Recent Storm Damage Posts

ERP

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® professionals offer many tools to help their customers in the middle of disasters. However now SERVPRO professionals are offering a tool to their customers to help prepare them before disaster even strikes. This new tool is called an ERP (Emergency Ready Profile) which can be downloaded from the Apple or Android App store by searching SERVPRO. This app allows SERVPRO to set up a date and walk your property with you, to create a profile for what you would be during a fire or water damage. The app holds the information for where the water, electrical, gas, and computer server shut offs are located in your building along with contact and account numbers for those companies. The free SERVPRO app also details where the best location for SERVPRO vehicles to park during an emergency. Your contact person at SERVPRO also has their phone number listed so you just open the app and dial.

Hurricane Season

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Here are some stats and safety tips

The peak time of the year for hurricanes here in the Atlantic region is June-November. On the Pacific the peak time of year is May- November. Our franchise has traveled all across the country cleaning up after hurricanes. No distance is too far for us.

  • Did you know the force of a hurricane is from 74-155+ miles per hour?

The cost of hurricane damage is usually a couple million per storm. Hurricane Sandy though caused nearly $62 billion in damages once it hit the USA. Our franchise spent a month in New Jersey doing storm work. $128 billion in damages was caused by Hurricane Katrina. Our owner Joey and another franchise spent over 5 months together in Louisiana cleaning up after Katrina.

Safety - Newslines

6/27/2024 (Permalink)

Safety- Newsline

Wireless Emergency Alerts or WEAs are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners included local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency with WEA, alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm's way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service WEA may share:

  • Extreme weather warnings
  • Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action
  • AMBER Alerts
  • Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

A WEA will look like a text message on your mobile device. The WEA message will typical show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.

Be Prepared for the Worst

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

When it comes to extreme thunderstorms and tornadoes, being prepared can make all the difference in minimizing damage and ensuring your safety. Here's how to stay ready for these powerful natural phenomena:

Firstly, staying informed is key. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and pay attention to any severe weather alerts issued by local authorities. Having a reliable weather radio or smartphone app helps me stay updated, especially during times of potential severe weather.

Secondly, have an emergency plan in place for your family. This plan includes identifying a safe shelter in your home, such as a basement or interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Also have a designated meeting place in case you're separated during an emergency.

Additionally, prepare an emergency kit stocked with essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Having these items readily available ensures that we're equipped to weather the storm safely and comfortably.

When a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued, take immediate action. Gather your family, pets, and emergency kit, and seek shelter in your designated safe area. Stay indoors until the storm has passed and it's safe to venture outside again.

However, despite all precautions, sometimes storms can cause significant damage to homes and properties. In such cases, it's essential to seek professional help for cleanup and restoration. You can rely on SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck.

SERVPRO® specializes in storm damage restoration and has the expertise, equipment, and resources to handle even the most severe storm damage. Whether it's water damage from flooding, wind damage from tornadoes, or debris cleanup, SERVPRO responds quickly to assess the situation and begin the restoration process.

By calling SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck in the aftermath of a storm, you can rest assured knowing that skilled professionals are on the job, restoring your home to its pre-storm condition efficiently and effectively. our prompt response and dedication to quality service give me peace of mind during challenging times.

On The Watch for Tornadoes

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are one of Mother Nature’s most destructive forces and can come in all shapes and sizes. They are often unpredictable and when you are in their path it's difficult to escape them.  

There are 5 different types of Tornadoes.

Rope tornadoes

Cone tornadoes

Wedge tornadoes

Multi-vortex and satellite tornadoes

Waterspouts and landspouts

Regardless of the type, each and every tornado can be dangerous with destructive winds that could put lives and property in danger.

When you hear an alert whether it be a watch or warning be prepared

Tornado Watch - issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development. People located in and around the watch area should keep an eye to the sky and listen to their NOAA weather radio all hazards or tune to local broadcast media for further weather information. The watch is intended to give you time to prepare and time to review your safety rules.

Tornado Warning - issued when a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service doppler radar or a reliable report of a tornado has been reported. A tornado warning is usually issued for portions of one or two counties, for an hour or less. The storm could also produce large hail and destructive straight line winds. If the tornado warning includes your neighborhood or work place, you should seek safe shelter immediately.

Check out the National Weather website for more tips on safety and tornadoes https://www.weather.gov/bmx/sps_torsafetyrules

With our 24/7 emergency response, SERVPRO® ensures that help is just a phone call away, providing peace of mind during the aftermath of a tornado. If you have storm damage at your home call SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck to help. 

