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A Look at Common Home Damage Types | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties right away.
Do you ever think about how your home might be damaged? There are actually lots of risks—from weather, aging or just neighborly accidents. Your home is at risk on a daily basis.
While there may be plenty of daily risks, no one should spend a whole lot of their day thinking about them. Instead, you can prepare for them and lower your chances of a total disaster. When you stay ready, even a completely unpredictable natural disaster won’t leave you too blindsided.
In order to get and stay prepared, you need to first develop an understanding of the risks you face. Not only can understanding your risks help you prepare, but it can also help ease the sting of the recovery process when you know how simple it can be. With SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties around the corner, your restoration won’t only be simple, it will be quick.
The Biggest Risks
There are a lot of wonderful things about living in Alabama, but the weather isn’t always one of them. Temps can flip at the drop of a hat, heavy rain and thunderstorms happen year-round, and we are vulnerable to tornadoes in the warmer months . Flash floods also occur pretty commonly, and strong winds can blow through at any time of year.
While the weather is a mixed bag, you also should focus your attention on three main kinds of damage that can happen to anyone’s home. Roof damage, water damage and fires are some of the greatest threats to houses everywhere.
Your roof is vulnerable from heavy rains, but it can also be damaged by the rogue limb that was loose in a tree. In the same way, water could enter your home from a flooded yard or the occasional frozen pipe when the temps take a deep dive. Fires can also come from a number of sources, both external and internally, but many fires are due to human error.
Compounding Damages
Suffering through a disaster can be completely traumatic, but when you begin to see the compounding damage left behind, things can feel really out of control. One kind of damage will almost always lead to another.
Water damage doesn’t just leave everything in its path wet, it also creates the perfect environment for mold that can get out of control and affect your structure. A fire can spread smoke and soot throughout rooms that never even saw flames. The firefighting efforts can also create other damage from water or chemicals.
No matter what kind of damage your home has, your restoration process will likely take several steps. SERVPRO® is ready to handle all of them. With experience in water, wind, fire, mold and construction, there isn’t anything we can’t handle. Every restoration is unique, and our team is ready to walk with you through yours.
When a flash flood enters your home or a heavy rain leads to a leak in your ceiling, our team will start drying things out right away. We will make sure everything is structurally sound as well, including replacing roof beams or part of your foundation as needed. Before the whole recovery is over, our team will also sanitize and rid your home of any odors, as well as seal everything in order to prevent mold from returning.
Fire recovery happens in much the same way, starting with the most damaged areas first. When the crew arrives, they will make sure your home is safe from the elements and start removing anything destroyed by the flames. The fire restoration process will involve your whole home as we inspect to ensure smoke, soot and odors are completely removed. If the fire left a part of your home damaged beyond repair, our construction experts can tear it down and rebuild it.
SERVPRO works directly with your insurance company to ensure everything is handled as it needs to be, and we coordinate with any additional contractors you may need. We are here to address your every need with one phone call, and with 24⁄7 availability, we are always ready to get started the moment you need us.
Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.
Create a Business Plan for Emergencies | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Are you prepared for disaster? SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties is here for you when disaster strikes!
Over the last five years, there has been a significant increase in natural disasters. Looking at the stats can be pretty alarming, too, as you will note that not only are natural disasters occurring more often, but they are getting stronger and leaving behind more damage then ever before.
Statistics don’t always represent our individual truths, though, and there is always a real possibility that your business will never be damaged during a natural disaster. Even if that does hold true, manmade disasters are still possible and can leave your business reeling.
Regardless of where they come from, thinking about the disasters that could affect your business is hard. But it is crucial to take time to consider your risks so that you can create a plan that protects you from them.
The Importance of a PlanAs we continue to face more and more natural disasters each year, making a plan for your business is the best way to protect yourself against them. An emergency plan can save lives and lower your chance of extreme loss. Getting to know the risks that threaten your business means you can take steps in order to be prepared for storms, fire or floods.
When a disaster hits, it not only leaves behind what can be massive amounts of damage, but it can also strap you with a large financial loss. When you create an emergency and business continuity plan, you will not only ensure your team’s safety but the safety of your financial future as well.
