Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Tips for Homeowners: Preparing for Storm Season in Muskogee
8/2/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah employee in action, expertly restoring a facility, making it "Like it never even happened".
As storm season approaches, it’s crucial for homeowners in Muskogee and surrounding areas to be prepared for potential weather-related emergencies. At SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah, we specialize in storm damage restoration and are committed to helping our community stay safe and protected.
Here are some essential tips to prepare your home for storm season:
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters: Ensure your roof is in good condition and free of loose or damaged shingles. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water from backing up and causing damage.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches can cause significant damage during a storm. Trim trees and shrubs away from your home and power lines to minimize the risk.
Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and tools that could become projectiles in high winds.
Check Your Sump Pump: Ensure your sump pump is working correctly and consider installing a battery backup in case of power outages.
Create an Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and necessary medications.
Review Your Insurance Policy: Confirm that your homeowner’s insurance policy covers storm damage and understand the steps for filing a claim.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 888-601-5526
At SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah, we provide 24/7 emergency storm damage restoration services. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to handle any storm-related damage, ensuring your home is restored quickly and efficiently.
Why Choose SERVPRO?
- We are a preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.
- We bill the insurance directly, so you have one less thing to worry about.
- Our technicians are highly trained in storm damage restoration techniques.
- We use advanced inspection and extraction equipment.
By following these tips and preparing in advance, you can protect your home and loved ones during storm season. If disaster strikes, remember that SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah is here to help you recover and restore your property, making it "Like it never even happened."
For more tips and updates, visit our website or follow us on Facebook. Stay safe this storm season!
Don't Let Heavy Rains Cause Sewer Backup
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
When there are heavy rains, an abundance of water and debris end up in municipal sanitary sewers, which can overload the sewer system. When there is more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home's sewer line and subsequently overflow into your basement. This is extremely common in our area.
Growing tree roots may pose another danger to your sewer line after storms. Tree roots may grow quickly over the summer months due to the increase in rain. Tree roots can pierce the pipes as they search for nutrients found in sewage. Within the system, roots continue to grow and may cause broken or blocked pipes.
Signs of a Clogged Sewer Pipe
- Slow drainage in toilets, showers, or sinks
- Bubbling noise as you flush toilets or shower/sink drains
- Another drain backs up when you flush toilets
- The smell of sewage (rotten eggs or sulfur)
- Lush, green spots in your yard above the septic tank or broken pipes
Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that can cause serious illness. SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah has the specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
How a Tornado Forms
4/18/2022 (Permalink)
There’s no denying that tornadoes are a destructive force; but how does something that destructive form? The UCAR Center for Science Education has a good explanation for what causes tornadoes to occur. We hope that knowing how these funnels of terror form might help in some way.
The first thing to note is that a tornado won’t form unless the circumstances are just right. As noted in the post on the UCAR site, “Air rising in thunderstorms can begin to spin when it's affected by winds blowing it in different directions. It starts to rise and is pushed to the side by wind. It rises a bit more and is jostled again by wind moving in another direction. Winds moving in different speeds and directions at different altitudes cause the rising air to start spinning.” They go on to say that this is most likely to happen in massive storms called supercells. However, it is important to note that not every instance of spinning air like this will result in a tornado. It is just that if there is a tornado, these are the factors that most likely will be the cause.
It is also important to note that spinning air near the ground is also necessary for a tornado to form. What that means is that Gusts of warmer and cooler air rise and fall as they blow. The right amount of air like this is what causes air near the ground to spin. If this continues the air will pick up speed as it is drawn inward. This is the air that will begin to move across the area it is in and can be tilted vertically. When that happens, that is when the gusts can be considered a tornado.
While this is a lot of information and some of it may seem scary, it’s important to know that not all thunderstorms will produce tornadoes. If a tornado does occur, just remember to follow any safety plan you have in place and stay calm!
Flood Insurance Basics
2/9/2022 (Permalink)
Flooding of your home or business can be a major headache. However, preparing with flood insurance coverage may help pay for repairs to the building and replacement equipment.
What Is Considered Flooding?
For insurance purposes, the definition of flooding differs from the general meaning. To be classified as a flood, the water must affect at least two acres of land or two separate properties. Additionally, the water must come from one of the following sources:
- Mudflow
- Overflowing rivers, lakes or other bodies of water
- Accelerated accumulation of surface waters, such as excessive rainfall
If your property is damaged by flooding, you will need separate flood insurance to cover the damage. Typical commercial insurance won’t cover it.
What Does a Flood Policy Cover?
Every policy is unique, but a flood policy will generally cover damage to both the structure and its contents. Make sure the limits of your policy are high enough to replace your items. Most flood policies will not cover other expenses such as loss of use and income interruption. You can purchase excess flood coverage to insure your business beyond the limits of a standard policy. This will increase your limits and may include income interruption, temporary relocation expenses and other costs related to the flood damage.
How Do I File a Claim?
The procedure for filing a claim varies with each company. In general, these are the steps to get the process underway:
Before any damage occurs, make an inventory that lists all contents and the purchase prices.
After a flood, document the damage. Make sure to take detailed photographic or video evidence.
Contact your agent and let them know about the damage. They will arrange for an adjuster to come out.
You may wish to begin cleaning up the water before the adjuster arrives. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours.
Dealing with a flood event at your business can cause a great deal of stress and tension. Adequate flood insurance and qualified restoration services can decrease anxiety and help you get your business back to normal quickly and safely.
Getting Rid of Mold After a Flood
2/7/2022 (Permalink)
Keep Your Home Safe From Mold
When a storm hits flooding in your home could cause some serious issues. While the water alone is a problem, mold growth can create further difficulties that may remain or return if not properly handled. Untreated water damage can be a growing source for the fungus, and musty smells can be an indication of mold already growing inside your house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your home safe from mold.
1. Act quickly. Within just a couple of days, mold growth can spread across your house. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It is distributed as small spores too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, so it can grow even where you may not see it. It’s important to work as quickly as you can to ensure the cleanup of water damage to prevent this.
2. If you find mold, avoid direct contact with it. Disturbing the mold yourself may cause further problems if you do not have the proper equipment and training. Touching it and attempting to dry it can cause it to release more spores into the air.
