Storm and flood damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year.
How to Handle Storm Flood Damage in North Syracuse
A storm has left debris and caused flood damage on my property. Who can help me bring things back to normal promptly?
SERVPRO is qualified to handle storm flood damage in affected North Syracuse homes. Flooding can cause structural damage. As the water soaks into floor joists and wall studs, it can weaken your home’s structure. Floods can also ruin personal items and cause mold growth within 48 to 72 hours. We can take the following steps to restore your home:
Emergency services
Water removal
Drying
Deodorization
Rebuilding
Emergency services
After our team arrives at your property, we can take measures to minimize your home’s further exposure to danger. To prevent additional destruction, we can reinforce the doors and windows or board up your home. We can also clear up debris like broken tree branches.
Water removal
We can remove the water using portable extractors because they are easier to take, even in restricted areas. They have a pump, a heater, and a vacuum system.
Drying
We can use drying equipment to stabilize the property. We can use axial air movers and refrigerant dehumidifiers to dry all affected structures and contents thoroughly.
Deodorization
Floodwater can leave foul odors on your property. Odors are volatile (evaporative) molecules the nose senses in the air. They dissipate after restorers remove the source of the smell using various deodorization methods. One method we can use is wet fogging. This involves using ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers to dispense solvent-based or water-based deodorizers. ULV foggers generate small particles that can penetrate many areas where odor particles hide.
Rebuilding
Our SERVPRO technicians are well-equipped to handle all the necessary repairs like fixing leaking ceilings, broken windows, and damaged porches. We can restore your property to its normal habitable condition.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is ready to help you handle the storm flood damage in your residence. Our 24-hour emergency hotline is (315) 509-9591.
How to Deal With Storm Flood Damage in North Syracuse
Storm damages may happen in a flash, SERVPRO storm damage restoration techs have the experience and equipment for every size disaster.
SERVPRO Can Restore Your North Syracuse Home After Storm Flood Damage
The extent of damage caused by a storm is unpredictable. Flood damage can ruin your home its contents, affect your health, and even cause electrical shorts. Therefore, it is essential to contact flood damage restoration experts like SERVPRO.
We can handle the storm flood damage in your North Syracuse residence efficiently. Our technicians are trained in specialized restoration procedures. We are also armed with state-of-the-art equipment. Our restoration process goes as outlined below:
Thorough assessment
Extraction of floodwater
Disinfection and deodorization
Rebuilding
Assessment of the Damage
Upon arrival, our SERVPRO team can conduct an extensive assessment of the extent of the damage to determine the most appropriate mitigation procedure.
Removal and Extraction of Water
We can remove the water on the floors as quickly as possible, using suitable pumps depending on the situation’s severity. For instance, if there is sand and silt in your home, we can use self-priming trash pumps to remove the floodwater because these pumps can move water that contains solids.
Disinfection and Deodorization
Our SERVPRO team can clean and disinfect all affected areas and contents. We can apply anti-microbial solutions to stop the growth of microbes. We can also use deodorants like odor-counteracting gels to remove the unpleasant smells.
Drying and Dehumidification
We can use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your residence. Air movers expedite evaporation at the surface level while dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air after it has evaporated. Refrigerant dehumidifiers remove water vapor through condensation. The water vapor in the air gets condensed on cold refrigerant coils, drains into a collection tray, and is then pumped into a drain.
Rebuilding
Our SERVPRO team can restore your house to its original condition by performing restoration activities like drywall replacement, tile floor repair, and hardwood floor repair, among others.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County is well-equipped to help you handle the storm flood damage in your house. Contact us at (315) 457-3432. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Liverpool Homeowners Turn to SERVPRO After Flood Damage
Need Help Dealing With Flood Damage After a Storm in Liverpool? Call SERVPRO
Water damage due to storms poses a significant challenge to the restorers as the water is often dirty and contaminated. Professionals like SERVPRO understand the importance of safety during flood damage restoration in Liverpool homes.
SERVPRO techs often need to use professional decontamination products while restoring flood damage to Liverpool homes. The products are useful to eliminate the contaminants and prevent their growth in the floodwater. SERVPRO techs use several antimicrobial agents to accomplish this:
Phenolics
Chlorines
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Botanicals
Agents that kill or destroy living organisms are called '-cides' while those that inhibit their growth are called '-stats.' So, a bactericide is an agent that kills bacteria, while a fungistat is an agent which prevents growth of fungi.
What Are Some Plant-Based Disinfectants That SERVPRO Techs Use During Flood Restoration in Liverpool?
Disinfectant agents derived from plant sources are called botanicals. SERVPRO uses quite a few botanicals in managing contaminated floodwater in Liverpool. Most botanicals contain essential oils like thyme oil and organic acids like citric acid.
As botanicals are derived from plants, they are much less harsh than chemicals. Another advantage of botanicals is that these agents are gentler on various surfaces, making them suitable to disinfect a wide variety of materials. Think Green.
When Do SERVPRO Techs Apply Professional Disinfection Products?
According to the IICRC, disinfecting agents are efficient only after using proper techniques to promote rapid drying and contaminated material is completely removed. Hence, SERVPRO techs never rely on professional products as the only means to control contamination. We always ensure that robust drying methods are in place before applying chemicals.
SERVPRO mitigates flood-damaged houses in Liverpool. We understand how to deal with vapor barriers.
Contact SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration and Repair in Liverpool
Flooding caused by a storm can do a lot of damage to Liverpool homes and businesses quickly. Rainwater streams in through broken windows or holes in the roof. Floodwaters can also fill your home fast with debris, silt, and muddy water full of contaminated materials. Flood damage can be extensive, or it may not seem obvious at first if it is just rainwater coming in through the windows.
SERVPRO can help clean up after a storm, complete repairs from flood damage to your Liverpool home. We provide board-up services to cover all broken windows and doors, holes in the siding caused by flying debris, and tarps to protect the roof if it has been compromised. We deploy high-capacity pumps, weighted water extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to dry your home fully. Everything is cleaned and sanitized to remove any chemical, biological, bacteria, and viruses that may have been carried in with the floodwaters.
In addition, we check the inside of the interior and exterior walls. Exterior walls have a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from passing through. Compromised siding may have allowed water into the wall space between the vapor barrier and the insulation. Long-term secondary damage can occur if this moisture is not removed, and mold can grow inside the walls.
Vinyl wallpaper also acts as a vapor barrier. While it stops moisture from getting inside a wall cavity, it also prevents moisture from exiting the cavity during the drying process. We use moisture sensors to check for high moisture levels inside exterior and interior walls and take appropriate action to dry the area.
