#1 in Storm and Flood Damage

4/21/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to the United States. Flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain falls over several days, when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or when an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow into local neighborhoods.  Flooding can also result from the failure of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam. The most common cause of the flooding is water due to rain and/or snowmelt that accumulates faster than soils can absorb it or rivers can carry it away. Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding. Below are the most common flood hazards to impact the United States:

• Flash Flooding

• River Flooding

• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

• Burn Scars/Debris Flows

• Ice/Debris Jams

• Snowmelt

• Dry Wash

• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties?

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties 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

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

We can access the resources and personnel of 2,300 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We are also a special Disaster Recovery Team, strategically located to respond to catastrophic storms and events in our local area.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today (570) 296-1177

Protecting Your Home from Storm Damage

4/21/2024 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties have some helpful tips to make sure you are prepared for the next storm. 

• Keep trees and shrubs around your home trimmed to make them more resilient in high winds.
• Clear any debris from gutters and downspouts and ensure water can flow away from your home.
• Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and any other items not secured.
• Keep your sump pump in working order.
• Repair lose siding and missing shingles.

When storm damage strikes, we know and understand that every second matters. We also know that a quick response time is important to help prevent secondary damage.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Why Choose SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties?

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties 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

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (570) 296-1177

Emergency Car Kit

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you are one of the many people that may occasionally need to drive during inclement winter weather, it is a good idea to keep a fully stocked Emergency Car Kit in your vehicle at all times.

Nothing is safer than not traveling during inclement weather, but if it is necessary, having these items can save your life in the case of an emergency:

• Portable cellphone charger
• Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Tow chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Booster cables with a fully charged battery or jumper cables
• Hazard or other reflectors
• Bright colored flags or help signs, emergency distress flags, and/or emergency flares
• Road maps
• Waterproof matches and a can to melt snow for water

Do's and Don'ts of Storm Emergencies

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy thunderstorms are known to cause flooding both inside and outside of the house. Here are a few tips on what to do if your house has flooded during this storm season.

What To Do After Flooding

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Turn on the air conditioning for maximum drying during the summer months.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place and remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Gather loose items from the floor.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove the water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and avoid being in rooms where the ceilings are sagging.
• Do not use your television or other household appliances.

Prepare For Disaster Before it Happens

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready? Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile is a start-up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference for important buildings and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and closes by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference of what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

How To Prepare for a Winter Storm - Part 1

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

Protecting your family

• Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for young children.

• Have your vehicle winterized before the winter storm season to decrease your chance of being stranded in cold weather.

• Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, and oil.

• Install good winter tires with adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate but some jurisdictions require vehicles to be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

• Keep in your vehicle: - A windshield scraper and small broom - A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats - Matches in a waterproof container - A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna - An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.

• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and keep the fuel line from freezing.

• Keep a supply of non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery.

• Service snow removal equipment before the winter storm season and maintain it in good working order.

• Keep handy a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, water-resistant boots, and extra blankets and warm clothing for each member of the household.

Tips For Your Car in Winter Months

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Driving in the colder months can bring its own set of challenges, depending on where you live.

The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, making driving conditions a little trickier.

With all the holiday travel you’re sure to be doing, it’s important to make sure you have the right emergency supplies in your car.

The most important items to have are things that will keep you warm, like gloves, wool socks, and hand warmers.

Blankets are great to have on hand. If it’s really cold, you can use them to insulate your car – putting them in the windows helps prevent the cold air from getting in.

And make sure you have a cellphone charger and a flashlight with extra batteries.

Cold weather maintenance is also important.

AAA has a list of tips to ensure your car is in good running order when temperatures drop, including:

• Make sure the battery is in good condition and clear of corrosion
• Checking tire treads and installing snow tires where needed
• Confirming that all lights and signals work
• Verifying that brakes are in great working order

Taking care of your car can mean the difference between life and death on the road

#1 in Storm and Flood Damage

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding is a coast-to-coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. Flooding typically occurs when prolonged rain falls over several days, when intense rain falls over a short period of time, or when an ice or debris jam causes a river or stream to overflow into local neighborhoods  Flooding can also result from the failure of a water control structure, such as a levee or dam. The most common cause of the flooding is water due to rain and/or snowmelt that accumulates faster than soils can absorb it or rivers can carry it away. Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding. Below are the most common flood hazards to impact the United States:

• Flash Flooding

• River Flooding

• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems

• Burn Scars/Debris Flows

• Ice/Debris Jams

• Snowmelt

• Dry Wash

• Dam Breaks/Levee Failure

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every water damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” water damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Have Storm or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today (570) 296-1177

Why Choose SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties?

