issues in hurricanes is not knowing if your loved ones are safe. Remember that cell phones may not work. You need to communicate ahead of time (like the “old” days)!

Only return once the authorities declare it is safe. Avoid all flood waters! Never drive or walk on flooded roads.

https://www.almanac.com/content/how-survive-hurricane#

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

After a Hurricane

9/7/2019 (Permalink)

After a Hurricane:

More deaths and injuries occur after a hurricane hits than during. This is because people are too anxious to get outside and survey the damage and come into contact with downed power lines or unstable trees. Follow these suggestions for staying safe after a hurricane:

Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is given.
Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in or near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
Use phones for emergencies onlyandcall 911 only for life-threatening situations.
Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, or any other dangerous situation you come across.
Watch for weakened roads, bridges, tree limbs, porches that could collapse unexpectedly, and never drive through floodwaters of any level.
After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage, which is the cause of much sickness two days to a week after the storm.
When reinstalling a cable base, TV, or satellite antenna, check all directions to be sure no power lines are nearby. The same goes for climbing trees to clear debris.
Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves, or generators indoors.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/staying-safe-during-hurricane-1513589

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Evacuating a storm

9/7/2019 (Permalink)

Evacuating Before or After a Storm:

If you live near the coast or in a flood-prone area, you may be asked to evacuate. Your "plan" should include researching your evacuation route and making arrangements in advance with family or friends for a safe place to stay.

Area public shelters are for people who have no other place to go. If you must stay in a shelter, listen to news broadcasts for announcements of shelter openings. Shelter volunteers do their best to make you comfortable, but a shelter is not a very comfortable place. Stay with friends or relatives if at all possible.

Those with special medical needs such as oxygen should go to special needs shelters only. Special needs shelters do not provide hands-on medical care, only medical monitoring. Bring a caregiver with you if possible.
Only service animals are permitted in public shelters. Shelters that allow pets are limited, so other arrangements should be made for your pets.
Bring food and snacks. Meals may not be available during the first 24 hours.
Bring your identification, valuable papers, and medications in their original containers.
Bring baby supplies if you have a small child.
Bring blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows, which are either not provided or limited in supply at shelters. You may also want to bring cards, games, or books to help pass the hours while you wait for it to be safe to travel.
Bring flashlights and a battery-operated radio or TV with extra batteries.
Stay inside and follow directions that are given for your comfort and safety; you will not be allowed outside until the officials give an "all clear" message.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/staying-safe-during-hurricane-1513589

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

As a hurricane approaches

9/7/2019 (Permalink)

As a Hurricane Approaches

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

Stay informed by monitoring the storm via local radio, NOAA radio, TV, and internet. Listen for alerts to evacuate.
Secure your home and close storm shutters. Even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile.
Bring all lawn furniture, grills, trash barrels, bikes, hanging plants, toys, and gardening tools inside or tied down in a secure spot.
Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator and freezer thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Move freezable items from the fridge to the freezer.
Turn off propane tanks.
Ideally, move any electronics to higher shelves to keep away from water damage.
Have your cell phone on a charger so it’s ready to go. Then avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
Remember: Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
Have on hand: fire extinguisher, emergency/first aid kit, prescription medicines, flashlight/batteries, blankets/sleeping bags, cooking/eating utensils, canned foods, water bottles, jumper cables, paper maps, GPS, toilet paper, toiletries, rain gear,
Stay inside.

https://www.almanac.com/content/how-survive-hurricane#

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Staying safe during a hurricane

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Staying safe during a hurricane:

Stay indoors.
Don’t walk on beaches, riverbanks or in flood waters.
Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Do NOT use candles.
Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radioor TV stations for the latest information and updates.
Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.

Staying safe outdoors:

Don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.
If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Don't walk on beaches or riverbanks.
Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water.
Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Hurricane Safety tips & Resources

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Important NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and Emergency Alert System Changes

Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena.

On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms, 2 of which become hurricanes form or move over the area during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. Guam, the Northern Marianas and Micronesia experience typhoons all year round but the main season in July through November with a peak from mid-August to mid-September. Over a typical 2-year period, the U.S. coastline is struck by an average of 3 hurricanes, 1 of which is classified as a major hurricane (winds of 111 mph or greater). By knowing what actions to take before the hurricane season begins, when a hurricane approaches, and when the storm is in your area, as well as what to do after a hurricane leaves your area, you can increase your chance of survival. If you, or someone you know, have been a victim of a hurricane, please share your story, including the town and state you were in and the year the event took place.. Please note that NS will then have permission to use your story for educational campaigns. Sharing this information may help save someone’s life in the future. Read stories from survivors and learn how to stay safe.

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Before a hurricane

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Safety

Before a hurricane;

Have a disaster plan.
Have a pet plan. Before a storm threatens, contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
Board up windows.
Bring in outdoor objects that could blow away.
Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
Know where all the evacuation routes are.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
Have a NOAA weather radio handy with plenty of batteries, so you can listen to storm advisories.
Have some cash handy. Following a hurricane, banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed.
Make sure your car is filled with gasoline.

https://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety-hurricane.htm

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Storm Surge

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes:

**Storm Surge**

Storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around a hurricane. Storm surge is fast and can produce extreme coastal and inland flooding. When hurricanes cause storm surge, over 20 feet of water can be produced and pushed toward the shore and several miles inland destroying property and endangering lives in its path.

**Be Informed**

Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related death in the United States.
Water weighs about 1,700 pounds per cubic yard, so battering waves from surge can easily demolish buildings and cause massive destruction along the coast.
Storm surge undermines roads and foundations when it erodes material out from underneath them.
Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damage to your home. Homeowners and renter’s insurance do not typically cover flood damage

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

When a hurricane is on its way

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving:

Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving:

Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Prepare before a hurricane

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

How to prepare before a hurricane:

Protecting your family;

Talk with your family about what to do if a hurricane strikes. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children
Ensure that every member of your family carries a Safe and Well wallet card.
Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts:
Find an online NOAA radio station
Search for a NOAA radio app in the Apple Store >> or Google Play>>
Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio in the Red Cross Store
Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. You may need quick, easy access to these documents. Keep them in a safe place less likely to be damaged if a hurricane causes flooding. Take pictures on a phone and keep copies of important documents and files on a flashdrive that you can carry with you on your house or car keys.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

How to prevent storm damage

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

Unplug electronics; You can protect your electronics by unplugging them before a storm hits. You don't want your TV or computer to get fried.