Our services at SERVPRO include:
Emergency flood damage response, repair, and restoration
High-capacity water removal and drying
Complete house cleanup and sanitation
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for flood damage restoration in Liverpool and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
SERVPRO Can Help Minimize Flood Damage in North Syracuse
SERVPRO storm damage restoration techs have the manpower and equipment for every size disaster. Call now!
SERVPRO’S Fast Response Mitigates Flood Damage in North Syracuse
Many of our clients jump right in after a flood in North Syracuse and begin cleaning up. Basements may be flooded, floors are wet, and there is debris covering most of your contents and walls. In addition to the debris carried into your home by the floodwaters, there are bacteria, viruses, fecal matter, and biological material mixed in with the water, which can cause medical issues for many people.
SERVPRO is well equipped to handle flood damage cleaning and restoration in North Syracuse. We have truck-mounted pumps to clear excess water from basements, personal protective equipment to protect our team. In addition, we clean and sanitize everything touched by the floodwaters to protect you and your family while we restore your home. Why take a chance when SERVPRO has all of the equipment and tools to repair your home safely and properly?
If you must re-enter the home, take precautions to protect yourself until SERVPRO can be onsite. We aim to be onsite in less than four hours from your call. Avoid using anything that requires electricity. It may short circuit and cause shocks to anyone who is not properly protected. Never use a vacuum to remove water. If ceilings are sagging or appear to be wet, stay out of these rooms. Remove colored items to avoid staining flooring materials and hang furs and leather goods to help them drain.
SERVPRO can restore your home after a flood damage event, “Like it never even happened.” Our services include:
Emergency services flood damage, water removal, and restoration
Basement flooding cleanup, dehumidification, and drying
Water cleanup and ceiling repairs
Call SERVPRO of North Onondaga County for flood damage restoration in North Syracuse and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (315) 457-3432.
North Syracuse Residents Need Fast Basement Flood Damage Restoration
SERVPRO is very conscious when it comes to safety products being used in your home or business. Storm damage restoration is a job for us.
24-Hour Flood Damage Response in North Syracuse with SERVPRO Gets You Results Quickly
When heavy rains roll in, and a storm front ravages your North Syracuse property, all it takes is a few hours and an issue with your sump pump, and you could be in for immense flooding. Storm drains can quickly overflow, and you might start to see rising waters overtaking your basement. SERVPRO is there to assist with your flood restoration needs, and we are available 24 hours a day to take immediate action.
For years, area residents have been able to turn to SERVPRO to handle all kinds of water and flood damage in North Syracuse. We are the industry leaders when it comes to advanced technology, proven methods, and response time so that you can get your unfinished or finished basement back to normal after you have flooding.
When you contact us for flood damage restoration services, you can count on a crew standing by, and we can deploy our Green Fleet fast to start in with:
Flood damage inspection – by assessing the flood damage, we can determine all materials and contents impacted by water, including the level of contamination.
Decontamination – Floodwater often brings various decontaminants, including raw sewage, vermin, chemicals, and more. We use EPA-registered cleaning agents and antimicrobials to kill bacteria and viruses.
Structural drying – Any building materials that get wet are vulnerable. Should significant portions of your framing, drywall, and other elements of your basement get damaged by water, the crew formulates a customized drying plan as soon as possible.
Dehumidification – Post-flood humidity can bring on mildew and mold growth, creating even more damage within your home. Our industrial fans and dehumidification equipment lower humidity to help eliminate mold growth while amplifying our drying efforts.
Skilled technicians best handle flood damage to your basement or lower level. Call our team at SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for rapid response.
How Can SERVPRO Help North Syracuse Residents with Flood Damage?
When flood damage occurs to your home. Call SERVPRO for the storm damage restoration needed for your home.
SERVPRO Offers Fast and Efficient Service After Flood Damage to North Syracuse Homes
Contamination can be a major issue after flood damage to your North Syracuse home. SERVPRO technicians can safely handle contaminated water after flooding incidents and prevent any long-term problems associated with it.
SERVPRO technicians often have to deal with contaminated water after flood damage to North Syracuse homes. The most important goal while providing water damage repairs in such situations is to ensure the safety of the technicians and the occupants. The SERVPRO flood restoration experts use different types of antimicrobial agents to control the microbial load of the floodwater. Our technicians also use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during the water damage restoration.
What are Some of the Chemical Agents that SERVPRO Techs Use During Flood Restoration in North Syracuse?
SERVPRO technicians use various chemical agents during the water damage remediation after a flooding event in North Syracuse. Most of them are categorized into the following two categories-
-stats: These are chemical agents that do not necessarily kill the microbes but prevent them from growing. Most common -stats that SERVPRO techs use are fungistats and mildewstats.
-cides: These are chemical agents that destroy or kill living microbes. For instance, a bactericide is a chemical agent that can kill bacteria.
It is worth knowing that in the restoration industry, a more common term used is 'biocide,' which is used to identify any chemical substance that can affect the growth of microbes, including bacteria and fungi. A biocide can be either a -stat or a -cide.
SERVPRO uses the latest technology and equipment for every size of storm and flood-damaged properties.
One Way SERVPRO Eases Water Damage Repairs in Liverpool is Providing Varieties of Equipment
Flooding is both a nuisance and a costly problem to resolve. However, with the help of a professional restorer, it is possible to minimize both. Even for simpler tasks such as removing floodwaters, professional assistance makes a significant difference.
Easing flood water removal from Liverpool properties requires equipment that can expedite extraction or handle unique processes such as removing solid-filled water or water trapped in cavities. For instance, using a truck-mounted water extractor that can remove many gallons of water an hour cuts down the time it takes to remove any pooling water.
SERVPRO teams are equipped with various types of extractors to address different water removal needs. Submersible pumps help if there are pools of standing water deeper than 2 inches in the structure. We also have self-priming trash pumps to remove water filled with solids up to 3 inches in diameter. In many cases, floodwaters recede, leaving only small pools around the house. In such cases, light wands are the best.
Removing standing water is only the first phase when solving flooding. Moisture management is also necessary. Our SERVPRO technicians have high-speed air movers and a variety of dehumidifiers like LGR and desiccant to help with drying delivering satisfactory:
Water removal services
Water damage repairs
Sewage cleanup
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides unique flood water removal solutions. Call us at (315) 457-3432 when you need assistance.
How Long Does it Take to Dry a Liverpool Residential Property?
We have the equipment and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition after storm damage strikes.