Creating a plan ahead of a disaster can also mean you get back to work faster after the event has passed. There are a large number of businesses that are never able to reopen after a forced closure due to either a natural or manmade disaster. With a plan, your business will never have to be included in that number.
An Emergency Ready PlanSo, how do you build a plan that meets all of your needs? A call to our team at SERVPRO® is the best way to get started. With our Emergency Ready Plan, you get a tailor-made protection plan that covers your every base. Your plan will start the moment you need it and see you through every step needed to get things back to normal.
In order to start building your plan, our team will first provide a total assessment of your business to identify your specific risks and needs. We will work with you to lay out the exact path you and your employees should take to weather any disaster well before, during and afterward.
When a disaster is headed your way, you can kick your plan into action and take steps to protect your staff and your building. Your plan will outline exactly what to do, assigning tasks like handling paperwork, electronics and building prep to you and your team in order to limit the amount of damage you might incur. With very few instructions, everyone will know how to respond the moment you say “go.”
Communication will also be a centerpiece of your plan, laying out exactly how to stay connected throughout the event. A chain of command will be established so that information is distributed quickly and correctly and everyone can continue to proceed with business.
As soon as it can safely be done, our SERVPRO crew will head to your property and start restoration efforts. While we get the repairs going, your team can get work going, whether that’s on site, remotely or in an alternate work location, as laid out in your plan.
With an Emergency Ready Plan, you get a complete package that will protect your people while securing your financial future. Your plan not only gives you each step to take to keep work going, but it comes with the backing of a national brand and 24⁄7 availability to highly trained restoration professionals. Our goal is your goal—to keep life moving forward.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
The Holidays Are Holly, Safe and Jolly | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties on the case!
The holidays have arrived once again! No matter how you celebrate, or even when you celebrate, there is bound to be some pretty good foods involved at your gatherings. Whether you are the cook or your family and friends have politely asked you to never enter a kitchen again, the more safety you can put into your celebrations, the safer your home will stay.
The number of house fires that occur always rises during the holiday season, and a surprising amount of them start in the kitchen. Stay safe celebrating and enjoy every bit of delicious food cooked simply by adding a few safety measures to your holiday season.
Reducing Flammable Materials in the KitchenCooking comes with a lot of prep work, but make sure before you chop and dice you also prepare your space. Kitchen fires can spread quickly when there is clutter near heat surfaces.
Watch out for towels, oven mitts and decorations in the kitchen. Keep an eye on wooden cooking utensils, too. Make sure you don’t store them on the stove while you cook. It only takes the grease popping once or a flame sparking out of a pot to start a massive blaze.
You should also think about what you are wearing when you head into the kitchen. Skip anything with flowing fabric, hanging decorations or strings. Wait until the cooking is done to show off the fun apron the kids got you in order to avoid a potential disaster.
Keep a Close Eye on FoodThe best way to prevent a fire from getting out of control is to stay in the kitchen the entire time you cook. When a pot catches fire or the casserole in the oven sparks, you need to be able to move quickly to put it out. If you are away from the room, the flames can spread fast and you won’t be able to stop them by the time you get back.
If you are going to deep-fry a turkey, take a few extra steps in order to handle everything safely. Make sure your fryer is on a level surface and isn’t overfilled.
Keep your kids a clear distance away while the fryer heats, cooks and cools. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed. Even a turkey that is only partially thawed can cause the oil to splatter.
Install Protective MeasuresFires may not be 100% preventable, but when you take safety steps, you can greatly cut back on your risks. Your home should also have preventive tools in place in order to keep your family protected.
Make sure there are smoke detectors on every level of your house, including in or near your kitchen. You should check the batteries on your detectors monthly, but make it a point to check the one in your kitchen before you start cooking the holiday meal as well.
A fire extinguisher is another good piece of equipment to have stored in or near the kitchen. Make sure a few people in your household know how to use it as well, so quick action can be taken when something happens. You should also always get pot and pans lids out in order to smother grease fires should they start.
Make this holiday season a safe one. If you do have an event in your home that leaves you with smoke, soot or other fire damage, call us. We are ready to restore your home day or night so that you can keep celebrating every moment of the season.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
When Winter Storms Get Strong | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties has your back with these helpful tips.