3. Get rid of all of the mold. What mold you may be able to find is likely only a small amount of the entire infestation, so trying to handle it all by yourself can make matters worse. Professionals with proper training and equipment should be able to safely locate all of the mold, even if it’s deep beneath layers of drywall.
4. Make sure it doesn’t come back. Mold removal is only half of the job, as this involves getting rid of the mold that has already grown. However, mold spores are almost everywhere and cannot be seen. This is when mold remediation is important. This ensures that mold doesn’t grow again from other sources of water or high humidity.
While flooding can be a harmful problem there are ways to ensure that mold growth doesn’t persist after the flood. If you are careful in handling the problem, you can ensure that you continue living in a mold-free home for many years to come.
Give us a call, we are HERE TO HELP 918-913-4490
Getting Rid of Mold After a Flood
2/2/2022 (Permalink)
Keep Your Home Safe From Mold
When a storm hits, flooding in your home could cause some serious issues. While the water alone is a problem, mold growth can create further difficulties that may remain or return if not properly handled. Untreated water damage can be a growing source for the fungus, and musty smells can be an indication of mold already growing inside your house. Here are some steps you can take to keep your home safe from mold.
1. Act quickly. Within just a couple of days, mold growth can spread across your house. Mold is present nearly everywhere. It is distributed as small spores too tiny to be seen by the naked eye, so it can grow even where you may not see it. It’s important to work as quickly as you can to ensure the cleanup of water damage to prevent this.
2. If you find mold, avoid direct contact with it. Disturbing the mold yourself may cause further problems if you do not have the proper equipment and training. Touching it and attempting to dry it can cause it to release more spores into the air.
3. Get rid of all of the mold. What mold you may be able to find is likely only a small amount of the entire infestation, so trying to handle it all by yourself can make matters worse. Professionals with proper training and equipment should be able to safely locate all of the mold, even if it’s deep beneath layers of drywall.
4. Make sure it doesn’t come back. Mold removal is only half of the job, as this involves getting rid of the mold that has already grown. However, mold spores are almost everywhere and cannot be seen. This is when mold remediation is important. This ensures that mold doesn’t grow again from other sources of water or high humidity.
While flooding can be a harmful problem in Barefoot Beach, FL, there are ways to ensure that mold growth doesn’t persist after the flood. If you are careful in handling the problem, you can ensure that you continue living in a mold-free home for many years to come.
Cleaning Up Your Contents After a Flood
1/6/2022 (Permalink)
Cleaning After Water Damage
The water inside your property can be a headache, and cleaning up can be an even bigger one. Where do you start? Whether you haven’t found the right water remediation company or prefer to handle content cleaning yourself, here are some key ways to effectively clean after water damage.
Gather Supplies
There are a few items you will want to gather and keep handy as soon as you get started. These include:
- Rubber gloves
- Mops
- Sponges and cleaner
- Buckets
Get Rid of the Water
Whether your property has had an inch of water or several feet, it can be a breeding ground for mold, which can ruin personal items as well as property. This makes early water removal and content cleaning vital.
Flood water is considered black water, so it’s best to have professionals remove this. If you can’t wait, the old-fashioned way of water removal works. Once you’ve turned off all electricity to the area, use buckets, mops, and towels to soak up as much water as possible.
Dry Things Out
Once you’ve gotten everything initially dry, use a dehumidifier and fan to remove whatever moisture remains. Opening windows can also help you dry the area out quickly before mold or insects take hold.
Disinfect Your Items
When everything’s dried, use a disinfectant to remove any bacteria that the water may have carried inside. Wipe down walls, wood and non-upholstered furniture. Prevent mold growth by applying antimicrobials.
Dispose of Damaged Goods
Non-porous materials can be saved but porous materials may have to be thrown away. These can include electronics, paper and other delicate items. Organize those items into piles and take them to recycling centers when possible.
Flood content cleaning can be hard work, but it’s necessary. Use these tips to get your space back to normal, or better yet, call a remediation company to make things like new.
4 Tips for Maintaining a Commercial Roof
7/14/2021 (Permalink)
Maintaining a Commercial Roof
A roof is something that can easily be overlooked, but your property relies on it to keep everything underneath it safe and dry. Once roof damage happens, it may mean more than needing a roof rebuild. Missing shingles, damaged membranes and other issues lead to issues that may require the services of a water damage and restoration professional. Although the unexpected can happen, the following four tips make it easier for your roof to weather the storms.
1. Preventive Maintenance
The top way to avoid roof damage is to stay on top of maintenance. Business owners should regularly check for any leaks, standing water and blocked drains. These often lead to other issues. Any signs of missing pieces indicate there may be hidden trouble lurking.
2. Regular Inspections
Along with visibly checking the roof, it should be professionally inspected annually. A professional will have the expertise to look for other issues, such as weak spots, sagging and structural issues. Scheduling this inspection may mean the difference between an inexpensive repair and a costly new roof.
3. Keep It Clean
Especially after a storm, it is important to check for wind damage and ensure the roof is clean of leaves and branches. Along with potentially clogging a drain, debris piling up invites the growth of algae. If that happens, it can start to deteriorate the roof faster. It may also lead to mold growth.
4. Inspect Roof Equipment
Most commercial properties have some time of equipment on the roof. Whether an HVAC unit, ventilation or skylights, these items should be regularly checked to ensure they are functioning properly. If any damage is discovered, repairs should be immediately made to avoid a leak.
Although Mother Nature may eventually lead to some kind of roof damage, staying on top of maintenance and inspections increases the chances of the roof lasting longer.
Consider These 3 Tips When Dealing With a Canceled Flight
4/13/2021 (Permalink)
A flight cancellation is an unexpected event.
Storm Tips
Severe thunderstorms can severely disrupt any planned air transportation. A canceled flight can delay your plans and make you uncertain over what to do next. You will need to prepare for potential incidents like these to ensure you can resume your schedule safely. The following storm tips can help you go through tough situations like these.
1. Stay Safe and Calm
A flight cancellation is an unexpected event that can be either a minor inconvenience or a major plan wrecker. No matter what, you will need to stay calm throughout it. You can make sound decisions with a clear head. Understand that the cancellation will protect multiple lives, including yours. If the event is taking place do not stress about property damage. A call to storm damage restoration can resolve any issues once you return safely.
