Recent Posts
Protecting the Outside of Your Home From Storms | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Tri-County has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
There are so many ways the outside of your home could be damaged. Wind, hail, rain, tornadoes…the list of weather threats could go on and on. The extremes your home will face will vary throughout the year, but when you are unprepared, the outcome can be a total disaster.
Your list of responsibilities and to-dos at home is likely already very long. With everyday maintenance to tackle, adding on storm prep might not sound ideal. The good news is there are some pretty simple steps you can take seasonally that will go a long way in protecting your home.
Georgia weather can be a mixed bag, and if you have lived here a while you have probably heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” Winters are typically mild, but they can bring snow and ice as well as plenty of rain and even a few severe storms. Spring and summer tend to be very active, with strong thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes and lots of rain. And with Toccoa Falls so close to most of our communities, flooding can’t be ruled out.
In order to prepare your home, the best place to start is outside. Add a few extra steps to your regular yard work days to keep your home and loved ones as safe as possible.
Seasonal PrepsTaking care of your home to prevent damage during a storm is not hard. It can actually become part of your regular routine, and the kids can even help out!
Regardless of your location, strong winds and plenty of rain will always be something you need to be prepared for. Trim the trees on your property, and keep your gutter cleared out regularly.
Pick up loose limbs and tie down anything that stays outside permanently, like your patio furniture. Taking these steps often can go a long way toward preventing broken windows from flying debris and water leaks from heavy rains.
Walk your property at least once a month and be intentional about looking for signs of deterioration. Take note of any gaps in your siding or loose shingles on your roof. Your roof is an area of your home you should become very familiar with to keep it in good shape. Check it after wind storms and give it a thorough inspection at least every four months. Replace missing shingles or broken gutters, and check for openings around the chimney and the edges of your home.
Home UpgradesYou can do a whole lot of good in preparing your home with some fairly simple, no cost steps, but there are a few upgrades you should consider for better long-term outcomes.
Adding storm shutters or even upgrading your windows to heavier materials can be a great way to protect your home when the wind picks up. Storm shutters can be closed quickly ahead of the threat, while thick glass can keep you safe from blowing objects. Gutter guards that prevent leaf buildup are another great addition to homes in our area. These are very helpful for ensuring rain has a clear path away from your roof and the rest of your home.
For disconnected buildings you have on your property, adding additional bracing can ensure things stay where they are supposed to during a windstorm. Additional tie-downs to mobile homes can also provide a lot of reassurance.
Make sure you have two ways to get weather alerts when they are issued, and teach everyone in your home where the safest place to go is during a storm. If your home is damaged, call us right away. We will start recovery fast so you can get back to living.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Tri-County to start restoration, 24⁄7.
Burgers and Hot Dogs Hot Off the Safe Grill | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Tri-County to get your space back in shape.
Is there a better season than summer? Especially here in Georgia, where greenery grows lush and gardens are full of beautiful colors. Even if you aren’t a fan of the high humidity that comes with a summer in Toccoa, you likely still get outside every once in a while to fire up the grill.
Grilling is a great way to feed the family without heating up the house, but when it isn’t done safely it can result in a terrible disaster. Improper use of a grill is one of the leading causes of house fires, particularly during the summer season. SERVPRO of Tri-County wants to ensure that you can eat all the burgers you want without worrying about fire.
The SetupIn order to grill safely all season long, the first thing you need to do is pick the appropriate place to set up. Grills should be in an exterior, open space only. That means even when we have a rainy week in Canon, you still shouldn’t try and cook in the garage. Place your grill somewhere that is free of overhangs and low-hanging tree limbs.
You should also locate a spot that is at least 10 feet away from any structures. Create a solid radius around the grill so that sparks can’t catch anything on fire, and make sure you animals and children understand this is a zone they are not allowed in to prevent accidents.
If you are using a charcoal grill, clean it before every use. Remove ash and any other buildup, and examine the grill for holes or other signs of wear. Propane and any other kind of gas grills should also get a full inspection before use. Check to ensure connections are tight and there are no holes in the gas lines. Even a tiny hole can result in disaster.
Manning the FlamesOnce you have your setup ready, take the time to get your supplies ready. Keep a squirt bottle within reach to take care of flames when they get too high, and hook up your hose or store a fire extinguisher close enough to grab in a hurry in case of an emergency.
