Recent Storm Damage Posts

Storm Readiness 101

7/22/2024 (Permalink)

As leaders in the restoration industry, we know firsthand the amount of damage that a storm can do to your home. Addressing the damage as quickly as possible is key to preventing further damage from occurring. We wanted to share some of the most important areas of your home that can be affected by storm damage, so you know where to check afterward.

  1. Basement – Areas of your home that are underground are some of the spots that are the most prone to water damage following a storm. Check around the edges of your basement floor and walls for signs of moisture. Make sure that drain spouts are properly angled away from your home and that there are no areas where water can pool next to your house.
  2. Foundation – Similarly to basements, your home’s foundation is particularly threatened by water damage after storms. Water from the outside can seep into cracks in your foundation and weaken it over time. Double-check check there is no standing water or signs of moisture in your concrete, and make sure that your sump pump is functioning properly.
  3. Crawlspaces – Water can pool in areas underneath your home and cause significant damage to the structural components, like mold and rotting wood.
  4. Windows – Over time the seals on your windows can degrade and strong storms can crack windows and window frames, allowing water to get into your home.
  5. Roof – Probably the most prone to storm damage, wind can damage shingles and throw broken tree branches all over your home. As one of the main sources of protection from the outside elements. It is crucial to inspect your roof after a storm. Ensure there are no leaks and remove any debris that could further damage your home. Check for any signs of moisture in your attic as well as this could be a sign that there is a hole somewhere you might’ve missed.
  6. Gutters – Strong winds and falling branches can damage your gutters or even completely rip them off the side of your house. Your gutters are essential in preventing water from getting into your home and directing it away from your home’s foundation. Make sure that your gutters are in good condition and free from any debris that may clog them.

While storm damage may not always be 100% preventable, hopefully, these tips can help you prevent any further damage from happening, and if you do happen to find any signs of damage to your home after a storm. Our technicians are here to help. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year, so don’t wait, give us a call and let us know what we can do for you.

Hurricane Season Almost Coming To An End BUT...

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Forecast of Hurricane Fiona

As were in hurricane season and we are getting close to it ending storms are continuing to form and COULD  impact your business. There's tons of things we can do to prepare for a storm before the storm hits. 

1. Have a plan in place

2. Alert your employees and customers

3. Protect files and back up your data

4. Keep supplies on hand

5. Prep your physical structure 

6. Secure outdoor objects

7. Expect the unexpected

Having these in play BEFORE the storm comes could help you not only save a ton of money, but save you stress and worry. Luckily, not many hurricanes have hit the east coast for us this year but as of right now Puerto Rico is has been hit hard by Hurricane Fiona. 

Remember if anything does occur know that SERVPRO of Newport News always has your back and we work around the clock to make sure everything is back to normal. Give us a call at 757-244-8467 any time of day.

Flood Prevention Strategies

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards, and here at SERVPRO we are ready to be faster to any disaster. SERVPRO has mobilization trams across the country to travel as needed to support large storm events. Flash flooding is the most hazardous weather disaster in the United States. Floods cause power outages, damage infrastructure, trigger landslides, and can be deadly. Here are some tips you can keep in mind before the flood.

  • Avoid building in a floodplain—an area especially prone to flooding during heavy rains.
  • If you do live in a floodplain, consider buying flood insurance to help with losses if, and when, a flood occurs.
  • Construct barriers (levees, beams, floodwalls) to stop flood water from entering your home. Sandbags can provide a temporary levee in an emergency.
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
  • Pay attention to weather forecasts. When heavy rain or storms are forecasted, listen to the radio or television for information on flooding risk.

Here at SERVPRO of Newport News, we are able to help with any storm damage. Give us a call at 757-244-8467

What To Do During A Lightning Storm

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Here in the Newport News area, during the summer time, we have quite a few lightning storms. Lightning can cause some severe storm damage. Here at SERVPRO we have a few tips when a thunderstorm comes.

-NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area!!

-If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.

-When you hear thunder, immediately move to a safe shelter-

-Stay in a safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

-Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.

-Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.

-Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

-Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

-If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby the following actions may reduce your risk:

-Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks

-Never lie flat on the ground

-Never shelter under an isolated tree

-Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter

-Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water

-Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

If you experience storm damage from a thunderstorm you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467! 

Hurricane Season Almost Coming To An End..

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season last until about November 30th so we still have a couple more weeks left until were out of the season. Were always watching the weather here at SERVPRO of Newport News to make sure we are always prepared ahead of any storm big or small. We have crew that work every minute of the clock of every day to make sure were ready for you. Looks like our area is pretty clear for hurricanes as of now, but southern Florida could still be impacted. But even with a small rain storm your home or business can have water damage impact it. As of now, try to prepare yourself for future storms as when everyone is looking for supplies they tend to sell out quick!! Dont wait until the last minute to prepare. Here at SERVPRO of Newport News were ready for anything, you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467. 

What we know about Hurricane Larry

9/3/2021 (Permalink)

Were ready for the storm, are you?

Like if we didn't get enough with Hurricane Ida. Luckily it went right around us and hit south and north of us. This time will we be as lucky? 

Hurricane Larry is the next storm forming and its a big one. 