There aren’t a lot of people in this area who love winter, and when a winter storm moves in, it can cause a lot of chaos. They may not happen often, but when they do, we can see snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Because our winters can bring such a wide variety of weather, being prepared is the best way to protect both your home and your family. When you are prepared you ride out anything winter brings us.
Preparing Your HomeWhen winter weather is moving into the area, it is important to start gathering supplies early so that you can stay off of the roads through the worst parts of the storm. Cold rain, ice, snow and winds can create dangerous driving conditions.
If you don’t already have one, invest in a weather radio. It’s common for winter storms to knock out power, and sometimes it can be out for a while. Ahead of a storm is the perfect time to build up your emergency supplies.
Make an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. Stock up on water and snacks as well, and gather your blankets and warm clothes. Check your fireplace if you have one, and make sure you have plenty of wood or the pilot is on so that you can keep your home warm.
Talk with your family and friends as well, and make sure everyone has an emergency plan in place. Consider where you might go if things get really cold. Weather shelters often open for warming up during the day or even overnight throughout the community.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce you can safely do so, spend some time inspecting your home for damage. If you don’t see anything right away, there are few things you will want to do to make sure it stays that way.
Inspect your roof for wind damage or debris piles. If any snow fell and is sticking around, you will want to make sure it can flow freely through your gutters as it melts. Clear out leaves and branches that may have fallen, and make sure everything is still connected the way it should be.
Don’t forget to check the downspouts as well, and clear out anything that may have piled up in front of them. If heavy rains washed out organic materials at the base of your home, replace it so that water runs away from your house. Clear snow, ice or other debris from your HVAC unit as well, and make sure any vents are clear.
How We Can HelpIf you do find damage after a winter storm, call us right away. We are available around the clock to start your recovery quickly. Our crew will get to your house and assess everything it needs in order to complete a total restoration.
It is our goal to get things back to the way they should be as fast as possible so that you can enjoy anything winter brings.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
Get your Commercial Crew Ready for a Weather Emergency | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties to get you back in action.
When you are prepared for anything, you can overcome everything. That couldn’t be more important than for someone who owns or runs a business. Not only do you need to be prepared in order to keep your company going, you also need a crew around you that is prepared to get through it all.
You likely train your staff for work-related issues extensively, but have you considered training them for potential severe weather risks? Weather-related disasters can be devastating for companies, and even result in long-term closures when a business is not prepared.
Create an emergency weather plan with your crew in order to keep everyone safe and avoid extreme losses.
Know Your RiskIn order to create a plan that covers every potential risk your business might face, you need to first get to know what weather hazards your climate might bring. Get to know what risks you will face seasonally, and take a look at past disasters to better understand what can happen to your property.
Alabama weather can be a mixed bag. With milder winters and hot summers, there really aren’t a lot of risks that can be ruled out. Severe thunderstorms, flooding, strong winds and hail as well as tornadoes are some of the top threats your business will face. These risks are higher in the spring and summer, but the potential is there for any of these weather disasters to strike year-round.
As you build your plan, take a look at flood maps in order to fully understand water risks along with other severe threats. Check local weather every day, and use long-term forecasts as a way to prepare as early as possible.
Make a Plan to CommunicateOnce you have better established the specific threats your business might face, create a communication plan that will get messages to everyone involved and keep everyone on the same page.
Your team should have two ways to receive weather alerts and two ways to receive communications internally. Make sure your team understands the different steps of your emergency plan so that they know exactly how to respond at every moment. Every staff member should know their role when it is time to gather supplies as well as how to get out when an evacuation is necessary.
Plan Your EvacuationNeeding to evacuate might feel like it is only for the most extreme situations, but sometimes it is the best way to keep everyone safe. Talk with your team about the safest ways to exit from every area of the building, and make sure routes are clearly labeled. Practice exiting on a regular basis so everyone knows how to respond quickly.
If evacuation is not safe, your building should have a sheltering location where everyone can ride out the storm. Make sure your staff knows where this is, and keep supplies close. Your sheltering space should be on a low level without windows and should be clearly labeled.