Identify safe rooms in your home. It's a good idea to take some time to consider what the safest rooms in your home are. Ideally, you would pick an interior room with no windows. If there's a tornado watch or warning, you'll want to be in an interior room in the basement or lowest level of the house.

Make sure everyone in your family knows the plan and where they should shelter in the house. Shutter your windows.

Close the shutters and secure the doors. If you don’t have shutters on your windows, close any blinds or curtains you have.

Create a disaster kit-

A disaster kit can really help your family if you have to weather a severe storm. Think about what to include in a disaster kit for your family, make a list, and assemble your kit. watch the weather. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather by listening to the radio, watching TV, or getting weather alerts on your phone. Find out how your community communicates a weather emergency and heed their warnings. Remember: A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions are perfect for a big storm. A bad storm could be imminent. A severe thunderstorm warning means that there is a severe storm in your area and you need to shelter immediately.

https://insurancehub.com/prevent-storm-damage/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Protect your home

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane proof your home-

Powerful windstorms and hurricanes can cause weak places in your home to fail. Hurricanes are responsible for eight out of the 10 most expensive natural disasters to have hit the U.S. High winds (and water) can wreck your stuff and, at worst, rip the roof off your house.

Even if you don’t live in a hurricane-prone area, making your home impact resistant can protect against tornadoes and other high-wind storms. Here are ways you can windproof:

Add truss bracing to homes with gabled roofs, which are more prone to hurricane wind damage. The bracing uses wood beams to attach the rafters at the ends of gable roofs to boost stability.
Install impact-resistant windows, doors, and garage doors.These can inhibit high winds that cause structural damage from entering your home. Impact-resistant features like these come with additional perks. They can:

Protect your home from intruders
Reduce outside noise
Stop warm or cool air from escaping
Entitle homeowners to a discount on home insurance

If you're considering shutters, keep in mind, they may not be the best long term investment:

They’re not convenient. You have to put up the shutters and brace your garage door whenever a storm is coming, and that can be potentially dangerous. Most homeowners don’t have the tools, time, or experience to properly install them.
They may not resist high wind pressures as effectively during Category 4 or 5 hurricanes. This is especially true for older, less wind-resistant homes, and if your garage door is made of wood.
New windows and garage doors, in general, have more value when it’s time to sell.

https://www.houselogic.com/finances-taxes/home-insurance/extreme-weather-climate-change/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

Protect Your Home from Severe Weather

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Clear Your Yard

Next, take steps to protect your home from objects that take flight during a storm. Do a little yard work. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard ornaments.

Disconnect and remove exterior television antennas from the roof. Then take all lawn furniture, grills, potted plants and other lawn accessories inside your house. If you can’t secure lawn furniture or other outdoor items, bring them inside as well. High-speed winds could transform any of these objects into flying missiles.

Tie down the larger items such as sheds, doghouses, playhouses, swing sets and boats.

Prepare to Shelter-in-Place

Finally, stock your cupboards and closets with anything you might need if you have to take shelter inside your house during a summer storm. Keep a battery-operated radio, several flashlights in case you lose electricity, and plastic sheeting to cover exposed areas.

Fill your drawers with brand new packages of live batteries for the flashlights. Stash canned foods and other non-perishable food items in your cupboards in case you can’t get out to the supermarket for a while. And pile blankets into your closets in case you lose electricity and your house becomes cold.

When you and your house are prepared, you’re more likely to weather the toughest storm. Taking time now to prepare your home for storm season could save you a lot of money later.

https://www.nahb.org/consumers/homeownership/homeownership-articles/protect-your-home-from-severe-weather.aspx

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

How to prevent storm damage to your home:

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Clean your Gutters

Okay, gutters and downspouts are gross. We get that. There are soggy leaves and dirt in there. But the thing is that the grossness can block the water that needs to run off your roof during a storm. If the water builds up, it can settle around your roof and house, which isn’t good. That can cause water damage to your home.

So, even though this might not be your favorite chore, cleaning the gutters should definitely be on your summer home maintenance checklist.

Inspect the foundation of your home.

If there are any gaps or cracks in your house’s foundation, water could seep into your home during a heavy rain and cause major water damage. Water is crafty and will find entry points. Repair any cracks you find and call a professional if you need backup.

Also, don’t forget to check the sealing on your windows and doors. This is another place where water might sneak in.

https://insurancehub.com/prevent-storm-damage/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here for all of your restoration needs.

What storm damage might look like

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes, the signs of a damaged roof are pretty obvious, like water spots on a ceiling or curled, buckling or missing roof shingles. You may also see broken or damaged roof flashing, wet walls, water issues around your home’s exterior, or winter ice damming.

What to look for:

Shingle condition. Missing shingles are one obvious sign, but pay attention to the granule buildup on your shingles as well as early signs of damage. Hail storms can cause dings and dents in asphalt shingles and should be noted as well.
Missing flashing along the edges of the roof and along skylights, vents, and chimneys.
Loose or pealing sealant along those same penetration points.
Water damage in the attic or along the ceiling.

Other time, the signs aren’t so obvious, which is when it might be time to call in a professional roofing expert. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners get their roof inspected by a professional twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring.

https://longroofing.com/blog/i-suffered-storm-damage-to-my-roof-what-should-i-do-next/

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Cleaning up after a storm

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up After a Storm

Be very careful climbing ladders or working on roofs.
Use extreme caution if using a chainsaw to cut trees or branches.
Cover leaking roofs before the next rain to prevent further water damage.
Remove wet rugs and carpet from floors.
Open windows and run fans if you have water damage in your home.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Storm

Document damage to your home before clean up with photos or video, and compile a written list of damaged items.
Read your homeowner insurance policy thoroughly to see what is and isn’t covered before contacting the insurance company.
If you have trouble contacting your insurance company, try a multipronged approach including phone calls, emails, faxes, and letters.

Hiring a Contractor for Repairs

Except for emergency repairs, check with your insurance company before hiring a contactor.
Avoid “fly by night” contractors who are not from your area.
Check the local homebuilder’s association for recommendations of reputable contractors.
Get several written bids and understand exactly what each bid includes as far as the work to be done and the materials used.
Be persistent but patient since reputable contractors may be overwhelmed with work after a storm.

https://www.todayshomeowner.com/dealing-with-storm-damage-to-your-home/

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Protect your home

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Protect Your Home from Severe Weather

During severe weather, your house may endure the brutal conditions of tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and other punishing storms.