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

We’re dedicated to responding immediately to water and storm damage emergencies. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties 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

We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters

We can access the resources and personnel of 1,700 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Storm Damage

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur at any time and can cause an immense amount of harm to your home. Heavy rains can cause flooding and powerful winds can cause roof damage and downed trees on your property. Some post-storm damage can create safety and health hazards as well, so having a strategy to deal with damage will help you to be ready to take steps immediately after the storm.

Take Safety Precautions

Heavy winds and rain can create physical hazards such as collapsed roofing materials, window damage, collapsed walls, or standing water in the basement or home interior. In addition, moisture can soak into furniture, carpeting, and building materials making the perfect environment for mold growth that can cause health effects. Shut off the main gas line if you smell gas. Beware of broken glass, exposed nails, and other sharp objects on the property. Contact a reputable property restoration company to help do basic tasks to secure your property and make it safe to use. If necessary, arrange for an alternative place for you and your family to live while your property is being restored to safe living conditions.

Photograph the Damage

If it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph the damage so that you will have a record for your insurance company. This action will ensure that you are fully compensated.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent to notify them about the damage to your home immediately. The company will send out an adjuster to determine the extent of the damage so that payment for repairs can be made.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM: PREPARING YOUR ROOF AGAINST HAILSTORMS

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

While the Spring season in Texas equals great temperature and fun outdoorsy activities, consider yourself warned. March begins the yearly hail season—ice as big as golf balls wreak havoc by causing leaky roofs, dented siding, and accidents if you’re caught outside during a storm.

NOAA’s Severe Storms database records over 5,396 major hail storms by last year, 2019. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Storm Prediction Center, National Weather Service, Texas ranks first at the Top Five States By Number Of Major Hail Events. For hail-prone areas, it’s best to be ready for any circumstances that could happen.

Once the storm starts, there is pretty much nothing you can do except to stay inside. It’s safer to double-check everything beforehand, including the things that you can minimize damage to. Safe-proof your home before hail season starts and take precautions that could help lessen the damages.

For everyone’s safety, stay indoors. Pay attention to weather reports to be prepared and shop for groceries, flashlights, and batteries. Close your doors and windows and stay away because of the risks of flying glass.

GUTTER CHECK!

Drains and gutters could easily be filled by fallen leaves, debris from trees, and hailstones. They stop water flow due to clogging and cause damage due to the lack of proper drainage. As a solution, drain these areas. Keep your gutters free from debris that could cause water to back up and potentially cause leaks in the future. This is to ensure that water could drain normally.

MAINTAIN YOUR LAWN.

Amid a really bad hail storm, branches and plants can pose a threat to your home. Tree branches could hit your windows and shutter glass. For safety reasons, trim tree and shrub branches that could potentially cause extensive damage to your property. Maintaining your lawn helps eliminate the risks of the upcoming storm.

TAKE YOUR STUFF INDOORS.

Branches and shrubs aren’t the only things that pose a threat to your windows. If possible, take your outdoor furniture and decoration indoors to avoid them becoming hailstone targets and projectiles.

A HAND IN REPAIRS: YOUR INSURANCE POLICY.

After the storm and the damage has been done, check in with your insurance company before authorizing repair work needed. Document the damages and call the company as soon as possible.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF (DO IT PERSONALLY, OR GET A SECOND OPINION).

Before anything else, contacting a professional roofing company to inspect your roof and prepare you against the future dangers of the storm might be better.

Your roof protects you against heavy rain and the scorching sun. It also protects you against hailstones. As it is everyone’s first line of defense against the hail season, repairs are a must. Make sure to inspect your roof regularly. Check for loose or missing shingles and have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent future problems. Loose shingles could cause possible leaking due to the upcoming hail season. If there are small dents in the area, have them inspected. Or consider improving your current option to a material that’s much more resistant.