Regardless of how much of an emergency plan you have to put in place during an event, your team should be prepared enough to avoid panicking. Maintaining calm and keeping anxiety low is the best way to ensure everyone does what they need to in order to stay safe. Prepare your team and rest easy knowing your business can handle one more hurdle as it comes your way.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Protecting Your Home from Storms With Outdoor Prep | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
Tornadoes, strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, thunderstorms…the number of weather threats your home face is great. Things change according to the season and your location, but there is always something you need to be prepared for.
When you own your property, you might feel like you have a never ending to-do list. Adding a few extra steps to that list seasonally can go a long way in keeping your home safe.
Alabama weather offers a little bit of everything throughout the year, with spring and summer being the worst for severe storms. Strong thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes cannot be ruled out during these seasons, while wind and rain are something we see all year.
Take steps to protect your home by preparing the outside of your home to handle anything that is thrown at it.
Seasonal PrepsProtecting your home doesn’t have to add a ton to your to-do list, and it can even be simple enough that the whole family can get involved. By adding a few extra steps to your everyday routines, you can do a lot in keeping your home ready for all kinds of weather.
Throughout the year, strong winds and rain are a continual threat to your home. Clean your gutters out regularly, and trim the trees on your property. Pick up debris from the yard, and strap down patio furniture that stays outside permanently. When there are no objects to fly around in high winds and nothing to stop the flow of water, you can avoid broken windows and flooded basements.
Walk the exterior of your home regularly, and take note of anything that appears to be deteriorating on the walls, roof or foundation. Make sure windows and doors are well-sealed to prevent rain leaks, and get to be close friends with your roof. You should check your roof after every high wind event and at least four times a year in order to fix issues quickly.
Home UpgradesPreparing your home can be done completely free of expenses, but there are a few upgrades your might want to look into in order to make your home as safe as possible.
Storm shutters are a great choice for protecting your home from high winds that come with thunderstorms and tornadoes. If you haven’t updated your windows in a long time, you might want to change them out for thicker materials that can withstand a lot of abuse. Gutter guards are another great choice, especially when fall brings more leaves than you ever thought existed.
Any outbuildings or disconnected structures should be securely tied down. Adding structural reinforcements to these or modular homes can help ensure that everything stays in place when the winds get high.
When severe weather is anticipated, make sure you can receive weather alerts in multiple ways. Let your family know where the safest place to shelter is in your home, and call us right away if you do end up with storm damage. We are available to start helping you out night or day.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Using Your Grill Safely | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties to get your space back in shape.
Oh, sweet summer. Is there anything better? Even if you dread the Alabama humidity, you have to appreciate the bountiful gardens and lush green atmosphere the lazy days of summer brings. Summer is also the perfect time to cook outdoors, throwing some burgers on the grill while you watch the kids run through the sprinkler.
Grilling is a pretty common thing to do here in Talladega, but it can also create a dangerous situation rather quickly. Grills are a leading cause of fire in the summer season, and it is almost always because of improper use that the fire begins in the first place. SERVPRO® of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties is here to make sure you can enjoy every moment of the summer sun without worry.
The SetupIn order to make your backyard a safe place to play and cook all season, select a good place to set up your grill. Grills should always be in an open, outdoor space with no overhang or low hanging tree limbs nearby. Even though Talladega sees a lot of rain, you should still keep your grill out of the garage.
Choose a spot that is away from any structures on your property, and create a 10-foot radius around it. Teach your animals and your children that this is a no-playing zone so you can prevent accidents.
Charcoal grills should be emptied and cleaned after every use. Check the body of the grill for holes or other signs of wear and tear, and watch for buildup of grease. Propane and other gas fed grills should also be inspected well before each use, ensuring connections are tight and there are no leaks in the gas lines.
Manning the FlamesAfter you have chosen the perfect spot and given your grill a good inspection, take a minute to make sure you have the right tools to keep things under control while you cook. A squirt bottle with water can tame any wild flames that flare, but you should also have a fire extinguisher or garden hose somewhere nearby that you can grab quickly in the event of an emergency.
After you are finished cooking, let someone else take on the responsibility of putting plates together while you shut down the grill. Turn off the gas and burners, or close vents on a charcoal grill to smother flames.