SERVPRO Uses Advanced Drying Equipment to Reduce Water Damage in your Liverpool Home
Floodwaters can affect the materials in your home in two distinct patterns. The first is through liquid water, which directly contacts materials. The second pattern is a result of evaporating moisture, causing water vapor damage to materials.
When performing flood damage in your Liverpool home, it is vital to recognize these two distinct patterns and mitigate them. SERVPRO technicians use psychrometry science to help limit the losses of both liquid and vapor water impact. Psychrometrics is the study of how humidity, temperature, and airflow interact in an environment. By manipulating these factors, we can speed up drying times, reduce condensation damages and limit secondary microbial-related losses.
We use rapid-air moving equipment to control airflow in an indoor environment.
Dehumidifiers are deployed to counteract the effect of water vapor in an environment.
Indirect fired-furnaces and electric heaters are often used to control the temperature within an environment for optimal drying times.
Did you know that fire damage can result from storms? Let SERVPRO make an assessment of your property so that you can rest easy.
Liverpool Residents can Call SERVPRO for Detailed Storm Cleanup and Fire Restoration
Storms can sometimes take a turn for the worst, and in some cases, lead to fire from downed wires or other damage on your Liverpool Property. When significant damage occurs and impacts your roof or windows, SERVPRO is here for rapid board up and tarping services. We work quickly to keep out vermin, extreme weather conditions, and trespassers. Regardless of the scope of the fire or how it started, we have your cleanup needs under control.
After a storm, you want peace of mind knowing you have the right team for the job for fire restoration in Liverpool. We have many services to help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, including:
Thorough assessment of all fire and water damage left in the wake of the storm
Cleanup of all debris and removal of unsalvageable materials
Pack out services to store your belongings in a climate-controlled storage warehouse
Careful cleaning of all fabrics and textiles, including drying and treatment for smoke odors
Immersion cleaning to address any dense items
Complete deodorization of all contents and materials that are odorous
Don’t wait when you have fire restoration needs after a recent storm. SERVPRO of North Onondaga County provides 24/7 emergency service – call us at (315) 457-3432 for rapid response.
Let us worry about fire damage while you prepare to celebrate the new year.
Local Liverpool Residents Can Learn with A Professional Sommelier
Join Advanced Sommelier Greg B. Carlstrom as he guides Liverpool participants on a one-hour tour through champagne and sparkling wines. Learn how to tell the difference and the different types and regions from which these celebratory libations hail. This event is an ideal class to take before New Year's Eve and kick-off 2021 with some advanced knowledge of your favorite drinks. Attendees will learn the history, makes, styles, and the best food pairings for both champagnes and sparkling wines. The featured bottles include Adami Garbel Prosecco, Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc California, and A.R. Lenoble Brut Intense Mag, Champagne.
Date: December 29, 2020
Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM EST
In the interest of public safety, this is a virtual tour, and the URL to join the session will be sent after signing up
Price: $25
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 supports the local Liverpool community with flood damage cleanup and restoration services. Our trained technicians are available 24/7 to make the water damage, "Like it never even happened."
Proper Management of Flood Damage in Liverpool Properties Helps Improve the Outcome
Storm damage to your Liverpool property can be overwhelming, call SERVPRO today.
SERVPRO Uses Various Resources to Control the Outcome of Flooding In Liverpool Homes
Although Liverpool, New York lies close to a water body, the general risk of flooding its 2,300 residents is classified as minimal. According to Flood Factor, only 4% of the town properties are considered likely to be affected by a major flooding event. The area mostly comprises of residential properties with commercial parks and other properties limited mostly to the shoreline of Lake Onondaga.
Since flooding is considered the primary natural hazard in the New York state, one might want to know how the area has fared over the years against the hazard. There have been several notable incidents, including the severe storm and flooding in July 1974 that left The Drive-in Theater inundated with over four feet of water. The incident was classified as part of FEMA disaster 447. There have been many other incidents with varying intensity levels over the years.
Liverpool is a fascinating place to spend time during any season of the year since it has various attractions like nature parks, outdoor areas, and wellness centers. Visitors consider Lake Skate Park one of the top attractions in the area. It is famous for the Lights On The Lake Display every Christmas. There is a 16900 square foot skate park perfect for riding BMX bikes, scooters, and skateboards. It is a perfect place to test your skills or learn new tricks. Among its key features include:
The 8 feet deep Liberty Bowl, which you can rise around, across, or the traditional back and forth.
The seven-stair gap and a four feet high ledge
Quarter pipes, spines, grind rails, gaps, and hips are also available to test the mettle of every biker or skater using the park
Other interesting things to do at the park include fishing, canoeing, or visiting The Salt Museum.
Apart from the outdoor activities, there are fun educational activities. You can visit the Golden Bee Bookshop on Vine Street, which features curated young adult fiction books. There are also Middle Grade and Picture Books for younger kids. The shop also offers dedicated space for public or private special events.
A Salty Legacy of the Areas around Liverpool
Apart from being a top-listed place to visit, The Salt Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the past when Syracuse was the main salt producer in the entire nation. For an area located in the heart of the country, that may sound like an anomaly. However, it is a product of the geological changes in the area over the years. According to geologists, long before the central New York area was inhabited, it was covered by a sea. Later on, the sea evaporated, leaving a thick layer of salt extending from Lake Huron to the Hudson Valley. That layer provided a useful resource that was mined for commercial purposes.
Although salt extraction and export later became one of the main economic activities in the region, the early inhabitants initially thought it was an unsolvable problem. They knew there was a problem with the water because it tasted different, but the superstitions of the time led them to believe it was cursed. However, Simon Le Maybe, a Jesuit missionary who arrived in the area in 1654, drank from a spring and realized no divine intervention was needed since the problem was salt deposits in the water. At The Salt Museum, you can learn a lot about the exciting history of the era.
The Iroquois Heritage
The Skanonh-Great Law of Peace Center is another museum in the area that can shine a different light into the history of the area, focusing on the Haudenosaunee people who were the native inhabitants before European settlers arrived. Visitors can learn about their beliefs, culture. For instance, the Onondagas, which means The People of the Hills, were the 'keepers of the central fire,' the political and spiritual center. Reading about the Iroquois governing rules, it is easy to draw parallels to the current system of government.
The name Haudenosaunee means "people who build a house."
There were six distinct nations of the Haudenosaunee, namely Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora, brought together by a confederacy.
The Great Law of Peace, which emphasized the power of reason, not force, helped guide the Haudenosaunee people through all aspects of their lives.
What Flood Damage Management Services Does SERVPRO offer Liverpool Property Owners?