Even after the food is cooked, stay by the grill to get everything turned off and start the cooling process. Turn off the gas supply, and cut off the burners. Close vents in order to smother out flames by cutting off the oxygen supply.
The sooner you can remove ash or leftover charcoal from the grill, the better. Leftover fuel supplies can catch fire very easily, so take it out and dispose of them in a metal container. Check the grill before you head to bed and make sure it has cooled down plenty.
Summers here are incredible, and you should be able to enjoy every moment of them free of worries. Grill safely this summer, and keep SERVPRO of Tri-County’s phone number handy. We are available 24⁄7 to start restoration quickly if things do get out of hand.
Don’t let fire damage linger in your home. Call us at SERVPRO of Tri-County for a fast restoration.
Water Damage and Your Home | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Tri-County right away.
Water is a powerful resource. In our homes, we do our best to control it through pipes and faucets, but even still it can have a surprising force. If you have ever spent time near the ocean or other large body of water, you understand the true raw power that water is.
Water is something that we require every single day, but when it starts getting out of control, it can creep into all the wrong places and create havoc. The Tri-Counties have had a few flooding episodes in the past, with the most historic being the dam break in the 70s. Toccoa Falls is a beautiful place to be, but it also means we all have to be aware of the possibility of flooding at all times.
You can take a lot of steps to prevent damages and protect your home, but there will always be natural disasters you can’t stop. That makes have water damage restoration experts near you incredibly important.
The First StepsShould your home take on water, the sooner you can act, the better your outcome will be. Water moves fast—and creates deep damage fast. Seek out the source of the water as soon as you can and take steps to dry as much as possible.
Once you have found where the water is coming from, see what you can do to stop it. If the flood is occurring because of a natural disaster, you may simply have to wait in a safe space. Internal flooding can be controlled by turning it off at the source. Learn where all the water shut-off valves are in your home so that you can take quick action if a failure occurs.
Never set foot in standing water that could be affecting your electrical system. Turn the power off to the flooded area or your whole home if necessary before you start drying anything.
When it is safe, call us at SERVPRO®. Our phone lines are available 24⁄7, so it doesn’t matter what time a disaster strikes in your home. The sooner you call, the sooner your recovery begins.
How We Dry Your HomeAs soon as you call us, we will start assessing your situation and gathering as much information as possible. While we gather what we need, you should snap as many photos as possible. We will work side by side with your insurance company to ensure the smoothest process as possible, and the more documentation you have, the easier it will be.
We will get a team headed to your home right away, complete with the equipment necessary to start drying everything out. Eliminating standing water and tackling your soft items will be our first priority as we ensure every drop of water and all odors are removed. Your home will be sanitized as we work to save as much of your property as possible.
Our professionals are trained to handle everything your restoration needs. If part of your home is destroyed, we can rebuild it. We will make sure that your house is exactly as you want it to be when everything is finished.
Any standing water greater than an inch requires a professional to ensure that everything is handled correctly. Different kinds of water necessitate different kinds of processes in order to stay sanitary, and our team is trained in all of them. With our SERVPRO team right around the corner, you can rest easy knowing that everything will be done to restore your property fast.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
When a Storm Brings Disaster | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Tri-County to restore your space in no time!
Severe weather can catch you off-guard, even when you have had time to prepare for it. Thunderstorms can move fast and gain strength quickly, blowing into and out of your life before you even really know what has happened.
The Tri-County area may be a beautiful place to live, especially with Toccoa Falls so nearby, but we can also have some pretty extreme weather from time to time. Georgia weather in general is warm and humid, which means thunderstorms, tornadoes and torrential rainfall are possible year-round. Flash floods are a common threat, particularly when the weather gets worse during the spring and summer months.
With our constantly changing Georgia weather, we understand how important it is to be prepared for a storm. Being prepared to handle storm damage after a severe system has moved out can be just as important, too.
With a few easy steps, you can ensure your recovery starts quick and moves smoothly if you face damage when a storm brings disaster.
Immediately After the StormIn the moments after a storm has passed, stay alert and prepared for lingering thunder and lightning, heavy rains and the potential for other rounds of severe storms. Keep a weather radio or other device that can alert you to a warning at hand everywhere you go, and make sure you can get back to your shelter quickly.
