Stay Alert: Navigating Weather Alerts and Emergency Notifications

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

The Southeast United States is frequently affected by severe weather, including hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. Staying informed through weather alerts and emergency notifications is essential for ensuring the safety of you and your family. In this blog, we'll explore the various types of weather alerts, how to receive them, and tips for staying informed during severe weather events in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Understanding Weather Alerts

• Watches and Warnings: Know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for severe weather, while a warning means that severe weather is imminent or already occurring.
• Advisories: Weather advisories inform the public about less severe weather events that could still cause significant inconvenience or hazard.

Types of Weather Alerts

• Severe Thunderstorm Warnings: Issued when severe thunderstorms are occurring or imminent, characterized by strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.
• Tornado Warnings: Issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take immediate shelter.
• Hurricane Watches and Warnings: Watches indicate the possibility of hurricane conditions within 48 hours, while warnings indicate that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
• Flash Flood Warnings: Issued when rapid flooding is occurring or imminent. Move to higher ground immediately.
• Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings: Issued during extreme heat events to alert the public of health risks.

Receiving Weather Alerts

• Emergency Alert System (EAS): EAS broadcasts emergency alerts via television and radio. Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to receive alerts during power outages.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): WEA messages are sent to your mobile phone during emergencies, such as severe weather, AMBER alerts, and presidential alerts.
• NOAA Weather Radio: A NOAA Weather Radio provides continuous weather information and emergency alerts directly from the National Weather Service. Choose a model with battery backup.
• Weather Apps: Install reliable weather apps on your smartphone. Apps like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, and NOAA Weather Radar Live provide real-time alerts and updates.
• Local News: Local television and radio stations provide timely updates and emergency notifications. Follow your local news stations on social media for instant alerts.

Staying Informed During Severe Weather

• Multiple Sources: Rely on multiple sources for weather information to ensure you receive timely and accurate updates.
• Follow Official Channels: Follow local and national weather agencies, such as the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on social media.
• Community Alerts: Sign up for community alert systems offered by your local government or emergency management agency. These systems send notifications about severe weather, evacuations, and other emergencies.
• Stay Updated: Continuously monitor weather conditions and updates during a severe weather event. Weather can change rapidly, and staying informed can save lives.

Preparing for Severe Weather

• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
• Family Communication Plan: Develop a family communication plan that includes a meeting place and emergency contacts. Ensure all family members know the plan.
• Shelter Plan: Identify safe shelter locations in your home for different types of severe weather, such as a basement for tornadoes or an interior room for hurricanes.
• Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where to go if you need to leave your home.

Staying informed through weather alerts and emergency notifications is crucial for protecting yourself and your loved ones during severe weather events in the Southeast. Utilize multiple sources of information, follow official channels, and prepare in advance to ensure you can respond quickly and effectively when severe weather strikes. By staying informed and prepared, you can minimize the impact of severe weather and keep your family safe. Contact SERVPRO of Punta Gorda for your emergency storm restoration cleanup services after a storm.

Emergency Response Planning for Florida Storms: Creating a Checklist

5/15/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we will explore key steps and considerations for emergency response planning specific to Florida storms.

Living in Florida, it is important to be well-prepared for the potential impact of severe storms and hurricanes. By creating an emergency response plan and checklist, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your property. In this blog, we will explore key steps and considerations for emergency response planning specific to Florida storms.

Stay Informed

The first step in emergency response planning is to stay informed about potential storms and weather conditions. Sign up for local weather alerts and notifications to receive timely information about approaching storms. Stay informed about evacuation orders, road closures, and emergency shelters in your area.

Create a Communication Plan

Establish a communication plan with your family or household members. Designate a central contact person who will be responsible for gathering and disseminating information. Share emergency contact numbers and establish meeting points in case you are separated during the storm. Consider using phone apps or group messaging apps to stay connected.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential items for you and your family. Include items such as non-perishable food, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, important documents, cash, and personal hygiene items. Keep the kit in a readily accessible location and ensure that it is regularly updated.

