Mitigate Storm Damage to Your Property

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent storm damage is to prepare before the winds and rain hit. Prevent damages, such as missing shingles, a roof leak, broken furnishings, and other havoc by taking specific steps as soon as you know there's a storm on the way:

• Trim trees and shrubs around your business to prevent branches from breaking winds or becoming projectiles.
• Pack up furnishings outside your building and stash any decorations or marketing signs that aren't completely attached.
• Board up the windows. Again, the best time to gather these supplies is before there's any news of a storm. Purchase the hardware you'll need and store it safely until you need to use it.
• Reinforce any garage doors. These doors tend to be relatively flimsy. The damage to the doors or to your exposed inventory or vehicles could become very expensive.
  
  

Of course, proper maintenance is an essential step in protecting your company property.

Gather Evidence of the Damages

Before you take any cleanup steps and before you contact professionals to take care of the work, record the damage. First, take photos of all damage to document your losses for the insurance company. Make a written inventory of all commercial and personal property that was damaged. Don't forget to hold onto receipts when work is completed.

Practice Preventative First Aid

After the storm has passed, there are several steps you can take to keep your commercial property safe, avoid that annoying roof leak, and keep your repair costs down. One of the first is to address any damage to the roof. Use tarps and plywood to board up holes in the roof, cover holes in windows and skylights, and inspect the rest of the property.

Turn Major Repairs Over to Professionals

You may find that siding has been blown off the building or a tree branch has broken the building or some property directly. In many cases, a storm damage repair and cleanup professional is the best person to repair your damaged roof. There are many safety concerns to keep in mind before sending an employee to the top of your building. There's no roof leak more important than a person's safety.

SERVPRO Can Handle Many Types of Storm Damage

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

We can experience several kinds of storm damage. Some are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Consider the following tips should your home or business be hit with storm damage.

Wind Damage Restoration

The high winds of the desert often cause severe wind damage, placing your roof at risk. Your roof is particularly susceptible. The strong winds may cause flying debris to hit or lift the roof. Roof damage can be challenging for homeowners and business owners, mainly because a roof leak may not be evident until the next storm hits.

Roof Leaks

Many roof leaks and roof damages are difficult to detect. Storms can loosen the roof without creating a problem that is not easily visible. Even small roof leaks can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. It is critical to secure roof inspection and repair immediately after high winds. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton can assist homeowners or business owners in receiving a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when wind damage strikes.

Flood Damage

Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage from many miles away. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water, flooding will happen. Even houses and shops at higher elevations can sustain flood damage.

Hail Damage & Recovery

Hail can damage not just your roof, exterior walls, and any detached buildings. It is a great idea to hire a storm damage restoration professional to inspect your roof, exterior walls, and outbuildings for damage. Dents, nicks, and cracks on the roof are areas where hail has damaged the exterior of your home. These weakened areas can lead to other more extensive problems like water damage

After a storm, if you are not sure if there is damage to your home or business, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton. We will access your property for any damage that could put your property at risk.

Give us a call at (251) 809-1260!

Preparing for Emergencies

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

In recent years, many forms of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business, and community.

If you've seen the news, you know that emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people like you. We've seen tornado outbreaks, river floods, flash floods, historic earthquakes, tsunamis, and even water main breaks and power outages in U.S. cities affecting millions of people for days at a time.

Here are three steps to help you prepare and plan in the event that you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services:

1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care - water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio - for a checklist of supplies, visit www.ready.gov
2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ready.gov- Work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to help build community resilience.
3. Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources. You can find preparedness information by:

- Accessing www.ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

- Contacting your local emergency management agency to get essential information on specific hazards to your area, local plans for shelter and evacuation, ways to get information before and during an emergency, and how to sign up for emergency alerts if they are available.

- Contact your local firehouse and ask for a tour and information about preparedness.

Police, fire, and rescue may not always be able to reach you quickly, such as if trees and power lines are down, or if they're overwhelmed by demand from an emergency. The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.

As FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminded us, "Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation's emergency management team. Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency." For more information on NPM, and for help getting prepared, visit www.ready.gov, or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585 for free information.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton wants you to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for a natural disaster. For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov, or call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton; our professionals can help your business prepare for the unexpected by offering an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). The profile is designed to be a quick and easy snapshot of your business, providing critical facility information needed for detailed emergency preparation. For a customized Emergency READY Plan, contact us at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251)809-1260.

