Protecting Your Home from Florida Flash Floods: Prevention and Cleanup

9/11/2024 (Permalink)

Here's a comprehensive guide on prevention and cleanup to help you stay ahead of Florida's flash floods.

Flash floods can strike suddenly, especially in Florida, where the weather is notoriously unpredictable. As a homeowner, it's crucial to be prepared for these emergencies to protect your property and loved ones. Here's a comprehensive guide on prevention and cleanup to help you stay ahead of Florida's flash floods.

Understanding the Threat of Flash Floods in Florida

Flash floods are a significant concern in Florida due to its flat terrain and frequent thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods can occur within six hours of a rain event, often catching residents off guard. Florida ranks among the top states for flash flood occurrences in the United States. 

Prevention: Safeguarding Your Home

1. Elevate and Secure Valuables

Ensure that valuable items and important documents are stored in waterproof containers and elevated above potential flood levels. Consider placing these items on higher floors or shelving units.

2. Maintain Proper Drainage

Regularly inspect and clean gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems to ensure they are free from debris. Proper drainage helps divert water away from your home's foundation, reducing the risk of flood damage.

3. Install Flood Barriers

Flood barriers, such as sandbags or commercial flood barriers, can be an effective line of defense against rising water. Place these barriers around entry points to prevent water from entering your home.

4. Landscape Smartly

Design your landscape to direct water away from your home. Use native plants and absorbent materials that help soak up excess water, reducing runoff and the potential for flooding.

During a Flash Flood: Immediate Actions

Stay informed about weather conditions and heed any warnings from local authorities. If a flash flood warning is issued, move to higher ground immediately and avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.

Cleanup: Restoring Your Home After a Flash Flood

1. Ensure Safety First

Before entering your home, ensure it's safe. Turn off electricity and gas supplies to prevent accidents. Wear protective gear like gloves and boots to avoid contamination from floodwaters.

2. Remove Water and Dry Out

Use pumps, wet vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove standing water and moisture. Open windows and doors to promote airflow and speed up the drying process.

3. Sanitize and Disinfect

Floodwaters can carry harmful bacteria and contaminants. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all affected areas and items to prevent mold growth and health hazards.

4. Repair and Restore

Inspect your home for structural damage and make necessary repairs. Replace drywall, insulation, and flooring that have been soaked by floodwaters to prevent long-term damage.

Partner with SERVPRO® for Professional Help

Dealing with the aftermath of a flash flood can be overwhelming. SERVPRO offers professional flood damage restoration services, ensuring your home is restored quickly and efficiently. Our team of experts is equipped to handle all aspects of flood cleanup, from water removal to complete restoration.

Stay prepared and protected from Florida's flash floods. With the right prevention measures and a reliable cleanup partner like SERVPRO, you can safeguard your home and peace of mind.

The Vital Role of Rapid Response in Storm Damage Restoration

5/21/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on homes and communities, leaving behind a trail of destruction in their wake. From powerful hurricanes to sudden tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, these natural disasters can cause extensive damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment. In such turbulent times, the importance of rapid response in storm damage restoration cannot be overstated. In this blog, we'll delve into why swift action is crucial in mitigating the impact of storm damage and facilitating the restoration process.

The Urgency of Swift Action

• Prevent Further Damage: After a storm, time is of the essence in preventing secondary damage to your property. Water intrusion, for example, can lead to mold growth, structural weakening, and electrical hazards if left unchecked. By acting swiftly, you can minimize the extent of the damage and reduce repair costs.
• Ensure Safety: Storm-damaged structures pose significant safety risks to occupants and restoration professionals. Structural instability, electrical hazards, and contaminated water can all jeopardize safety. A rapid response allows for immediate assessment and mitigation of safety hazards, protecting lives and property.
• Salvage Possessions: Personal belongings and valuable assets may sustain damage during a storm. Rapid intervention enables restoration professionals to salvage as much as possible, whether through drying out water-damaged items, cleaning and disinfecting, or implementing specialized restoration techniques.
• Expedite the Restoration Process: The longer storm damage lingers unresolved, the more extensive and time-consuming the restoration process becomes. Rapid response teams are equipped with the necessary tools, expertise, and resources to expedite restoration efforts, minimizing disruption to your life and enabling you to return to normalcy sooner.

Components of Rapid Response

• Emergency Assessment: Immediately following a storm, restoration professionals conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to your property. This assessment helps prioritize restoration tasks and identify safety hazards that require immediate attention.
• Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures are implemented promptly to prevent further damage and protect your property. This may include tarping and boarding up damaged areas, extracting standing water, and stabilizing structures to prevent collapse.
• Restoration Planning: A comprehensive restoration plan is developed based on the assessment findings. This plan outlines the necessary steps, timeline, and resources required to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
• Skilled Team Deployment: A skilled and experienced restoration team is deployed to execute the restoration plan efficiently. These professionals are trained to handle various aspects of storm damage restoration, from structural repairs to water extraction and mold remediation.
• Continuous Monitoring: Throughout the restoration process, ongoing monitoring ensures that progress is tracked, and any emerging issues are addressed promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain momentum and ensures that restoration efforts stay on track.

In the aftermath of a storm, rapid response is indispensable in mitigating the impact of damage and expediting the restoration process. By acting swiftly, restoration professionals can prevent further damage, ensure safety, salvage possessions, and expedite the restoration process. If your property has been affected by a storm, don't hesitate to seek out a reputable restoration company that prioritizes rapid response. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to storm damage restoration, and swift action can make all the difference in restoring your property and peace of mind.

A Few Steps Can Go a Long Way to Protect Your Family

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers an Emergency READY profile to help you stay prepared.

September is National Preparedness Month and Hurricane Season is still in full swing, which runs until November 30. While this season has been relatively quiet, with the Atlantic only having five named storms so far, it’s still best to always be prepared.

The key to disaster preparedness is having an emergency plan in place before disaster strikes. The following simple steps can go a long way to protect your family and your property in a weather-related disaster.

Build Basic Emergency Supply Kit

A basic kit should be stocked to supply you and each of your family members with water and food for at least three days. Consider including food for pets, as well as any necessary medications in your kit. Recommended emergency supply kit items include:

• Water (one gallon/person per day)
• Three-day non-perishable food supply
• Manual can opener
• Battery-operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Local maps
• Important documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Matches (in a waterproof container)

Make Family Emergency Plan

You may not be home or with family when disaster strikes. Plan in advance where you will meet and how you will contact each other. Visit ready.gov to access a Family Emergency Plan template to assist in your planning.

Stay Informed

Learn the elevation level of your property

This will help you know how your property could be affected by heavy rainfall and whether it is prone to flooding. Know your community evacuation routes and determine where you would go and how you would get there if evacuation becomes necessary. Finally, listen to local authorities for direction.

Prepare Your Property

In the event of a hurricane or severe storm, you may need to prepare your home for impact. You can do this by covering all of the windows in your home. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Keep trees and shrubs around your home trimmed to make them more resilient in high winds. Clear any debris from gutters and downspouts. Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and any other items not secured.

Establish a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for Your Business

SERVPRO developed the SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. You will work with a SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West to gather and document important information about the facility which will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.

