Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Flood Strikes!
1/17/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Westminster today!
Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is potential for suffering flood damage.
In fact, nearly 25% of last year's claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-risk communities. According to the NFIP, houses in the United State have a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, while businesses face similar risks by flooding. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:
- Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
- More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto-related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
- The principal causes of floods in the eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.
- The principal causes of floods in the western United States are snowmelt and rainstorms.
- Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood - especially at night when it's difficult to see.
Want to be better prepared for a storm? Ask your local SERVPRO of Westminster about setting your business up with an Emergency Response Profile.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
Mitigation and Restoration!
11/23/2021 (Permalink)
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Mitigation vs Restoration
SERVPRO of Westminster is known for its water damage services when storms or floods occur.
Flood Mitigation
During the process of flood mitigation, specialist look for areas of the property that can be salvaged and clean, instead of replacing absolutely everything. That way, it is more cost effective to restore your home after an incident.
Flood Restoration
Flood restoration occurs when water heavily damages areas of your property that need to be replaced for your safety and to prevent mold. Areas that can be replaced include insulation, carpet, tile, and furniture. SERVPRO of Westminster's professionals will ensure that anything that's damaged, will be replaced and dried to prevent mold from spreading throughout the property.
In many cases, both services may be required depending on the severity of the damage. SERVPRO of Westminster is always available to lend a hand during those times of need.
Managing Water Damage After Flood
11/23/2021 (Permalink)
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Managing Water Damage
SERVPRO of Westminster's trained technicians are certified and equipped with the tools to perform their services whenever disaster strikes.
The basic steps our technicians follow to restore your home are:
1. Arrive to the property and asses the damage
2. Remove standing water with equipment
3. Determine the extent of black water on building materials
4. Remove any contaminated drywall, insulation, and carpeting to prevent mold
5. Replace with necessary and clean materials
It is extremely important that any restoration company is notified of damage as soon as it occurs. This can help homeowners salvage as many items before they are further contaminated by water. Items such as furniture and personal belongings may need to be replaced depending on the severity of the situation.
If you are in need of SERVPRO of Westminster's services, don't hesitate to call!
Water Extraction!
7/12/2021 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Westminster today for our water damage services!
Water Extraction!
Preventing disasters in your home or business is important. But here at SERVPRO of Westminster, we understand that disaster can strike at any time. We've had businesses call in need of help when their place has been flooded by two feet of water.
We're ready for whatever happens. SERVPRO of Westminster is the best water mitigation company in town with the fastest response time!
At SERVPRO of Westminster, we stay committed to helping our clients achieve the best results on every restorative drying project. We have the knowledge and resources to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Extraction is often said to be 1,000 times more effective at removing water than just dehumidification and evaporation. We always have the best plan of action for the right situation here at SERVPRO of Westminster!
When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of Westminster is ready!
7/7/2021 (Permalink)
Call us today!!
SERVPRO of Westminster 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. You can trust in SERVPRO of Westminster.
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 Westminster, 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.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
When flood waters rise...
7/7/2021 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO today for our flood and storm services!
...so do we here at SERVPRO of Westminster.
Be Prepared:
Tips from FEMA for preparing your Westminster home or business for a flood.
Before the Flood:
- Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electrical panel if susceptible to flooding.
- Installing "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
- Seal walls in basement with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.
During the Flood:
- Turn off utilities at the main switches of valves if instructed to do so.
- Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
- Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
After the Flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
What is Sewer Backup?
7/2/2021 (Permalink)
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What is Sewer Backup?
Sewer backup is what happens when water comes up or is pushed into your home through the pipes from sewer or drainage systems. Typically, this type of water is unsanitary since it involves dirty water from the sewers. Not only can this water ruin personal property, but it can also impact your help.
Potential Sources of Sewage Backup
It is possible that the cities main can get blocked, causing water to back up in your home. Backup can also occur when sewer systems need repairs. In addition, older pipes can cause a backup. At times, tree roots can find their way into pipes and cause blockages.