2. Call the Airline Immediately
One of the first actions you should take after a canceled flight is calling the airline. While it seems tempting to get in line and rebook the flight in person, the airline's phone service is a faster, more convenient solution. This tactic also helps gate agents who may be overwhelmed with several travelers. Gather your previous flight's information, preferably with a specialized smartphone app, and call the company to reschedule easily and without the wait time.
3. Ask for Reimbursements
Depending on the situation, you might entitled to some reimbursements. Investigate the airline's policy. If your flight was bumped without your consent, you should receive some reimbursement. Meanwhile, a traditional delay or cancellation will have different reimbursements depending on the company's rules. Some will refund you for rescheduling, but if your delay is significantly long, they can help you get meals and a hotel stay.
While a canceled flight can seriously affect your agenda, remember that this is done to keep you and others safe. These tips can help you make the best out of an unfortunate situation and recover as soon as the storm clears.
What You Need to Know About Flood Insurance
2/19/2021 (Permalink)
Read On To Learn More About Flood Insurance
The recent spike in hurricanes had made business owners aware of the dangers of flooding. However, it doesn't take a hurricane to flood your home. Many natural disasters can cause flooding. When this happens, you have to pay storm restoration professionals to fix the damage. This makes many business owners wonder if they need commercial insurance that covers flooding. The answer to this is yes. While it may not reduce your risk for flooding, having this insurance can prevent a financial crisis.
What to Know?
In recent years the number of businesses with commercial insurance policies that cover flooding has declined. In fact, flood insurance has become rare. This is shocking, especially since no one is safe from flooding. Here are some facts about flooding you should know:
- One inch of standing water can cause thousands of dollars in damage.
- Flash floods can raise water to twenty feet.
- Six inches of moving water can carry away an adult.
- Water moving at 10 mph can do more damage than hurricane-force winds.
- Flooding can occur outside of flood plains.
- If your business floods, you could wind up with damage costing more than your building's value.
- Flood insurance is required for businesses in high-risk areas.
Are You at Risk for a Flood?
Many people mistake low-risk areas as meaning flood-proof. But flood maps are fluid, and the zone can change, your low-risk zone could become a high-risk area. Fortunately, it is easy to find out what your current zone is. All you have to do is look at the FEMA flood maps, which are updated annually. These are the same maps commercial insurance companies look at when determining the costs for policies that cover flood damage.
As many people have seen, you don't have to be in a flood zone to face flooding. Fortunately, having a flood policy in place can give your business the boost it needs to survive a disaster.
How To Avoid Frozen Pipes
2/8/2021 (Permalink)
One of the best ways to protect your pipes is to add insulation around exposed pipes
Heavy rain isn’t the only source of storm damage; frigid winter storms can also lead to flooding and other serious water damage. For example, if the plumbing throughout your property isn't insulated, installed, or maintained properly, you could end up with a burst pipe.
Which Pipes Are Most Likely To Freeze?
Your sprinkler lines, supply lines to swimming pools, or outdoor hose bibs
Exposed lines in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces and attics
Pipes installed against exterior walls, especially without insulation
Plumbing lines in uninsulated kitchen and bathroom cabinets
When temperatures drop and water freezes, the developing ice expands and puts added pressure on pipes. Even very strong pipes will crack or burst under the pressure as standing water expands while freezing.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
One of the best ways to protect your pipes is to add insulation around exposed pipes. Be sure to check inside cabinets, along exterior walls, in the garage, and in the basement. If you don't know where the pipes run, it's best to hire a plumber to help. After the construction of your building is complete, it can be hard to track down the original plans, and there's no guarantee that the contractor followed the plans precisely. A plumber, however, can usually let you know within an hour or two where the pipes are located.
Drain Water Before Temperatures Drop
The next step in protecting against a burst pipe is draining water from all of the pipes that aren't used during the winter, such as swimming pool supply lines and the sprinkling system. After draining hoses, wrap them up and store them until warmer weather. Don't put antifreeze into any of your water supply lines; it is very dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment.
Catch Damage Early
If you see condensation around your windows, on the walls, or on interior pipes, contact a water damage mitigation and repair team as quickly as possible. You may avoid serious damages if you catch a developing crack or minor leak before it becomes a burst pipe. If you do need to deal with a frozen pipe, SERVPRO professionals work quickly to keep damage under control.
6 Places You Can Get Assistance After a Disaster
2/4/2021 (Permalink)
FEMA offers government assistance
If your home and personal belongings are damaged by a disaster and aren't covered by your insurance policy, many organizations can help. Many organizations offer assistance for any recovery task from FEMA to the SBA, including temporary housing and hiring remediation professionals.
1. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA is one of the best-known relief organizations in the United States. If you have experienced a flood, storm, or another disaster, this organization can offer several relief options.
2. The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program
Like FEMA, DAIP offers government assistance. It is slightly different because it can help people meet their unique needs instead of lumping them into different relief categories. For instance, it can offer you money for buying food, temporary housing, and restoring your home. It can also help you find funds to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and legal fees.
3. The Internal Revenue Service
The IRS offers tax relief to people impacted by qualifying disasters. For instance, they could allow you to deduct disaster-related expenses or have an extension on your filing period. Talk to a representative or your accountant to see what specific relief you could qualify for.
4. The Department of Labor
The DOL offers unemployment benefits to anyone who has had their employment or business interrupted due to a disaster. This is extremely helpful if you own your own business, worked as a contracted employee, or lost your job.
5. The Small Business Administration
The SBA has helped many people, start and grow their small businesses. To add to its support of small business owners, the SBA offers low-interest and long-term loans for people who have been impacted by a disaster.
6. The American Red Cross
The Red Cross offers a long list of assistance after a disaster. They can contact your loved ones for you, evaluate your home's structural integrity, provide counseling, and offer financial assistance.
If you have suffered from flooding or another type of disaster, you know how difficult the situation can be. Use this list to find assistance to help you get through this time.
Protect Your Home Against Flood Damage
12/10/2020 (Permalink)
Clean your downspouts and gutters
Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your Bradley County home. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Down-spouts that aren’t clean and checked to ensure the water is running off properly and is running away from your house can cause damage to walls and even your foundation. At SERVPRO, we have seen this issue from many customers. Clean those gutters and spouts!
Switch off the mains
If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the main. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you! If you have a drip system or sprinkler system, it may make sense to ask a neighbor, house sitter or your landscaper to turn these on and off manually. There are some systems you can control from your phone to water your landscaping too!