Flooding may not happen every other day, but when it does, it can have a significant impact on the affected property. Various factors determine the level of damage Liverpool homeowners have to deal with after an incident, including its intensity and the kind of response chosen. SERVPRO seeks ways to help property owners respond correctly.
Flooding incidents may affect properties in many ways. However, the high amounts of moisture left in vulnerable areas and the deep contamination are the most common issues that property owners face. The good thing is that a speedy response can make a significant difference, primarily when the right resources are utilized. The resources can help in:
Stopping the spread or development of pathogens within the property. Our SERVPRO technicians spray EPA-registered disinfectants directly into the flooded sections of the property to manage contaminants.
Safeguarding materials and contents from the effects of moisture exposure. Our technicians take various steps, such as setting up dehumidifiers to regulate moisture levels faster. Using physical barriers, such as wrapping items using plastic sheets, is another alternative.
Cleaning up the wastes deposited by the floodwaters all over the property. Our teams are equipped with various state of the art cleaning tools, including pressures washers and automated agitation equipment. Air movers and various types of dehumidifiers are also available to help remove all excess moisture after cleaning.
SERVPRO of North Onondaga County helps restore Liverpool residences affected by flood damage to their preloss state. Call us at (315) 457-3432 to help start mitigation processes the same day of the loss cutting down the time you stay away from the property.
How Can Flooded North Syracuse Properties Get Dried?
Flood Damage in North Syracuse? Don't Fret! Call SERVPRO for Extraction and Restoration--We're Faster to Any Size Disaster!
After mitigation completes, several factors play a rolein drying your flooded property.
Flooding is a situation that can strike quickly in North Syracuse, often following prolonged bouts of hard, torrential rain. With so many creeks and streams including Lake Onondaga, surrounding the city, many homes and businesses can be at risk for natural flooding. Fierce storms can also damage roofs, allowing direct rainfall and runoff to find its way into the property. Whatever kind of flood damage that your property faces, it is critical to get mitigation and drying completed as soon as possible to protect the residence.
Many tactics and practices make up flood restoration for North Syracuse properties, and these actions begin as soon as our technicians arrive at a damaged address. Because we anticipate storm losses here in Upstate New York, we stay prepared with stocked trailers loaded with our water restoration and drying equipment. Our industry-leading equipment is only part of the drying equation, however. To promote efficient moisture removal, technicians must control:
Airflow
Temperature
Humidity
How Does Airflow Impact the Drying of a Property?
Air movement is an underappreciated aspect of drying beyond air movers that our professionals bring to a job site. There is a science behind air movement to find a balance between both temperatures and moisture content. Understanding the direction airflow is most likely to travel can help our technicians to develop the best drying plan with the appropriate placement of equipment like desiccant and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers (LGR.)
Vapor Pressure – Regarding the natural movement of air in a house after water disasters have occurred, our technicians plan for properties to seek equilibrium of effects. Relative humidity between one area and another causes air to move to even these two spaces. Temperature can be another driving force in the air seeking equilibrium.
Vapor Barriers – Minimal airflow on drying surfaces can allow cooling vapor barriers to form that restrict warmer temperatures beneficial to the drying process.
Regulating Airflow – Air movers, both axial and centrifugal models, are instrumental in our SERVPRO professionals' drying process. Axial units work to circulate dry air through an open area, while centrifugal options are targeted at wet materials to promote faster drying in specific points.
Can Temperature Differences Impact Drying?
Temperatures of both the room and the affected materials can impact the effectiveness and efficiency of drying. Because it is vital to remove excess moisture trapped in materials as soon as possible, monitoring these temperature changes and varying conditions can help provide the best approach to recovering the house after a water disaster.
Surface Drying – Evaporation can cool surfaces and form a barrier that restricts warm air from reaching the damaged material and continuing the drying process. We can determine when more direct airflow with our centrifugal air movers is necessary by recognizing these conditions with devices like infrared cameras.
Cooling Concerns – Cooler room temperatures in the drying zones can also slow the evaporative process and make restoration longer. We can increase these enclosed work zones' temperatures to the desired warmth for the most efficient drying.
Direct Heating – By warming surfaces with our equipment like portable electric heaters in drying zones, we can promote a faster evaporation time if technicians are careful not to over-dry structural elements.
Is Environmental Moisture a Factor in Drying?
The area where our technicians have formed a drying zone requires regulatory actions to reduce moisture. Higher humidity and moisture content in this area of the house can lead to slower drying times and ultimately cost customers more. There are three primary considerations when contending with changing humidity in drying zones, and these include:
Vapor Pressures – Pressure from one saturated material to open areas forces moisture into otherwise dry or less humid environments.
Relative Humidity – The measure of relative humidity is the moisture content in an environment. The higher this percentage, the more challenging that drying efforts can become, as evaporation slows. The more effective evaporative drying becomes the more equipment and processes required to reduce relative humidity.
Regulating Moisture Content – The most efficient method of regulating and controlling the excessive humidity common to water disasters is dehumidification equipment. Desiccants introduce heated air back into the environment after pulling moisture out, encouraging more efficient evaporation and drying.
Multiple factors play a role in how efficient and thorough drying can be for your home or business. Despite the extensive inventory of recovery equipment, it is often the knowledge and experience of our SERVPRO of North Onondaga County team that has the most significant impact on providing a swift restoration process. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (315) 457-3432.
How Can I Tell If I Have Flood Damage from a Storm?
Should your home suffer flood damage, call SERVPRO. We can help!
SERVPRO Knows What to Look for Inside and Out of Your Syracuse Home When You Suspect Flood Damage
Regardless of the time of the year, storms are something you cannot avoid. When a storm hits the Syracuse area, and you are worried that you have taken on water damage, it is best to get a trained technicians' insight. SERVPRO knows that storms can bring on a range of damage, both inside and outside of your property.
For What Should I Look?
To see if you have flood damage in Syracuse, you need to look in several areas. Take the time to inspect your exterior for:
Wind Damage –this often happens when the storm brings winds at 45mph and up. Signs of wind damage will include damaged or missing shingles and debris that have fallen around your property.
Miscellaneous Damage –you may also have falling gutters, dents in your siding, or big washouts around your house that could point to water damage on your home's interior.
On the inside of your home, flood damage to look for includes:
Water stains on your floors or walls
Saturated insulation
Water seeping from your crawlspace or attic
Cracks in your skylights, and more
Should you start to notice any of these signs of water infiltration or damage, our trained crew here at SERVPRO is available. We can make sure that no water is left to fester long enough to create the perfect atmosphere for the onset of mold and mildew. Our powerful extraction equipment pulls up any standing water, and the combination of air movers and dehumidifiers help to bring your interior relative humidity back to normal levels. Once we are on the job, we make everything inside your home seem, "Like it never even happened."