Take the time now to equip your home with the accessories it will need to survive a storm. Don’t wait until the forecast calls for severe weather because you may not have enough time to take necessary preparations. Review Your Insurance Policies

Before you do anything else, look over your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or brutal storm. Damage caused by flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes is generally not covered by your regular homeowner’s policy, but can be purchased separately. Make lists or videotapes of your belongings as documentation for the insurance company, and keep that documentation in a safe location away from your house.

https://www.nahb.org/consumers/homeownership/homeownership-articles/protect-your-home-from-severe-weather.aspx

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How does storm damage affect my home overtime?

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage and wood rot

A roof, gutters, and siding that work as they will prevent water and ice from dripping down your home and soaking into the wood. Over time and without proper maintenance, however, storm water can infiltrate your home and lead to serious problems like mold and wood rot. This is especially common during the cold and damp winter months and wet and humid summers.

Letting water penetrate your home over time can ultimately compromise the integrity of your home. You may have to pay for expensive repairs and replacements, as well as evacuate your home while professionals deal with dangerous mold and mildew. Water-related problems are serious and require professional attention. The best thing you can do for your home is to prevent water infiltration by keeping up with house maintenance.

https://www.mrroof.com/blog/storm-damage-affect-home-time/

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Protect your home from storm damage

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your home from storm damage:

Ensure proper sealing of doors and windows: Wind only needs a small opening to get underneath something like a shingle or siding and rip it off.
Check for loose fence posts: Wind will surprise you. Anything that’s not nailed down is a liability, and that includes fence posts, which are often forgotten or ignored in homeowner’s storm-prep.
Regularly trim your trees: Problem tree limbs can damage your home, a vehicle, or even your neighbor’s property. Regularly trimming the trees on your property is an excellent way to protect your roof and windows.
Walk around your property: A lot of people don’t have the time or skills to check and/or repair everything on their property before storm season kicks up. But, if you know a storm is coming, there are some very basic steps you can take to minimize its impact. Like identifying the items around your property that could become projectiles.That means lawn furniture, tools, flower pots, or other yard debris. Do yourself a favor and move those items to a garage, a shed, or indoors.
Keep a generator on hand: A bad storm could potentially knock out power to your home for a couple of hours — or days. Having a generator on standby could go a long way towards ensuring you don’t lose your food, or the livability of your home until power is restored.

https://www.reinbrechthomes.com/10-steps-to-protect-your-home-from-storm-damage/

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Tornado averages

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

The U.S. averaged 1,239 tornadoes annually during the 20 years from 1998 to 2017, 55 percent of which were sandwiched between April and June.

May has seen the most tornadoes each year, with an average of 279. This is followed by June and April, which average 213 and 192 tornadoes per year, respectively. The sheer number of tornadoes from April through June isn't the only thing that makes this such a dangerous time of year – tornado intensity is also a factor.

https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/2018-03-27-april-may-june-tornadoes-peak-months

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STORMS

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

Thursday through Saturday

A flash flood watch continues for much of North Texas through 7 p.m. Thursday. The watch includes Dallas, Denton, Collin and Tarrant counties. A cold front expected to move through North Texas on Thursday could bring some added moisture to the area, which may allow rain chances to linger through Saturday, weather service meteorologist Juan Hernandez said.

The area saw more than double the amount of normal rainfall for the month of April, with 6.75 inches of rain recorded at DFW International Airport. May is usually the rainiest month of the year, with an average of 4.9 inches.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/weather/2019/04/29/rain-possible-week-dallas-fort-worth-along-chance-flooding-severe-weather

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Tornado season

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year to start worrying about the spring storm season. And one private weather forecaster, AccuWeather, is predicting a higher frequency of severe storm risks in Tornado Alley, which will include parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is often considered to be on the southern end of Tornado Alley, though one study has suggested it may be shifting eastward.

“We believe that the more traditional severe weather region of the central and southern Plains will have a higher potential for tornadoes and severe weather more frequently than they have experienced on average the past three years,” Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Meteorologist, said in a news release.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article226799754.html

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HURRICANE SEASON 2018: WHEN WILL IT END, BE OVER?

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

The hurricane season for 2018 may be coming to an end in November but that doesn’t mean more storms won’t form in the Atlantic or Pacific that can cause significant damage. The latest storm to wreak havoc on the United States, Hurricane Michael, was still making its way out of the country Thursday.

The storm made landfall near Mexico Beach, Florida, Wednesday and then continued north before crossing over Georgia and heading into the Carolinas and southeast Virginia. The storm was a Category 4 with wind speeds over 150 miles per hour and it caused significant and deadly damage after its arrival in Florida.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic started June 1 and has a few weeks left to go until it’s over. The season runs until November 30 and though storms can happen after the season is over the bulk of them usually happen within the June 1 to November 30 window. Thursday, in addition to Michael, there were Hurricane Leslie and Tropical Storm Nadine in the Atlantic.

In the Pacific, the hurricane season starts a bit earlier than in the Atlantic. The Eastern Pacific season begins May 15 and continues until November 30. Tropical Storm Sergio was brewing in the Pacific Thursday while those on the Atlantic coast were watching the remnants of Michael.

Every hurricane starts as a tropical cyclone and only becomes a hurricane when its maximum sustained wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour or higher. The cyclone first becomes a tropical depression with wind speeds of 38 miles per hour or higher and then a tropical storm when the wind speeds are between 39 and 73 miles per hour. All of these storms originate in tropical or subtropical waters

The Atlantic hurricane season peaks around the middle of September until the end of October. A chart from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms by month over a period of more than 100 years.

https://www.newsweek.com/hurricane-season-2018-end-when-1165716

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Above average storm activity in 2018

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

'Above-average' storm activity so far in 2018 hurricane season, expert says

The 2018 hurricane season has so far seen above-average storm activity and a near-normal number of major hurricanes, according to Colorado State University meteorologist Phillip Klotzbach.

Earlier in the season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's revised forecast issued Aug. 9 noted forecasters expected a "below-normal" season with up to 13 named storms for the entire season, at least four of were to be hurricanes. This hurricane season's first forecast -- issued April 5 -- called for a "slightly above-average" season.

With approximately 45 days left in hurricane season, the Atlantic has already seen 14.

According to data collected by Klotzbach, the 14 named storms exceeds the 12.1 average for Atlantic storm activity in an entire season. This year has already seen about 82 named stormed days, whereas in years past, about 59 days is the average. There have also been seven hurricanes, surpassing the average five.