SERVPRO Tips for Hurricane Season

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is already among us and has taken a toll on places like North Carolina and Florida. Businesses and homeowners everywhere should consider many things during hurricane season to prevent damage to their property. Many of them seem obvious, but others, not so much. What are some of these preparation tasks you might ask? Let's try to answer this question.

Building and Street Maintenance

Consider the last time you cleaned your storm drains. If they have not been cleared out in recent years, this could cause a blockage of water from draining away from your property. When water gets clogged in drains, this can lead to a backup. This means water will be coming back into your home or business and can cause very serious damage. If you have a shop vac (dry/wet vacuum), try to get some of the dirt and build up out of the drain. If you can’t clean it properly, call a professional.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are basically pumps used to get rid of water that has entered a building. When turned on, these pumps run water through a hose and outside of the property. If you own these pumps when was the last time they were tested? Do they have a battery backup in case of a power outage? Power outages cause almost 20 percent of water damage due to sump pumps not being able to run during these outages. If you do not own a sump pump, consider buying one especially if you commonly see water damage on site.

Generator Fuel Tanks

Many people like to store backup generators in their basements. This can be dangerous because if water seeps into your basement and gets into the fuel tanks, this will contaminate the gas and lead to failure to start the generator. In turn, this means no power and could lead to more damage.

Runoff

Does grading lead away from your building? Grading helps to move water away from your building instead of moving towards it. Checking your grading system can help keep water from flowing into your building.

Clear the Floor

One of the leading causes of water damage is the items on the floor. You can avoid this by removing porous materials, boxes, and paper from the floor of your basement. Keep all of your electronics off the floor and make sure to turn off your electronics when you are expecting heavy rains.

When Storms Hit Pike / NE Monroe Counties, SERVPRO is ready!

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Overbrook/Wynnefield, 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.

Top 3 Things to Remember When You Lose Power

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Natural disasters like the one that hit Texas in mid February, are all-too-common these days. Natural disasters that cause the power to go out in the middle of winter pose many potential problems for home and business owners alike.

1) Power outages have the potential to cause pipes to freeze which is a leading cause of water damage in the winter.

Right now Texans are struggling with this all-too-common problem. When homes or businesses are left without power for extended periods of time, it allows temperatures to dip below freezing allowing the pipes to freeze. This can cause cracks or bursts which lead to water damage.

One measure that can be taken to try and avoid this is to insulate the pipes. This can be done by visiting any local hardware store. Most hardware stores carry special tape, polyester coverings, and a host of other products that are capable of protecting against extreme dips in temperature.

If you have community, town, or city water and have not lost your water supply it may be a good idea to run the water source furthest from the water main. This can allow a steady flow of water to avoid pressure building up from the water in the pipes becoming frozen.

2) Power outages have the potential to cause septic backup.

When there is a power outage, effluent is not pumped into the drain field. The septic and pump tank collect the wastewater throughout the power outage and will release it all at once when the power is restored and the pump starts. Too much water pumped at one time can flood the drain field, causing surfacing or backups.

3) Power outages can cause loss of drinking water if you have a well.

Power outages can cause well pumps to stop working which can lead to loss of water supply. This includes water for drinking, showering, and toilets. Not having access to clean, drinkable water can lead to many other issues. It is important to store additional bottled water in order to avoid dehydration.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Texans who will likely be recovering from this storm over the next several weeks. If there is anything to be learned from this terrible situation, it's that it is important to prepare for these types of disasters.

If disaster strikes and causes water damage from Milford to Lake Wallenpaupack, SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties can help.

--Michael Smitchel

Why Flood Waters are Category 3

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding homes and businesses are all-to-common in areas that are close to rivers, lakes, or streams.  Many times in the summer tropical storm systems can dump many inches of water which can cause flooding. There is also the reality of huge snow storms in the northeast like the nor’easter we recently had in February of 2021 here in Northeast Pennsylvania. The melting snow can cause water levels to rise. There are also the rare occurrences when ice can cause a dam or blockage in a local river or stream system.

It is important to understand that no matter what the cause of outside water seeping into your home or business, the water should be treated with extreme caution. Many times this water is contaminated and can cause harmful side effects if not dealt with correctly. Any outside water from storms is treated as a Category 3 loss.

Category 3: "Black Water"

This water is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested, and any contact should be avoided. Sources for category 3 water could include flooding from rivers or streams, water from beyond the toilet trap, water from the toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has begun to support microbial growth.

SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties has you covered no matter how bad the water damage may be. We have the equipment, personnel and experience to get the job done right.

--Michael Smitchel

How to Protect Electronic Appliances

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Below is an interview between Laura from Networx and an Electolux representative. In the interview, you'll find useful information on how to treat large appliances during a power outage.

LAURA: How might a power outage affect digital appliances?

ELECTROLUX: A complete power failure will obviously cause a loss of power to the unit, but no damage. Once the electricity supply is functioning again, our units will communicate to you in some way (depending on feature set) that power was lost at the unit level. For example, with our connected appliances, you’ll get an alert on your phone when your power has been restored after an electrical outage.

You will also be notified if a HI TEMP was recorded in a Food Preservation Product, letting you know that your food was exposed to higher than acceptable refrigeration or freezer temperatures.

LAURA: What happens during a period of lowered voltage, as in a power brownout?

ELECTROLUX TEAM: Our Electronic Mainboards (power supplies) are designed to keep performing through NA Standards. As long as the brownout stays within the range of the power supply, the unit will function as normal. 

If the brownout drops below the standard range of the power supply for NA alternating current (AC) power, the unit will behave as if a power outage has taken place.

LAURA: Do you advise our readers to unplug their large appliances for safety reasons?

ELECTROLUX TEAM: There should be no reason to unplug units during a storm or power outage event.

LAURA: Can you use a surge protector or a generator for electronic kitchen appliances?

ELECTROLUX: We do have consumers who attach our units to generators or whole home generators. Operation is dependent on the output voltage, current, and wattage of the generator.

However, our instructions for the installation of the Appliance are documented in the product manual: Direct connection to a dedicated 20-amp circuit.

LAURA: Do you have any other protection tips?

ELECTROLUX TEAM: Ensure that the wiring for your house and dedicated 20A circuit meets NA wiring standards for power.

Source: Networx

Blizzard Tips

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Blizzard of 2015

A blizzard is a severe snow storm with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibility of less than a 1/4 mile for more than 3 hours.

Traveling by car or foot is highly discouraged during blizzard conditions. It increases the chance of hypothermia, accident and death.

If you must travel by car during a blizzard, it is vital to have an emergency aid kit (water, jumper cables, road flares, tow rope, non-perishable snacks) in case your car breaks down, you get into an accident, or become stuck in the snow.

To avoid hypothermia if caught outdoors during a blizzard, stay hydrated and nourished. Keep blood flowing by moving around. Also build a snow cave to block winds, which reduce your body temperature. And don't eat snow, it will make you colder! While keeping yourself safe, also think about the well-being of your animals by creating an emergency plan for your pets!

Traveling by car or foot is highly discouraged during blizzard conditions. It increases the chance of hypothermia, accident and death.

When a blizzard is in the forecast, you may receive a “Winter Storm Watch," which means there is a possibility of a storm taking effect. You could also receive a “Winter Storm Warning," which means a storm is on the way or already taking place.

As soon as you receive a storm warning, get prepared. You could lose electricity (this includes hot water and heat), so stock up on non-perishable foods, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, and candles beforehand.

How to Spot Roof Damage

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Damaged Shingles

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can tear shingles from your roof and give your roof a beating with tree branches. Follow these steps to check for storm damage to your roof:

• Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.

• Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.

• Obviously, you’ll notice if a tree fell on your roof. If so, stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as you’ll need more than roof repairs.

• If the storm produced hail, check for roof damage, as well as siding damage. Hail damage commonly comes in the forms of dimples, made by smaller chunks of hail that pound the outer layer of shingles.

• Stay safe — avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself and instead contact a professional roofer.

Source: Angie's List

Nor Easter part 1.

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

North East Pennsylvania has been getting hammered with snow lately causing a lot of damage to homes and businesses alike. Over the last week and a half over 75k ppl and other electric provider users have lost power, now for some of them the power went right back on and everyone was happy. But for 80% of those who lost power are still without power. The devastation is tremendous, down power lines everywhere, trees laying on power lines and spanning across roads . This has put a lot of people in  a very tight position. Some trapped in their cars for over 30 hours on the side of the road. To the gentleman we met in Milford who had over 6 trees fall on his property . Putting holes in his house boat and RV . Crushing his new pickup truck and ripping a high tension line right off of the house. Luckily teams of arborist and electricians have came up to help us out in our time of need.