Evacuation Planning

If your area is under an evacuation order, plan your evacuation route in advance. Identify multiple routes to your designated evacuation site, considering alternative routes in case of road closures or congestion. Pack necessary items such as clothing, important documents, and supplies you might need during your evacuation.

Secure Your Property

Protecting your property should be a priority in your emergency response plan. Secure loose outdoor items, such as patio furniture or garden tools, that could become projectiles in high winds. Consider installing hurricane shutters or boarding up windows and doors to protect against flying debris. Trim tree branches that pose a threat to your property or power lines.

Review Insurance Coverage

Review your insurance coverage to ensure you have adequate protection for storm-related damages. Consider adding coverage for flood or wind damages if necessary. Familiarize yourself with the claims process and understand what documentation will be required to file a claim.

Backup Important Data

Create a backup of important data and documents, such as insurance policies, identification cards, and financial records. Store them in a secure location, including cloud storage or a portable hard drive, to ensure you can access them even if your primary copies are damaged or inaccessible.

Stay Connected to SERVPRO®

Establish a connection with a professional storm damage restoration company like SERVPRO. Prior to the storm, save the contact information of your local SERVPRO office. They can provide essential services such as water damage restoration, mold remediation, and structural repairs after a storm. Having a trusted restoration partner in your emergency response plan can help streamline the recovery process.

By following these steps and creating an emergency response checklist, you can be well-prepared for Florida storms. Remember to review and update your plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and seek professional assistance when necessary. Together, we can navigate Florida storms with preparedness and resilience.

Tips for a Smooth Hurricane Insurance Claims Process

1/8/2024 (Permalink)

When a hurricane strikes, the aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful.

When a hurricane strikes, the aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful. Among the challenges you may face, dealing with insurance claims is certainly a crucial one. With our decades-long experience in disaster recovery, SERVPRO® of Punta Gorda is here to provide you with easy-to-follow tips that can facilitate a smooth hurricane insurance claim process.

Understanding Your Policy

The first step towards a successful insurance claim after a hurricane is to understand the intricacies of your insurance policy. This includes being aware of the deductible, limits, and specific conditions related to hurricane damages. If you find certain aspects confusing, don't hesitate to reach out to your insurance provider for clarification.

Document the Damage

Take photographs or videos of all the damage - both to your property and belongings - as soon as it is safe to do so. This visual evidence will play a vital role when you file your claim and can significantly speed up the process.

Keep Track of Temporary Repairs

If temporary repairs are required to prevent further damage, make sure to keep a detailed record of all associated costs. Ensure to maintain receipts of all the work done and materials purchased as they can be included in your claim.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider Promptly

Timelines are important when it comes to insurance claims. Notify your insurance company about the damage as soon as possible. Most providers have a 24/7 claim hotline to support you immediately after disaster strikes.

Work with a Professional Restoration Service

SERVPRO® of Punta Gorda is a leader in the disaster restoration industry, specializing in storm damage restoration and recovery. We can handle the insurance claims process for you, ensuring a smooth claim process. With the expertise of our SERVPRO® team, you can rest assured knowing your home or business is in good hands, and that we're dedicated to making this process as worry-free as possible.

Remember, hurricanes are devastating, but with the right understanding of the insurance claim process and the backing of experienced professionals like SERVPRO®, restoration and recovery can be much easier.

Your Guide to Hurricane Insurance Claims in Florida

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

Navigating the hurricane insurance claims process in Florida requires diligence, documentation, and a clear understanding of your policy.

Living in Florida offers many advantages, from the stunning coastline to a vibrant lifestyle. However, the state's geographical location also puts homeowners at risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. When the winds howl and the rain pours, having a solid hurricane insurance policy can provide much-needed peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through essential tips for a smooth and successful hurricane insurance claims process, ensuring that your property is restored and your life gets back on track after the storm.

Understand Your Policy

Before hurricane season arrives, take the time to thoroughly review your insurance policy:

Coverage Details: Understand the specifics of what is covered and what is not, including dwelling damage, personal property, and additional living expenses.