Once you are safely able to do so, you should remove ashes and leftover charcoal. These can spark and catch fire with very little heat, so it is best to remove them altogether and dispose of them in a metal can. Check your grill before you head to bed for the night and ensure it has cooled down well.
Talladega summers are some of the best days you can have, and you deserve to enjoy them safely. Take the time to keep your grilling in check, and call SERVPRO when flames get out of control for quick restoration.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties for a fast restoration.
Handling Water Damage | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties right away.
Water is such a strong source. We do everything we can to control it in our homes, pumping it through pipes to switch it on at the wave of a hand. If you have ever been to the ocean, you know the true strength that the raw, natural form of water has.
We can’t live without it, but when water gets out of control, it can create great disasters, sneaking into even the most hidden places of our homes and completely changing our lives. Alabama has seen its share of flooding over the years, and our counties are no exception. Heavy rains, tornadoes and spring showers are common sources of flooding that have left streets under water and homes ruined throughout our town.
You can do a lot of preparation work in order to protect your home from water, but there are some disasters that simply cannot be stopped. The good news is that with water damage restoration specialist, your home can be put back together fast.
The First StepsShould your home suffer from a disaster that leaves behind floodwaters, the faster you move, the less damage you will suffer. Water damage moves fast and deepens quickly, so the first step you need to take is finding the source of the water.
After you are able to locate the source, you should try to stop any further water from coming in. If the source is a natural disaster, you may not be able to stop the flow until the danger is over. Internal sources of flooding can be stopped at its source though, so make sure you know your house well and can get to water shut-offs quickly.
Never step into standing water that could be touching any kind of live electricity. Turn your power off at the source before moving forward with drying out your home.
The moment it is safe to do so, call SERVPRO®. You can call us any time since our phone lines are available 24⁄7. The faster you do call us, the faster we can start recovering your property.
How We Dry Your HomeThe moment we take your call, your recovery begins. We will ask questions in order to assess the situation and determine everything your project will need. At this point, do your best to snap some photos. We work directly with your insurance company to ensure a smooth process, and the more documentation you have, the easier it will be.
We will get a team headed toward your home right away, and they will bring top-of-the-line equipment in order to start the drying process immediately. Our first priority is to remove standing water and begin drying out soft materials. We make it our goal to restore as much of your property as we can by completely drying, removing odors and sanitizing anything that was wet.
Our highly trained team can handle anything your restoration requires. If part of your home needs to be reconstructed, we will tackle the rebuild and ensure everything meets your standards. Your home will be exactly as it should be when we are done.
Any time you are dealing with more than an inch of water in your home, you need to call in the professionals. Every source of water, whether it is from a pipe failure or stormwater, requires a different response in order to be handled safely. Our team is trained in every source of water, regardless of how large or how small your situation is. With SERVPRO in your neighborhood, you have nothing to worry about.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
How to Start Recovery After a Storm | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties to restore your space in no time!
Storms can be incredibly powerful and alarmingly hard to predict sometimes. Even when there is plenty of time to prepare for it, a thunderstorm can blow through harder and faster than expected and create damage everywhere it hits.
Alabama weather has always been a bit unpredictable, but we know that our warmer climate can bring strong thunderstorms and tornadoes. While these mostly occur in the spring and the summer, our mild winters still leave us vulnerable to some pretty strong storms. Heavy rains and flash flooding can never be ruled out either.
With the constant threat of severe weather always hanging around, we understand how important it is to stay prepared and heed warnings. Knowing what to do after a storm hits can be just as important to ensuring a smooth recovery.
If a storm has rolled through your neighborhood and left you with damages to clean up, take a few steps to start your recovery well.
Immediately After the StormAfter the immediate threat is over, remain aware of potential lightning or heavy rain still lingering in the area, as well as the possibility of another round of violent storms moving through. Keep a weather radio on and close by, and make sure you can get back to your safe location rather quickly if needed.
Once you know things are moving on, start contacting your loved ones to let them know you are OK and to see if they need any kind of help. If cell service is down, text messaging may still work. If you can safely exit your shelter, head out to check on those around you.