Major hurricanes are ranking at about average; the Atlantic has seen two so far this year, whereas the average is recorded at 2.7. This season has seen five major hurricane days, with an average set at 6.2.Hurricane season extends through Nov. 30.

https://www.nola.com/weather/index.ssf/2018/10/2018_hurricane_season_sees_abo.html

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Hurricane Michael

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Michael Treks Through Southeast After Leaving Florida Beach Towns in Ruins, Kills 2; Flooding Swamps North Carolina Towns

When Hurricane Michael made landfall as a high-end Category 4 storm on the Florida Panhandle Wednesday, buildings along the coast were smashed to pieces, storm-surge flooding lapped at the eaves of beach houses and an Air Force base sustained extensive damage. Two people have died in the storm, which continued to zip across Georgia and the Carolinas Thursday morning.

One death was reported in the Panhandle. A Greensboro man was killed when a tree crashed on his home, according to Gadsden County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Anglie Hightower. In southern Georgia, an 11-year-old girl was killed when a carport hit her home in Seminole County. The county coroner later identified her as Sarah Radney.

In Florida, from Panama City through Mexico Beach — where the storm made landfall — and into Apalachicola, houses were swamped or blown apart, roofs were ripped off, boats sank and trees toppled in the high winds. Aerial images at Mexico Beach Thursday morning showed extreme damage, with homes swept completely off their foundations and destroyed and few properties left standing along the coast.

"Mexico Beach took the brunt," FEMA Administrator Brock Long said. "That’s probably ground zero."

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-10-11-hurricane-michael-damage-florida-georgia-alabama-carolina

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Tropical Storm Rosa

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Tropical Storm Rosa is about to make landfall and drench the arid Southwest

Deserts aren't supposed to get much rain, but Tropical Storm Rosa is flipping the script.

Rosa is expected make landfall Monday evening on Mexico's Baja California, CNN meteorologist Gene Norman said.The storm will douse Baja California with 3 to 6 inches of rain, with some spots getting up to 10 inches, the National Hurricane Center said.As it moves northeast Rosa will also dump 2 to 4 inches of rain on much of Arizona, with up to 6 inches in the Arizona mountains. Historically, it's unusual for the US Southwest to get pummeled by a hurricane or tropical storm. But "these events have begun to increase in recent years," Norman said.Research indicates that global warming contributes to tropical storms getting "more intense, bigger and longer-lasting, thereby increasing their potential for damage," said Kevin Trenberth, senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research.While there might not be a direct link between global warming and the recent increase of severe storms in the US Southwest, "it is possible that this could be a side effect of climate change," Norman said."Warmer oceans are allowing eastern Pacific storms to reach higher latitudes," he said. "This was not the case earlier. It was quite rare for an eastern Pacific storm to even reach Baja California, and this now becoming more common." https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/01/weather/tropical-storm-rosa-wxc/index.html

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Tropical Storm Kirk reemerges, strengthens in Atlantic, forecasters say

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Tropical Storm Kirk, which lost strength and had dissipated earlier this week as it crossed the tropical Atlantic, has strengthened and reemerged Tuesday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. Forecasters say little additional change in strength is expected through Thursday and is expected to weaken as it crosses over the eastern Caribbean Sea.

According to the NHC's 5 p.m. EDT advisory, Kirk was located about 260 miles east of Barbados and about 380 miles east-southeast of Martinique, moving west-northwest at about 18 mph. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 60 mph with tropical storm-force winds reaching outward up to 115 miles from the center.

NHC's forecast says the center of Kirk will move over the Lesser Antilles by Thursday afternoon.

In the Pacific coast, weather officials are monitoring Hurricane Rosa. Forecasters said it is expected to strengthen but doesn't pose an immediate threat to land.

Tropical storm warning

The NHC announced a tropical storm warning for Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Martinique and Guadeloupe with tropical storm conditions that may happen within the next 36 hours.

Tropical storm watch

NHC said a tropical storm watch is in effect for St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- with tropical storm conditions appearing within the next 36 hours.

Possible rain fall

NHC says Kirk can produce total rainfall of 4 to 6 inches across the northern Windward and southern Leeward Islands -- with isolated maximum totals up to 10 inches across Martinique and Dominica. They warn of life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Latest forecast track

The NHC released an image showing Kirk's forecasted movement through the next couple of days

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-kirk-strengthens-atlantic-national-hurricane-center-latest-forecast-path-track-today-2018-09-26/

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Hurricane Florence Aftermath

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Florence aftermath is a 'nightmare' of swollen rivers, flooding and rising deaths

(CNN)Hurricane Florence's rainfall has stopped, but its "nightmare" destruction isn't over yet.

On Wednesday, thousands of evacuees were urged to stay away from their homes, rivers kept rising, and the threat of floods remained high in North and South Carolina. Many roads remained closed,and thousands of people lack power.President Donald Trump spoke with state and federal officials about 11 a.m. ET at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point on the Neuse River in North Carolina. Trump said the federal government would do everything necessary to ensure recovery. He praised first responders and said the country mourns with the families of the at least 36 people killed by Florence."Our state took a gut punch and our state is still reeling," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper told Trump, calling the storm "epic, disastrous and widespread." "We've got a long road ahead in the days, in the months and even years ahead to make sure we build back." https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/19/us/florence-wednesday-wxc/index.html

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Atlantic hurricane season ramps up again with development of Leslie, Kirk

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

Atlantic hurricane season ramps up again with development of Leslie, Kirk

Following a brief lull in tropical weather across the Atlantic Basin, several areas of interest developed this past weekend, including the season's newest named storms.

Tropical Storm Kirk developed on Saturday morning. It formed at 8.3 degrees north latitude, making it the lowest latitude at which an Atlantic named storm has formed since 1902. Kirk weakened into a tropical depression late Sunday evening but is currently a tropical rainstorm.

Kirk is moving through an area of relatively dry air, which will limit opportunities for intensification, according to Kottlowski.

"Kirk will not be a threat to land during the next few days," Kottlowski said. This will give those potentially in its track plenty of time to prepare.

The first areas to feel the impacts of Kirk will likely be the Windward Islands of the eastern Caribbean. Swells churned up by the storm could be noticeable on eastern-facing shores by midweek.

"It could threaten parts of the Windward Islands with strong to perhaps damaging winds and heavy rainfall by Thursday or Friday," Kottlowski warned.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, Subtropical Storm Leslie formed on Sunday morning between Bermuda and the Azores.

Leslie is expected to slowly drift eastward over the next 24-48 hours while it maintains its status as a tropical storm.

No impacts to land are expected during this time, and Leslie will likely dissipate over the open waters of the Atlantic by midweek.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/the-tropics-are-heating-up-again-tropical-depression-kirk-and-subtropical-storm-leslie-churn-in-the-atlantic/70006140

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Hurricane season isn't over yet!