Deductibles: Familiarize yourself with your policy's deductible and how it applies to different types of damage.

Document Your Property

Creating a comprehensive inventory of your possessions is crucial:

Photographic Evidence: Take clear photos or videos of your property, including valuable items and structural features.

Keep Records: Maintain a detailed list of possessions, including purchase dates and receipts.

Secure Property Precautions

Before a storm approaches, take measures to protect your property and minimize potential damage:

Boarding Up: If time allows, board up windows and secure outdoor items to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

Secure Documents: Safeguard important documents, such as insurance policies, in a waterproof container.

Prompt Reporting

As soon as it's safe, report the damage to your insurance company:

Timely Notification: Notify your insurer promptly, providing details of the damage and any immediate repairs you've made to prevent further loss.

Keep Records: Maintain a record of all communications with your insurer, including dates, names, and reference numbers.

Obtain Professional Assessments

Request a thorough assessment of the damage from professionals:

Claim Adjusters: Your insurance company may send a claim adjuster to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.

Contractor Estimates: Obtain estimates from reputable contractors to ensure an accurate assessment of the repair costs.

Temporary Repairs

Engage in temporary repairs to prevent further damage:

Mitigation Efforts: Document any temporary repairs you make, such as covering roof leaks or boarding up broken windows.

Retain Receipts: Keep receipts for materials and services used for temporary repairs.

Detailed Claims Documentation

When filing your claim, provide comprehensive documentation:

Evidence: Include photos, videos, inventory lists, and any expert assessments or estimates you've obtained.

Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of damaged items and the extent of property damage.

Be Prepared for Adjustments

Understand that the initial claim may need adjustments:

Additional Damage: If further damage is discovered during repairs, promptly inform your insurer and provide documentation.

Negotiations: Be prepared to negotiate with your insurance company if there are discrepancies in repair estimates.

Patience and Persistence

The claims process can take time, especially after a widespread event like a hurricane:

Stay Informed: Keep communication lines open with your insurer and inquire about the expected timeline.

Follow-up: If the process stalls, follow up with your insurer and stay persistent in seeking updates.

Navigating the hurricane insurance claims process in Florida requires diligence, documentation, and a clear understanding of your policy. By proactively preparing, promptly reporting damage, and providing thorough documentation, you increase the likelihood of a successful and smooth claims experience. Remember, your insurance policy is your lifeline in the aftermath of a storm, providing the support you need to restore your property and rebuild your life. With these tips in hand, you can confidently face hurricane season, knowing you're equipped to handle the challenges that may come your way.

Understanding Tax Deductions for Natural Disaster Damage: What You Need to Know

6/17/2023 (Permalink)

When natural disasters strike, the financial impact can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to explore potential avenues for relief and recovery. One question that often arises is whether you can deduct natural disaster damage from your taxes. In this blog, we will delve into the topic of tax deductions for natural disaster damage, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines and requirements. Understanding the potential tax benefits can assist you in navigating the financial aftermath of a natural disaster.

Governmental Declarations and Eligibility

To qualify for tax deductions related to natural disaster damage, it is generally necessary for the area to be declared a federal disaster area. This declaration triggers special provisions that may allow you to claim tax benefits. These benefits can include deductions for property damage, casualty losses, and additional expenses incurred due to the disaster. It is crucial to consult the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, publications, or a tax professional to determine if your location qualifies and understand the specific eligibility criteria.

Deductible Losses and Documentation

In the event that your area qualifies for tax deductions, you may be eligible to deduct certain losses resulting from the natural disaster. This can include damage to your property, personal belongings, and even vehicles. However, it is essential to provide thorough documentation to substantiate your claims. Keep detailed records of the damage, repair expenses, insurance reimbursements, and any other relevant information. Photographs, receipts, repair estimates, and insurance documentation will serve as critical evidence during the tax filing process.

Calculating Casualty Losses

Calculating casualty losses for tax purposes involves determining the decrease in your property's fair market value due to the natural disaster. You may also need to subtract any insurance reimbursements or other forms of compensation received. The IRS provides guidelines and worksheets to assist you in calculating these losses accurately. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional who can guide you through the process, ensuring compliance with the IRS requirements and maximizing your eligible deductions.