Keep your garden in check
While we’re on the topic of landscaping, trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and avoid planting large plants near piping if at all possible.
Take care of those small leaks immediately
Found a little leak? It may seem like a harmless drip, but a small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.
Check the appliances
Most people think toilets are the cause of most home floods but don’t forget about your appliances! Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.
Flood damage in our homes is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture.
Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over. If you experience flooding in your home, call the water damage experts at SERVPRO to get the help you need.
How Can I Restore my Belongings After Flood Damage?
12/8/2020 (Permalink)
As we're entering the season of thunderstorms and floods, it is important to know what to know if your home is flooded. You can read more about our storm damage restoration services, but I want to focus specifically on restoring books, photos, and electronics that have been damaged by water. As flood damage restoration experts, it is our job to determine which of your belongings are important to you and do everything we can to help restore those items for you.
Whether you have a library full of damaged books or documents that you'd like to save, or you have a highly advanced electronic household, our professionally trained staff will go above and beyond to assist with recovering your meaningful items.
It is necessary to understand that water-damaged books and documents are not fully recoverable; meaning they cannot receive pre-damage condition restoration, because some damage will always exist. However, the faster we get started on restoring the items, the better each book or item will look after restoration.
SERVPRO technicians have access to use five different methods for drying your water-damaged paper products. The method used to restore your items depends on the items value, type of exposure, extent of harm, time of exposure, and how much money you are willing to pay.
Drying your documents relies on a sublimation process, which consists of changing a solid into a vapor without taking on a liquid state first. Air-drying, Dehumidification, Freezer drying, Vacuum Freeze-drying, and Vacuum Thermal-drying are all methods that we can use to limit the damage to your paper items
Freezer storage facilities give us the ability to store wet paper products, and we have one very close to home- at SERVPRO corporate! Once we receive your items, we can immediately transport them to corporate where specialists will carefully handle your personal items.
SERVPRO maintains a log of which items get moved into storage and where they are within the facility so that we can return to them after the restorations are complete. As with all of our services, our IICRC certified technicians thoroughly explain the situation and seek feedback from you on how you would like to move forward.
SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage
12/7/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Restores a Property After Water and Storm Damage
Despite everyone's best efforts, storm damage can happen. Removing the flood water isn't the end; cleanup is just getting started. On top of the flooring and walls, every bit of furniture, clothing and other items exposed to the storm will have to dried, cleaned, deodorized and probably even sanitized.
SERVPRO utilizes a variety of cleaning equipment and chemicals to return your carpets and floors to a usable state. Depending on the size, material, and color-fastness, the options range from simple spray and wiping to immersion cleaning.
Storm damage can leave odors as well as a damp carpet. We use industrial grade air scrubbers and specialized fogging equipment to remove the musty smell and rather than just covering it up. While removing the odor is important, getting rid of the mold which causes it is even more so. The application of a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is necessary. Our personnel are trained to use the product that will not only restore your property but do so in a manner that is safe for your family and employees as well as the environment.
Once the mold has been remediated, each item should be either disinfected or sanitized depending on its function. Kitchen, breakroom, and bathroom equipment must be sanitized to ensure the health of anyone who may use them. Standard office spaces such as conference rooms would not need that level of cleaning unless the contaminated floodwaters wetted the flooring and walls. Our IICRC certified technicians can be relied upon to provided the highest level of professionalism and courtesy.
SERVPRO does its best to help you restore your home or business to its pre-storm damage condition as quickly as possible. As a locally owned franchise, we value our customers as neighbors and not just a job to be completed. If you want to schedule an inspection or believe you may need our restoration services, please call us today!
Recovering From a Tornado
12/6/2020 (Permalink)
Tornadoes are a terrifying, often devastating, weather event. They can turn houses into dust, and flip lives upside down. Living through a tornado can be traumatizing, and sometimes the aftermath is just as bad. Parts of your home may be destroyed, and the idea of fixing it can be overwhelming. Recovering from a tornado could be a huge task, depending on how bad the damage was. However, there are steps to take toward recovery and people ready to help along the way. There are steps that should be taken right after the storm passes, and other steps to take down the road when it is time for repairs and cleaning.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
The first step is to stay in your safe place until the storm has completely passed. If you are able, try and wait until you get the all clear from local officials. After the storm, check yourself and those with you for any injuries. If someone is hurt, the next step is seeking out first aid. After everyone has been checked and is okay, you should see how bad the damage to your house is. Make sure to watch out for anything that is unstable and likely to fall. If you go outside, look out for any downed power lines. They can be life threatening, so if you see downed power lines stay inside.
Protect Your Property
After you make sure yourself and your loved ones are protected, start protecting your property. You can make temporary repairs in order to prevent further damage. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost, so make sure to keep receipts just in case. In addition to temporary repairs, living expenses may also be reimbursable. If your house is damaged to the point of you having to stay in a hotel, keep the receipts. Your policy may pay you back for the cost of it. Make sure to make a list of anything that was damaged, and don’t throw out damaged belongings. An adjuster will need to assess them for value if your policy covers replacing them. You should also inspect all utility lines and appliances. Any damage could lead to a gas leak or electric shortage. Damaged electric wires may also cause a fire. You may even have to turn off the main valve in order to prevent more harm to your house. Once these steps have been taken, contact your insurance company. From there, they can work with you to see what your policy covers. Most of the time, they will hire services to come out and repair damages.
Clean Up and Repair
SERVPRO has highly trained storm damage specialists, and your insurance company may choose to work with them. We have an incredibly fast response time when it comes to disasters. We have equipment and personnel ranging across 1,700 franchises. Our experience and training will allow us to restore your property quickly and efficiently. In addition, we will document the entire process. Please give us a call if you are in need of assistance.
Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms Before it's Too Late!
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
It's that time of the year again, time to prepare ourselves and homes for the brutal cold of winter storms. It is not something anyone looks forward to but it is best to be prepared.
Follow these tips recommended by www.ready.gov/winter-weather to prepare yourself and your home for winter.
Before Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
- Make a family communication plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Make an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
- Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
Prepare You Home
- Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
- Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
- If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
- Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
- Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats
- Fireplace or wood-burning stove with plenty of dry firewood, or a gas log fireplace
- Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure.
- Plan to bring pets inside.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it in case you lose power.
Follow these recommended tips and you will be prepared for those cold winters days.