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

There is still more of hurricane season to go': Expert warns another tropical threat may make US landfall

Even though the tropical Atlantic is void of organized storms at this time, conditions may again get busy over the next couple of weeks with a few areas of potential development.

Sept. 10 marked the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season from a climatology standpoint. However, hurricane season does not officially end until Nov. 30. The coming weeks into mid-October often bring several additional tropical storms and hurricanes. This year may not be any exception.

AccuWeather long-range tropical meteorologists, led by Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski, are projecting two to four more tropical storms, of which one or two may become hurricanes, following Tropical Storm Joyce.

There have been 10 tropical storms, of which five became hurricanes. Three named systems, Alberto, Florence and Gordon, made landfall in the United States.

Thus far, Florence has been the only major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the basin.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/there-is-still-more-of-hurricane-season-to-go-expert-warns-another-tropical-threat-may-make-us-landfall/70006119

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UPDATE on Hurricane Florence

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

Expanding in size, violent Hurricane Florence is continuing on a beeline toward the East Coast as an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane. Catastrophic flooding and destructive winds are becoming very likely in the eastern Carolinas.

Forecasts generally project the storm to make landfall between northern South Carolina and North Carolina’s Outer Banks as a strong Category 3 on Thursday, although shifts in the track are possible and storm impacts will expand great distances beyond where landfall occurs.

The National Hurricane Center is warning of a triple threat in the Carolinas and Virginia:

A “life-threatening storm surge” at the coast — a rise in ocean water over normally dry land.
“Life-threatening freshwater flooding from a prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall event” from the coast to interior sections.
“Damaging hurricane-force winds” at the coast and some distance inland.

Like Hurricane Harvey, which stalled over Texas in 2017, Florence could linger over the Southeast for several days after landfall, unloading 15 to 20 inches of rain and isolated amounts to 30 inches. The Hurricane Center said this “could produce catastrophic flash flooding.”

The flooding might be similar to or worse than what the Carolinas experienced during Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

More than 1.5 million people have been ordered to evacuate coastal areas ahead of the storm, due to both destructive winds and storm surge which could place normally dry land under at least 10 feet of water.

“All interests from South Carolina into the Mid-Atlantic region should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place and follow any advice given by local officials,” the Hurricane Center said.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2018/09/11/hurricane-florence-watches-posted-as-extremely-dangerous-florence-churns-toward-carolinas/?utm_term=.ecf5ee1a8b4f

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Hurricane Florence headed to Carolina

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Approximately 800 South Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been mobilized to prepare, respond and participate in recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Florence, according to a statement from the 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office.

The guard personnel are deploying from McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Columbia and heading to Bluffton, South Carolina, for assignment, according to the statement.

What we're covering here

Hurricane Florence has its sights set on the Carolinas, and if it hits as hard as predicted, the storm will be the most powerful to pound the area in three decades.
ETA: The storm is expected to approach the Southeastern US coast on Thursday as a Category 4 storm or higher. Track it here.

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/hurricane-florence-dle/index.html

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Hurricane Florence

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

MIAMI —

After intensifying into a major hurricane, Florence substantially weakened and was reclassified as a tropical storm Friday morning with sustained winds of 65 miles per hour.

"Florence's structure continues to be negatively affected by strong southwesterly shear," the National Hurricane Center wrote in a 5 a.m. update.

>>>Checklist: Be prepared for a hurricane

However, in the next 48 hours, the storm is expected to restrengthen.

On Wednesday, Florence became the first major hurricane of the 2018 Atlantic season, with maximum sustained winds peaking at 130 mph, making it a Category 4 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Florence is expected regain major hurricane intensity (Category 3 or greater) by early next week -- as the storm moves northwest, getting closer to the US coastline by the day.

It's too early to tell if the storm will make landfall somewhere on the East Coast, or if it will turn harmlessly back to sea.

Still, there are some troubling signs in the major computer models that meteorologists use to predict hurricane tracks a week or more in advance.

The European and American models have shifted westward in the past two days, consistently showing a menacing hurricane coming dangerously close to the Eastern Seaboard.

There are dozens of different models and versions of forecast tracks that meteorologists have among their forecasting tools, and a majority still show the center of Florence staying offshore -- but most track it close enough to cause some impact next week.

Florence should track south of Bermuda early next week but will be close enough to bring gusty winds and dangerous surf conditions. Large swells will also begin affecting the Southeastern US coastlines, with larger waves and rough surf as early as this weekend, increasing through next week.

Florence's track will depend on the development and movement of a number of weather systems as the storm gets steered by a large ridge of high pressure in the Eastern United States and northern Atlantic as well as the progress of a low pressure trough across the country.

But East Coast residents can feel reassured about one thing: More than 75 storms have passed within 200 miles of Florence's current location in the Atlantic since hurricane records began in the 1850s, and not a single one made a US landfall.

Even if Florence stays out to sea, models show other systems developing over the Atlantic, almost on cue as the hurricane season hits its peak Monday. The eight weeks around then often are prime time for the conditions that fuel powerful storms.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a couple of other tropical waves in the eastern Atlantic that it says are likely to develop into tropical storms in the next several days.

https://www.wesh.com/article/tropical-storm-florence-expected-to-restrengthen/22976790

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Tropical Storm Gordon

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Tropical Storm Gordon threatens Gulf Coast, hurricane warning in place

Tropical Storm Gordon continued to gain strength Tuesday morning and is expected to become a hurricane by the time it hits the central U.S. Gulf Coast, including coastal Mississippi -- just as the hurricane season reaches its peak period.

Voluntary evacuation orders were issued Monday for parts of Louisiana for residents in areas outside the levee protection system. Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency Monday and said 200 National Guard troops will be deployed to southeastern Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center said at 11 a.m. ET that the storm was centered 145 miles east-southeast of the Mississippi River. Maximum sustained winds were clocked at 65 mph. After making landfall, it is expected to charge inland over the lower Mississippi Valley on Wednesday.

"Tropical Storm Gordon is forecast to intensify to a minimal hurricane before making landfall near Mississippi tonight before midnight," Fox News Senior Meteorologist Janice Dean said Tuesday. "Luckily the storm will be a quick mover lessening impacts from being a prolonged event."

The hurricane warning was placed into effect for the area stretching from the mouth of the Pearl River in Mississippi to the Alabama-Florida border. As much as 8 inches of rain could fall in some parts of the Gulf states through late Thursday.