Call (315) 457-3432 to have SERVPRO of North Onondaga County look at your flood damage needs. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we have crews standing by 24/7 for emergency service!
Most people either love a good thunderstorm or hate them! Either way, we want you to be safe!
A thunderstorm warning means that a thunderstorm is happening in your area. At this time, you should be inside with any doors or windows closed.
A thunderstorm watch means that a thunderstorm is likely to happen in your area and you should be prepared to move inside quickly.
Even if there is no rain, if you hear thunder or see lightning you should immediately move inside. If getting into a building is not possible, stay in your car and keep the windows and doors closed.
Stay away from trees during a thunderstorm.
Do not swim during a thunderstorm.
Do not touch metal.
Lastly, do not use a telephone with a cord.
We want you to be safe during a thunderstorm, thunder and lightning can be very dangerous!
Did you know that insurance coverage for a sump pump failure is not always written into an insurance plan? Therefore, you could get left paying for the damage caused from a sump pump failure in your home out of pocket. When a sump pump fails, the damage can be very costly. Especially if the area of the home is a finished area.
We recommend that you contact your insurance company to ensure that you would be covered if your sump pump fails during a storm or heavy snow melt. When you get coverage, think about the cost of the items structural and personal that could potentially get damaged and make sure the coverage would be enough if it all were to be damaged.
It's important to be ready for a power outage at any time. Losing power can happen all year long for a number of different reasons. We want you to be safe if that should occur.
Make sure to always have a flashlight with batteries and candles in an easily accessible area of your home that you could grab. Every few months you should check to make sure the flashlight is still in working order and that the batteries have not died.
You should store bottled water in your home for this type of emergency. Remember not to open the refrigerator or freezer more than necessary to keep all of the food cold for as long as possible.
Consider having a generator on back up to use in case of a power outage.
There is an old myth that says if there it is not raining, and there are no clouds overhead, then you're safe from lightning. However, this is simply isn't true. Lightning often strikes three miles from the center of the storm, away from the storm clouds.
The temperature of a lightning bolt is about 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is about 5 times hotter than the sun. Which is why getting struck by lightning can be so damaging! The bolt of lightning can travel through a building, tree or a person and can be fatal, which is why it's very important to take cover during a lightning storm. About 2,000 people a year are killed due to lightning.
There are certain precautions that should be taken when flooding occurs in order to stay safe. Please consider following these steps to be safe in flooded areas:
Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded areas. You don't know what may be in the water below. It is better to use precaution and not go into the water than to risk drowning, getting hit with a sharp object, fall into an unseen hole or be taken by the fast current. Remember that only 6 inches of water can knock down an adult, less for a child. When evacuations are necessary, list to local officials and get out while you can. This will save yourself and rescue crews from being put into dangerous situations. When flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to move to higher ground before the flooding occurs than to get trapped and not be able to get out. Flash floods are the number 1 cause of weather related deaths in the US according to FEMA. Avoid driving through flooded areas. One foot of water is enough to move a vehicle and leave you unable to control the vehicle's destination. Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These ares can quickly flood. If you have notice of possible flooding, but sand bags around your house in areas that might allow water intrusion. You cannot stop all water intrusions, but this step might save your home from possible water damage.
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
Hurricane Florence began affecting the east coast on September 14th, and has caused a great deal of damage. Even after the hurricane hit, waters continued to rise throughout the Carolina's, Virginia and parts of Maryland. Many people were displaced and homes were ruined. SERVPRO dispatched our Storm teams into the areas to begin flood cleanup.
SERVPRO has its own meteorologist, Lela Davis, who works at our corporate branch. Her job is to keep our corporate office updated on the forecast so that storm teams can be ready for dispatch in areas that is predicted to have storms. This way, we're one step a head of the weather.
Our storm teams make it possible for local franchises to reach more people in an area hit by storm and devastation. They will bring trailers of equipment with them, and as much crew as possible. Our focus is to help those in need and get homeowners back in their homes, businesses up and running quickly.
With the increasing amount of technology, we are often able to predict storms before they happen. However, natural disaster can happen without much warning. Though, it is important to be prepared and understand what it takes to be prepared. It is often joked about that the only job that you won’t get fired for being wrong is being a weatherman. Whether we believe the storm will affect us directly or not, we need to trust the possibility that if a storm is predicted to hit a specific area and prepare of the worst.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
The flooding of the Mississippi River in 1927 was the worst flood in American history. At the height of its power, the flood affected an area approximately 27,000 square miles affecting the states of Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas with Arkansas being hit the hardest. At one point the flooded area was 50 miles wide, a 100 miles long and 30 feet deep. 500 people were killed, 600,000 were left homeless and there were 350 million dollars in damages – approximately 5 billion dollars today.
How did it happen?
Heavy rains came down in late 1926 and kept falling from the sky well into 1927. The tributaries of the Mississippi started to become burdened and the levees overflowed. The single greatest weak point in the levee system was at Mounds, Mississippi but authorities assured residents that the levee would hold. Slaves were made to pile sandbags on top of the levee but once one leak started, the water flow continued to increase. The levee started to shake and eventually collapsed with water flowing more than double the volume of Niagara Falls. The Mounds Landing levee break was significant in that after its collapse, the entire levee system along the river broke. Mounds Landing is known as the most severe levee break in the history on the United States to this day.
Changes
The Mississippi Flood of 1927 brought about many changes to the region and the entire country. Racial tensions soared high and many African Americans migrated north resulting in what is now known as the Great Migration. Under the Flood Control Act of 1928 the world’s longest system of levees were built. In 1941 Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Yazoo Backwater Project which utilizes levees, connecting channels, drainage structures and pumps to prevent flooding in the Mississippi Delta. The Great Flood of 1927 will always be remembered and continues to affect our country, its geography, its people, culture and our landscape to this very day.
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
During this time of year, we may experience a lot of rain, which can leads to thunderstorms. It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. Talk with your family and create an emergency plan for thunderstorms, floods and tornadoes. Think about an emergency shelter and evacuation plan.
Protect your electronics. Your electronics can get fried if they are not properly protected. Plug electronics into a surge protectors to avoid damage during a storm.
Prepare for power outages. Have battery operated flashlights and lanterns in easy to get to places. Check on these items from time to time to make sure the batteries still work, replace them if necessary. Also, think about keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If these food items rise above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more, they should be disgarded. Call your local power company to inform them of the outage and to get information regarding when the power should be restored.