As things begin to quiet down outside, start contacting you loved ones to let them know you are OK and to see who needs help. If there is no cell service, you may still be able to reach people via text. Go out if you can safely do so and physically check on those around you.
Don’t go into damaged buildings or houses, but do search for those that may need to be safely guided out of a damaged house. Clear an access path for emergency personnel in both the street and driveways as much as you are able.
Once you have made sure everyone is safe around you, start taking photos and documenting your personal damage while you call SERVPRO of Tri-County. We are right around the corner, and with 24⁄7 service, we are ready to start your restoration the moment the storm rolls out.
As More Time PassesAs time begins to pass, the extent of the damage will become clearer. It’s crucial as you move forward on your recovery to stay vigilant for other potential hazards. You need to be aware of loose debris items such as nails and boards, and continue to keep an eye on the weather. Always have two ways to receive weather alerts in case more severe weather starts to move in.
One of the top priorities of our team will be to secure your home from any other damage. We can tarp roofs and seal broken windows, as well as remove any standing water. It is our goal to start your recovery quickly, so we will do what it takes to keep the elements out of your home and save as much of your belongings as possible.
SERVPRO® works hand in hand with your insurance company, which means you have one less thing to worry about. As the full extent of your damage comes to light, you may need to consider finding a place for your family to stay as the recovery proceeds.
One of the most important things you can do is to remain calm through the whole recovery. Getting through a severe storm is scary, but seeing your home damaged can be completely devastating. With a crew of professionals working to put your home back together around the clock, you can rest assured your life will be back to normal in no time.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
When Rain Leaves All the Wrong Things Wet | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Tri-County on the case!
Is there anything better than listening to rain trickling down after a hot day and weeks of dry weather? Rain has a way of slowing everything down and making the world feel more calm, leaving everything watered and refreshed.
When rain starts to get heavy, though, it can bring a whole lot of problems with it. Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm gutter systems, yards and roads, leaving all the wrong things wet. Heavy rain often comes with other threats as well, and it can quickly create leaks in your roof or puddles in your basement.
SERVPRO of Tri-County is your neighbor, and we want to keep you safe through every storm. We are here to dry you out when you need it, but to also help you prepare for anything that Mother Nature throws at you.
Hazards of Intense RainGeorgia weather comes with a lot of changes, many of them occurring all within the same day. Year-round, we can see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods. In January, deadly tornadoes swept through our area, leaving behind devastation even in the cold of winter.
In the Tri-County area, we know that it is crucial to be prepared for storms and flooding. Heavy rain can lead to roads covered in water and grass that can’t keep up with absorption. When rain gets that heavy, it often comes with high winds and hail, which can leave behind even more damage and push water further into all the places it shouldn’t be.
We may not be able to control, or oftentimes even predict what Mother Nature is going to do to our communities, but we can prepare for it. Staying tuned into local news stations is incredibly important when severe weather is anticipated, as well as making sure your family knows how to communicate throughout the situation.
Staying SafeWhen it comes to getting your home and your family ready, safety should always be your top priority. If you are out on the road, find a safe place to stop and wait the storm out if you can’t make it home. Stay off of roads that are known to flood frequently, and avoid ditches or low-lying areas. At home, bring inside as much as you can or strap down anything that can’t come in. Park your car in a garage or somewhere solid and on high ground.
Inside your home, move anything from the lower levels of your home and put items you can’t replace on high shelves or in a water tight container to protect them. If water starts to come into your home while you are there, move to the highest level of your home and wait it out. Floodwater moves quickly and the longer you can stay dry, the safer you will be. If you are able, cut the power to your home or the flooded area and call us to start your recovery.
Future Prevention StrategiesThe Georgia saying of “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes” certainly holds true for the Tri-County area, and even the most prepared home might still take on flooding when rain gets heavy and flash floods abound. While we work to put your home back together, we will also help you take some steps to bolster your home’s safety ahead of the next storm.
Bringing in a professional to take a look at your yard is a great way to set a first line of defense against water intrusion. Grading, along with organic material in your landscaping, can ensure water flows away from your house and is absorb quickly and thoroughly.
You might also consider adding a sump pump to your home if you do not already have one. Sump pumps move water away from the foundation of your home as it comes in, preventing flooding in your basement and near the structure of your home.