12 Things to Do During a Power Outage
7/23/2020 (Permalink)
Surprisingly, power outages are even getting worse in the USA. According to Inside Energy, the annual average of power outages doubles every five years! The reason for this has to do with aging infrastructure, more frequent storms, and problems sustaining the electric grid as populations grow.
Despite how common power outages are, few people are prepared for them and even fewer people know what to do if the power goes out.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Power Goes Out
Step 1: Turn On Your Emergency Lights
Make sure your emergency lights are somewhere accessible in case you have to find them in the dark. Ideally, keep a flashlight in each room of your home.
In general, it is better to use battery-operated lights instead of candles because of the fire risk.
Step 2: See If Your Neighbors Have Power
If your neighbors still have electricity, then the problem is likely inside your home. Start by checking the main fuses or circuit breakers to see if they have blown.
Step 3: Check the Extent of the Problem
If your neighbors also don’t have electricity, you’ll want to see how wide-spread the problem is. You can do this by calling your power supplier. It might take a while to get through to them if a lot of people are trying to call.
You can also try calling friends who live nearby to see if they have power or not.
Step 4: Contact Family Members
During large power outages, stoplights and streetlights can go out too – making it unsafe to drive.
If your family members aren’t at home, get in contact with them. It might be best for them to remain at their current location until it is safer for them to come home.
Note that your family should have a contact plan in place.
Step 5: Unplug Appliances
When the power comes back on, it can cause a huge power spike which may damage electronics.
Hopefully all of your sensitive electronics are on surge protectors.
Even if they are, it is still smart to unplug all of your sensitive (expensive) electronics from the wall so they don’t get damaged when the power comes back on.
Step 6: See if Water is Safe to Drink
When the power goes out, water treatment centers might not work. You could still have clean-looking water coming from the tap, but it might not be safe to drink!
Call your local authorities to see if the water is safe to drink. Or, you can listen to your emergency radio to see if there is a “boil alert” in place.
**If you are unsure whether the water is safe to drink, always play it safe! Treat water before drinking it or use bottled water.
Step 7: Keep Fridge and Freezer Closed
According to Ready.gov, food kept in an unopened refrigerator will stay cold for about 4 hours.
A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. You can learn more about this on their food safety page.
Step 8: Save Your Phone’s Battery
Turn off any power-consuming apps on your phone to save its battery. Do this even if you have a solar charger because you might not always be able to charge it.
Step 9: Stay Cool (Summer Power Outages)
If the power outage occurs during a heat wave and you have health conditions, then you might need to evacuate your home to a cooler location, such as a shopping mall or church.
Step 10: Stay Warm (Winter Power Outages)
If the power outage occurs during winter, now is the time to start using your emergency heating method. A wood stove is my personal favorite off-grid heating method.
Be cautious about using generators, camp stoves, or grills for heating as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
You can get some passive solar heating during the daytime by keeping all curtains closed except those on south-facing windows. Close all drapes at night to trap some heat, and line windows and doorways with towels to prevent heat from escaping.
Step 11: Prevent Pipes from Freezing (Winter Power Outages)
Hopefully your pipes are well insulated so they don’t freeze. The easiest way to prevent pipes from freezing during power outages is to let a small stream of water flow through the faucets.
For long-term power outages during extreme weather, you’ll want to drain your hot water heater. You will also need to winterize the drainage system by putting antifreeze into the drain traps below toilets, sinks, washing machines, etc.
12. Stay Sane!
Play games, make shadow puppets, hang out with the neighbors in the dark… You might even enjoy the power outage and the digital detox it gives you!
https://www.primalsurvivor.net/steps-after-power-outage/
Hail Damage Repair After A Storm Damage
4/27/2020 (Permalink)
In a matter of hours, we can place emergency roof tarps and board ups on damaged properties. While it’s impossible to prevent hailstorm damage to our homes, you can still be prepared.
Hailstorm Preparedness
Before the Storm
- Do you know what your property insurance covers? Check out your policy and make sure you know your deductible. You want to be sure you can cover your deductible in case of an emergency. If you’re not sure about your hailstorm coverage, give your insurance company a call if you have any questions.
- Keep up with weather forecasts. Turn on your local news, download a free app from the Google Play Store, App store, or visit any national weather website.
- A storm watch means the conditions for a hailstorm are right, but no one is absolutely sure if one will really happen or not. Keep an eye on the forecast.
- A storm warning means a hailstorm is approaching and you need to take shelter.
- If you have items outdoors that you don’t want to get damaged, bring them inside or put a protective covering on them for the duration of the storm. This commonly includes glass outdoor furniture and vehicles.
Reducing Hail Damage
Being proactive is always the best way to prevent storm damage. If the forecast is calling for a possible hailstorm, take a look at your roof or call us for a roof inspection. Taking care of your roof’s problems may prevent serious damage from the storm, such as a badly damaged roof, water intrusion, and an indoor water damage.
Look out for:
- Damaged shingles.
- Missing shingles.
- Clogged water drains. If your drains are clogged and rain also falls with the storm, you are risking water buildup that could enter your home and cause a water damage
During the Hailstorm
These balls of ice can fall between 50 to 100 miles per hour. The velocity mixed with size is what will determine the amount of damage.
If a hailstorm is happening, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Bring all pets indoors immediately.
- Stay indoors! If a piece of hail can break through your roof, it can also hurt you!
- Keep away from skylights and glass objects that the hail is hitting.
- In case a window breaks, close your drapes and curtains. It won’t prevent damage, but it’ll help prevent the broken glass from spraying into your room.
After the Hailstorm
We are ready to respond to any home or business. For the safety of our technicians, we must wait for the storm to pass to begin emergency services. However, giving us a call while the storm is progressing will allow us to prepare and be ready as soon as it’s over.
As soon as you notice damage to your home, give us a call.
Our 24 hour emergency line is (918) 913-4490.