"Heavy rain will accompany Gordon along its track, spreading an extensive swath of 3 to 6 inches will locally higher amounts," Dean said. "Severe thunderstorms will also be likely over parts of the Gulf Coast with damaging winds and isolated tornadoes."

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/09/04/tropical-storm-gordon-threatens-gulf-coast-hurricane-warning-in-place.html

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HURRICANE SEASON IS COMING TO LIFE

8/29/2018 (Permalink)

Weather models have flipped the switch': Hurricane season coming to life in the Atlantic

The sleeping giant may be about to awaken.

Hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico is forecast to ramp up over the next couple of weeks. "Weather models have flipped the switch on the Atlantic hurricane season and see multiple areas of development possible starting mainly this weekend," weather.us meteorologist Ryan Maue said.

One storm could spin up in the Caribbean over the next couple of days and potentially affect Florida over the Labor Day weekend. Looking further ahead, "there is the potential for two or three tropical features spinning over the Atlantic by the second weekend in September," AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said.

The next tropical storm or hurricane in the Atlantic basin will be called Florence.

One of the reasons for the predicted uptick in activity is that wind shear, which tends to rip apart developing hurricanes, appears to be decreasing. "There are signs now that wind shear may drop over a significant part of the Atlantic basin over the next couple of weeks," according to AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

However, it's still too early to predict exactly where or when any storm might form or whether a storm will affect land areas.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/08/29/hurricane-season-coming-life-atlantic/1132669002/

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Hurricane Lane has a successor

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

TROPICAL STORM MIRIAM PATH: HAWAII'S HURRICANE LANE HAS A SUCCESSOR

Thankfully, Miriam is not likely to come near Hawaii. Although its current path is expected to track west until Wednesday, Miriam will then begin heading north. At its closest, it should be around 600 miles east of Hawaii.

Tropical storms are upgraded to hurricanes once they exceed wind speeds of 74 miles per hour. Miriam is traveling at a speed of around 14 mph. At the time of this writing, there were no warnings in place for the tropical storm.

Just days after Hawaii appeared to avoid the worst from Hurricane Lane, a new tropical storm has formed in the Pacific.

Tropical Storm Miriam has formed about 2,000 miles east of Hawaii, with maximum wind speeds of around 60 miles per hour. According to the National Hurricane Center (NRC), Miriam is strengthening and is expected to turn into a hurricane on Monday night.

“Miriam's cloud pattern and overall convective organization have continued to improve, with a tight comma-cloud pattern now evident in infrared imagery,” the NRC said in a report. “Steady strengthening still appears likely for the next couple of days.”

https://www.newsweek.com/tropical-storm-miriam-path-hawaiis-hurricane-lane-has-successor-1091196

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Hurricane Lane brings over 31 inches of rain to the Big Island

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Lane churns toward Hawaii, Big Island has already seen over 31 inches of rain

As Hurricane Lane lurches north, the Category 3 storm has already dumped more than 31 inches of rain on Hawaii's Big Island, bringing catastrophic flooding.

The life-threatening flooding could even lead to landslides or mudslides.

Rainfall rates in the outer bands of the hurricane may reach 1 to 3 inches per hour, meaning flash flood watches will remain in effect through late Friday.

Lane is expected to remain a hurricane for the next 12 to 24 hours but increasing wind shear could weaken the storm more quickly over the next two to three days.

The storm is forecast to pull away from Hawaii by late Saturday.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/extreme-flooding-reported-hurricane-lane-nears-hawaii/story?id=57374083

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Hurricane Lane

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Lane, a major hurricane, could turn toward Hawaii this week

Another hurricane is threatening to impact Hawaii this week, as dangerous Category 3 Hurricane Lane approaches the Central Pacific island chain just two weeks after Hurricane Hector passed the islands.

Lane has maximum winds of 125 mph (201 km/h) and is located about 600 miles (965 km) southeast of Hawaii's big island.The storm is currently moving westward at 14 mph (22 km/h) and should continue to move west over the next day or so. But forecast models are indicating that Lane will turn in a more northerly direction by late Tuesday and Wednesday, which could put it on track to bring significant impacts to the islands.There has been a significant jump to the north in the forecast models over the past 24 hours, bringing the Hawaiian Islands squarely into the five-day forecast cone issued by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu. Track the storm hereThe National Weather Service in Hawaii has already issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the southern and western portions of the Big Island's coastline."Strong winds associated with Hurricane Lane may impact waters south of the Big Island as early as Wednesday morning, with rough seas and swells expected to increase Tuesday night," according to the NWS.https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/20/us/hawaii-hurricane-lane-wxc/index.html

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365 for all of your restoration needs

4 things seen in the tropics this past week

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

4 Interesting Things We Saw in the Tropics in the Past Week

At a Glance

Hector was a major hurricane in the northeastern Pacific longer than any other hurricane on record in that basin.
Tropical Storm Debby became the fourth named storm of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season.
Four named tropical cyclones were active at once in the eastern half of the Pacific Ocean.
Typhoon Shanshan scraped parts of mainland Japan.

Several interesting things caught our eye in the tropics in the past week, including Hurricane Hector's length of time as major hurricane in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Debby's formation in the Atlantic Ocean, an active eastern half of the Pacific Ocean and Typhoon Shanshan's scrape with Japan.

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2018-08-11-interesting-things-we-saw-in-the-tropics-early-august

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, waiting to serve you with all of your restoration needs.

7 Predicted Hurricanes

8/10/2018 (Permalink)

Atlantic Could Spawn Up to 7 Hurricanes in the 2018 Storm Season

With four storms already in the books, the Atlantic is expected to produce a total of nine to 13 named storms during the six-month hurricane season that ends Nov. 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

That’s down from the 10 to 16 systems of tropical-storm strength or greater the agency that oversees the National Weather Service called for in May. Of the total announced Thursday, four to seven could become hurricanes, with only one, or perhaps even none, becoming a major system with winds of 111 miles per hour or more. A storm is named when winds reach at least 39 mph.

“All of these numbers are lower than we predicted in May,” Gerry Bell, hurricane forecaster with the U.S. Climate Prediction Center.

http://fortune.com/2018/08/09/atlantic-hurricane-season-2018/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, waiting to serve you with all of your restoration needs.

Subtropical Storm Debby

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

As the 2018 hurricane season enters its busiest months, conditions remain very active in the Pacific.

In the Atlantic, a low-pressure system that had a 20 percent chance for development Monday grew into Subtropical Storm Debby Tuesday morning.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Subtropical Storm Debby formed in the North Atlantic late Tuesday.