What You Should Know After Storm Damage Affects Your Home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Though storms are common occurrences, storms that involve high wind levels and flooding can devastate homes. Many people don't know what will happen after their homes sustain storm damage. However, understanding cleanup methods and restoration methods, such as a tear out, can be useful to homeowners.

What Are the First Steps After Storm Damage Occurs?

After the storm has ended, there are several important steps that occur to begin the cleanup and storm restoration processes. After a storm has affected your home, the initial steps can involve:

• An assessment performed by storm damage restoration experts
• The documentation of damage, which can be provided to your insurance company
• A visit from an insurance adjuster
• Water removal with specialized vacuums, pumps and other equipment
  
  
  

How Is the Home Restored?

There are various restoration methods that are used after a storm. After water has been removed from the home, professionals will work to mitigate the damage by quickly drying the home, often using powerful dehumidifiers and other pieces of equipment. A tear out, the process of removing damaged building materials, can also be useful. After wet building materials have been removed, the home is sanitized. Finally, damaged materials are replaced.

What Happens to Damaged Items?

Many homeowners are concerned about what will happen to their damaged items after a storm. To mitigate the damage to these items, damaged belongings are usually removed from the home after a storm. Clothes, rugs and other items made of cloth can often be cleaned and restored if mold growth is not present, whereas electronics can be difficult to restore. Ultimately, whether or not an item can be restored depends on the extent of the damage and the fragility of the item itself, and items that can't be restored are replaced.

It's often useful for homeowners to know what happens after a storm affects their home. Learning what first happens after storm and water damage has occurred, knowing the methods and techniques, such as a tear out, that are used to restore homes and understanding what happens to damaged items can bring homeowners peace of mind after a storm.

If your home has suffered damage due to storms, call the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260!

SERVPRO Saves Homes After Storm Damage

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

We Can Reduce Flood Damage in Your Home

You were not expecting your home to flood from last night’s thunderstorm, but it did, and water is now standing in your basement. Flood waters contain contaminants like chemicals, raw sewage, and dead animals, which is why you should never hesitate to call in the professionals. Our techs set goals to make your home clean and safe after storm waters enter your house. Whenever it is possible, our crews can restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Plus, they strive to preserve many of the contents inside your home.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton flood damage teams are highly trained and come ready to get to work when they arrive. The first step the team takes on is stopping the flow of water from entering your basement. Hopefully, that has already occurred. Next, they start extracting the water with various pieces of equipment such as a truck-mounted or portable extractor, wands and pumps that can remove water from the structure fast. The type of machinery we employ depends on the amount of water inside affected areas.

Many flooding situations may require the need for our teams to remove items from the house. When we do remove contents, our technicians keep an inventory of every item during the pack-out stage. Typically, clothing, furniture, and paper documents are sitting in several inches of contaminated water. Our crew can remove and clean all salvageable items with industrial cleaning products. Plus, they can use EPA-registered antimicrobial sprays to sanitize your items before bringing them back inside your home. Ultrasonic cleaning can also restore possessions that our customers believed were lost.

Drying the area is also an essential process during restoration. Our team can use air scrubbers to clean the air. Plus, they can utilize air movers and axial fans to enhance drying. In all cases, we use dehumidifiers to absorb water vapor. Heaters may also be put in place to target specific areas.

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton flood damage restoration services are fast and can help. We are available 24/7 to assist you in your time of need. If a flood ever occurs in your home, call us at (251) 809-1260 right away.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. We can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

Water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at (251) 809-1260!

Signs of Storm Damage to Your Home

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

High Winds Can Be Powerful

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

What are damaging winds? 

Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage.  Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different processes.  Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft.  Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.

Straight-line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation, and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds.

A downdraft is a small-scale column of air that rapidly sinks toward the ground.

A macroburst is an outward burst of strong winds at or near the surface with horizontal dimensions larger than 4 km (2.5 mi) and occurs when a strong downdraft reaches the surface. To visualize this process, imagine the way water comes out of a faucet and hits the bottom of a sink. The column of water is the downdraft and the outward spray at the bottom of the sink is the macroburst. Macroburst winds may begin over a smaller area and then spread out over a wider area, sometimes producing damage similar to a tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, macrobursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder.

Source: www.nssl.noaa.gov

How SERVPRO Handles Storms

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storms have become stronger and more severe over the years.  However, thanks to the technology available today we know a storm is coming and we prepare the best we can and it still isn’t enough. Neighborhoods, cities, towns and even states are displaced by storms.  