Storm Damage Services
We are a full service storm damage restoration company. We can provide you with the following services:
Emergency Roof Tarp
We will tarp your roof and skylights with thick, waterproof plastic sheeting to prevent any weather from getting inside your home and causing more damage. Many insurance companies will not cover secondary damage that is caused by neglect on the behalf of the property owner. Secondary damage includes water damage and mold growth.Board up Services
If any other part of your home was damaged by the hail, we will perform board up services. We commonly see broken windows and glass sliding doors.Water Damage Restoration
If any water has gotten into your home from the storm, we will immediately perform water removal services. Our technicians will also place professional drying equipment and begin monitoring your property. Mold growth can begin as quickly as 48 hours after water intrusion, which is why we are available for water damage restoration services 24 hours a day.Insurance Claim
We will document all damage to your roof and interior of the home. All documentation will be forwarded to your insurance provider to support your claim. An Estimator will be assigned especially to your file. It’s their job to bridge communication between you and your insurance to make sure you’re taken care of. Reconstruction and Roof Restoration Service
A Reconstruction Manager will be assigned especially to you. They will inspect the damage to your roof and create an estimate to rebuild it. They will work directly with your insurance provider and rebuild your roof once your claim is approved.Full Service 3 Expert Team
You will be assigned our Full Service 3 Expert Team. This means that if you ever have a question or concern about your project, one of the three experts that are managing your job will help you from beginning to end. They include:- Estimator - this person works directly with your insurance company to make sure your claim is processed. They handle all documentation.
- Project Manager - this person performs all restoration services your property needs, from debris removal to cleaning and water damage restoration.
- Reconstruction Manager - this person rebuilds any portion of your property that was permanently affected.
Storm Damage Restoration Specialists
SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahleuqah is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company. With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. You can trust us to restore your home or business.
Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (918) 913-4490. Call us any time!
“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.
Experienced Storm Damage Professionals
2/18/2020 (Permalink)
When water damage, flood damage, hail damage, or any other types of storm damage hits your home or business, you need experienced storm damage professionals. And that’s what our heroes are at SERVPRO® of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah. You can call on them to make that disaster at your residential or commercial property "Like it never even happened." ®
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home or business and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. Some of our equipment includes the following:
Moisture Detection & Measurement Equipment
Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure, and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.
- An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
- Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
Water Extraction Equipment
Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.
- Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water.
- Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
Drying Equipment
Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
- High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
- Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. SERVPRO® of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night. We can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our heroes are your experienced storm damage professionals. Call on us. Our number is 918-913-4490. Will you give us your next storm damage job?
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Storms
2/18/2020 (Permalink)
Preventative measures are necessary, especially when it comes to storms. In case you aren’t aware, storm season is March through June. During this three-month period, you want to be prepared at all times. The heroes at SERVPRO® of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah want you to always be prepared for any storm damage. Preparation is always key. Here are 5 tips to prepare your home for storms.
Seal Your Roof
Storms can be highly unpredictable. You never know the severity of damage it can cause to your home, your belongings, your roof. It’s critical that you hire a professional to reinforce your roof well before strong winds hit. A professional can seal your roof to help protect it from those strong storms. According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), “seal your roof deck using “peel and stick” tape along your roof seams, or a “peel and stick” membrane over the entire roof deck, or apply polyurethane foam.” If you invest in this now, this can save you hundreds, perhaps thousands, in the future.
Secure Your Windows & Doors
Your windows and doors of your home can be damaged when high winds from storms hit. Ensure you secure your windows and doors. When it comes to your doors, here are some things to check for:
- Hinges
- Screws missing
- Door threshold
According to Nationwide, “be sure the door threshold is tightly screwed into your house and not just the door frame. You may want to consider installing new wind-resistant doors with a high design pressure (DP) rating. The DP rating is a measure of the level of wind force a door system can withstand without failing.” Do you know if you live in a region that’s prone to hurricanes and storms? It’s encouraged that you know this information, especially for preparation purposes. Here are the top five cities most vulnerable to hurricanes. If you live in one of those areas, or an area that is prone to these types of storms, you should heavily consider installing impact-resistant windows. These windows are specifically designed for these very purposes: to withstand forceful windows.
Secure Fences
When strong winds strike your home, it can strike down fences and other objects that can cause more damage to your residential property. Before this happens, you want to ensure you secure fences to minimize the risk of further damage to other things or worse -- people. When investing in a home -- or if you’re replacing a fence -- factor in the strength and resilience of your fence. Weigh all your options, and make an educated decision. Don’t base your decision to buy a fence on how inexpensive it is. Because that factor alone can be much more expensive for you in the long-term, especially if a storm damages it and your home.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
With any storm, preparation is key. Now -- not then -- is the time for you to create a family emergency plan so you, your family members and fur babies are well-equipped when a storm strikes. A family emergency plan can help save lives. Here are just a few items to include:
- Water
- Food
- Batteries
- Communication plan
- Phone and/or walkie talkies (some form of communication device)
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency supplies
- Important phone numbers
Anchor Loose Objects
If objects, such as grills, bikes, deck furniture, trash cans, etc., are loose when a storm hits your residential property, it can cause windows to break, damage to your vehicles, your home or a human being. It’s vital to anchor loose objects to help minimize the risk of outdoor threats. By adding shrubs of varying lengths, fences, trees in a row are ways to help block high winds. Utilizing landscaping and yard objects can be beneficial in this case.
We hope you found these 5 tips to prepare your home for storms to be highly beneficial. Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and apparatus. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. When a storm emergency occurs, we’re here for you 24 hours of the day, 365 days of the year. Just contact us at 918-913-4490.
Prepare Your Car For Winter Storms!
2/12/2020 (Permalink)
We have all been there, it's cold and snowing and you are having car problems. Follow these tips to help prepare yourself and your car for a winter storm.
- Start to prepare your car before Thanksgiving if possible. It's easy to do it before it gets cold and snowy. Better too soon than too late.
- Check the tire pressure at least once a month through the winter. As it gets colder outside the air molecules get smaller and tire pressure goes down. Low tire pressure will make your car under preform. You can find the suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) on your tires or on inside the driver’s side door jam.
- Have your battery tested. Nothing is worse than a dead battery when you’re freezing, not home or late for work. Also make sure you have jumper cables in case you or someone you come across need them.
- Check your windshield for cracks and make sure you have good windshield wipers. The cold can make your windshield crack and obstruct your vision. Bad wipers can cause all sorts of problems and are an easy fix.
- Inspect your headlights and brake lights. If it’s storming or dark your car can become very hard to see and cause an accident.
- Make sure you have warm clothes, proper winter shoes, and a blanket in your car in case you get stuck in traffic or your car breaks down. This could save your life.
- Lastly, ALWAYS make sure you have a couple water bottles in your car somewhere. No matter the time of year this could save your life or someone else's.