The 12th named storm of the hurricane season, Tropical Storm Larry, formed in the deep Atlantic. Larry will pose no threat to the U.S. or any landmass over the next five days. Hurricane season is just reaching the half way point.

Larry is expected to become a category 4 in the deep Atlantic this weekend

It is located 970 west of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. It is moving west-northwest at 20 mph.

There are no watches and warnings on land at this time.

Let's get prepared now before its too late and supplies are out.  Always know you can give us a call at 7572448467 with any of your needs.  

Tropical Storm Elsa

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Give us a call at 757-244-8467

As we are in hurricane season we got our first hurricane that that has started to brew.

As it begins to hit Florida it looks like it has dropped to a tropical storm. 

ABC News is expecting Elsa to be around our area Thursday evening so we still have time to prepare.

Just in case things go south, but they aren't looking like they are here are some tips

  • Have emergency food and water supply
  • An emergency medicine supply.
  • Emergency power sources such as flashlights (don't forget extra batteries).
  • Safety and personal items.
  • Important documents, including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification.
  • A fire extinguisher.
  • Lastly, have our phone number if any leaks happen in your home

We are always working around the clock no matter what time of day. We are open 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. We are always here to help. 

As Hurricane Season Approaches

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know when hurricane season starts?

Hurricane season started June 1st and goes until September 30th. Time is money, the faster you deal with your problem the less money you spend here trying to get your home or business back to normal. 

Heres some helpful tips from your friends at SERVPRO of Newport News. 

When it comes to your home make sure to cover all your windows with plywood to protect your windows from high winds. Bring in all outside furniture if they are unable to be tied down. Trim those trees so they can be wind resistant. Turn off all utilities and keep the refrigerator door closed to prevent food from going bad. Turn off all propane tanks and ensure there is a supply of water for sanitary purposes. 

Now when it comes to your business carefully assess how your company functions, both internally and externally. Identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Lastly, plan what you will do if the building is not accessible. 

Try to keep these tips in mind as we are in the beginning of hurricane season. Luckily there are no hurricanes in sight for the east coast but we can never be too sure! 

If you need any cleanup due to a hurricane you can always give us a call at 757-244-8467!  

Is Your Business Prepared for Storm Damage?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Newport News has experience restoring businesses affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your business back to pre-storm condition. 

Why Call SERVPRO® of Newport News? 

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster 

When a storm hits your Newport News business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs. 

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists 

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 and restore it back to pre-storm condition. 

  • Water Damage Restoration Technician 
  • Applied Structural Drying Technicians 

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters 

We can scale our resources to handle any size storm or disaster. We can access resources from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

The Severity of Hail Damage

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Hail damage is bad for a roof when it leads to roof leaks and other issues

Hail damage to the roof of your house can be devastating. Following a hailstorm, you should check your roof and address any problems immediately. Otherwise, water could enter your home from holes in the roof and flood the property. 
 

What Affects the Severity of Hail Damage? 
 

Some hailstorms can cause little or no damage to your Newport News, VA home. Others, however, can create disastrous holes in your roof. How much harm hail creates depends on several factors: 

  • Density and size of the hail 
     
  • Home barriers 
     
  • Wind 
     
  • The state of the roof 
     
     

Obviously, the larger and denser the hailstones, the more damage they can cause. The size of hailstones varies wildly based on the storm. The stones can be as large as a softball or as small as a pea. 
Certain barriers can also shield your home from hailstones. If you have fences or large trees near your house, your roof could be spared from major damage. 
Hailstones are not the only feature of hailstorms. They also usually include high winds. The speed and direction of this wind can affect the amount of hail damage to the roof. 
Finally, certain characteristics of the roof itself can affect how susceptible it is to harm from hailstorms. Hail can ding aluminum sidings but cause cracks in vinyl sidings. Roofs that are older or poorly maintained could also get damaged more easily. 
 

What Are Signs of Hail Damage? 
To be safe, you should inspect your roof after every hailstorm. Of course, not every roof defect is caused by hail. However, if your composition or asphalt shingles look shiny or lose granules, they may have been affected by hail. Wood shingles, meanwhile, could have sharp or brown splits as a result of hail. If you notice any of these issues, contact hail damage repair specialists immediately. 
Depending on the nature of your home and the size of the storm, hail damage to the roof can be extensive. To limit the harm to your property, keep the roof well-maintained, and fix any defects right away.

Tips For Using A Generator

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Portable Generators can supply power for basic needs during a storm power outage

If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow these safety tips that have been provided by the American Red Cross.

  • Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area. 
  • To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands. 
  • Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately. 
  •  Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warnings.

Prepare for Hurricanes

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and also ends November 30.  

Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall.  

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business.  

For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.  

SERVPRO of Newport News is ready to help in the event of a storm loss.  

DID YOU KNOW?  

  • About 40% of hurricanes hit Florida. 
  • 2004’s Hurricane Ivan produced 127 tornadoes in nine different states over a five-day period. 
  • To identify these storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a six-year rotating list of names. 

SERVPRO of Newport News is ready to help in the event of a storm loss. 

Source: noaa.gov