Active Hurricane Season is Expected for Florida; Be Prepared

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

2020 Hurricane season

Hurricane season has begun. The season runs from June 1 to November 30.

And this year, areas along the Gulf coast including Florida are twice as likely to get two hurricane landfalls within just 10 days, according to a study published in the AGU journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The study identified Florida and Louisiana as most likely to experience “sequential landfall,” where one hurricane moves over land faster than infrastructure damaged in a previous storm can be repaired. The researchers estimated this timescale between hurricanes to be 10 days for those states.

Being hit by two storms in quick succession gives communities and infrastructure less time to recover between disasters — a significant problem for a region with a swelling population that has struggled to recover following previous natural disasters.

In 2020, 31 tropical cyclones occurred in the North Atlantic tying 2005 as the most active since 1979. More than half of those systems approached within 155 miles of the U.S. coast, the highest number since 1979.

Preparation is key to keeping your home and commercial property safe, as well as protecting your family members. Stock up on supplies and make sure that you have SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West on speed dial because we are “faster to any size disaster.”

We are here to help no matter the circumstances. We are always storm ready, 24/7.

Get to Know This Year's Storm Names

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

A look back at the names of 2021. (Photo: NOAA)

Hurricane season is right around the corner. It runs from June 1 to November 30. We become quite familiar with their names throughout the season, waiting for a new set of massive Hurricanes. How do hurricanes get their names? Names that become embedded in our minds, like that of Katrina, Matthew, Andrew and Irma.

People realized it was easier to quickly identify storms in warning messages by names than having to remember technical terms or latitude and longitude. It is also said to have heightened interest in warnings and contributed to community preparedness. In the beginning, storms were named arbitrarily. By the late 1900s, a more efficient naming system began with an organized list arranged alphabetically from A to Z.

Since 1953 Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center, which are now maintained by the international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. In 1979, men’s names were introduced to alternate with the women’s names. The six lists above are used in rotation and recycled every six years. So the 2022 list will be used again in 2028. The only time that there is a change in the list is if a storm is so deadly or costly that the future use of its name for a different storm would be inappropriate to use again.

 Here is the updated list for 2022:

1. Alex
2. Bonnie
3. Colin
4. Danielle
5. Earl
6. Fiona
7. Gaston
8. Hermine
9. Ian
10. Julia
11. Karl
12. Lisa
13. Martin
14. Nicole
15. Owen
16. Paula
17. Richard
18. Shary
19. Tobias
20. Virginie
21. Walter

In the event that one of these names turns into a major storm and leaves you dealing with its destruction, don’t worry, SERVPRO is here. We are available 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Be Prepared This Hurricane Season

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

In order to be prepared this hurricane season, make a plan, build a kit and stay informed.

At SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West, we take storm season seriously. And the best way to deal with a potential disaster is to prepare for it. You need to make a plan.

The State of Florida website offers a comprehensive list of kits, how to secure your home, and dealing with power outages.

Hurricane Kits

It is important to create a kit of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home, but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a widespread panic. When this happens, people rush in large numbers to get all the supplies they think they need. However, if you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you.

Some recommended items to include are:

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery-operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

Securing Your Home

Here are some tips to secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.

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

Power Outages

In the event a storm should leave you without power, there are a few things to consider and help you be ready and stay safe outside of your normal hurricane preparedness.

• Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm.
• ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
• Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
• A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up your windows on the inside. If you have backup or battery-operated fans, don't run them unless you are in the room. Fans create a difference in perceived temperature but do not cool the room. Instead, they create a cooling effect by dispersing the heat off your skin. It is said they can actually add heat to a room just by running.
• Water: Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
• Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage. Have a cooler with ice packs prepared to cool your drinks and snacks after power has been out for more than four hours. 

And if tragedy strikes and your house floods, a tree crashes into your roof exposing the house to water damage, or a power outage causes your HVAC to go out creating a possible mold situation, call SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to start working on your home or business disaster and make it "Like it never even happened."

Tips to Deal With Emergency Water Damage After a Storm

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

The most important thing to do after damage from a storm is practice safety.

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. Immediate reaction to the disaster is important to helping you get your life back to normal.

We SERVPRO professionals are on standby ready for your call! We will contact you within the hour, be on site within four hours and provide you with a verbal briefing of scope within eight days! How is that for rapid service?

After a storm passes, the most important thing one can do is stay safe until help arrives.

Here are some important tips to help prevent further damage from the storm.

• Shut Off Water Source
• Turn Off Circuit Breakers: Turn them off for wet areas of the home when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove Excess Water: Mop or blot up excess water.
• Prop Up Wet Upholstery: Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Do not put cushion cover in the washing machine.
• Use Aluminum Foil for Barrier: Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Move Paintings or Art: Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents and other sensitive items to a dry place.
• Hang Furs and Leathers: Move them to a dry area and hang separately in room temperature.
• Don’t Enter Affected Areas: Don’t enter these areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.

Storms occur with little warning and can be devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West can handle your situation.

Tips to Prepare Your Home or Business for a Flood

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

There are ways to help prepare your property for a flood. You can make several modifications to try and prevent any damage fr

Rainy season is right around the corner and with severe rainfall comes the higher potential for flooding in your home or business. If you do have a flood situation, SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West is here to help. We are the drying experts and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are ways to protect your home/business from flooding. Here are some tips to get you started.

Know Your Area

Be aware of your surroundings. Do you know where your home or business lies? There are certain places that are more of a flood risk than others. These include coastal areas, sewer systems nearby, next to a body of water and property at the bottom of hill.

Learn more details about your home or business’ level of flood risk, including the type of flood zone it is in and, if available, the potential flood elevation. You can check FEMA’s online Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home or visit the officials in your community who maintain the FEMA flood maps and elevation certificates. And remember, more than 25% of flood insurance claims come from properties that are not in an identified high-risk zone. All properties have the potential or flood damage.

Prepare

There are ways to help prepare your property for a flood. You can make several modifications to try and prevent any damage from occurring during a storm or flood.

Some of these include:

• Install check valves to help prevent sewer lines from flooding your drains.
• Install sump pumps with a battery backup.
• Elevate valuable equipment (furnaces, electric panels, water heaters, etc).
• Maintain proper water runoff and drainage. Properly maintain gutters, downspouts and splash pads.
• Improve lot grading. Determine how water flows or accumulates around your home, identify trouble spots.
• Reduce impervious surfaces around your home.

Do you know when flooding is serious?

Do you know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

Flood Watch means flooding is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate.

Flood Warning means a flood is happening or about to happen. Evacuate immediately if instructed.

SERVPRO is here for all your restoration needs. We can’t stop the flood from happening, but when we are done cleaning, it will be “Like it never even happened.”

Call 352-374-6589 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Beware of Florida Thunderstorms

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Don't let storms sweep you into despair, contact us to help restore your property today!

Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes annually and the frequency that thunderstorms occur during the warmer months of the year, it is easy to discount them as just another weather event that can be disregarded. This is quite dangerous, however, as every thunderstorm poses the potential for serious threats due to high winds, possible flooding, and more.