Location: 1,160 miles west of the Azores
Maximum sustained winds: 40 mph
Movement: north at 16 mph

At 11 a.m., the center of Subtropical Storm Debby was located near 1,160 miles west of the Azores.

https://www.tcpalm.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2018/08/07/hurricanes-hector-john-churn-pacific-atlantic-system-has-50-chance-development/921480002/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, so call us today at 972-602-1112. SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is waiting to serve you with all of your restoration needs.

Fewer storms predicted

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Atlantic hurricane season forecast changes for the better with fewer storms predicted

Some good news from top hurricane forecasters: The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season should be quieter than normal, according to a new predictionreleased Monday.

Meteorologist Phil Klotzbach and other experts from Colorado State University – regarded as the nation's top seasonal hurricane forecasters – predict 10 named tropical storms will form, of which four will become hurricanes.

That is a sharp decrease from their forecast in April, when they said 7 hurricanes would form. One system, Subtropical Storm Alberto, already formed in May.

If the quiet forecast comes to fruition, 2018 will be a welcome relief after the destructive 2017 season, which saw monsters like Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria tear paths of death and destruction across the Caribbean and the U.S.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/03/hurricane-season-2018-forecast/755215002/

SERVPRO of Grand Prairie is here 24/7 365, waiting to serve you with all of your restoration needs.

Hurricane Season in full force

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

2018 Atlantic hurricane season.

The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30. The areas covered include the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.The National Weather Service defines a hurricane as a "tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher." Hurricanes are rated according to intensity on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The 1-5 scale estimates potential property damage.A Category 3 or higher is considered a major hurricane.The National Hurricane Center advises preparedness:A hurricane watch indicates the possibility that a region could experience hurricane conditions within 48 hours.A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 36 hours. https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/10/us/2018-atlantic-hurricane-season-fast-facts/index.html

Contact SERVPRO of Grand Prairie for all of your restoration needs, our Grand Prairie office is ready to serve you 972-602-1112. With over 1,700 Franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry and its professionals are faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours/7 days a week and are ready to restore or clean your property.

5 Simple Ways To Prevent Hail Damage To Your Car.

5/3/2018 (Permalink)

If you are driving in a storm move your car closer to a building to protect your car from hail damage.

Hail storms can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home and your car! As Texas natives we understand that the weather is unpredictable and you have to be ready for anything! At SERVPRO of Grand Prairie we believe that knowledge is key in preventing further damage to your property.

Here are 5 simple ways to prevent damage to your property and your wallet!

Stay informed on current weather conditions. As mentioned previously knowledge is key in preventing property damage. And staying aware of incoming storms could save you thousands of dollars in restoration fees.
If you are caught in a hail storm while driving find covered parking ASAP.
If you find yourself caught in a hail storm, try to find covered parking as soon as possible. Locate the nearest covered parking examples include; parking garages, gas stations, etc.
Use blankets or hail car cover if you are not near covered shelter.
If you’re unable to find shelter during a hail storm, to avoid further damage you can cover your car with blankets or a hail car cover. These may not stop all dents from occurring but they will reduce them and save you money.
If you don’t have blankets use your floor mats.
If you forgot to pack your blankets or a hail car cover, you can use your floor mats to place over your windshield to help prevent the hail from breaking it. The floor mats will break the fall of the hail and assist in preventing further damage.
If you are driving in a storm move your car closer to a building to protect your car from hail damage.
If you noticed the storm coming from a certain direction, move your car to the opposite side to avoid it.

When Storms or Floods hit Grand Prairie, SERVPRO is ready! Category: Storm Damage

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Grand Prairie

SERVPRO ofGrand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie, 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 http://www.SERVPROgrandprairie.com/storm-flooding-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (972)602-1112

Lightning Storm Safety Tips For Grand Prairie Residents

4/4/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm damage in Grand Prairie

A Flash of Lightning!

There is electricity in clouds, fueled by billions of electrically charged frozen raindrops. These frozen drops bump into each other as they move around in the air. All of these collisions create an electric charge. When the amount is very great it makes a spark- a flash of lightning! Storms can be terrifying! Especially if you and your family are not prepared.

When battling the forces of nature it is imperative that you are equipped with everything you can to survive. As water and fire damage restoration specialists it is our duty to repair local Texan's homes and businesses from natural disasters. And here at SERVPRO of Grand Prairie we believe knowledge and prevention is key. So, here are a few storm safety tips to help keep you and your family safe in these disastrous times.

Storm Safety Tips for Grand Prairie Residents

When storms are approaching, seek shelter. It is always safer to be indoors. If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a home, large building or automobile. Do not take shelter in sheds or small buildings located in open areas.
Avoid large or tall objects that may attract lightning. Be sure to steer clear of tall isolated trees, telephone poles, or communications antennas, and being taller than your surroundings such as standing in an open field.
Abstain from taking a shower or bath during a lightning storm.
If lightning begins while you are swimming or boating, promptly leave the water.
If you are outdoors, avoid contact with metal surfaces and do not carry anything made of metal. Stay away from metal fencing and pipes, as these objects are conductors of electricity. Also, avoid contact with metal farm equipment, metal vehicles or other metal objects (such as tractors, golf carts or railroad tracks.
When outdoors in an open area, seek shelter in a low spot such as a ditch. If you are in a wooded area, seek shelter in a thick cluster of small trees.
Before lightning strikes, your hair may begin to stand on end. Immediately drop to your knees and make your body into a ball, making as little contact with the ground as possible. Do not lie flat – the wet ground can conduct electricity

If your Grand Prairie Home or Business Has Storm Damage? Call Us Today (972)602-1112

11 Days ti'll Christmas

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Christmas facts....

1. The Christmas wreath was originally hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly represents his crown of thorns and the red berries the blood he shed.

2. The three traditional colors of most Christmas decorations are red, green and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, green symbolized life and rebirth, and gold represents light, royalty and wealth.

3. In Poland spiders are considered to be symbols of prosperity and goodness at Christmas. In fact, spiders and spider webs are often used as Christmas tree decorations. According to legend, a spider wove baby Jesus a blanket to keep him warm.

4.The tradition of hanging stockings comes from a Dutch legend. A poor man had three daughters for whom he could not afford to provide a dowry. St. Nicholas dropped a bag of gold down his chimney and gold coins fell out and into the stockings drying by the fireplace. The daughters now had dowries and could be married, avoiding a life on the streets.

5. “White Christmas”, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Winter Wonderland”, “The Christmas Song” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” plus the melody for “O Holy Night” were all written or co-written by Jews.