Insurance Reimbursements and Taxation

In situations where you receive insurance reimbursements for your natural disaster losses, it is important to understand the tax implications. Generally, if the reimbursement does not exceed your total casualty loss, it may not be taxable. However, if the reimbursement amount exceeds your loss, it could be considered taxable income. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional or refer to IRS publications to accurately determine the taxable portion of insurance reimbursements and adhere to the reporting requirements.

While tax deductions for natural disaster damage can provide some financial relief, navigating complex regulations is essential. Understanding the eligibility criteria, documenting losses thoroughly, calculating casualty losses accurately, and considering the taxation of insurance reimbursements are all crucial aspects to maximizing the benefits available to you. Consulting with a tax professional will ensure compliance with IRS guidelines and help you make the most of potential tax deductions during the recovery process.

Common Types of Property Damage After a Hurricane

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

If your house or place oof business has been damaged, call a professional disaster restoration company right away!

Wind damage, water damage, fire and smoke damage, and mold damage are some of the most common types of property damage that occur after a hurricane. Here is more information about each:

Wind Damage

Wind damage is the most common type of property damage after a hurricane. Wind damage can be caused by any storm that causes strong winds, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Wind damage can include broken windows and roof shingles being ripped off the top of your house. In addition to causing structural problems with your home’s exterior, wind storms often cause large amounts of debris in lawns and fields that need removing before they become a safety hazard.

Water Damage

Water damage may be caused by flooding, storm surge, or broken pipes. The water can cause mold to grow, which can lead to health problems for you and your family. The water can also cause structural damage and electrical problems that make it unsafe for you to live in your home. When you have this kind of property damage after a hurricane, it's important that you get help right away so that the problem doesn't get worse and cost more money than necessary.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Fire and smoke damage are two of the most common types of property damage after a hurricane. Both are caused by a lack of electricity and ventilation, respectively. Fire damage can be prevented by having fire extinguishers in your home, but it may not help much if you don't have power to activate them when they're needed. Smoke damage can be reduced by ventilating your home once the storm has passed and before resuming use.

Mold Damage

Mold damage is the result of water and moisture beginning to grow mold in your home. Mold can spread quickly, so it’s important to get rid of it as soon as possible. The most common way for mold to grow is through leaks or water damage. If you live in a hurricane-prone area or have lived through one before, then you may have experienced some form of mold since hurricanes leave behind lots of standing water that can lead to the growth of this dangerous fungus.

Mold will usually start growing on porous surfaces such as drywall and wood paneling where they are able to find food sources like dust particles or dead skin cells from humans living in those environments (and even pets). If there is any moisture present, then the spores can begin growing rapidly into colonies that spread throughout an entire room very quickly!

Flood Damage

Flood damage is a type of water damage that can occur when water enters a building. Flood damage can be caused by storm surge, heavy rain or snow melt, overflowing rivers and streams, or burst pipes. To avoid flood damage to your home after a hurricane:

• Keep flood insurance in place if you have it on your property. If not, consider purchasing it now before another hurricane season arrives.
• Make sure all appliances have backsplashes that direct water to the drain when they are used; this will prevent clogs in your drains and keep them from backing up into other parts of the house like walls and floors.
• Keep gutters clean so that leaves don't clog them during heavy rainstorms or hurricanes that bring high winds along with them

The aftermath of a hurricane is devastating, but it’s important to know that there are ways to recover. If you have experienced damage to your Burnt Store, FL home or business, contact an experienced disaster restoration company right away!

Understanding How Hail Can Damage Your Commercial Building

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

How Hail Can Damage Your Commercial Building

Severe weather can cause substantial roof damage to your building in Mariner, FL, and hail can be especially devastating. A hailstorm can lead to costly problems, including the following.