Any time a thunderstorm is in the forecast, it is important to take it seriously

All storms must contain thunder and lightning to be classified as thunderstorms, and every thunderstorm will always contain both. A thunderstorm can evolve into a severe thunderstorm if it becomes volatile enough to produce winds greater than 58 miles per hour. As the name implies, severe thunderstorms are even more dangerous.

Damage and injury from lightning strikes

Because every thunderstorm contains lightning, the damage that a lightning strike can cause is a threat every single time a thunderstorm impacts the area. Over 300 injuries occur every single year as a result of lightning striking people, and it can also cause damage due to fallen trees or building fires as well. It is vital to remember that you do not have to see lightning for it to be a threat.

Harm from flash flooding

Though there are many misconceptions about where flooding can occur, it is really best to assume that it could happen anywhere, as flash flooding often does. Flash flooding can occur due to backed-up ditches, overwhelmed drains and overfull retention ponds that can quickly lead to hazards. It only takes a few inches of water to carry cars away or knock an adult off their feet, making driving or crossing floodwaters a major hazard.

If you have a tree fall on your roof, a lightening bolt compromises your home, or a flood wash in, contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West for immediate assistance in making your disaster, "Like it never even happened." 

Storm Preparation: Alachua County Tax Free Disaster Supplies Week

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Take advantage of Alachua County's tax exempt disaster supplies week to prepare for hurricane season!

Hurricane season starts next week and now is the time to gather your supplies. Stocking up now can help you deal with heavy rains and potential power outages that are so common during the summer - plus you can save money by taking advantage of the tax free disaster preparedness holiday!

From May 28th to June 6th, Gainesville area residents can purchase the following disaster preparedness items that will be tax exempt:

$20 or less:

• Reusable ice packs

$40 or less:

• Portable, self-powered light sources (candles, flashlights, lanterns). From a fire safety perspective, we suggest flashlights and lanterns over flammable candles.

$50 or less:

• Any gas or diesel fuel container
• Batteries, including rechargeable batteries, these sizes only:
• AA-cell
• AAA-cell
• C-cell
• D-cell
• 6-volt
• 9-volt
• Two-way or weather band radios (powered by battery, solar, or hand-crank)

$60 or less:

• Coolers & ice chests (non-electrical)
• Portable power bank

$100 or less:

• Bungee cords
• Ground anchor systems
• Ratchet straps
• Tie-down kits
• Visqueen, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, and other flexible waterproof sheeting

$1000 or less:

• Portable generators used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in a power outage 

Always exempt, and you will want to have on hand in case of disaster:

• Bottle water (unflavored, uncarbonated)
• Canned food and nonperishable food items
• First aid kits
• Prescription and nonprescription medication
• Baby food and formula
• Feminine hygiene products

For detailed information, check out our blog post on building your emergency supplies kit. The rest of our hurricane preparedness week blog series will help you get your home and commercial property ready.

When it comes to natural disasters, sometimes damage and destruction still occurs no matter how prepared you are, and SERVPRO will be ready to help! 

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Have an evacuation plan & sign up for severe weather alerts to get ready for hurricane season!

With hurricane season quickly approaching, now is the time to prepare your homes and businesses. Day 4 of Hurricane Prep Week is about being informed - get an evacuation plan in place and know where to receive timely, reliable emergency alerts for the Alachua County area so you are never caught by surprise.

Even if you don’t live near the coast, evacuation may be recommended depending on your type of residence or special medical needs. If you don’t have friends or family to stay with or can’t travel away from the storm’s path, know where your nearest emergency shelter is located and what you’ll need to bring. You can find information about Alachua County emergency shelters at https://www.alachuacounty.us/depts/em/preparedness/pages/emergency-shelters.aspx. If you have pets, be sure to locate a shelter that accepts them. Alachua County doesn’t have designated evacuation zones, but the County may still issue evacuation orders, so sign up for alerts.

The good thing about hurricanes is we usually have an idea well in advance if a storm is potentially heading our way. Staying informed about approaching storms (typically hurricanes and tornadoes in our region) can help you prepare ahead of time and avoid crowds and lengthy lines to stock up at the stores and gas pumps. You can download the FEMA app to receive real time alerts from the National Weather Service at https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages. Alachua County Emergency Management also has a local emergency notification system you can sign up for at https://www.alachuacounty.us/depts/em/preparedness/pages/personal-preparedness.aspx

During a hurricane, extended power loss is common so you may be unable to rely on mobile alerts or internet access for updates. A simple weather radio can provide reliable information for your area during a bad storm. 

Having your hurricane preparation in place will give you peace of mind during hurricane season. If you’re a business owner, don’t forget to call us at 352-374-6589 to set up your free ERP (Emergency Ready Profile). If your home or commercial property suffers storm or water damage, we will be standing by ready to help with emergency restoration!

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Strengthen Your Home & Yard

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

Get the exterior of your home ready for hurricane season with these tips!

Hurricane season starts June 1st - is your home and business ready? Today’s hurricane season preparation tips are all about ways you can strengthen your property in advance of the heavy rain, falling trees, and strong winds that we typically experience during summer storms in our region.

1. Inspect the trees around your property or business for dead limbs and trim them. UF IFAS has tips for preparing trees for hurricane season and choosing landscaping specific to our North Central Florida region. Preventive maintenance of trees and landscaping can minimize flying debris or tree limbs falling onto roofs. Gainesville has been deemed a “Tree City of the World”, but all those trees also create potential for storm damage and roof leaks even though we aren’t near the beaches. 

2. Check the drainage in your yard. Heavy rainfall is not uncommon in our area, so make sure gutters and storm drains are clear.

3. Make room in your garage to store outdoor items that may become projectile during a storm. 

4. When a storm is close to approaching, you can also take these steps:

• Cover your windows if necessary
• Secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, trash cans and recycling bins, and children’s outdoor toys.
• Move vehicles to a safe location
• Bring potted plants and yard decor inside.

You can also check out our blog post on exterior home maintenance to prevent water damage, which will help your home during the rainy summer even if we don't have a busy hurricane season.

At SERVPRO, we have been helping homeowners and businesses with storm and water damage restoration in the Gainesville/Alachua County area for over a decade, so we are prepared to help you with whatever the 2021 hurricane season brings our way.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Build Your Emergency Supplies Kit

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Get your emergency supply kit ready for hurricane season, and have on hand in your home, car, and workplace.

Hurricane season begins here in Florida in just a few weeks, so now is the time to make sure your home and business are prepared for potential storms and power loss. Anyone who has experienced a typical Florida hurricane season knows that once a storm is imminent, the stores have a mad rush to buy supplies and gas. It’s much less stressful and easier on your budget to gradually build up a stockpile in advance over time.

As your local storm and water damage restoration experts, we know that hurricane season can be stressful. Our Storm Preparedness Week blog series this week can help you prepare for hurricane season and have peace of mind knowing that you are ready.

Day 2 of Storm Preparedness Week focuses on building an emergency kit.  As a hurricane approaches landfall, stores will be closed  and you will need to shelter in place, so you want to have these essentials on hand in an easy to find spot in your home.