Follow these tips and you will be prepared for those winter storms that are bound to hit.
12 Things to do During a Power Outage
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
Surprisingly, power outages are even getting worse in the USA. According to Inside Energy, the annual average of power outages doubles every five years! The reason for this has to do with aging infrastructure, more frequent storms, and problems sustaining the electric grid as populations grow.
Despite how common power outages are, few people are prepared for them and even fewer people know what to do if the power goes out.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Power Goes Out
Step 1: Turn On Your Emergency Lights
Make sure your emergency lights are somewhere accessible in case you have to find them in the dark. Ideally, keep a flashlight in each room of your home.
In general, it is better to use battery-operated lights instead of candles because of the fire risk.
Step 2: See If Your Neighbors Have Power
If your neighbors still have electricity, then the problem is likely inside your home. Start by checking the main fuses or circuit breakers to see if they have blown.
Step 3: Check the Extent of the Problem
If your neighbors also don’t have electricity, you’ll want to see how wide-spread the problem is. You can do this by calling your power supplier. It might take a while to get through to them if a lot of people are trying to call.
You can also try calling friends who live nearby to see if they have power or not.
Step 4: Contact Family Members
During large power outages, stoplights and streetlights can go out too – making it unsafe to drive.
If your family members aren’t at home, get in contact with them. It might be best for them to remain at their current location until it is safer for them to come home.
Note that your family should have a contact plan in place.
Step 5: Unplug Appliances
When the power comes back on, it can cause a huge power spike which may damage electronics.
Hopefully all of your sensitive electronics are on surge protectors.
Even if they are, it is still smart to unplug all of your sensitive (expensive) electronics from the wall so they don’t get damaged when the power comes back on.
Step 6: See if Water is Safe to Drink
When the power goes out, water treatment centers might not work. You could still have clean-looking water coming from the tap, but it might not be safe to drink!
Call your local authorities to see if the water is safe to drink. Or, you can listen to your emergency radio to see if there is a “boil alert” in place.
**If you are unsure whether the water is safe to drink, always play it safe! Treat water before drinking it or use bottled water.
Step 7: Keep Fridge and Freezer Closed
According to Ready.gov, food kept in an unopened refrigerator will stay cold for about 4 hours.
A full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. You can learn more about this on their food safety page.
Step 8: Save Your Phone’s Battery
Turn off any power-consuming apps on your phone to save its battery. Do this even if you have a solar charger because you might not always be able to charge it.
Step 9: Stay Cool (Summer Power Outages)
If the power outage occurs during a heat wave and you have health conditions, then you might need to evacuate your home to a cooler location, such as a shopping mall or church.
Step 10: Stay Warm (Winter Power Outages)
If the power outage occurs during winter, now is the time to start using your emergency heating method. A wood stove is my personal favorite off-grid heating method.
Be cautious about using generators, camp stoves, or grills for heating as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
You can get some passive solar heating during the daytime by keeping all curtains closed except those on south-facing windows. Close all drapes at night to trap some heat, and line windows and doorways with towels to prevent heat from escaping.
Step 11: Prevent Pipes from Freezing (Winter Power Outages)
Hopefully your pipes are well insulated so they don’t freeze. The easiest way to prevent pipes from freezing during power outages is to let a small stream of water flow through the faucets.
For long-term power outages during extreme weather, you’ll want to drain your hot water heater. You will also need to winterize the drainage system by putting antifreeze into the drain traps below toilets, sinks, washing machines, etc.
12. Stay Sane!
Play games, make shadow puppets, hang out with the neighbors in the dark… You might even enjoy the power outage and the digital detox it gives you!
https://www.primalsurvivor.net/steps-after-power-outage/
Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms Before It's Too Late
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
It's that time of the year again, time to prepare ourselves and homes for the brutal cold of winter storms. It is not something anyone looks forward to but it is best to be prepared.
Follow these tips recommended by www.ready.gov/winter-weather to prepare yourself and your home for winter.
Before Snowstorms and Extreme Cold
- Make a family communication plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Make an emergency kit for at least three days of self-sufficiency.
- Keep space heater safety in mind: Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Remember to keep all heat sources at least three feet away from furniture and drapes.
Prepare You Home
- Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the warm air inside.
- Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
- If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.
- Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
- Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats
- Fireplace or wood-burning stove with plenty of dry firewood, or a gas log fireplace
- Make sure you have a cell phone with an emergency charging option (car, solar, hand crank, etc.) in case of a power failure.
- Plan to bring pets inside.
- Know where the manual release lever of your electric garage door opener is located and how to operate it in case you lose power.
Follow these recommended tips and you will be prepared for those cold winters days.
How to Prepare Your Car for Winter and Snow Storms
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
We have all been there, its's cold and snowing and you are having car problems. Follow these tips to help prepare yourself and your car for a winter storm.
- Start to prepare your car before Thanksgiving. It's easy to do it before it gets cold and snowy. Better too soon than too late.
- Check the tire pressure at least once a month through the winter. As it gets colder outside the air molecules get smaller and tire pressure goes down. Low tire pressure will make your car under preform. You can find the suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) on your tires or on inside the drivers side door jam.
- Have your battery tested. Nothing is worse than a dead battery when your freezing, not home or late for work. Also make sure you have jumper cables in case you or someone you come across need them.
- Check your windshield for cracks and make sure you have good windshield wipers. The cold can make your windshield crack and obstruct your vision. Bad wipers can cause all sorts of problems and are an easy fix.
- Inspect your headlights and brake lights. If its storming or dark your car can become very hard to see and cause an accident.
- Make sure you have warm clothes, proper winter shoes, and a blanket in your car in case you get stuck in traffic or your car breaks down. This could save your life
- Lastly ALWAYS make sure you have a couple water bottles in your car somewhere. No matter the time of year this could save your life or someone else's.
Follow these tips and you will be prepared for those winter storms that are bound to hit.
Snow Covered Roof, Majestic or Dangerous?
12/10/2019 (Permalink)
It's not so beautiful anymore.
Did you know one square foot of compacted snow can weigh close to 50 pounds?!! Think about how much weight is sitting on your roof. Many roofs, especially, older, flat, or structures such as carports, garages, and sheds are not always rated to support this kind of weight. It is important to remove as much of it as you can safely from the ground.
** We advise you review your insurance policy and check with your agent before you have a problem. Basic insurance policies do not cover collapse of a structure due the weight of snow or ice.