Structural Damage
Your roof can sustain damage when dense ice pellets up to three inches in diameter, falling from the sky at high velocity and land on your rooftop. Damage can include:

• Asphalt cracks and holes
• Granule loss
• Shingle detachment

Hail can also damage gutters that direct water to flow off your roof and away from your building's foundation. Hail not only dislodges gutters; it can clog them, preventing them from performing the necessary function of directing water.

Water Leaks
Hail that causes roof damage can lead to water penetrating and flooding your building's interior. Common indicators that your roof is compromised following a hailstorm include high humidity, the appearance of brown spots on walls and ceiling, leaking electrical fixtures on the ceiling below your roof, and visible mold. Mold spores in your building can quickly spread and cause costly damage requiring the intervention of a professional cleaning and mold remediation service.

Poor Insulation
Water that enters your building through cracks and holes resulting from hail damage can compromise your building's insulation. Water-soaked insulation cannot perform the functions of retaining hot or cool air to regulate internal temperature. It can cause your heating and cooling system to work harder and your energy bills to rise.

Broken Equipment
Hail that pummels the HVAC equipment on your building's roof can cause it to malfunction and require costly repair or replacement. Condenser coils on a building's exterior are particularly vulnerable to damage. Hail guards add to the cost of your commercial building's HVAC system, but they can help you avoid irreparable hail damage.

A powerful storm that leads to roof damage can interrupt your business's daily operation in Mariner, FL, but a storm restoration service can help you get back to business as usual.

How To Develop a Continuity Plan

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

How To Create A Business Continuity Plan

Storm season in Burnt Store, FL, can bring unpleasant surprises. That's why it's important to have a business continuity plan in place before disaster strikes. The more flexible you are prepared to be, the more likely you are to weather the storm successfully.

Identifying Needs

When flooding renders your current facilities unusable, you need to have a disaster plan in place. It starts with knowing the bare bones of what you need to make your company run smoothly. Make a list of specific critical functions as they pertain to your business:

• Manufacturing and production
  
• Inventory maintenance
  
• Customer outreach and service
  
• Relocation logistics
• Third party partnerships

You also need a list of the resources available to accomplish these tasks. This will help you identify any gaps between your potential emergency needs and where you currently stand.

Forming Team

It's not enough to know the basic functions and resources of your business. Your continuity plan must also match specific people or positions to each task. Who will act as your liaison with the storm damage restoration specialists you hire to complete repairs? Who informs customers and partners of your temporary relocation? Who keeps track of production and ensures that it stays on schedule? Outline these details in your plan and train your team on how the implementation should go.

Testing Process

As with any contingency plan, you won't know if your business continuity strategies will work unless you test them. Your initial run-through exercises should reveal areas that need to be ironed out. Addressing these problems before you actually need them is the key to having a plan that works.

No one likes to think about the effect that a storm or natural disaster could have on a business. However, knowing you have a plan in place that actually works can ease your mind about the impact of potential losses. Having a business continuity plan just makes good sense.

4 Tips for Weathering the Storm

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your home in Punta Gorda, can feel overwhelming at first. You may jump into task mode, reserving a temporary place for your family to stay and calling the insurance company and storm restoration experts. You may be at a loss for what to do while waiting on them to arrive, though. Here are some storm tips on getting the cleanup process started.

1. Stay Safe

The number one priority is to make sure that you and your family are safe. Shut off the power to the flooded area and avoid using electronics so that you can eliminate electric shock risk. Tread carefully to avoid falling, and use protective gear so that your skin, eyes, nose, and mouth do not come into contact with the contaminated stormwater.

2. Remove Items

Try to remove as many items as possible. It is especially important to remove rugs, books, magazines, or other items with colors that can bleed into the carpet. Heavy furniture should be separated from the wet carpet by wooden blocks or aluminum foil. Hang up wet fabrics so they can start to dry, and remove valuables.

3. Mop Water

Experts who give storm tips advise that you remove as much water as you can. Use a pump or a bucket to remove standing water. Blot excess water from surfaces. Halt water damage by getting rid of as much water as possible.