Stay away from power lines. Don'tgo near power lines should they fall to the ground, they can be very hazardous. Call 911 if you see downed power lines.
Go inside when you hear thunder. If you hear thunder, it is likely that lightening is also occurring. Lightening can be dangerous, therefore, make sure to go inside when thunder occurs.
Seek shelter. There are many different nature elements which can occur and be harmful when outside during a disaster. Therefore, during a storm it is important to seek shelter and be safe. If your inside, a good place to be is in the lowest level of your home. If you have a basement, or storm cellar you can hang out in until the storm passes.
Keep an emergency kit ready. Conisder putting together a kit of things you may want to have on hand during a storm. Items you may want to include would be water, non-perishable food, flashlights, blankets extra batteries, a radio and a first aid kit.
This spring we have been having a wide range of different types of weather. This has been both challenging to ourselves as people and to our homes, businesses and landscaping. We thought it would be important to share some safety tips with you regarding heavy rains and flooding.
Check your Roof-Look for current damage and areas that look vulnerable to leaks. Repair these as soon as possible. If need be, call a roofer to perform the inspection and the repairs.
Trim Foliage-Plants and trees with overgrown branches can pose a danger to your household in harsh winds and rain.
Waterproof Windows-Check the edges of your window sills to see if they need a waterproof sealer or rubber on the edges.
Clear out Gutters-It is important that these are clear in case of heavy rain to prevent any possible flooding. You should check your gutters a couple times throughout the year as the wind tends to carry leaves and debris into the gutters blocking the water from flowing freely.
Remember, it is very important to keep an eye on these things, because a small leak can cause a lot of damage. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office so that we can help!
In the recent snow storm, a lot of trees and tree limbs fell. We saw pictures of trees falling in people's yards, on fences, and on people's homes. Trees can cause a great deal of damage, especially those that fall on houses. This can cause damage to roofs, exterior walls and windows.
Here are some tips for what to watch out for before the storm:
-Keep an eye on cracks in tree trunks and large limbs
-Watch out for hollowed, aged and decaying trees, trees that lean to one side
-Branches leaning over the roof or close to the house
-Any trees or branches that are close to or hover over utility lines
All of these things are cause for potential dangers to your home and property. Do you know someone who performs tree removal services? Getting contact information for someone who performs tree removal services is great to have on hand for emergency situations.
Before a storm hits, it's always good to remove dead, diseased or damaged tree limbs. Prune branches close to the house and near utility lines.
In addition to paying attention to the trees, you should also check gutters and remove any debris you might find to prevent a water back up in your gutters. Having a water back up, could cause damage to your ceilings bringing the storm inside your home.
After the storm has passed, be sure to re-evaluate your property. Take precautions and remove any trees or branches that appear damaged. If necessary, call a professional to help.
Imagine this... you wake up on a cold winter morning, stumble to the bathroom, turn on the sink to splash your face with some water but only a very small trickle of water coming from your pipes. Confused? You call a plumber, and they tell you that most likely you have a frozen pipe. Eek! What do you do now?
Try to locate the section of pipe that is frozen. Using a blow dryer or heat gun blow hot air at the frozen section of pipe. If possible, you could place a space heater near the pipe to begin the thawing. It is important not to use a torch or open flame to attempt to thaw the pipe. Also, don’t place the space heater too close- remember the 3 ft rule!
Inspect the pipe for any cracks that may occur when the water causes the pipe to expand. Slowly begin the run water and check for any leaks. If you notice water leaking from the pipe, you should turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Contact a professional plumber to come fix the pipe.
Don’t forget, we’re available 24/7 to clean up any water damage that may have occurred. It’s important to clean up any water damage quickly and efficiently to prevent further damage from occurring.
During New York winters, our homes can take a beating from the freezing cold weather. It’s important to prepare your home before the winter weather hits. Failing to prep your home for winter, may result in a costly disaster later. Freezing cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze which causes the pipes to expand and crack or burs which leads to water damage.
Where the pipes in and around your home are, could mean that they are more likely to freeze than others.
Pipes that are outside your home are the most likely to freeze as they are directly exposed to the cold weather. For these pipes, it’s best to turn off the water to these pipes and drain the pipes. This will ensure that no water can freeze inside allowing for possible cracks to form.
Pipes located along exterior walls of the home or in areas of the home that are not heated are the next pipes likely to freeze. Consider whether or not areas of your home such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages or unused rooms have pipes in and around them. Because these pipes may be important to be left on throughout winter, it is important to insulate them. Special insulation for the pipes can be found at your local hardware store. Thermostatically controlled heat tape will turn on at certain minimum temperatures. This tape keeps the pipes slightly heated to ensure that freezing does not occur.
If you have had pipes that are inside of walls freeze, consider adding insulation in those walls. It’s possible that there is not enough insulation installed as would be recommended in our climate.
On August 25th, Hurricane Harvey caused widespread devastation throughout Texas and Louisiana. The area was affected by flooding and destruction from the Category 4 hurricane. Houston's total rainfall during this storm exceeded 50 inches of rainwater.
SERVPRO mobilized Disaster Recovery Teams from around the country to help the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. Over 400 teams initially deployed fully equipped with equipment and supplies to perform mitigation and restoration.
Then on September 10th, Hurricane Irma made landfall in the southwest of Florida. Flooding and wind damage affected Florida and Georgia. Many people lost power, gas and water. Again, SERVPRO dispatched additional Disaster Recovery Teams to help clean up the affected areas and help families affected by the storm.
After Hurricane Irma landed on the Florida coast, our SERVPRO sent one of our operations managers, Matthew Balch to go down and assist with the clean up. Our thoughts are with those affected by these disastrous storms. We hope that the families affected can recover quickly and get back on their feet. SERVPRO Industries is working as hard and quickly as possible to make sure things run smoothly so that we can help as many people as possible.
Our SERVPRO sent a team down to Florida to help out with the Hurricane cleanup. We are currently helping perform mitigation and restoration in a country club. Our crews are working as quickly as possible so that the country club get get up and running again.
Flood watch vs flood warning - adamandbrit@gmail.com - Gmail
We have been hearing on the news a lot lately that there is a "flood watch" or a "flood warning" in effect. It is important to understand the lingo so that we can be prepared for what is ahead of us. Since the beginning of this year, we have gotten record high rain falls. Many areas of New York State have flooded or had possible flood warnings issued. Knowing what to prepare for can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.
A flood watch simply means: be aware. The conditions in your area are right for flooding to occur.