SERVPRO Helps out with storm damage

3/29/2018 (Permalink)

As seen in the last blog post North East Pa has been getting slammed with winter weather from all angles. The team came together (In the dark of a powerless office) and came up with a way to give back to those helping with the rebuild but also those who to this day are still without their everyday necessitates. The team began gathering pallets of water and non perishable food items to begin the distribution process. Donating the goods to fire departments , community buildings and also the occasional house drop off. The team is making waves in the community by showing their overwhelming support for those effected. In the last 8 days the team at SERVPRO of Southern Monroe County has delivered over 1000 gallons of water and over 500 lbs. of food other beverages for those working to fix the issues as well as helping out all of the innocent people with nowhere to go in a time of need. 

How to Protect your home from storm damage

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Severe storms can happen throughout the year in areas all around the country. Whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, hailstorm, or another form of extreme weather, your home could experience significant water damage, flooding or destruction both inside and out. While you can’t control the weather, there are measures you can take to help minimize the potential damage storms could cause to your home. Some preparations, such as roof and tree inspections, are helpful not only when it comes to storms, but are also good for general maintenance and upkeep. If you do experience significant damage and need help with storm cleanup, a restoration contractor can help repair your home, from water removal to rebuilding a wall that a tree knocked down.

Interior Areas of a Home

There are a number of places in a home that are more susceptible to storm damage than others, such as the roof, windows and doors (including garage doors). Once you identify these areas, you can take measures to help protect and reinforce them, which will most likely reduce the damage and make the storm cleanup process easier. Consider hiring a professional to inspect these specific parts of your home, which will ensure that they are stable and in good shape, and most importantly can withstand the elements of most storms. While taking these precautions doesn’t guarantee your home and yard won’t endure some storm and water damage, they can certainly help minimalize the degree of damage.

WINDOWS/DOORS

Protecting your home’s openings is one of the most important steps you can take to defend against strong winds and heavy rain that can potentially compromise these entryways. Check doors for missing screws/bolts or loose hinges. Keep your windows intact with upgrades such as shutters, high-impact glass, and double-paned models to protect against storms. As an added bonus, these improvements can also reduce your energy costs because they’re environmentally friendly and help insulate your home.

Taping windows with masking or duct tape is more or less ineffective; however, applying a durable clear plastic film can help prevent glass shards from blowing into your home, in the event the window is broken by strong winds. If you have advance notice of a major storm system that’s approaching your area and you have time to take precautions, boarding up your doors and windows with plywood is an inexpensive and effective way to protect your home. In addition to plywood, panels are available in aluminum, steel, plastic and composite materials.

Consider pre-installing anchors around doors and windows to speed up the installation process, if you know your area experiences frequent storms and extreme weather. Installing a permanent shutter system—such as roll-up or accordion shutters—is an effective way to shield your windows from wind and debris. Plus, you can close them quickly before a storm arrives. There are even models for skylights, sliding glass doors and garage doors.

ROOF/ATTIC

Have your roof inspected by a professional to identify any problem areas or leaks that could lead to water damage in the event of a storm. You can reinforce your roof by having it retrofitted with certain types of brackets, bracing, clips or straps that can help make it stronger. Make your roof more wind-resistant by securing any loose shingles with a heavy-duty adhesive; if you have a roof made with tiles, fasten them with screws and wires instead of nails.

If you’re in the market for a brand new roof, consider purchasing an impact-resistant material that will stand up to extreme weather, reduce storm water runoff, and require fewer repairs than other types of roofs that are easily affected by hail, wind and water damage.

SERVPRO Helps out with storm damage

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to dealing with Storm there can seem that there is no way out. The overwhelming feeling of your property being damaged is something that can turn anyone's stomach. That's where we here at SERVPRO come in ! We are here to help no matter of big or small the job is , SERVPRO is ready to come in ans save the day. We here at SERVPRO have all the tools and employees to get in get the job done before any more bad can happen. Our highly trained techs and crew chiefs are working tirelessly to keep up with the new and improve practices of storm damage remediation. We make it our priority to make sure when you call SERVPRO we come out and deliver a product or service that the customer is happy with. 

Tips On Weather Proofing Your Home

11/10/2017 (Permalink)