No matter what happens, SERVPRO® is Here to Help®. We can dry your home out fast with our 24⁄7 service and highly trained professionals. We will make sure everything is mold- and odor-free, and put your life back together faster than you could imagine.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
The Basics for Safe Outdoor Fires | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Tri-County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
You might not have noticed much of a difference, but fall is rapidly approaching. There will be a cool breeze in the air and pumpkins decorating everything before we know it. While the break in the heat and humidity is always a very welcome change, there are a lot of other wonderful things about the fall season.
Many of us love spending more time outside this time of year, including evenings around the fire pit. Gathering our loved ones for sticky marshmallows and the chance to share stories can be pure magic, especially when you take the time to keep everything safe.
SERVPRO® is always here for you when a disaster strikes and leaves your property with damages, but we also want to make sure you know how to prevent a fire from ever starting in the first place.
Tips for Starting the FireIn order to keep things safe from the start, consider these things you should do:
Do find a spot that will be safe for creating your blaze. Choose somewhere that has no low hanging branches, loose debris or nearby structures.
Do keep water for emergency use at arms’ reach. A bucket full of water can put out a flame that gets into the wrong place before it causes extensive damage. Dirt and sand can also help smother embers that might accidentally fly out as well.
Do check the weather. A little bit of wind can spell disaster when it comes to outdoor fires. Look for wind advisories and change your plans if things are predicted to get breezy. Check on any potential burn bans for the area as well, and make sure you are keeping up with any changes in regulations.
Tips for While the Fire Is HotKeeping things safe during the fire is pretty easy as well when you keep a few things you don’t want to do in mind:
Don’t burn anything other than treated wood. Using fuel accelerants of any kind can result in a dangerous situation, as can tossing trash onto the fire.
Don’t allow playing around the fire. Create a zone for the kids and your pets to stay out of, and set up any yard games a safe distance away.
Don’t create a massive bonfire, no matter how many friends are cheering you on. Keep it small so that you can stamp out any rogue flame quickly.
Don’t leave the fire until it is completely out. Put water on the fire when you are done for the night, and keep a close eye on it until there are no red embers. Glowing embers can flame at any moment.
Wildfire PreventionHaving a safe fire is incredibly important. Keep in mind that most wildfires could have been prevented. Do what you can to prevent even the possibility of things getting out of control by keeping things small, having water nearby and never walking away.
If you do ever have a fire on your property, SERVPRO is ready to take care of the damage fast. Call us and we will be there to put things back together so you can continue to enjoy this season and every other one.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Threats to Your Home | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Tri-County right away.
There are many threats to your home on a regular basis—extreme weather, fires, aging or even a neighborhood football game with one bad throw that ends up in your living room instead of the end zone.
Even with a multitude of ways our homes could be damaged, we can’t spend our days worrying about them. Instead, we can prepare for them and rest easy knowing that even the most unpredicted natural disaster won’t be able to keep us down for long.
In order to prepare for them, we must first come to understand all the threats to our homes. The more understanding we gain, the more we will also understand how simple the restoration process can be, especially with the SERVPRO of Tri-County team right around the corner.
The Biggest RisksHave you heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes”? We are pretty sure that it was written about Georgia! The temperatures can swing wildly, strong thunderstorms are possible year-round, and tornado season keeps getting longer and longer. We can also experience some hard freezes periodically that leave our pipes vulnerable to freezing.
Even with the number of threats the weather can bring us throughout the year, there are three main kinds of damage everyone should focus on. Water, fire and roof damage are the top threats to houses everywhere.
All three of those kinds of damage can come from a number of sources. Water damage could start from a flash flood, or it could be the result of an appliance failure. Your roof could experience a leak during a torrential downpour, or it could gain a hole when a limb you didn’t know was weak comes falling down. Fire can come from external sources like wildfires, but more often, fires start inside from human error.
Compounding DamagesDealing with a disaster is incredibly difficult, but when you start to take a look at the compounding damage that is left behind, it can be easy to get quickly overwhelmed. No matter what the disaster was, one kind of damage almost always leads to another.
Flooding will soak everything in its path completely through, but it will also create the perfect environment for mold to grow and spread all the way to your foundation. Fire not only burns everything the flames touch, it also spreads soot and smoke damage throughout your home. The firefighting efforts can cause damage as well, as the water or chemicals used leave your belongings stained and wet.