Don’t enter damaged spaces, but do look for ways to help guide anyone inside safely out. Clear debris from roadways if you are able so that emergency personnel can get in. Start taking some photos and making other documentation of the damages done, and call us at SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties. We are locally owned and operated, and with 24⁄7 availability, we are ready to start your recovery fast.
As More Time PassesAs time begins to pass after the event is over, the scope of work that lies ahead of you will become more and more clear. Keep a close eye on things around you, including hazards like nails or loose boards and the weather. Always have a way to receive weather alerts in the days following a disaster in case another severe storm heads your way.
As you are able, start taking action to prevent any further damage to your home. When our team arrives at your property, this will be their first priority and may include things like tarping your roof or removing standing water. We will do what it takes to seal everything from the elements and start your restoration quickly.
SERVPRO® works with your insurance company so that any claims filed are handled correctly. As we continue to assess the damages done, you may need to consider finding other places to house your family temporarily if your home is in great disrepair.
The best way to handle the restoration of your home is to stay as calm as possible. Living through a bad storm is scary, and seeing your home damaged afterward can be completely devastating. Do what you can to keep yourself and your family in good spirits, and rest assured that your home is in the best hands with SERVPRO.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
It’s Raining More Than My Home Can Handle... | SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties on the case!
We know that rain is an important and needed gift during the spring and the summer. The break in the scorching heat and the moisture watering our grass and flowers can make everything feel calm, fresh and new.
We also know that when rain gets hard and heavy our homes can become vulnerable to leaks or seeping water. Heavy rain overruns our gutters and can leak through the roof and down our walls, or the ground becomes so saturated our yard becomes a lake and water starts seeping in through the foundation.
SERVPRO® of Talladega, Clay & Randolph Counties is here for you when it starts raining more than your home can handle. We can get you dried out fast, but we also want to help ensure your safety during every storm. We want to help you be better prepared so your home can handle anything.
Hazards of Intense RainAlabama weather can be all over the place, and it can change in just a few minutes. Our springs and summers are particularly volatile, with a pleasant and bright day turning into a dark and stormy afternoon. It is not unusual to see severe thunderstorms throughout the year, as well as tornadoes and flash floods.
With the possibility of so many different kinds of severe weather, we know that being prepared is crucial for staying safe. Heavy rains can quickly leave roads under water and impassable, as well as bring damaging wind and hail.
When the weather is predicted to turn severe, it is crucial to take the threat seriously. Have two ways to receive alerts, and listen to local news stations to stay ahead of the storm. Locate the closest storm shelter to your home and make sure you and your family are ready to move quickly if things get bad.
Staying SafeSafety should always be your priority when it comes to preparing your home and your family. If you are not at home when a storm starts rolling in, either head home or find a safe place inside to wait the storm out. Avoid stopping near ditches, and get off of any roads that have a history of flooding.
At home, bring inside anything that could be swept away or blown around and park your car somewhere safe. If severe flooding is predicted, you might consider cutting the power to your home, or at least to the lowest levels of your home. Put anything that can be replaced somewhere high or in a watertight container.
If floodwaters start coming into your home while you are there, get to the highest level and wait out the storm. Don’t try walking through floodwaters while they are still flowing. That water moves a lot faster than it looks. Do your best to stay dry until everything starts to recede, and call us to get on the road to recovery quickly.
Future Prevention StrategiesWith our unpredictable weather in this part of Alabama, even the most prepared home could still see flooding from time to time. While we work through your restoration after a disaster has hit, we will also help you make some decisions that could work to better defend your home during the next heavy rainfall.
Working with a professional that can assess your yard’s grading and consider adding some other landscaping. Your yard is a great first line of defense when it comes to preventing water from coming in. Slopes can ensure rain moves away from your home, while organic materials can help speed the absorption of moisture and prevent puddles.
A sump pump in your basement is another great investment. If you already have one and still experienced flooding, have it serviced and ask about the need for a possible upgrade. Sump pumps work to push any water that comes near your foundation back out and away from your home, and can go a long way in preventing flooding.
Keep in mind that we are always around the corner ready to help you recover when water leaves your home damaged. With 24⁄7 availability and a local crew that is highly trained, we can get your home back to normal fast.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
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