• Enough water for each person in your household. Bottled water may sell out quickly, so buy in advance and you can also fill up your reusable bottles/containers with water before the storm.
• Several days worth of non-perishable food that you can cook/consume without power. Don’t forget a can opener!
• Medications and first aid kit
• Pet food and supplies if applicable
• If you have an infant, adequate supply of formula, wipes, baby food and diapers
• Flashlights and batteries. Avoid using candles which can pose a fire risk.
• Copies of important documents

While the Gainesville area doesn’t face the same storm damage risk as coastal cities, it is not unusual to see damage from fallen trees and heavy winds, resulting in roof damage and several days of power outage in some neighborhoods. Having your emergency kit ready at the start of hurricane season will give you peace of mind and help protect your family.

You can visit Florida Health for a more detailed emergency supply list, and take a short Red Cross emergency kit readiness quiz  to find out if you're properly prepared.

After a storm, you can count on us at SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua West to repair any storm damage to your home or business: 352-374-6589.

Hurricane Preparedness Week: Create a Family/Business Emergency Plan

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Create an emergency plan for your home & business to prepare for hurricane season.

At SERVPRO Gainesville West/Alachua West, we have years of experience in storm and water damage restoration and have seen our share of hurricanes. Even though our area is not near the coast, Alachua County and surrounding areas still sometimes experience heavy rain, winds, and damage from falling trees during our summer hurricane and rainy season. With many newcomers moving into Florida all the time and hurricane season starting soon, this week we are focusing on Hurricane Prep Week so you can get your home and business ready.

Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with storm season typically being most active in Gainesville during late summer. Preparation is key to keeping your residential home and commercial property safe, as well as protecting your family members. 

For day 1 of Hurricane Prep Week, we recommend creating your family emergency plan. Now is the time to gather hard copies of important phone numbers all in one place and share this with your family members. If you’re an employer, make sure employee phone numbers on file are up to date and have a system in place to notify them of important changes if a storm is anticipated. Remember that in a severe storm, cell phone service may not work and if power is lost, you will need to conserve mobile phone battery life.

You can go to the FEMA website to print out a family emergency communication plan. Along with phone numbers of relatives, in case of an emergency, it will be helpful to have important numbers and policy numbers for contacts such as your utility companies, homeowners insurance, schools, and medical providers. Provide each family member with a copy. You should also identify a safe place to gather during a major storm. A small interior room without windows is often best, such as a closet or bathroom. 

We will be posting helpful tips to prepare for Florida’s hurricane season all week, so check back on our blog and social media accounts Facebook, twitter and Instagram for more tips. Preparation is key, but sometimes disaster still strikes. Our crews at SERVPRO are trained and ready to help with any flooding or storm damage! 

Hurricane Names Ready for 2021 Season

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

Here is the list of the 2021 Hurricane names.

Every year when hurricane season is in full swing, we have the chance to get to know the names and remember the destruction of a new set of super storms.  With names like Andrew, Irma, Katrina, and Michael we come to know them and remember them for years to come, but did you ever wonder just how they got their names?

Years ago, it was realized it was much easier to quickly identify storms in warning messages by names which is far easier to remember than technical terms or latitude and longitude.  It also heightened interest in warnings and contributed to community preparedness.  In the beginning storms were named arbitrarily.  An Atlantic storm that ripped off the mast of a boat named Antje became known as Antje’s hurricane, but then in the mid 1900’s the practice began of using female names for storms.  By the late 1900’s a more efficient naming system began with an organized list arranged alphabetically from A to Z.

Since 1953 Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center which are now maintained by the international committee of the World Meteorological Organization.  In 1979 men’s names were introduced to alternate with the women’s names. Each year, a list of 21 names is used, but does not include less-popular letters, including Q, U, X, Y and Z. And the Atlantic hurricane list is compiled of derived from English, Spanish and French cultures, due to the countries that surround the Atlantic basin.

The only change to these lists is when a storm is so deadly or costly that for sensitivity reasons it is retired from the list and replaced.  If that occurs, at the annual meeting by the WMO Tropical Cyclone committees, the name is stricken from the list and another name is added based upon the region the list is derived from.  Infamous storm names such as Laura, Eta, and Iota (USA, 2020), Dorian (USA, 2019), Michael and Florence (USA, 2018) Mangkhut (Philippines, 2018), Irma and Maria (Caribbean, 2017), Haiyan (Philippines, 2013), Sandy (USA, 2012), Katrina (USA, 2005), Mitch (Honduras, 1998) and Tracy (Darwin, 1974) are examples for this.

As memorable as some of these names may become, there is one name you need to remember when it comes to storm response and clean-up.  SERVPRO is the only name that can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Home Maintenance Tips to Prevent Storm Flooding

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Check that roof and gutters to prevent storm tragedies.

With storm season approaching, microbursts and prolonged bouts of rain can lead to flooding and damage. To prevent this, it’s wise to check the following items around your home to keep you safe when the clouds unleash their precipitation.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year – in the spring and in the fall when you’re most likely to experience leaves or needs dropping and clogging up drains. If you have pine trees near your home, needles will need to be removed every three months to reduce the potential for clogging the gutters and downspouts. There are actually a few simple steps to prevent this from happening, so you don’t experience a flood in your home. Simply getting up on the roof near your gutters and manually cleaning out the blockage is a good start. Many homeowners will you a power spray or hose with a narrow nozzle to get the blockage you’re unable to get by hand. There are also businesses that will clean your gutters for you.

Check Your Roofing

Florida weather really do a number on your roof. It’s important to keep an eye on it and address any areas of weakness where water may come through. Whether you go up on the roof yourself to inspect or hire a professional to do it, it’s a smart idea to give your roof the once-over at least once a year to prevent water damage from a leaky roof. Depending on what your roof is made of a simple repair could do the trick, or you may need more substantial work.

Keeping good drainage around your home

Some hurricane seasons are more damaging than others. Before you experience a heavy rainstorm, walk around your home to make sure you have good drainage all around your house. If you find water puddling next to your foundation, or see water moving toward your home instead of away, it’s important to fix this so that water doesn’t seep inside and cause damage.

If You Do Experience Water Damage

When you find water making its way into your house, it is time to call in professionals who can handle this situation as efficiently as possible. From the moment that our SERVPRO of West Gainesville/Alachua County West team arrives at your home, we work to assess what needs to happen to prevent water from continuing to enter your home and allow for extraction and drying to occur successfully.

SERVPRO mobilizes to cleanup winter storm damage in southern states

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Disaster Team mobilizes to help storm damage recovery efforts after southern winter snowstorm

Last week, many Texans faced unprecedented freezing temperatures and loss of water & electricity during an extreme winter storm that caused $18 billion in damages. Homeowners, businesses and even hospitals in the South were unprepared to deal with the freezing temperatures. As temperatures warm up again, some Texans are now facing burst pipes, flooding, and structure damage. In fact, the President has declared 77 Texas counties eligible for federal disaster relief through FEMA.

When a major natural disaster like this occurs, large numbers of customers are in need of storm damage services at the same time. It is also critical to start the restoration process immediately with qualified experts, especially when dealing with burst pipes and flooding. In hot climates like Texas and here in Florida, unmitigated water damage can quickly lead to other problems such as mold growth. 