When a storm event occurs all resources are stretched to the breaking point including shelter, food, and water. These are just the basics of necessities that are hard to take care immediately following a devastated storm. We at SERVPRO have teams all over the country who are called Storm Teams. These Storm Teams have the equipment, manpower and knowledge to hit the ground running to help clean up and restore after a disaster. 

Our corporate office does a great job of dispatching our Storm Teams to the right place so that we can help communities get back on their feet. SERVPRO works with the people, insurance companies and authorities to get the area back to normal as quickly as possible. 

When you see the next storm headed to a city rest assured SERVPRO is ready to respond where we are needed.

Clogged Drains Can Cause Flood Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our Flood Water Removal Technicians Will Help You Handle the Storm Flood Damage in Your Property.

Floodwater can cause lasting damage when it gets into your property. It rots wood paneling, stains furniture, and causes mold infestation. However, if you engage with SERVPRO technicians immediately after the storm, we can work quickly to get your property back to its former glory.

How much does flood damage restoration cost?

The cost of storm flood damage to property varies from case to case, depending on its intensity. When looking for restoration services near you, it is essential to note that the cheapest option is not the best. Quality matters, and you need to rely on the professionals to do an excellent flood damage remediation and restoration job.

At SERVPRO, our pricing system is straightforward and guarantees every client a friendly price. We have a team of certified price-estimators who follow a standardized process of assessing the restoration cost.

What should I do after my home floods?

•   Follow the authority’s instructions.
•   Keep off from any electrical cords and switch off the main electricity supply.
•   Keep your kids from moving flood water.
•   Avoid consuming foodstuffs that came into contact with the water.

Can you remove the mud on my driveway?

Our technicians have access to top of the line equipment and tools for effective cleaning. Since flood water can carry dirt and debris to your doorstep and into your property, we can use a diesel-powered power washer to clean the mud on your driveway and sidewalk. However, the equipment's pressure might not be sufficient to break the bound of the dirt. Therefore, we can add detergent to enhance the cleaning power of the machine.

How long does the drying process take?

The drying process in water cleanup and restoration can take several days. With the help of our advanced equipment and tools, we can dry your property thoroughly. We can place several axial air movers in the affected area to facilitate drying. The equipment removes moisture in affected surfaces and turns it into airborne water vapor. We remove the water vapor from the air using your home’s HVAC system and low grain dehumidifiers. The dehumidifier converts water vapor into liquid and extracts it from the property.

If flood damage occurs in your property, act fast. The longer the contaminated water stands in your property, the more damage it can cause. Call SERVPRO today and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Recovering After a Tornado

12/9/2020 (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 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.

What to Do When a Storm Impacts Your Business

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

When you know that a storm is likely to impact your business, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, focusing on storm preparedness before a disaster occurs can help to keep yourself, your staff and your property safe.

1. Document the Building’s State Before the Storm

When a building is damaged, it’s often important for property management to provide the business’ insurance company with documentation of the destruction. However, it may also be beneficial to have photographs of your property prior to the incident. By showing an insurance adjuster what the business looked like before it sustained damage, you can help to ensure your claim is accurate.

2. Establish a Line of Communication

Storms can come on suddenly, and in the event that the property needs to be evacuated, it’s useful to know how to contact all employees in a timely manner. As part of your storm preparedness plan, you may consider asking all staff members to provide you with a way to reach them quickly before a disaster. Since you may not be present in the building when an emergency occurs, it can also be wise to create a list of tasks that the last person to exit should perform. An example might include making sure all doors and windows are closed.

3. Inspect the Property

Inspecting the structure before a storm can help you prevent damage, because leaks or malfunctioning equipment may worsen any problems that do occur. An inspection will also allow you to observe any openings in the building, which can happen when roof shingles are cracked or missing. This may let rain get inside more easily. If you see signs of a problem, you should contact emergency restoration services to prevent additional issues.

As a property manager, storm preparedness can be an important element of your job. Documenting the building before a disaster, establishing a line of communication and inspecting the structure can help you to prepare your business for any situation.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to help get things back to "Like it never even happened."

How to Decide What to Save and What to Toss

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

No matter how well you prepare for storm season, a strong storm with heavy rainfall can still cause significant water damage in your building. Part of the flood cleanup process is content cleaning. It is likely that some items will need to be thrown away, but many items can probably be salvaged. There are a few factors that determine what can be saved and what must be tossed.

Surface of Item

The item itself is a prime predictor of whether or not it can be restored. Items with the following features are more vulnerable to flood damage:

• Porous surface
• Lack of finish or protective coating
• Delicate material

If an item has one of these features, storm restoration specialists may still be able to save it. If you can safely do so, try to dry the item gently to stop water damage from spreading before technicians arrive to commence content cleaning.