Check out this article from Travelers about safely removing snow from your roof before it is too late.
https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/winter-storms/roof-snow-removal-tips.aspx?cm_mmc=TWITTER-_-190-_-768968169-_-20170110&linkId=33184720
Give SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah a call for all your restoration needs.. 918-913-4490
Hail Damage To Your Roof
12/6/2019 (Permalink)
In 2016, the United States experienced 5,601 severe hail storms, as documented by the NOAA Severe Weather Database. Hail can range in size from the size of pencil tip to the size of a softball.
Many homeowners are not aware of hail damage on their roofs. Hail damage to roof tops often times cannot be seen from the ground, and that’s a big reason why the idea of hail damage hardly ever crosses a homeowner’s mind.
Tell-Tale Signs of Hail Damage on a Roof
Although you cannot fully determine the amount of hail damage on a roof from the ground, there are some signs that a trained eye can point out and help determine if there may be more damage up top. Here are a few things to look for.
- Dented gutters, gutter screens, or downspouts
- Damage to siding and windowsills/casings
- Damage to air conditioners or other outdoor items
- Damage to decks or painted wood surfaces
Once you are on the roof check for these signs of roof damage:
- Dented vents, chimneys, or sky light covers
- Dented or damages shingles. (This may be the most important to check for.)
Dented or damages shingles are what leads to a damages and potentially leaky roof. Some day you will never get a solid insurance claim without shingle damage.
What to do if you have Shingle Damage
Hail damage is covered by standard home insurance in most states but coverage is applied in a variety of ways, depending on where you live, your insurer and how your policy is set up. The best way to find out about your coverage is to reach out to your insurance provider before the damage occurs.
If you have a damaged roof due to hail that has caused a leaky roof call SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahleuqah, today to help mitigate water damage in your home.
Call US Today!
SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah 918-913-4490
Boomer Sooner State of Storms
8/29/2019 (Permalink)
Sooner Storms
Oklahoma’s central region of the state suffers from some of the most horrific storms the state and nation has ever seen.
Tornado season in Oklahoma is nothing to take lightly. Even the slightest rains are heavy in this region and call for proper preparation.
Last week, the University of Oklahoma needed our support. One of their buildings on campus flooded only days before school was scheduled to start. Fortunately, we were able to provide support for the local SERVPRO Franchize and to the Univeristy of Oklahoma to help get them, back on schedule for classes to start.
There is no storm too big or too small that we can’t handle. Call SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah for your free consultation with Lin or Duel to help you determine what your next step is. Call 918-913-4490 today.
When Storms or Floods hit anywhere across the country, SERVPRO is ready!
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
Boulder, CO Flood
SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Co. & Tahlequah 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, 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 http://www.SERVPROmuskogeemcintoshcountiestahlequah.com/disaster-recovery that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 918-913-4490
2018 Storms in Michigan
2/26/2019 (Permalink)
Detroit, Michigan
Due to freezing temps in the northern region of the states, our crews dispatched early this morning. Hitting the road and traveling north to we're ready to help out our northern cities.
Being Large Loss certified, when other parts of the country are in need of support for emergency mitigation services and in order to reduce and help prevent secondary and total loss, SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah gets the call.
This is the second time this storm season our project crews traveled cross-country to help put families back into their homes. Helping create a safe environment for them to begin rebuilding.
It is important to call first responders during an emergency but it is just as important to know you will call SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah next. We are always ready to begin emergency mitigation, work with your insurance company on your behalf, and work with the adjusters to ensure you are getting the best possible communication, answers, and results for your unique and unfortunate situation while you take care of your family. Let us take care of your property. It should be the last of your worries and will be with SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah.
Call SERVPRO at 888-601-5526
We Specialize in Storm and Flood Damage
2/22/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Co. & Tahlequah 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, 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 http://www.SERVPROmuskogeemcintoshcountiestahlequah.com/disaster-recovery that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 918-913-4490
Tornado 2018
12/17/2018 (Permalink)
Mobil home park affect by Oklahoma Tornado on Nov. 30th.
Late in the night on November 30th, 2018, eastern Oklahoma met a fate it wasn't expecting.
Locked away in the hills of Cherokee and Adair counties, a tornado rolled and jumped the hills of Lake Tenkiller destroying numerous homes beyond repair, leaving many families without food clothing and shelter.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in Oklahoma through this disastrous funnel that chose to spiral down into the quite lives of the residents that live in these areas.
Lake Tenkiller is known as an Oklahoma vacation destination so many property owners lost their vacation homes and most were not present in their properties due to the winter season. However, there were few full-time residents that experienced total loss and fewer that experienced some degree of structural damage.
SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties wants to thank all area first responders and area businesses for their effort and sacrifice in our communities that were affected by the tornado by helping residents get back on the road to recovery.
Thanks Chicken Creek
12/17/2018 (Permalink)
Marketing Specialist, Linda Sacks, with Chicken Creek Volunteer Fire Dept.
This month, after the devastating tornado tore through Green Country, many of our first responders, tribal first responders, businesses, and volunteers responded to our hurting communities and families.
Chicken Creek specifically was responsive to their community's needs and worked with the Cherokee Nation on being able to meet those needs as well as partnering with SERVPRO of Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah.
We were glad to be of assistance in a time of need and are thankful we come from a community that supports each other in everyway. We were especially glad that Chicken Creek reached out to us to help support their community with lunch one weekend.
We hope and pray that Chicken Creek, along with every other community affected makes a great recovery and have their lives restored like this tornado never even happened.
Winter Storm Grayson 2018
2/1/2018 (Permalink)
Production Crew preparing for travel to New England to assist in Storm Grayson.
Winter Storm Grayson made its way through the New England area at the top of the year in January.
SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah always prepared and Faster to any size Disaster, made their way to the northern states helping with them with their overwhelming need of support and emergency mitigation.
Our crews braved the weather and returned with rave reports.
It was noted that, Production Crew Manager, Jonathan Rogers was credited for having a well organized and cohesive team that overcame the needs of many despite the challenging circumstances that many of the local businesses and residents met.
SERVPRO Muskogee/ McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah came through and helped restore numerous families to their homes through the turbulent time.
SERVPRO Muskogee/McIntosh Counties & Tahlequah are thankful to have our crews return home safe and sound.
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