If your home was damaged, it doesn’t really matter how the disaster started. Any kind of disaster will require a multi-step recovery process. With training in fire, wind, mold, water and construction, SERVPRO® is ready to handle everything.
When a flood happens, our first step will be to start drying everything that got wet. Our crew will make sure everything is structurally sound, and we can replace roof beams or parts of your foundation. During the recovery process, we will also sanitize your home, removing any odors and sealing out the possibility of mold regrowing.
After a fire, we will tackle your recovery in much the same way, starting with the most damaged places and removing anything burned while we secure your home. Our professionals will also address water damage left behind by firefighting as needed, and we will make sure smoke, soot and odors are all gone. If part of your home was burned beyond repair, we can tear it down and rebuild it.
SERVPRO works directly with your insurance company and coordinates with any other necessary contractors. It’s our goal to make the process smooth and easy—and with our availability, tools and experience, we are always ready to do just that.
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.
The Importance of Emergency Plans for Businesses | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is Here to Help® with your businesses ERP. Call us today to start the process!
We have been seeing an uptick in natural disasters over the last few years across the United States. The statistics are a little scary on them, too, as you can see that not only are they happening more frequently, but they are growing in strength and leaving behind more damage.
Stats might help us see a big picture, but they don’t always reflect what will happen with our own businesses. Your company might never experience a natural disaster that leaves you with damage. But even if that does hold true for you, there are still risks of manmade disasters that could leave your business hurt.
Thinking about the ways that our business can be damaged can be an overwhelming task, but it is a necessary one. When you take the time to consider what you might face, you can prepare for it—and when you are prepared, you can rest a little easier knowing things are safe.
The Importance of a PlanAs the frequency of natural disasters continues to increase, building a plan has become more important than ever. Taking a step back and really looking at the risks your business could endure can help you stay ahead of them—which means you will be prepared when potential storms, fires or floods strike.
When a disaster strikes, it is not only physical and emotional damage you are left to deal with. Both natural and manmade disasters are some of the most financially damaging events that can occur in the life of a business. With a plan, you are not only protecting the lives of your staff but your finances as well.
Having a plan ahead of time means that work can start back the moment it is safe to do so. Often when a business faces a forced closure due to any kind of disaster, there is very little chance for it to ever reopen. Make sure your business doesn’t fall prey to that same fate by creating a well-prepared plan of action.
An Emergency Ready PlanThe first step in creating that well prepared plan of action? A call to our SERVPRO® to create an Emergency Ready Plan. Our plans can be completely personalized to cover your specific risks and unique situations. That means your business stays in action and starts recovery fast the moment you say “go.”
To create your plan, our team will provide a free assessment of your business in order to create the best path for you and your employees to take during an event. We will walk you through what needs to happen before, during and after a disaster strikes.
When a disaster is predicted to be heading your way, you can activate your plan and start taking steps to protect your business. Your staff will likely be assigned particular tasks in order to prepare paperwork, electronics, remote work protocols and even protect your building against damage. Because your action steps will be well laid-out in your plan, everyone will know what to do with little need for instruction.
Communication will be a key component of your plan in order to ensure consistent connections throughout the duration of the event. A chain of command will be established, which can disseminate the right information at the right time to avoid confusion.
Our team will be communicating with you as well, and as soon as we safely can, we will dispatch a crew to your property to start the recovery process. Meanwhile, your employees can get back to work, whether on site, using a remote work plan or at an alternate location that will be established well before anything takes place.
When you create an Emergency Ready Plan, you are creating a complete package that will meet every need. Our plans are designed to protect the lives of you and your staff while allowing you to continue to move forward with your business. The Emergency Ready Plan comes with our 24⁄7 availability and the support network of a national brand. It is our goal to help you reach your goals, which means getting back to work fast.
Ready to create your Emergency Ready Plan for your business? Contact us for your free assessment to start the plan you need.
A Fire-Safe, Jolly Holiday Season | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Tri-County on the case!
It’s the season we all wait for, the holiday season! Whatever holidays you celebrate this time of year, there is bound to be food involved. If you are the personal chef for all your family and friends, make sure you cook safely to prevent a disaster.
The number of house fires increases every year during the holidays, with a large number of them starting in the kitchen. That makes it vital to cook with as many safety measures in place as possible.