Contamination Level

The level of contamination also affects how likely an item is to be salvageable. If your building flood is the result of a pipe break, items can usually be saved as long as they can be dried. Items affected by storm damage, however, are more likely to be contaminated with black water and thus more likely to need to be thrown away.

Exposure Period

The longer an item sits in water or remains in a humid room, the more damage it is likely to sustain. If you delay in calling experts for a few days, you are probably going to lose many more items than if you call them right away. Quick response is vital for more successful storm cleanup.

Content cleaning is one of the steps of the restoration process, and deciding what to keep and what to throw away is a decision best made by the experts. To increase your chances of saving more items, call the professionals as soon as possible after a storm.

Wintery Stormy Weather

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Here in Monroeville, Evergreen, and Brewton,, we get excited when we have even the slightest "threat" of snow. What we usually experience is some flurries, then heavy freezing. So many homeowners are unaware of how to handle a situation in which their pipes freeze in these winter storms. 

A heavy winter freeze when your home is unprepared can lead to pipes freezing, cracking and then severe water damage in your home. As bipolar as mother nature is in Alabama, within a few days of this water damage to your home, microbial growth can begin if the right conditions are in place. 

Homeowners also sometimes forget safety precautions when it comes to indoor wood fires, space heaters, and gas logs. One in six home fires during the winter months (December, January, February) are caused by home heating elements. Be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly. Be sure to treat space heaters and fires with EXTRA caution. 

Know that SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton is always here to help. 

Call us for water and fire damages at 251-809-1260.

When Storms Hit & Cause Floods

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton 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.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

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

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 251-809-1260

Storm - Steps Before & After

12/27/2019 (Permalink)

Insurance companies encourage you to take precautions and be ready to take action following a major storm. Your safety and swift recovery are the top priorities for both you and your insurance company. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and return to regular daily life after a catastrophic event.

What should I do before a disaster strikes?

• Call or visit your insurance agent prior to a storm to discuss your policy.
• Keep the name, address, insurance policy and claims reporting telephone number of your insurer and agent in a safe and easily accessible place.
• Take inventory of your household items, especially valuables. Photograph and videotape items for verification and keep in a safe place such as a safety deposit box, and/or send copies of records to a trusted relative or friend who lives another state.
• Read your insurance policy and know what YOUR responsibilities are. Know what is and isn't covered, such as flooding, and know your general/specific policy limits and deductibles.

A storm has hit and my house is damaged. Now what?

• Find out the time limit on filing claims and notify your insurance agent in writing of the damage as soon as possible.
• If there are holes in your roof or your windows are broken, be sure to cover them as quickly as possible so that wind and rain do not cause further damage.
• Save receipts of what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Don't throw away any damaged items until an adjuster visits your home.
• Photograph or videotape the damage for your records and the insurance company. Make a copy of your home inventory for your adjuster.

What kind of questions do I ask my insurance company?

• Does my claim exceed my deductible? Make sure you know the amount of your deductible. In many coastal areas, deductibles may range from 1 to 5 percent of your home's value.
• Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs or replacements? Before an estimate can be reimbursed, some companies may require an estimate to be approved first.
• How much insurance is enough? Check if your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value for a covered loss. If you have increased the value of your property, be sure to increase the protection for your property.
• Does my policy provide reimbursement for additional living expenses when a property is determined to be uninhabitable due to damage? If you must evacuate the area, notify your insurance company and verify your insurance policy for coverage for temporary lodging. This provision helps pay for living expenses, restaurant food, overnight parking, and laundry services.

What should my insurance company be doing?

• Once you have made a claim, the company will send you the necessary claim forms. Properly fill the forms out to avoid delays.
• Your company will send out an adjuster to inspect your home. Make a list of structural damage to your home that you would like to show the adjuster.
• Once you and your insurance company agree on the terms of your settlement, state laws require that your payment is sent promptly.
• Damage to trees, shrubs and other plants during a hurricane or windstorm are not covered under a standard homeowners policy. However, insurance may pay to remove the debris from a fallen tree if it caused damage to a structure covered by insurance.

Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260 for all your storm damage needs!

Facts About Tornadoes!

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

Every household should have an emergency plan in place before a disaster happens.  And part of that plan should include a stocked, ready to go, emergency preparedness kit.