804-966-1400

Reference: https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/identifying-natures-dangerous-whirlwinds-a-guide-to-5-types-of-tornadoes-2/432293

What Happens After A Bad Storm?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Tornadoes, characterized by their violent rotating columns of air, come in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and potential for damage to homes and businesses. Understanding these types can help prepare for their destructive potential and know when to call for professional help like SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck.

Firstly, there are supercell tornadoes, the most powerful and destructive type, typically associated with severe thunderstorms. These tornadoes often have well-defined funnels and can reach wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. The damage they cause can be catastrophic, including the total destruction of homes and businesses in their path.

Multi-vortex tornadoes consist of multiple smaller funnels rotating around a common center. While they may not reach the intensity of supercell tornadoes, their erratic movement and multiple vortices can cause widespread damage to structures in their path, including tearing off roofs, collapsing walls, and uprooting trees.

Waterspout tornadoes occur over bodies of water and can move onto land, posing a threat to coastal communities. While they may not be as powerful as tornadoes formed over land, they can still cause significant damage to waterfront properties, boats, and coastal infrastructure.

Dust devils are smaller, weaker tornadoes that form in dry, arid regions. While they typically don't cause as much damage as their larger counterparts, they can still pose a risk to outdoor structures, vehicles, and agricultural crops.

Regardless of the type of tornado, the damage to homes and businesses can be extensive. High winds can rip off roofs, shatter windows, and collapse walls, leaving properties vulnerable to further damage from water intrusion, mold growth, and structural instability.

After a tornado strikes, calling a professional restoration service like SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck is crucial for several reasons. SERVPRO® has the expertise, experience, and resources to assess the extent of the damage, stabilize the property, and begin the restoration process promptly. Their team can mitigate further damage, remove debris, and restore the property to its preloss condition, helping homeowners and businesses get back on their feet as quickly as possible. With our 24/7 emergency response, SERVPRO ensures that help is just a phone call away, providing peace of mind during the aftermath of a tornado.

We Are Here to Help

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

When facing an emergency and feeling uncertain about where to turn for help, calling SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck is the smart choice. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO® offers 24/7 emergency response to swiftly address any disaster, whether it's water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, or storm damage. Their team of highly trained professionals is equipped with the expertise, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment to handle any size emergency promptly and efficiently. From the moment we receive your call, SERVPRO springs into action, deploying our rapid response teams to assess the situation, mitigate further damage, and begin the restoration process. With a focus on customer satisfaction and quality service, SERVPRO takes the stress out of dealing with emergencies, guiding clients through every step of the restoration journey. Whether it's a residential or commercial property, SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck is committed to restoring peace of mind and helping communities recover from disasters with compassion, professionalism, and unparalleled expertise. When you're in need of help during an emergency and don't know where to turn, trust SERVPRO to be there for you, ready to restore your property and your peace of mind.

What Happens After Lightning Strikes?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

A lightning strike can have devastating effects on both homes and businesses, causing damage that ranges from structural issues to electrical malfunctions and even fire outbreaks. When lightning strikes a building, it can result in structural damage such as roof punctures, shattered windows, or even structural fires due to the intense heat generated upon impact. Additionally, the electrical surge caused by a lightning strike can damage appliances, electronics, and electrical systems within the property, leading to power surges, outages, or electrical fires.

In the aftermath of a lightning strike, it's crucial to act swiftly to assess and address the damage to minimize further complications. This is where SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck comes in. With our prompt response and expertise in fire and storm damage restoration, SERVPRO® can assess the extent of the damage, mitigate further risks, and begin the restoration process immediately. Our highly trained professionals utilize specialized equipment and techniques to restore homes and businesses to their preloss condition efficiently and effectively. Whether it's structural repairs, electrical system restoration, or fire damage cleanup, SERVPRO ensures that the property is restored safely and thoroughly, providing peace of mind to homeowners and business owners alike. With SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck by your side, you can trust that your property is in capable hands, even in the wake of a lightning strike.

Know Who to Call in New Kent After A Storm

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit New Kent, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 2,240 Franchises across the U.S. and Canada and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck a call for your restoration needs! Get in touch with us at 804-966-1400

Do you have a Storm Emergency Kit?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Every family should have a Storm Readiness Kit, and it's never too early to prepare your family and your home for hurricanes, severe weather, or natural disasters. Use this how-to guide from the professionals at SERVPRO® to help you prepare storm kits ranging from 48 hours to 1 week or more without electricity. Every family should have a storm readiness kit.