In times of tragedy and disaster, you can always look for the helpers. While SERVPRO locations are independently owned and operated, they are part of the national SERVPRO franchise network and have the resources to mobilize quickly when disaster strikes. Unlike standalone restoration companies who may be overwhelmed with calls, SERVPRO has branches around the US that volunteer to send their trained crews and equipment to help customers as quickly as possible. 

The SERVPRO Storm Team has been activated and over 80 crews from outside the local area have already deployed to provide much needed help in Texas and other southern states. When disaster strikes, you can count on the professionals at SERVPRO to properly clean up storm damage whether it’s from hurricanes, flooding, or a historic winter snowstorm. We know recovering from storm damage is stressful, but we are ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Storms increase awareness in Southeastern states

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

With Hurricane Laura hitting Texas and Louisiana, now's the time to check over your emergency storm checklist.

Advanced planning in the Gainesville-Alachua County area is key

With Hurricane Laura making landfall in Texas and Louisiana, the summer/fall storm season is ramping up throughout the Southeastern states and we need to be diligent in preparation in the Gainesville and Alachua County area.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a warning earlier in August stating an “extremely active hurricane season possible for Atlantic Basin” and urging preparedness as we enter the peak months.

At SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West, we take storm season seriously as we either travel to affected regions or stay in our home area of  North-Central Florida to respond to damage resulting from high winds, rain and flooding.

Like any emergency, you want to plan in advance. The State of Florida website offers a comprehensive list for kits, how to secure your home, and dealing with power outages that includes the following:

Hurricane Kits

It is important to create a kit of supplies that you could take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home, but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is a wide-spread panic. When this happens, people rush in large numbers to get all the supplies they think they need. However, if you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you. Some recommended items to include are:

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

Securing Your Home

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

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

Power Outages

In the event a storm should leave you without power, there are a few things to consider and help you be ready and stay safe outside of your normal hurricane preparedness.

• Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Most people wait until the last minute, rush to get extra gas for cars and generators, and subsequently gas stations can run out early.
• ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
• Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
• A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up your windows on the inside. If you have back-up or battery-operated fans, don't run them unless you are in the room. Fans create a difference in perceived temperature but do not cool the room; instead, they create a cooling effect by dispersing the heat off your skin. It is said they can actually add heat to a room just by running.
• Water: Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing only.
• Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage. Here is a guide on freezing food: Freezing and Food Safety. Have a cooler with ice packs prepared to cool your drinks and snacks after power has been out for more than 4 hours. 
• Health/Safety: The CDC has a great guide on how to stay safe in the event of a power outage: Power Outages

And if tragedy strikes and your house floods, a tree crashes into your roof and exposes the attic and rooms below to water damage, or a power outage causes your HVAC to go out creating a possible mold situation, call on SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West at 352-374-6589. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to start working on your home or business disaster and make it "Like it never even happened."

Hurricane Isaias prompts call for storm preparedness

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let the slow 2020 hurricane season to date keep you from being prepared at your business or residence.

With Hurricane Isaias moving toward Florida, it is a good time to check over your severe weather preparedness for the remainder of the hurricane season that begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Contact SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West to learn more about the ERP and how it can help you.

Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm for both your business and even your home. 

Before the Storm

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan.
• Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.               
• If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home, or hard top vehicle (not a convertible).
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

During the Storm

• Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.
• Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors.

After the Storm

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

Below is a recommended item for basic emergency supply list

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Clothing
• Dust Masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, tarps, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Cleaning Up After A Flood

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

When storms and flooding hit, call SERVPRO to make it "Like it never even happened."

Whether a flood is caused by heavy rain, creek overflows or a sewer blockage, it can leave your business or residence in North Central Florida crippled. During time of high waters, you may have to abandon your property until the proper authorities have deemed it safe to return. And after the flood, grey or black water has receded, you’ll be left with lots of cleanup. You can either do this yourself or work in tandem with a professional restoration company to help you figure out which contents of yours can be saved and how to go about content cleaning.

Take Time to Assess
After the water has been removed, you will have to assess each piece of content on its own. Some items may be too waterlogged or mold ridden to save because of the porous material used to create it. If this is the case, your only option may be to throw away the content and possibly replace it at a later date.

Other contents may only need a little love and care to be brought back to former glory. Pieces made of non-porous material are more likely to be saved. However, even some of these items could be beyond repair, depending on how long they were sitting in the water.

Start Content Cleaning
Once you have figured out what is worth saving, you need to start your journey of cleaning your possessions. The following steps may help you through this process:

• Use proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and masks.
• Rinse off black water by using a fresh water source
• Give the items time to dry by hanging them in the sun or using a dryer
• Hand or machine wash items based on their cleaning instructions

These four steps can help you start the process of cleaning. However, more complex items could require more preparation before the actual cleaning stage is able to take place.

Find Help
Removing water and mold from your premises can be a long and grueling process. When you turn to the help of a professional restoration service like SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West, you take advantage of expert knowledge and top-notch equipment that may speed up your recovery. Call us today at 352-374-6589 if you need our assistance or have any questions.

The devastation of storms is not always a huge event such as a hurricane. Which is why we always are SERVPRO ready.

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

The Santa Fe River basin is prone to flooding caused by above average rain fall.

Floridians are no stranger to the devastating flooding caused in coastal and low-lying areas caused my tropical storms and hurricanes.  With our forecasting systems in place, we had ample warning to get out of harm’s way before landfall in most cases.  Unfortunately, there is a silent creeping storm that many in North Central Florida have experienced in the past, flooding from above average rainfall and thunderstorms in South Georgia and North Florida.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s long-range forecast, Northern Florida and Southern Georgia can expect a much wetter April and May extending into the summer.  As many long-time residents along the local rivers such as the Santa Fe, Suwannee, and Ichetucknee have experienced in the past, this can be the precursor for long term flooding of low-lying inland areas especially along the rivers themselves.  This type of flooding can be devastating as it can take the rivers weeks to crest and fall again as your home sits soaking in the black water. 

Once the flooding subsides it is important to call SERVPRO who is always storm ready!  We will send our technicians in to remove flood affected material and stick around to put it all back “Like it never even happened.”  We know what it takes to not only clean up the mess left by receding flood waters, but to do it correctly so that your home is safe once again for your family.

Take advantage of our free ERPs

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

It's best to always be prepared and know where your shutoffs are before an emergency.

It’s easy to be reactive during times of tragedy when a storm or broken water pipe floods your property or a fire torches your home. But being proactive is even better to minimize the loss.

SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West uses the latest technology in order to accelerate the mitigation process, further increasing our value to our customers. Our no-cost assessment Emergency READY Profile is a tool for property managers and owners, both residential and commercial as we create a profile for your building.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your home or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your home or business. We locate your shutoff valves for electric, gas and water, along with list your emergency contacts, to reduce the damage to your facility.

Preparation is the key to making it through any sized disaster, whether it is a large fire or area flood, or just a minor water leak.  Having an Emergency READY Profile may help minimize the time your business is inactive and get you back in the building following a disaster.

We have restoration experts available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running.  Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including mold removal and document drying.  