Source: http://thefactfile.org/interesting-facts-christmas/

What to do when a hurricane is heading your way!!

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

While there are a number of other dangerous weather situations that can pop up two of the most severe are hurricanes and tropical storms. These are storms that can cause property damage, flooding and if people are not prepared could cause a loss of life.

Both hurricanes and tropical storms originate in tropical areas and are differentiated by severity. Both have heavy winds and rain. However, hurricanes are generally stronger storms with more rain and stronger wind. Regardless of the severity, they both are dangerous and people need to prepare in the event of being in the path of a strong storm.

In the event of hearing that a hurricane or tropical storm is coming to your area, there are a few things to be prepared in order to remain safe. If you find yourself in the path of a major storm the first thing is to make sure you get inside a secure building. Also, securing any doors and windows in advance of the storm may prevent any injury.

BEFORE A HURRICANE:

Have a disaster plan ready. List SERVPRO Grand Prairie as a contact to assist after the storm has hit, 972-602-1112
Have a pet plan. Before a storm threatens, contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

Board up windows.
Bring in outdoor objects that could blow away.
Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
Know where all the evacuation routes are.
Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Have enough food and water for at least 3 days. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
Have a NOAA weather radio handy with plenty of batteries, so you can listen to storm advisories.
Have some cash handy. Following a hurricane, banks and ATMs may be temporarily closed.
Make sure your car is filled with gasoline.

DURING A HURRICANE:

Stay away from low-lying and flood prone areas.
Always stay indoors during a hurricane, because strong winds will blow things around.
Leave mobile homes and to go to a shelter.
If your home isn’t on higher ground, go to a shelter.
If emergency managers say to evacuate, then do so immediately.

AFTER A HURRICANE:

Stay indoors until it is safe to come out.
Check for injured or trapped people, without putting yourself in danger.
Watch out for flooding which can happen after a hurricane.
Do not attempt to drive in flooding water.
Stay away from standing water. It may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Don’t drink tap water until officials say it’s safe to do so.

Freeze Storm

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

With the sudden change in temperature meteorologists are predicting that we could be experiencing freezing temperatures soon. With this in mind it is wise to be proactive to keep your pipes from freezing and then bursting.

To prevent water pipes from freezing in cold weather:

Open cabinet doors under sinks located on outside walls.
Leave hot and cold water dripping in faucets.
Put foam covers over outdoor spigots.
Insulate water pipes with foam pipe insulation.

In the case that we do encounter freezing temperatures and you faced with a broken pipe please feel free to contact us to help. SERVPRO Grand Prairie will be more than happy to assist you in minimizing the damages to your home or business.

SERVPRO Grand Prairie: 972-602-1112.

LIGHTNING/ HAIL... What do you do?

4/26/2017 (Permalink)

What do you do when you have checked the weather, it states no rain in the forecast and then you wake up to pouring rain, lightning strikes, and hail? This was our issue this morning.

So I checked my phone last night there was no rain in the forecast! As I am getting ready to come to work it's pouring outside and the thunder is so loud that my dogs are going crazy. Then I open garage door and there is hail coming down like crazy. Obviously the weatherman didn't get it right today.

If you woke up this morning to the same situation then it is highly possible that you extremely frustrated because of the traffic and because everyone seems to be driving irrationally.

Did your home get struck by hail? If so we are here to help.

Hail damage can lead to roof damage and roof damage to water damage. If you experiencing water damage in your home or business due to our unexpected storm please call us we are here to get you back in preloss condition as soon as possible. Do not leave what can be taken care of today for tomorrow. Leaving a water damage unattended can be very pricey in long run. What may seem very minimal can lead to mold damage. Who wants to deal with MOLD?

Did your home get struck by lightning? If so we are here to help.

When lightning strikes it can be very devastating. Lightning striking sometimes causes fires. SERVPRO can assist you in helping tarp your roof, determining between salvageable and non-salvageable contents, tree removal, cleaning soot, packing out contents, etc. We are a phone call away!

Call us:

972-602-1112~ 817-557-1447~ 817-557-1505

If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (972) 602-1112

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Do I need shelter now?

The Foundations of Shelter Design

Keeping your property safe from hurricane damage

Storm Season approaching

How to prepare your home for a storm

How to prepare your home for a storm

Create a family emergency plan

Top Tips for Rebuilding Your Home Office After Storm Damage

How Does Insurance Define Storm Damage & Storm Insurance?

Get your home ready.

Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm

What to Do if Lightning Strikes

Documenting Damage

Hurricanes

Keep updated on current weather information

Staying Safe After a Storm

Returning Home After a Hurricane

Here are some important terms you may hear:

Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

Securing Your Home

Preparing for a Hurricane

Equip yourself with a standby electrical source

Install hurricane shutters

steps to help prevent wind damage

What if I can’t live in my home because of storm damage?

Common Storms

Preventive Measures

Major hazards associated with hurricanes

Lightning Damage Insurance Claims

What to do if lightning strikes

After a storm

Does Homeowners Insurance cover storm damage?

What should I do after my house is damaged by a storm?

Prep your home for a Hurricane

How to clean up after a hurricane

How to protect your home during extreme cold weather

Dealing with wind or water damage to your home caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe storms can be both difficult and dangerous.

In case of a Windstorm

Preparing for a Windstorm

Help Prevent Wind Damage

What to do During a Flood

Do Not Build a Shelter in a Storm Surge Area

Basis of Shelter Design

What Is a Hurricane?

Should you consider a storm shelter?

Mobile Homes

Safe Rooms

Hailstorm Damage

HURRICANE DAMAGE CAUSED BY WIND

DEDUCTIBLES AND LIMITS ON COVERAGE FOR TORNADOES

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

Lightning Strikes and Power Surges

What Happens When You Make A Storm-Related Claim?

How Do Storms & Weather Affect Your Roof?

Tree Damage

Protect your home during a storm

Documenting Damage

Insurance Claims

Food safety after a hurricane

WHEN IT COMES TO STORM DAMAGE, BASIC UPKEEP GOES A LONG WAY

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HIGH WINDS

Protect your home from flooding

To save wet documents

How Can You Protect Your Home from Storm Water?

Protecting your home from storm water damage

Be Proactive with Tornado Damage Insurance

How to Protect Your Home Against Flooding

Throw away unsafe food

Staying safe after a storm

What to do After a Tornado

WHAT TYPES OF STORM DAMAGE DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

After a storm

Weather-Related Liability

How to prepare your home for a storm

It's never too early to prepare

Do you know if you live in a Hurricane zone?

Long range planning

Evacuate