SERVPRO of Westminster
Our team has the manpower and equipment to clean up sewage backup. Our technicians are trained equipped whenever disaster strikes. You can count on SERVPRO of Westminster to get the job done right!
Flooded Streets
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
Storm damage or flood? Call SERVPRO of Westminster today!
Staying safe from floods and storms
Floods can be unexpected but not impossible. During the rainy season, it can be very dangerous when you cannot tell how deep the water is.
As a driver, steering clear of a flood is important when it's unknown how deep the water is. This can avoid being trapped and carried away by the flood. Navigation of a vehicle can be difficult and difficult once the car floats. This can be especially dangerous if the vehicle is smaller with a lighter weight and other cars on the road.
Not only are flood hazardous when driving, but they can be hazardous to your home. Ensuring that trees around your home are cut can prevent damage to your home.
When accidents and hazards occur, you can count on SERVPRO of Westminster to have your back. Our skilled technicians are trained to handle your home with care.
The importance of learning about hurricanes
9/3/2020 (Permalink)
If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your property are to make preparations well in advance. Here are a few things you can do.
Make an emergency plan. Review your community’s evacuation routes. Discuss where you’ll meet your family, how to get to a safe place, and how you’ll get in touch if you’re separated.
Include your pet in your plans. Make sure your pet has been microchipped or has ID tags with a current phone number. Track down a pet-friendly hotel or emergency shelter and keep a sturdy carrier on hand so you can bring your pet with you.
Stock up on supplies. Put together a kit to keep in your car. It should contain enough nonperishable food and water for several days, along with flashlights (and batteries), a first-aid kit, and a weather radio.
Do a home inventory. Make a list of your household items and their estimated value. Store the list and your insurance policy in a safe place either online or somewhere outside your home.
Fortify your home against wind damage. Install building code-approved hurricane shutters or plywood window covers. Reinforce door hinges, screws, and seals.
Secure your outdoor property. Loose items in your yard can be swept up by high winds and cause damage. Make sure trash cans, grills, swing sets, and patio furniture are stored indoors or tied down.
And of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure your insurance is up to date and up to snuff.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
SERVPRO of Westminster
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
We have the man power and equipment to get the job done right the first time!
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your 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 business.
- A no cost assessment of your facility.
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
- Call SERVPRO of Westminster Today to set up your courtesy Emergency Ready Profile 714.248.9261
Storm Damage
9/17/2019 (Permalink)
Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Westminster Professionals have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (714) 248-9261
SERVPRO of Westminster Professionals
Why Choose a SERVPRO of Westminster Professional?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO of Westminster Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
Our Crew is Highly Trained Water Damage Specialists
They specialize in water and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO of Westminster Professionals have extensive water damage restoration training that enables them to get you back to normal.
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
- Applied Structural Drying Technicians
Regardless of the Storm Damage, WE Can Help
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 of Westminster Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.
- Flooding caused by heavy rains
- Hurricanes and tidal surges
- Tornadoes and wind damage
- Ice and snowstorms
- Wild fires
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
9/17/2019 (Permalink)
The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage
As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.
By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your 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 business.
- A no cost assessment of your facility.
This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
- A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
- Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."
- Call SERVPRO of Westminster Today to set up your courtesy Emergency Ready Profile 714.248.9261
What you should know about Hurricanes.
9/3/2019 (Permalink)
If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your property is to make preparations well in advance. Here are a few things you can do.
Make an emergency plan. Review your community’s evacuation routes. Discuss where you’ll meet your family, how to get to a safe place, and how you’ll get in touch if you’re separated.
Include your pet in your plans. Make sure your pet has been microchipped or has ID tags with a current phone number. Track down a pet-friendly hotel or emergency shelter and keep a sturdy carrier on hand so you can bring your pet with you.