Call SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West at (352) 374-6589 to help with your Emergency READY Profile and be prepared for whatever happens.

With impending hurricane season coming, get familiar with our possible guests for 2020.

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

A list for the 2020 hurricane names.

Every year when hurricane season is in full swing, we have the chance to get to know the names and remember the destruction of a new set of super storms.  With names like Andrew, Irma, Katrina, and Michael we come to know them and remember them for years to come, but did you ever wonder just how they got their names?

Years ago, it was realized it was much easier to quickly identify storms in warning messages by names which is far easier to remember than technical terms or latitude and longitude.  It also heightened interest in warnings and contributed to community preparedness.  In the beginning storms were named arbitrarily.  An Atlantic storm that ripped off the mast of a boat named Antje became known as Antje’s hurricane, but then in the mid 1900’s the practice began of using female names for storms.  By the late 1900’s a more efficient naming system began with an organized list arranged alphabetically from A to Z.

Since 1953 Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center which are now maintained by the international committee of the World Meteorological Organization.  In 1979 men’s names were introduced to alternate with the women’s names.  Six lists are used in the rotation, so the list that was used in 2014 will be the list used for 2020. 

The only change to these lists is when a storm is so deadly or costly that for sensitivity reasons it is retired from the list and replaced.  If that occurs, at the annual meeting by the WMO Tropical Cyclone committees, the name is stricken from the list and another name is added based upon the region the list is derived from.  Infamous storm names such as Mangkhut (Philippines, 2018), Irma and Maria (Caribbean, 2017), Haiyan (Philippines, 2013), Sandy (USA, 2012), Katrina (USA, 2005), Mitch (Honduras, 1998) and Tracy (Darwin, 1974) are examples for this.

So, now that you know how hurricanes are named, here is the updated list for 2020:

1. Arthur 2. Bertha 3. Cristobal       4. Dolly             5. Edouard
   6. Fay               7. Gonzalo        8. Hanna           9. Isaias            10. Josephine
   11. Kyle            12. Laura           13. Marco         14. Nana           15. Omar
   16.Paulette        17. Rene           18. Sally           19. Teddy         20. Vicky
   21. Wilfred

As memorable as some of these names may become, there is one name you need to remember when it comes to storm response and clean-up.  SERVPRO is the only name that can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are you ready for the impending risk of severe thunderstorm spikes across central and eastern U.S. in the second half of March?

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

This photo shows the extended range forecast for tornadoes predicted to begin March 16th , 2020.

Here at SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West we are storm ready 24hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  That is because we are part of a global company that supplies backup to a network of storm teams all across the United States.  We constantly have our eye to the skies and have our own meteorologist to keep us up to date, but in the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives most people don’t have time to constantly stay up on impending weather hazards that may or may not affect us.

Mid March 2020 has a high potential of having all of the ingredients of the start of the peak of our severe weather season which usually begins in April and extends into May and June.  This means that the potential exists for an extended severe storm season in some areas which increases the likelihood of damage from hail, tornadoes, strong winds and potentially flooding.  Florida is no stranger from such occurrences, but an extended season especially from run off from upper states can have the potential for flooding in low lying areas and around rivers and lakes coupled with the fact that 2019 broke records with 12 months of precipitation for the contiguous U.S.  This also means that if we have an active hurricane season in 2020 the potential for flooding becomes even greater. 

Being storm ready in Florida is important and the potential for damage seems to be great already coming into this new year.  Stock up on supplies and make sure that you have SERVPRO of Gainesville West/Alachua County West on speed dial because we are “Faster to any size disaster”.

Flood Damage from Deteriorating Washing Machine Hoses

2/6/2020 (Permalink)

Storms are not the only thing that can flood your home.

Flood damage from a washing machine is one of the top five causes of home insurance claims

Most homeowners protect their homes against things such as storms, fire, and burglary, but water damage from malfunctioning or leaking home appliances often gets overlooked, especially when it comes to washing machines.

It seems unlikely, but flood damage from a washing machine is one of the top five causes of home insurance claims. More than half of these claims is from supply hoses which have burst or leaked, so make sure your Jacksonville home is prepared for such an event. Always have the number of a reputable restoration company handy, like SERVPRO, who is experienced in all kinds of flood damage.

Most washing machine hoses fail eventually over time, even when they have been installed properly. They can cause leaks or even catastrophic flooding when they burst. Failure can be due to several things such as installation error, age, poor design and poor-quality materials. Most of these hoses are made of reinforced polymer or rubber. The materials lose resiliency as they age, making them susceptible to leaks, cracks, and bursting.

Inspect Regularly
Many times, fittings and hoses that connect your washing machine to the water source are visible and easy to inspect each time you use the machine. If they are not visible, figure out how to gain access to them so you can inspect them once per month. Look at both the cold and hot water lines. Failures happen near the connection where the hose usually bends. Keep an eye out for:

Signs Of Imminent Failure
Obvious evidence of imminent failure or deterioration should be looked for, such as bulges, blisters, unraveling, cracks, kinks, discoloration, or crimps, especially close to the connections and turns in the hose.

Leaks
Look for drops, moisture, rust, leaks on, in, or around the connections or hoses or in a catch pan, or discoloration. Look at the connects to ensure they are properly tightened. Even a small leak can lead to imminent failure.

Right Positioning
Ensure the washing machine is located four inches at least from the connections, so the hose is not kinked or bent. Make sure the machine is balanced properly, so it is not “walking” when in use, which puts added stress on connections and hoses.

Lastly, aging or damaged hoses should be replaced right away, and make sure that the hoses are properly installed. Knowing where the shut-off valve is as well is important if a hose does fail. Then get in touch in SERVPRO right away so they can help you clean up the flood damage and dry out your home.

Three Steps to Address a Roof Leak

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

A severe storm or high winds can damage the roof of a building, leading to damaged roofing materials and the high probability of a leak. The following are three steps that building owners and managers can do to limit and prevent storm or water damage from leading to secondary problems, such as mold.

1. Tarp the Damaged Roof Until Repaired

As soon as it becomes apparent that a roof is leaking, a building owner or manager should determine the source of the leak. Hire roofing experts to tarp over the damaged area to prevent additional moisture from entering to the interior of the structure.

2. Mitigate Interior Damage

A roof leak can damage materials such as insulation and ceilings. Fiberglass insulation is not designed to withstand moisture and will need to be torn out and replaced. Ceilings may also need to be torn out. It is a good idea to hire an experienced mitigation and restoration company to take the necessary steps toward to prevent more serious problems down the line.

3. Repair the Roof and Restore Damage

Hire a roofer to repair roof damage. It may take some time for the portions of the interior exposed to water to dry out. Do not rush restoration prior to drying, as this may allow conditions conducive to mold growth to persist. Once the affected area is dry, restoration experts should install new insulation and replace all of the damaged building materials.

These three steps can limit the extent of damage resulting from a roof leak at a commercial building or residential home. Regularly inspect a roof after severe storms to look for missing shingles and other indications of damage and get any areas that need repaired addressed immediately.

And remember, SERVPRO of Gainesville West-Alachua County West can do everything from start to finish in your project. 