Steps you should take are:
Listen to your TV and /or radio to get the latest updates and emergency instructions. Download an app to alert you of possible warnings or instructions to follow if conditions worsen.
Know where to go should you need to seek higher ground.
Check your emergency kit to make sure your ready for anything! Or create one if you don't currently have one. Search the internet for suggestions of what should be included in your emergency kit!
Prepare your house for flooding by moving outdoor furniture inside and moving items to somewhere it won't be damaged should flooding occur in your home.
Disconnect electrical appliances.
A flood warning means: take action! Flooding is either already underway or will be shortly.
Steps you should take are:
Immediately move to higher ground.
Evacuate if instructed. Don't risk putting yourself or others in danger.
Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Remember, 6 inches of water can knock you down and 1 ft of water can move your vehicle.
There are certain precautions that should be taken when flooding occurs in order to stay safe. Please consider following these steps to be safe in flooded areas:
Do not walk, drive or ride through flooded areas. You don't know what may be in the water below. It is better to use precaution and not go into the water than to risk drowning, getting hit with a sharp object, fall into an unseen hole or be taken by the fast current. Remember that only 6 inches of water can knock down an adult, less for a child. When evacuations are necessary, list to local officials and get out while you can. This will save yourself and rescue crews from being put into dangerous situations. When flash flooding is possible, move to higher ground. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to move to higher ground before the flooding occurs than to get trapped and not be able to get out. Flash floods are the number 1 cause of weather related deaths in the US according to FEMA. Avoid driving through flooded areas. One foot of water is enough to move a vehicle and leave you unable to control the vehicle's destination. Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers and creeks during heavy rainfall. These ares can quickly flood. If you have notice of possible flooding, but sand bags around your house in areas that might allow water intrusion. You cannot stop all water intrusions, but this step might save your home from possible water damage.
It’s finally spring time in upstate New York! AND it finally FEELS like spring! We can’t be happier to break out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors!
However, with spring time comes some unpredictable weather patterns. Something’s we can expect along with the beautiful sunshine are; heavy rain, high winds, and hail. Have you experienced any of these so far? I can attest to seeing heavy rain and high winds! I have also seen warnings to hail in the area.
It is important to be prepared for any weather that might come our way.
Heavy Rain
Before heavy rain comes your way, make sure to check your gutters and down-spouts to ensure they are facing the correct direction and that they are free of any debris that could stop water from flowing through properly. Failing to do this may cause water do back up in the spouts and cause water damage to your roof and ceiling. If your spouts are not facing away from the house, you could have water intruding the foundation of your home causing water damage to your basement or ground level.
High Winds
If you have trees surrounding your home, high winds may cause tree limbs to fall and infringe your roof or side of the house. You may want to trim back any branches that could land on your home causing damage. You should also move inside or tightly secure any outside furniture or decoration that could be blown over or blown away by heavy winds.
Hail
Hail can come in many different sizes. I have seen some hail that is the size of golf balls. This one can be tough to protect your home and belongings from, but make sure anything that can be moved out of harm’s way is. Consider covering anything that cannot be moved from the outside elements to protect it.
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 and is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. The Red Cross provides disaster relief, blood donations, military family support, training and certification in CPR, lifeguarding and first aid. The Global Red Cross Network can be found in 187 countries throughout the world. SERVPRO began a partnership with the America Red Cross in 2013 and became a Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides those in need with support, comfort and assistance in times or disaster. Disaster Responders help communities prepare for disasters before they even happen!
Some safety tips the Red Cross recommends in order to prepare for severe thunderstorms are:
Listen to the local news via television or the radio for emergency updates.
Put off participation in outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted.
Pay attention to the weather around you. Watch for signs of a storm such as darkening skies, high winds, and lightening. Lightening can happen even without rain.
If a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued get to a safe location. Find shelter or get in a vehicle with the windows closed.
Do not use electronics such as telephones, computers, televisions, etc.
Close all windows and doors.
Do not take a bath, shower or partake in activities that use running water.
If you’re driving, pull safely off the road and use your flashers.
Do not touch metal surfaces that can conduct electricity.
Stay out of pools, or bodies or water.
For more information on being prepared for storms, go to redcross.org.
As we continue to have freezing weather, we must be aware that the pipes in our homes and businesses could freeze at any time. Last week, I talked about how to keep your pipes from freezing. However, we must be prepared if they do freeze.
Some ways you can tell if your pipes have frozen are…
--If you turn on a faucet and no water comes out.
--If you can see visible frost on the pipes.
When you have discovered that your pipes have frozen, you should immediately turn off the main water valve. It is important for everyone in the home to know where they shut-off valves are in your home. Once the water has been shut off, you should begin to thaw the pipes.
Ways you can do to thaw frozen pipes are…
--Wrap hot clothes or heating pads around the frozen pipes. Leave the cloth on the pipes until they have cooled, if needed repeat this step.
--Put a space heater near the frozen pipes. Ensure that the space heater does not directly touch the pipes.
--Use a blow dryer to thaw the pipes.
--DO NOT use any type of open flame to thaw the pipes, this can damage your pipes and is a fire hazard.
Once the pipes are thawed, you will want to turn the water back on to the home. It is important to inspect your pipes and ensure that the pipes did not burst. Remember, as water freezes it expands. Some pipes cannot hold up to the expanded water and crack or break. A pipe can have a very small crack in it which will slowly leak water and can cause a great deal of damage.
If you find that a pipe has cracked or burst, you will want to turn the water off to that area. Call your local plumber to have them fix or replace the broken pipe before turning the water back on. Should you have any water damage, be sure to call your local SERVPRO. We’ll be sure to get there quickly to start mitigation.
As we begin getting below freezing temperatures we need make sure we are following the steps to keep our pipes from freezing. Remember, when water freezes it expands which will cause a pipe to crack. When the pipe thaws water will leak from the pipe. A small pipe can allow up to 250 gallons of water to leak out over the course of one day. Larger pipes will allow more water to spew out. This amount of water can cause a hefty amount of damage to your home or business.
There are some steps we should take to keep pipes from freezing…
First of all, all outside hoses and pipes should be drained and unhooked. These hoses should be properly stored away for the winter.
Seal any openings in your home where cold air may get in. You may want to get an expandable calk to help seal any openings.
Properly insulate pipes in attics and crawl spaces. These are areas that are usually unheated, and therefore have the most likelihood of having frozen pipes. Check what grade of insulation is recommended for your area. https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_attic_insulation
When your area is experiencing freezing temperatures, make sure to leave cabinet doors open that lead to pipes. This way, the cabinets are exposed to the same about of heat as the rest of your home. Turn your faucets on so that they slowly drip water. This will keep water flowing through the pipes. You will be able to tell if the pipes stop dripping, there is probably ice blocking the pipe.