Reducing Flammable Materials in the KitchenWhen you head into the kitchen to get the meal started, take a few extra prep steps in order to protect your home. A lot of fires start because there are flammable items too close to heat sources.
Pay attention to where you are tossing towels and pot holders while you cook, and make sure to keep them away from the stove. It only takes a pop of hot grease to get a flame going. Wooden utensils are another item you should use with caution in the kitchen in order to prevent fires.
Think about what you are wearing when you head into the kitchen as well. Things with strings, flowing fabric or dangling material are all a fire hazard. Save the fun holiday sweaters for after the cooking, and keep yourself safe while you prepare the meal.
Keep a Close Eye on FoodThe best rule of thumb for staying safe when you cook is to stay close the entire time. Whether you are grilling, baking or frying, flames that start small can grow very quickly. If you are not in the room, your entire kitchen could catch fire before you ever make it back into the room.
If deep-frying a turkey is part of your plans, make sure you handle the process with extra safety. Put the fryer on a level surface, don’t overfill the oil and make sure the kiddos know to stay away.
Your turkey needs to be completely thawed before you get it near the oil. Even a turkey that is only half frozen can cause the oil to pop, and a frozen turkey can cause an explosion.
Install Protective MeasuresWe know that we can’t stop every fire, but when we take extra precautions, we can greatly cut down the risks. Make sure your home has plenty of safety measures, including smoke detectors on every level of your home and in or near your kitchen. Check the batteries in your detectors regularly, but make it a point to check the batteries in the detector near your kitchen before you start cooking the holiday meal.
You should also have a small fire extinguisher near your kitchen as well. Make sure a few people in your home know how to use it so that quick action can be taken when something does happen. Keep lids in arms reach as well in order to quickly smother any grease fires that pop up.
Make your holiday season a safe one. If you do end up with some fire damage, call us. We can respond to your property fast and handle your restoration. It’s our goal to get your home put back together so that you can get back to your celebrations before the holidays are over.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!
How to Handle Strong Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Tri-County has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter comes with a pretty wide variety of weather. While generally mild, we can never rule out the ice or snowstorm striking and creating a good deal of chaos around our community.
No matter what our Georgia winter brings us, when we are prepared, we can ride out any storm safely. The more we do now, the safer we can keep our home and our family all season long.
Preparing Your HomeAhead of the storm moving in, the best thing you can do is gather your supplies early in order to stay off of the roads through the majority of the event. Heavy rains, ice and snow can leave the roads slick and make driving anywhere dangerous.
If you haven’t already invested in one, get a weather radio. While this can help you year-round, winter storms commonly knock the power out. Check your other emergency supplies as well so you are ready to spend time indoors over the next few days.
In an emergency kit, you should have batteries, flashlights and plenty of first-aid supplies. If you have a fireplace, gather up wood for burning or make sure your pilot light is on and everything is working well so that you can warm the house up. Gather up blankets and sleeping bags as well. It may be time for a family indoor campout!
If things get really cold long-term, you may need to consider alternate places to stay. Check in with your loved ones before a storm strikes to make sure everyone has a way to stay safe. Warming shelters typically open around the community—keep an eye on local news stations to find a place to go and get warmed up during the day or even overnight.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce the storm has moved through the area and you can safely do so, spend some time investigating around your home to look for damage. Even if nothing has happened yet, there are a few things you will want to do to make sure it stays that way.
Give your roof a good inspection, and clear off any debris that may have piled up. If it snowed or there is any ice, make sure your gutters are clear so that it has a good pathway to move away from your home when it melts. Remove any leaves and limbs, and make sure everything is well-connected. Check for wind damage as well and correct anything you find.
Once you know your roof is in good shape, walk around the exterior of your home and make sure the rest of your gutter system looks OK. Remove debris from around your downspouts, and make sure your HVAC unit vents are not blocked. Blocked vents can create a potentially hazardous situation as it can allow carbon monoxide to build up inside your house.
How We Can HelpIf you do find damage in your home after a winter storm blows through, call us right away. We are ready to respond night or day, and as soon we take your call we will start assessing all of your needs. Our team will take a look at your entire house and make sure everything is put back to exactly how it should be.
We make it our goal to get your restoration completed completely and quickly so you can get back to enjoying everything winter has to offer.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Tri-County for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
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