Be Prepared for Flooding

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is prepared

Storm flooding is more prevalent now than ever. The year 2016 saw more floods in the U.S than any other year on record. With extreme rainfall comes the higher potential for flooding in your home or business. If you do have a flood situation, SERVPRO of Alachua County West will be there to help.

We are the drying experts and available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week - 365 days a year.

There are ways to protect your home/business from flooding. Here are some tips to get you started.

KNOW YOUR AREA

Be aware of your surroundings. There are certain places that are more of a flood risk than others.

• Coastal Areas
• Sewer Systems nearby
• Next to a body of Water
• Property at the Bottom of Hill

PREPARE

There are ways to help prepare your property for a flood. You can make modifications.

For example:

• Installing check valves to help prevent sewer lines from flooding your drains
• Installing sump pumps with a battery backup
• Elevating valuable equipment (furnaces, electric panels, water heaters etc)

KNOW YOUR TERMS

Do you know the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning?

Flood Watch means flooding is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate.

Flood Warning means a flood is happening or about to happen. EVACUATE immediately if instructed.

SERVPRO of Alachua County West is here for all your restoration needs. We can’t stop the flood from happening, but when we are done cleaning it will be “Like it never even happened”

Call 352-374-6589 for more information or to schedule

Storm seasons for flooding are year round, know your flood risk no matter where you live.

3/25/2019 (Permalink)

Historic flooding near the Omaha NE area as seen by NASA.

There are many causes of flooding, which means that any time of year, depending on the weather and where you live you are at risk for flooding.  In 2016, the US saw more floods than any other year on record, and the stats for 2019 so far show that we may be at risk to break that record again.  Coming out of very active Hurricane seasons over the past few years with massive storm surges along our coasts along with record breaking precipitation such as rain and snow fall in many parts of the US, especially the Midwest, we have already started the first few months with normal and record breaking flooding.  The first thing you can do to prepare is know when to expect flooding based on where you live.

• Coastal areas are likely to flood between the months of June and November due to hurricane activity.
• Midwestern areas are likely to flood in the spring and summer due to heavy rains.
• Northeastern and Northwestern areas are likely to experience flooding in the spring due to ice jams on streams and rivers.
• Southwestern areas are likely to experience flooding in late summer months due to monsoons.

Your flood risk also depends on manmade and natural bodies of water around your home or business such as rivers, lakes, dams, levees and sewer systems.  Get to know the area you live in and the risks for flooding before disaster strikes. 

Storm Damage Tips

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage

Storm cleanup is different from regular, and even heavy duty, cleaning. There are hazards, health concerns and other issues that go beyond normal cleaning that require specialty products, tools and cleaning techniques, as well as protective gear and safety measures not required in regular cleaning. After a large storm and flooding, many belongings will be a total loss, but often there are unexpected treasures that can be can be salvaged with the right restoration company and process.

What to Do After Flooding

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT to Do After Flooding

• Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't use television or other household appliances.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

The storm rolls out, we roll in

2/1/2019 (Permalink)

Storm

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. Immediate reaction to the disaster is important to helping you get your life back to normal.

We SERVPRO professionals are on stand by ready for your call! We will contact you within the hour, be on site within 4 hours and provide you with a verbal briefing of scope within 8 days! How is that for rapid service?

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. 

Winter is Here, Start the Year Off Storm Ready!

1/2/2019 (Permalink)

Winter preparedness in the Sunshine State

Welcome to Florida the Sunshine Sate with the most unpredictable storms! As we begin 2019, we would like to share some preparedness tips that will equip you and your family for unforeseen weather conditions.  General year-round preparedness is imperative to ensure safety. Below, you will find some useful tips and reminders.

General Preparedness:

• Make a communication plan so your family knows how to reconnect and reunite when a disaster strikes.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kits for home, work and your vehicle, include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies, for adults and children.
• Create an emergency savings fund and keep cash on hand for emergencies
• Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts.
• Monitor radio, TV, or social media and follow instructions of local officials.

Financial Preparedness and Insurance Coverage: 

• Plan for unexpected out-of-pocket expenses for lodging, food, gas and more
• Be prepared for the cost of deductibles for insurance and medical co-pays.
• Having insurance for your home or business property ensures you will have the financial resources needed to help you repair, rebuild or replace whatever is damaged.
• Keep your coverage for flood insurance, even if your mortgage is paid off.

Protect the life you’ve built. Homeowners, renters and businesses recover more quickly when insured and are prepared ahead of time for unpredictable weather conditions in Florida and all over the world! 

Get A Kit, Make A Plan, Be Informed!

Don't let Florida Winters fool you, always be storm ready.

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Sever storm weather hitting Florida early December 3rd, 2018

Florida is known for it's sunny weather, and mild winters.  Don't let all the snowbirds fool you as they flock south for the winter, Florida is no stranger to winter storm fronts.  Due to it's mild temperatures and relative humidity, Florida can experience violent storms as cold fronts move southward towards its sunny beaches.  This is evident as a cold front descended towards North Central Florida this morning creating severe thunderstorms and spawning tornado warnings across Suwannee, Columbia and Gilchrist counties that are expected to move south east towards Alachua County throughout the day.

Are you prepared for possible flooding and damaged caused by strong winds and fallen trees?  As a home or business owner you can prepare by keeping a watch on your local weather alerts such as the Alachua County alert page at http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/EM/Pages/AlertAlachua.aspx.  You will also want to keep the phone number of SERVPRO of Alachua County West handy for any storm damage needs that you may have, because we are "Faster to any size disaster."

Strong storms hit Gainesville in the early morning hours of 3/19/18… Were you ready?

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

A large tree fell on warehouse in Southwest Gainesville on March 19th, 2018.

Here in Florida, we are used to watching the weather stations in the days leading up to major storm events such as hurricanes, but we often get severe weather that sneaks up on us and does more damage than we expect in our area.  Violent thunderstorms can cause wind, hail, and water damage as well as cause tornadoes and microbursts.  Most of us know what thunderstorms and tornadoes are and what they bring, but a lot of serious storm damage occurs here in Florida due to microbursts.  Most people have heard of them causing plane crashes, but what exactly are they?

• Micro bursts are mainly formed by single-cell storms (although airmass storms and squall lines can produce them).
• Microbursts are caused by the rain falling from the cloud. As it falls, it pulls down air with it which starts evaporating the rain, cooling it.  Cooler air is denser than the warm air around it so it descends even faster causing a microburst.
• There are two types of microbursts, dry and wet. Dry microbursts are more common and are caused when all of the rain evaporates before the air reaches the ground, which can be harder to see them coming and wet microbursts contain rain when they hit the ground.
• Microbursts can hit the ground at up to 6,000 feet per minute and spread out causing a vortex ring around the outside of the microburst.
• Winds from a microburst can reach speeds that are similar to an E1 tornado and can cause lots of property damage, such as:
  • Downed trees
  • Roof damage
  • Broken windows and punctured siding from flying debris
  • Destroyed buildings and structures
  • Damage to electrical poles and wires
  • Damage from accompanying hail and heavy rains

That’s why SERVPRO is the best choice in emergency/storm mitigation and restoration, we are always ready, and “Faster to any size disaster” than the competition.  We also have the backing of the largest restoration company in the world behind us, no matter how large or small the storm event is. 