Leave the heat set to one temperature. This will surely cost you money to leave your heat at one temperature rather than turning the heat down at night or when you’re not home. However, it will stop areas of the home with plumbing from getting too cold and allowing pipes to freeze.
Now that it is winter in Central New York, we must remember how to prepare for a winter storm. All winter long we get warnings of impending snow. Whether we enjoy the winter season or not, we must be ready at any time for a large amount of snow fall, ice storms, or well below freezing weather.
As for any type of impending storm it is suggested to have enough food and water for everyone who lives in the home to last at least three days. The recommended amount of water per person is 3 gallons. The food should be food that doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated. It is also suggested that you have a radio that runs on batteries so you can get updates on what is happening even if the power goes out. Additionally, extra batteries, flashlights and candles should be on hand. If you have a fire place, ensure that the chimney has been cleaned and inspected and that you have wood available. A fireplace, kerosene heaters can be used as alternative heat sources.
There are specific things that can be done right before a winter storm hits. You should fill your gas tank to ensure you have enough gas should you get stuck while traveling. Put blankets and additional winter gear in your car. If possible, you should avoid driving during a winter storm. This will lessen the traffic on the roads and the chance of getting stuck or in an accident.
Check your shovels and snow rakes and put them somewhere that is easily assessable. It is important to keep a shoveled path into your home. Should an emergency arise where emergency responders need to come to the home, it’s important for them to have easy access. Spraying your shovel with WD-40 will stop the snow from sticking to your shovel.
Make sure your cell phones and other electronics are charged and ready for use.
During the storm, should temperatures dip below freezing you should turn all faucets in your home on so they are slowly dripping. This will help keep pipes from freezing, which could save you in the long run from having to clean up water damage. Leaving the cabinet doors open will help your pipes stay warmer. Wrapping towels or newspaper around your pipes to help insulate them should you lose the ability to heat your home.
Why It's Important to Roof Rake Snow in the Winter
Have you ever had large amounts of snow built up on your roof? Ever notice how large icicles can build up after the snow has melted a little and then re-froze? Having large amounts of snow and ice buildup can be damaging to your home.
The heavy snow can cause your roof to collapse.
When the snow starts to melt and then freezes again, ice can build up on the roof. Ice can be damaging to gutters and downspouts.
Ice dams can form causing water damage in your home.
Roof rakes can be purchased at most hardware stores. They look like a thin, wide shovel and have an extension pole so that you can stand on the ground to remove the snow from your roof. It can be extremely dangerous to try to get up on the roof covered in snow or to stand on a ladder to remove the snow. The roof rake allows you to stand on the ground and remove the snow.
If ice damming should happen to your home, the affected area of the roof will need to be completely cleaned off in order for mitigation to begin. Otherwise, the snow will continue to leak in through the roof and the drying of materials will not be able to start. Having the roof completely cleaned off can be a very difficult task and often a roofer is needed.
The eye of Hurricane Matthew provided my Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
As Hurricane Matthew approaches the southern tip of Florida we are reminded of the necessary preparations that need to be taken to keep our loved ones safe in a natural disaster. It is often joked about that the only job that you won’t get fired for being wrong is being a weatherman. Whether we believe the storm will affect us directly or not, we need to trust the possibility that if a storm is predicted to hit a specific area and prepare of the worst.
How should you prepare for the possibility of a natural disaster?
-Prepare to be without electricity for several days. Here is a list of very basic items you should have on hand:
>You should have a couple flashlights with extra batteries. Candles and matches.
>Food that will not spoil and does not need to be heated to be eaten or kept cold.
>Plenty of bottled water. Some sources say as much as 1 gallon of water per person per day.
>Blankets and clothing stored in a plastic container that won’t get wet if flooding should occur.
>First aid kit.
>At least a week’s worth of any prescription medication and any over the counter medication you may take.
>Toiletries such as paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, tooth paste and tooth brushes, anti-bacterial wipes, hand sanitizer.
Remember that stores and gas stations can get overwhelmingly busy when everyone is trying to prepare for a storm. Be patient and understanding during this time. It is easy to become anxious as no one truly knows what will happen in the days or hours to come.
-Watch the news and stay current on what is happening. In some areas evacuations may be necessary. It is important to know what is going on and what safety measures are being recommended.
-Create a family communication plan. In case you get separated from your loved ones, make sure you have a plan of how you would get back in touch with them. Often we hear on the news that family members were evacuated separately from one another. If this were to happen, you would want to have a plan to get back in touch with your loved ones so that you know quicker that they are alright.
-Be flexible with your plans. Circumstances may change in a moment’s notice and it is important that we remain flexible in our plans. The area you’re in may not be expecting initially to get hit with the eye of the storm. However, this can change very quickly and officials may decide to evacuate your area. You need to be prepared to do so with very little time so that you and your family can get to a safe zone.
Are New Orleans Post Katrina Defense Plans Enough?
Katrina hit New Orleans and it hit HARD. Take a look at this video to see what they have done since to amp up the city’s defense system and how we as a society have contributed to our own downfall regarding flood control.
Lightning from thunderstorms injures hundreds of people in the U.S. every year and kills dozens. These causalities are easily preventable if you follow these simple safety tips.
1) Listen to the radio and television for severe thunderstorm warnings. The National Weather Service issues warnings for counties and even sends out text messages now to our mobile phones when storms are on their way. Pay attention and heed their warnings for safety.
2) Remember the 30 second rule. If there is not 30 seconds in between the time you see lightning and hear thunder, it’s time to go indoors.
3) Lightning typically strikes the tallest object around so if there is a storm, move indoors if at all possible or into a hard top car if there are no buildings around.
4) Once inside, stay away from windows, plumbing and electrical. If lightning strikes outside, it can carry inside via land lines.
5) Get out of boats and away from bodies of water. If you can hear thunder than you are close enough to get struck by lightning.
6) If you are caught outside, avoid standing by tall isolated objects such as trees. Find a grouping of small trees surrounded by taller ones, avoid bodies of water, and if there is only open spaces, look for a dry low-lying area and try to make yourself the smallest target possible. Do not lay flat on the ground, rather crouch with your head between your knees. Sheds, outhouses and tents provide no safety so keep this in mind when you are hiking or camping. Always think ahead and be prepared in the event that you are caught in a thunderstorm and if possible, turn around on your trip and head home.
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