The Basic Kit: 48 hours

This storm kit will get your family through 48 hours without electricity and basic services and help you deal with storm- related emergencies.

Include all of these items in the basic kit:

  •  Plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a waterproof duffel bag. (This will hold your kit.)
  • General First-Aid Kit Bandages, antiseptic wipes, aspirin and non- aspirin pain relievers, gauze, small scissors, antacid, laxatives, anti-diarrhea medication. Many preassembled kits are available at Lowes.
  • Large tarp
  • Rope or tarp tie-downs
  • Flashlights One per family member is best, plus extra batteries.
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Extra propane for gas grill or other cooking device
  • Roll of plastic sheeting
  • Light sticks
  • Blankets One per family member. Sleeping bags are a good alternative.
  • Whistles One per family member, to help locate each other.
  • This Storm Guide, with important phone numbers filled in.
  • Important papers A copy of your insurance policies, health insurance cards, your IDs, government benefit eligibility documents, etc.
  • Cash Include small bills.
  • Adapter for car cigarette lighter to recharge cell phone
  • Map showing shelter locations
  • Personal items Toilet tissue, toothbrushes, toothpaste and denture needs, feminine hygiene items, paper towels, hand wipes. If you have a baby in the house, include a supply of diapers, wipes, formula, and any other special needs.
  • Paper and pencils
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Food Two days worth of packaged meats, fruit and vegetables, canned or bottled juice, energy/high- protein bars. Baby food and pet food, if necessary. Check dates and replace expired items every six months.
  • Have a three-day supply of water.
    • Allow one gallon per person per day. If you have been warned of severe weather and have sufficient time, fill sinks, tubs and buckets with water. This water can be used for hygiene and the water in your kit can be saved for consumption. Ceramic water filters or purification tablets, such as those used by campers, are also great for emergency water purification. Replace water supply every 12 months.
  • Prescription medications and other medical needs.

The Upgraded Kit: 3-4 days

If you’d like to feel more comfortable about your ability to survive a severe storm and you have the resources, consider an upgrade of the basic storm kit. The upgraded kit will help you through three to four days without electricity and other services.

Include all of the items in the basic kit plus add the following items:

  • Pliers or Multi-tool
  • Duct tape and scissors
  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Water jugs For additional drinking/hygiene water.
  • Wrench if needed to shut off water or gas
  • Blankets. At least one per family member.
  • Whistles
  • This Storm Guide, with important phone numbers filled in
  • Important papers
  • Cash
  • Adapter for car cigarette lighter to recharge cell phone
  • Map showing shelter locations
  • Personal items
  • Paper and pencils
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Food
  • Water
  • Prescription medications and other medical needs
  • Clothing
    • At least one complete change of clothes per family member. Remember to keep current with the temperature conditions.
  • Additional Toiletries
    • Shampoo, soap, razors, vitamins, contact lens supplies, sun block and insect repellent.
  • Rain gear. Enough for at least one family member.
  • Books and games. For children and adults.
  • Additional food. For two additional days.
  • Additional water. For two additional days.

The Ultimate Kit: 1 week or more

If you live in a remote area, care for an elderly or disabled family member or friend or if you simply want maximum preparedness, this is the kit for you. It will help you through one week without electricity and basic services, or through catastrophic conditions.

Include all items in both the basic and upgraded kits plus add the following:

  • Fire extinguisher
  • Paper cups, plates and plasticware
  • Dust masks. One per person.
  • Additional tarp and rope
  • Disinfectant (bleach)
  • Ceramic water filter or water purifying chemicals
  • Pillows, earplugs and eye covers that may help you sleep
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Portable air cleaner with HEPA filter
  • Signal flare

For more information and to print your storm guide please visit Make Your Own Storm Kits (DIY) | Family Handyman

It's never to early to be prepared. 

Do you have a Car Emergency Kit?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

We talk about preparing your homes and business for storms & emergencies but many people overlook being prepared in their vehicles too. Since some of us spend hours in our vehicle its important to always be prepared for any size emergency.

Here is a list of items you should have in your kits.