Stock up on supplies. Put together a kit to keep in your car. It should contain enough nonperishable food and water for several days, along with flashlights (and batteries), a first-aid kit, and a weather radio.
Do a home inventory. Make a list of your household items and their estimated value. Store the list and your insurance policy in a safe place either online or somewhere outside your home.
Fortify your home against wind damage. Install building code-approved hurricane shutters or plywood window covers. Reinforce door hinges, screws, and seals.
Secure your outdoor property. Loose items in your yard can be swept up by high winds and cause damage. Make sure trash cans, grills, swing sets, and patio furniture are stored indoors or tied down.
And of course, it’s always a good idea to make sure your insurance is up to date and up to snuff.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
Storm/Floods Damage...? SERVPRO Is Ready!
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
Flood after hurricane Florence in North Carolina.
SERVPRO of Westminster 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 Westminster, 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 [[Click to your disaster recovery page]] that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
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Flood due to the Storm?
7/17/2019 (Permalink)
Be Prepared:
Tips from FEMA for preparing your Westminster home or business for a flood.
Before the Flood:
- Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electrical panel if susceptible to flooding.
- Installing "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
- Seal walls in basement with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.
During the Flood:
- Turn off utilities at the main switches of valves if instructed to do so.
- Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
- Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
After the Flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
How To Prepare for a Storm
7/8/2019 (Permalink)
Image by the National Weather Service
Whether it's a little bit of rain or a monstrous hurricane, you should always be prepared for a storm.
Here are three major tips to prepare for a storm!
Tip #1: Know your evacuation routes
Knowing your city or towns evacuation route allows you to know which route is the fastest and safest to evacuate
Tip #2: Set Up A Safety Room
Incase you couldn't evacuate in time, having a safety room is a smart idea. Your safety room should consist of canned/ non perishable food (at least for a week), clean water, flashlights, blankets, towels, etc.
Tip #3: Have A Safety Kit
Your safety kit should consist of similar stuff that should be in your safety room. There should be at least one safety kit per person in the household. They should include supplies such as:
- Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
- Flashlight
- Duct tape
- Wrench or pliers
- Sufficent amount of food (at least 3-4 days)
- An extra pair of clothes
It Doesn't Cost to be Prepared
9/6/2018 (Permalink)
FEMA.gov
It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and manmade, can you afford not to be prepared? Preparedness doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. September is National Preparedness Month, and we are asking you to help your family and friends prepare for whatever may come. Here are a few tips* on how you can protect those that matter to you without spending a fortune.
• Make a Plan. Work with you family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
• Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
• Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes – renters, too! When a disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
• Make a Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don’t forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample Ready Lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/familysupply-list
• Plan Your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don’t buy preparedness items just before a storm when they’re expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
• Shop Sales. Shop at sales and used goods stores. Buy preparedness items throughout the year, instead of all at once, and you won’t notice the cost as much.
• Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. You don’t need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight
• Request a Gift. We all get things we don’t need. Suggest preparedness supplies as gifts from your friends and family. It just might save your life.
• Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your Ready kit.
• *The best tip: start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be Ready!
- Call Us Today to set up your courtesy Emergency Ready Profile 714.248.9261
Wind & Storm Damage in Westminster
7/13/2018 (Permalink)
24/7 Emergency Services available. Locally owned and operated company with National Storm Resources. Strong winds, unexpected severe storms, flooding, and damaging hail can bring unprecedented damage to your property even if you’re insured and think you have prepared before the storm hits. SERVPRO of Westminster has the experience and staff to help you recover from wind and storm damage.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
Whether it’s a flooding issue, fallen trees, roof damage, or hail damage from severe thunderstorms, SERVPRO of Westminster will assist and restore the damage dealt to your property. Both residential and commercial properties.
- Board up & tarping services
- Water extraction
- Debris cleanup
Have Storm or Flood Damage with your home or business? Call Us Today 714.248.9261
24/7 Emergency Service