SERVPRO celebrates National Red Cross month after the busy storm season.

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Alachua County West is proud to be a National partner with the Red Cross.

The 2017-2018 storm season has been one of the most active in recent memory, and as for any storm disaster SERVPRO is there to assist.  Another presence that is there to help others in need is the Red Cross, an organization that is made up of 90% volunteers and of which SERVPRO is a proud national sponsor.  In order to get an idea of what these volunteers which are comprised of our friends, family, neighbors and complete strangers have responded to this year lets recap our storm season.

The 2017 Atlantic storm season was especially deadly and destructive this past year.  The hurricane season runs from June 1^st to November 30^th because this is historically the period of the year that most tropical cyclones form.  Here are just a few facts about our 2017 hurricane season.

• The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season featured 17 named storms.
• It is the 5^th most active season since records began in 1851.
• All 10 of the active hurricanes this season occurred in a row. This has only happened once before since records began.
• It was the costliest season on record with over $281 billion dollars in damages and most of the damage was due to 3 of the hurricanes – Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
• This is season one of only 6 seasons that had multiple category 5 hurricanes.
• The 2017 season is the only season on record to have 3 hurricanes that had an accumulated cyclone energy score over 40 – Irma, Jose, and Maria.

The 2017/2018 winter storm season has been equally devastating, creating storm scenarios all over the country.  Although, we are still not out of the official storm season, this is what we have seen so far.

• The month of November began with the highest snow extent in over 15 years, covering over 1/4 of the United States.
• An early December winter storm affected areas from the deep-south from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to New England. This meant many areas such as Florida who rarely see snow were affected by extreme cold, ice, snowfall.
• This December storm system left up to 400,000 people without power, closed schools and roads and left 3 people dead.
• A post-Christmas early January cold wave left us with cities in Minnesota and Indiana having record breaking cold temperatures.
• Times Square recorded the second coldest temperature on New Year’s Eve during festivities on record.
• A severe blizzard swept across the country early January. This bomb cyclone dumped snow, freezing rain and caused coastal flooding which is attributed to at least 22 fatalities and cancelled 4,020 flights across the U.S.
• Mid-January sent 2 more winter storms causing freezing temperatures, freezing pipes, and snow throughout the country. The city of Galveston had hundreds of pipes freeze and burst which depleted their water reserves to drought levels and bridges in Florida had to be closed due to ice after the 3 time of receiving snowfall this winter season.

These are just a few facts about our storm seasons this year, and they make us feel grateful for not only our self-less storm team members, but also our partners at the Red Cross who make up an amazing network of volunteers across the country. 

Are you prepared for the "Storm" if Phil sees his shadow?

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Phil is watching the radar... are you?

Everyone is watching and waiting to see the groundhog's prediction for 6 more weeks of winter.  The winter storm season has already wreaked havoc on many parts of the United States slowing businesses, schools, and lives in the process. 

"Did you know that winter storms are the third largest cause of catastrophic losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes?"

Can we handle another 6 weeks of winter storms?  The answer is yes, with SERVPRO's storm team in action 24 hours a day 7 days a week, you can.  SERVPRO is the largest restoration company in the world and we take pride in having the largest support network and the most expertise in combating any storm, winter, spring, summer and fall.

So remember while Phil is hiding in his den scared of his own shadow, our technicians are braving the elements to be "Faster to any size disaster."

What is one thing that sets SERVPRO above the rest? STORM Team!

1/24/2018 (Permalink)

Winter storm Jaxson is just the newest winter storm of the season, and one of the many reasons our STORM team is ready at a moment's notice.

There are many restoration companies out there that offer many of the same services as SERVPRO of Alachua County West.  It can make it hard for a homeowner going through the throes of a disaster to make an educated decision on who to choose and why.  There are many factors that make SERVPRO the best choice, such as our state of the art Drying program designed and operated specifically by only SERVPRO franchises, or our products which are formulated specifically by and for SERVPRO, but our storm team may be one of the biggest reasons to call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO storm teams travel all over the United States to areas with a large disaster such as floods, hurricanes, blizzards, fires, and ice storms.  This has enabled our customers to have a veritable network of disaster restoration technicians at their fingertips with the large amounts of equipment needed to begin the restoration process while smaller companies are overwhelmed by the volume of restoration needed.  It also means that our technicians and production employees have knowledge way beyond a company that services one area who may see disaster infrequently and only certain types of disasters.  This knowledge is also used and compiled in training mandatory to all SERVPRO franchises.  During winter storm Grayson when Floridians actually saw snow and ice in parts of Florida, our technicians were well versed in dealing with the aftermath of freezing temperatures due to having assisted other SERVPRO franchises in other states during winter storm disasters.

Our STORM team is just one of the many reasons that SERVPRO is “Faster to any size disaster.”

Are you prepared for Winter Storm Grayson?

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Satellite imagery of expected areas to be impacted by damaging ice from rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.

As Floridians are deep within the grasps of winter storm Grayson, it is never too late to think of winter storm safety for your family and your home.  Most people think of sub-tropical climates and sunshine here in the sunshine state, but Florida does have a past of winter cold and precipitation.

Florida Cold Weather Facts:

*The coldest temperature recorded in Florida was –2°F in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899. At the same time, snow up to three Inches deep was reported by several cities in the Panhandle.

*Snow has been reported numerous times throughout the state. On January 19, 1977, snow fell on Miami, Florida and was seen in Homestead, Florida (which is 22 miles south of Miami).

*The deepest snowfall ever measured in Florida (four inches), occurred in Milton on March 6, 1954.

The State of Florida Emergency Management office as well as the National Weather Service urges all Floridians to practice The 5 P's of Cold Weather Safety:

1.)Protect People - Dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children and the elderly who are most sensitive to cold weather.

2.)Protect Pets - If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.

3.)Protect Plants - Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from the dangerous temperatures.

4.)Protect Pipes - Cover exposed outdoor pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent from freezing and breaking.

5.)Practice Fire Safety - Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.

Lastly, don't forget to have SERVPRO of Alachua County West's phone number ready in case your preparedness still leaves your home in need of emergency services from broken pipes, water damage, or fire.

Are you prepared for winter weather?

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

As your frozen pipes thaw, they crack and break leaving you with a disaster.

Many people who do not live in the Sunshine State have no idea that it can get cold, and even have freezing conditions here in Florida.  Due to our sub-tropic climate and mobile housing, proper precautions are often not taken when installing and weather proofing plumbing in and under our homes.  When we have freezing temperature and rains our plumbing is often exposed and can freeze overnight without a heat source or keeping water running through-out our pipes.  Although frozen pipes can be a hassle when you are tying to make that pot of coffee, or take that morning shower, but the real damage begins as the Florida sun comes out and the frozen water begins to thaw and expand within causing them to burst, and causing water damage to your home.  Be prepared for colder weather by weatherproofing your exposed pipes, placing a heat lamp at your well, or by leaving a faucet running as temperatures drop.  If these measures fail, make sure that you have SERVPRO of Alachua County West's number handy to quickly begin to mitigate any damage that occurs!