Survival Car Emergency Kit

  • First-Aid Kit
  • Water
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Blankets
  • Seat belt cutter & window breaker tools
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cell phone & charger
  • Duct tape

Road side Emergency Kit

  • Flashlight
  • Toolkit
  • Road flares or reflective triangles
  • Tow strap or tow rope
  • Antifreeze/coolant
  • Jumper cables
  • Tire gauge
  • Spare tire
  • Tire iron & jack
  • Aerosol tire sealant

Winter Car Emergency Kit

  • Non-clumping kitty litter
  • Ice scraper & snow brush
  • Foldable shovel
  • Hand warmers
  • Emergency blanket or blankets

Store your car DIY car emergency kit in an easy-to-grab duffel bag or plastic bin in your trunk or backseat floor, or a built-in toolbox, if you have one.

Food should be stored in a food-grade bucket or plastic dry cooler, which you can include inside your car or as a separate container with your car emergency kit. Be sure to check your kit every 6 months to update expired items.

SERVPRO Of New Kent, Williamsburg, & Northern Neck wants to make sure that you are prepared in case of a storm or emergency while on the road.

source: The Complete Car Emergency Kit List + [Printable] (utires.com)

Stay Up to Date in a Storm

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Wireless Emergency Alerts or WEAs are emergency messages sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners included local and state public safety agencies, FEMA, the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency with WEA, alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm's way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service WEA may share:

  • Extreme weather warnings
  • Local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action
  • AMBER Alerts
  • Presidential Alerts during a national emergency

A WEA will look like a text message on your mobile device. The WEA message will typical show the type and time of the alert, any action you should take, and the agency issuing the alert. The message will be no more than 90 characters.

In case of an emergency SERVPRO® is here. Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck a call at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002!

Williamsburg Storm Help

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is slowly approaching. It officially starts on June 1st through November 30th.  While Williamsburg often does not experience hurricanes directly, we feel the effects that it has, as the rain moves from the beach closer to our communities. The last direct hurricane that the area has had occurred more than 60 years ago. Hurricane Hazel arrive on October 15, 1954. The Category 4 hurricane began to travel from up the Atlantic coast after first hitting North and South Carolina. Tropical Storm Isabelle gave our area quite the impact in 2003.  

While these events may not seem entirely very common in our region it is still important to know who to call incase of an emergency occurring. Severe damage can come from the remnants from a hurricane, even if the "system" dissipates the impact can still be widespread. 

Experiencing any water or wind damage due to an unpredictable storm? Give SERVPRO® a call. SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neck at 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002!

Severe Weather in New Kent

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

  • 10,000 severe thunderstorms
  • 5,000 floods or flash floods
  • 1,000 tornadoes
  • 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. (These figures increase every year.) Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk.

The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action.

Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example.

Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire other to do the same.

Experiencing any damage due to wind or rain? Call SERVPRO®! SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg & Northern Neckat 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002.

Source: Newport News Storm Ready Community

What Should I Do if Lightning Strikes?

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

When a strong storm passes through our community it can catch us off guard.  After the storm has passed and when it is safe it is important to assess the property to determine if damage has occurred and get started with any potential cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO® is here to help with your Storm Damage Repair. Below is some helpful information about different types of storms that can bring on damage to your property and how you may be able to protect its value.

Lighting Storm Damage

Lighting can be so pretty to look at  from the comfort of your home but oh so dangerous at the same time, there are three common types of lightning: cloud to ground, cloud to cloud and cloud to air. Cloud to ground lightning is the most dangerous. The ground is mainly consisted of positively charged particles while the bottom of violent storm clouds have negative charged particles.

Winter Storm Damage

Winter Storms not only wreak havoc but also can cause the formation of Ice Dams. Ice dams are caused by heavy snowfall or ice build-up on your roof. These can go undetected and cause many problems, not the least of which is water damage in addition to structural deterioration and leaks. When water builds up in an ice dam, it backs up under shingles, leaks into a house, and causes major water damage to your property.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a problem for several different reasons. While not only creating an inconvenience - more seriously it can cause major damage to your home or business. If you see visible frost on the outside of your exposed pipes, detect slow or uneven water flow across your property, or feel your walls getting damp, it's critical that you act fast. Even if your pipes haven't entirely burst, it's a good idea to reach out to a restoration expert to prevent any further damage.

When Storms or Floods hit Williamsburg, SERVPRO® is ready!

6/24/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Williamsburg, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Give SERVPRO of New Kent, Williamsburg, and Northern Neck a call 804-966-1400 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002!