An emergency preparedness kit is usually needed for you to survive for at least 72 hours. Make sure to keep an emergency kit at home and in your vehicle. Most items are easy to find and inexpensive:

Water – 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days

Food – Non-perishable food for at least 3 days

Manual can opener for food

Flashlight

Batteries

Hand crank radio or battery powered radio

First aid kit

Whistle

Matches

Dust Mask

Local Maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Prescription medications

Infant formula, diapers, wipes, bottles

 The most powerful Tornadoes occur in the United States.

A typical tornado only lasts for a few minutes.

Every tornado has its own color, sound and shape.

You need to step on the pedal of a car pass 70 miles per hour to outrun the fastest tornadoes.

The chances that a tornado is a F5, the highest classification for a tornado on the F-scale, is less than 0.1%

Tornadoes have been reported in every state in the US and also in every season.

A Tornado can occur at any time, but most often between 3pm and 9pm.

The direction in which a tornado twists depends a lot upon which hemisphere you're in. In general, most tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate cyclonically, or counter-clockwise. Only around five percent of tornadoes in the northern hemisphere rotate clockwise, or anti-cyclonically.

 Remember to call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260 for all of your needs.

Do You Know What to do Before the Storm?

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Preparing for a storm can be intimidating, let us give you some tips to make the process a lot easier for you.

Before The Storm:

1. Build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.
2. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
3. Postpone outdoor activities.
4. Remember the 30/30 Lighting Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lighting, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
5. Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
6. Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lighting strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
7. Remember, rubbed-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lighting. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
8. Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
9. Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

If you have experienced storm damage please give SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton at 251-809-1260 where we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Severe Weather Tips

11/10/2019 (Permalink)

Since SERVPRO partners with the American Red Cross we love sharing their tips on different occasions. 

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

TORNADOES

Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS

Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.

3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.

4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING

Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

2. Stay away from floodwaters.

3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

4. Keep children out of the water.

5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY

People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding, and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Protect Your Property During an Ice Storm

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Whether there is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, or sleet and snow; all of these can cause property damage. You can't control Mother Nature but you can be prepared so here are some tips to help you:

-Check for tree limbs and branches that might be at risk of falling.

-Roofs, pipes and gutters should all be inspected and make sure they are in proper working order. Clear gutters from debris, a damming effect could cause roof damage or interior water problems. Downspouts should be facing away from the home or building.

-Clean your chimneys and exhaust systems from debris.

-Test your gas lines for leaks.

-Inspect your property for proper drainage.

-Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If any pipes are under cabinets leave the cabinets open. Make sure exterior pipes are properly insulated.

-If there are any outdoor faucets, you might want to shut the water off.

-Make sure all exterior doors and windows have sufficient weather stripping.

Do you have an ERP for your business? Call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergeen/Brewton and speak with a Sales and Marketing Representative today!

What's the difference?

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Each year, we experience flooding all over the United States: if you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

What is the difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service?

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware! A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Information from http://www.floodsafety.noaa.gov/

Flood Facts

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton. Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order. 

How to Prepare for Spring Weather Hazards

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Spring weather often arrives early in Alabama and is a welcome change from the cold winter months. However, there are spring weather hazards that can quickly arise. You are not powerless to inclement weather that produces tornadoes, flooding, and lightning. Make sure that your family has a plan in place for these types of inclement weather to ensure everyone’s safety.

Knowing your risk is a key part of ensuring you are prepared for weather hazards that arise. Always ensure that you are checking your local weather forecast before leaving home. You can also follow weather patterns and possible threats by downloading apps such as Accuweather or Yahoo Weather.

Planning for weather hazards, such as tornadoes, floods, or lightning strikes to your home is an essential part of preparedness. Assemble an emergency kit with non-perishable food items, water, and basic first aid supplies to ensure that your family is taken care of in case of emergency. Also ensure that your family has an emergency plan in case of evacuation, loss of power, or fire. You can visit ready.gov for a free template to create your plan.

If you find yourself with damage to your home from spring weather hazards, SERVPRO is here to help. From water damage to fire damage, you can count on our highly skilled project managers and staff to restore your property and ensure that it is back to normal as quickly as possible.

Tornado Season Readiness

12/14/2018 (Permalink)

Cold weather is upon us at the moment, but tornado season here in Alabama is quickly approaching. Here are a couple of things from ready.gov to help be prepared in the event of severe weather.

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

Go to a pre-designated area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of a small interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

If your home is affected by severe weather, call SERVPRO of Monroeville/Evergreen/Brewton 24/7 at 251-809-1260.