4. Increase Air Flow

Another thing that can help dry your house out is an increase in airflow. If it wasn't affected by the storm, turn on the HVAC system or ceiling fans. Open windows to allow outside air to flow through your home. The more airflow you can get, the faster everything will dry.

After a thunderstorm hits, you may have lots of storm damage to your home. These storm tips can help you get a head start on repairs before professional help arrives.

How To Determine Your Flood Hazard Area Status

12/25/2021 (Permalink)

When you are purchasing a homeowner's insurance package for your home in Punta Gorda, flood insurance may be mandatory if you live in an area that is particularly prone to flooding. Such an area is called a flood zone or flood hazard area. Homeowners in moderate to low-risk areas may purchase flood insurance if they want to do so, but it is often a required coverage if you live in a high-risk area. To assess your risk and determine if you need to purchase a flood policy, you need to take a few steps.

1. Enter your address on FEMA's Map Service Center page. FEMA works in conjunction with the National Flood Insurance Program to provide information about flood hazard areas to homeowners. There you can find out the official flood hazard status for your area. You are also able to see the date from which NFIP sanctions are in effect and download a customized copy of the information for your home's specific area.

2. Evaluate your special flood hazard area status. The flood zone map may show your property in an SFHA. What this means is that a flood that exceeds the floodplain has a 1% chance or better of happening every year. If you disagree with this determination, you can either purchase the insurance suggested or contest the status.

3. Contest your flood hazard area status. If you believe the map is wrong, you can submit a letter of map amendment online. After reviewing your submission, FEMA can decide whether or not the map is in error. If it is, you may not be required to purchase flood insurance.

Even if you don't live in a flood zone, it may be a good idea to purchase flood insurance. Most homeowners' policies don't cover flood damage remediation after a storm, so having that extra coverage may come in handy.

How To Clean Sewer Backup Out of Your Bathtub

12/19/2021 (Permalink)

Your home in Punta Gorda, is your haven. When everything works well and nothing goes wrong, it can be a restful place. When something like a sewer backup occurs, however, it can be stressful until the problem is fixed. There is a certain procedure for cleaning bathtub backup to ensure that it is done safely and effectively.

Who Cleans It?

If the sewer backs up into your bathtub, you first need to assess whether you can fix the problem or you need to call in the professionals. If the problem is pretty small, such as a tiny spill on the floor or one completely contained in the tub, it can probably be a DIY fix as long as you have the proper protective gear to wear. Some flooding factors, however, indicate a larger problem:

• Contamination spreading over a large area or to multiple floors
• Spillover 24 hours old
• Parts of home unable to be inhabited or used because of sewer backup
• Compromised HVAC system

The services of professional remediation experts are necessary if any of these conditions exist. They have the proper training and equipment to handle larger cleanup jobs. It is safer for everyone involved if they handle it, and your insurance company is likely to pay for the service.

How Do They Clean It?

The professional cleaning process for a backup of the sewer into your home starts with water damage remediation. They remove all excess water with industrial pumps and take damaged items and materials out of your home. After everything is removed, they sanitize the area and any salvageable item that will be returned to the space. Then they restore the parts of the structure they had to remove to make the room useful again.

A sewer backup can sometimes be cleaned by the homeowner, but most issues have to be taken care of by professionals. If you need help with the cleanup, call the experts as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

How To Minimize Moisture-Related Damage to Your Building

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

How To Minimize Moisture-Related Building Damage

After a severe storm at your Burnt Store, FL, business, flood and rain damage can wreak havoc on your property. Hidden moisture can lead to structural problems and health-related hazards such as black mold, which may require the services of a water damage restoration company. In many cases, this scenario can be avoided by making sure your building is ready before a storm hits. Your first line of defense is the building envelope, which is essentially the outer covering of the building. This consists of:

• The wall system above the ground (above grade)
• The wall system below the ground (below grade, i.e. basement walls)
• The roof

The Envelope Protects Everything

If the envelope is well maintained, it should contain a barrier to control air movement, a barrier to keep moisture from entering, sufficient insulation, and an effective way to drain away any water that might intrude from the outside. Walls can let water in when there is simultaneously the presence of water, forces like pressure differentials or wind that drive the water inward, and there are openings such as windows, doors, or gaps and cracks.

Maintaining the Building Envelope

While it's impossible to keep out every bit of moisture from outside, many steps can be taken to seriously minimize water infiltration. It's important to keep gutters in good shape and, if possible, have sloping surfaces, diversions and baffles in place to help divert water. Make sure any cracks or areas around windows and doors are properly sealed, and that there are proper conditions for evaporation, drainage and ventilation. Additional protection may be provided by secondary systems such as through-wall flashing, which can divert water that has entered from outside before damage can occur. Surfaces may also be treated with damp-proofing agents, and small openings called weeps can be made to allow drainage to the outside.

With a bit of planning and effort, a great deal of flood and rain damage can be prevented before has a chance to happen. Following the instructions above can go a long way toward making your building safe from moisture damage.

What Happens After Your Commercial Building Is Damaged in a Storm?

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

What Should You Do If Your Commercial Building Is Damaged in a Storm?

Storms can cause a lot of problems in Mariner, FL. They may lead to water, wind or hail damage to your commercial building. Some of the damage caused by storms can be extremely serious. Water damage, for example, can lead to structural problems if left untreated or if not taken care of properly. If your building is damaged in a storm, what should you expect the storm restoration team to do?

Remove Water: The first step in the restoration process is to get rid of the standing water in your building. This may require fans, wet vacuums and other commercial-grade equipment. Typically, a fast response and removal are better than waiting around.

Remove Wet Materials: Once the standing water has been removed, wet materials also need to be taken care of. Sometimes, you may have to tear out drywall, carpets and other pieces of your building. This removal process helps reduce the mold and bacteria growth that may be associated with untreated water damage. Some furniture and porous equipment may also need to be disposed of.

Dry Out Structure: After the waterlogged materials have been taken out of the area, you may think it's time to start fixing things up. However, you need to make sure everything is completely dry before starting the repair process. Airing out the building can help remove the small pockets of moisture caused by flooding.

Restore the Building: The final step in the storm restoration process is actually fixing up the building. Depending on what sort of tear out was necessary, you may need to patch drywall, replace carpets and get new furniture.

Storm damage doesn't have to completely take over your life. When you turn to a restoration team in Mariner, FL, they can take care of every aspect of the cleanup process. From water removal to material tear out, you can trust the professionals to properly deal with any type of storm damage.

Having Your Flooded Basement Pumped: What You Can Expect

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

What To Do When You Find a Flooded Basement?

Localized flooding in your Fort Myers, FL, neighborhood can cause a variety of damage to your home. However, one of the most common occurrences during this natural event is basement flooding. If you find water in your basement during or after a flood, calling in a storm cleanup and water damage restoration company can help you handle the mess. From when the techs first bring their equipment to the final phase of the cleanup, there are a few steps you can expect them to take.

Grading of the Water

When flood technicians first inspect your basement, they will likely grade the water. Flood water is typically what is known as Category 3, or black water. It may contain a variety of toxic elements harmful to humans and pets, which may include:

• Human feces
• Urine
• Chemicals
• Medical waste
  
  

Once the water is graded, the flooding experts may place a trash pump into the water to drain sludge, thick waste and flood trash.

Removal of Dangerous Water

Your flood techs may also use a sump pump to remove dangerous water from your basement. There are a variety of pumps available, including those that work under several inches of water and portable pumps that can be moved around your basement to ensure that no pools of standing water are missed. This type of portable equipment can help the flood experts prepare your basement for the drying phase in a shorter space of time.

Drying and Restoration

Restoration experts may then complete the work on your basement by lowering humidity levels with large fans and other drying machines. This may impede or stop mold growth. Once the basement is dry, the flood techs can advise you about other services they have available to improve your home’s condition in the wake of flooding.

Your Fort Myers, FL, home’s basement can sustain serious damage from basement flooding. However, professional flood cleanup technicians have access to industrial equipment that may give you peace of mind when it comes to reversing the effects of water damage.