Recent Storm Damage Posts
The Dos and Don'ts of Using Generators During Storm Outages
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
In this blog post, we will explore the dos and don'ts of using generators during storm outages.
When a storm emergency strikes and power outages occur, having a generator can be a lifesaver. Generators provide an alternative source of electricity and help keep essential appliances and devices running during the outage. However, it's essential to use generators safely to prevent accidents and potential damage. In this blog post, we will explore the dos and don'ts of using generators during storm outages to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your generator.
The Dos
- DO Choose the Right Generator: Select a generator that meets your power needs. Consider the appliances and devices you want to power, and choose a generator with the appropriate wattage capacity.
- DO Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions before operating your generator. Different generators have specific requirements and safety guidelines that must be followed.
- DO Set Up the Generator Outside: Always use generators in well-ventilated areas outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage or basement, as it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- DO Use a Transfer Switch: Install a transfer switch to connect the generator to your home's electrical system safely. This ensures that power is distributed properly and prevents electricity from back-feeding into power lines, which can be dangerous for utility workers.
- DO Allow the Generator to Cool Down: Before refueling the generator, turn it off and allow it to cool down for a few minutes. This minimizes the risk of fuel igniting and causing a fire.
- DO Manage Fuel Safety: Store fuel in approved containers and in a safe location away from the generator and other flammable materials. Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot.
The Don'ts
- DON'T Connect Generators Directly to Household Wiring: Connecting a generator directly to your home's electrical system without a transfer switch can back-feed electricity into the power lines, posing a threat to utility workers and potentially causing damage to your generator.
- DON'T Overload the Generator: Ensure that the total wattage of the appliances and devices you connect to the generator does not exceed its capacity. Overloading the generator can lead to overheating, damage, and safety hazards.
- DON'T Operate a Generator in Wet Conditions: Keep the generator and its outlets dry to prevent electrical shock. If operating the generator in wet conditions is unavoidable, use a generator cover or operate it under a shelter to protect it from moisture.
- DON'T Forget Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect and service your generator to ensure it is in good working condition. Follow the maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer to prevent potential breakdowns during storm outages.
- DON'T Leave the Generator Unattended: Always monitor the generator while it is running to ensure its safe and proper operation. If you need to leave the house, turn off the generator before doing so.
In conclusion, using generators during storm outages can provide much-needed power, but safety should be a top priority. By following the dos and don'ts listed above, you can ensure the safe operation of your generator and prevent accidents and damage. Make sure to incorporate these guidelines into your storm damage plan to be prepared for any future power outages. At SERVPRO®, we are here to help with any storm damage cleanup and restoration needs after storms and power outages.
Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts
8/8/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding + water.
Different Types of Water Damage
Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.
Primary Damage
When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage.
Secondary Damage
Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.
Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.
What Controls Humidity?
Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues.
Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.
Specific Humidity
The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number.
If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900, available 24 hours a day.
Do You Have a Back-to-School Family Emergency Plan?
8/4/2022 (Permalink)
No one ever likes to think that an emergency could happen to them, but the reality is that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, including while your child is at school.
Even if you never end up needing your family emergency plan, it's best to be prepared just in case. Having a solid plan in place will give you everyday peace of mind and, in the event of an emergency, could save lives.
Emergency Contacts
Make a list of 1-3 trusted emergency contacts who can pick up your child from school in the event that you are unable. Be sure to notify these people and get their permission. Review the list with your child to ensure they're comfortable with these people, know how to contact them by phone, and know what their vehicle looks like. Including an emergency card in your child’s backpack could prove useful for ensuring your child has the correct, pertinent information.
Communicate with the School
Ensure your child's school is kept up to date about who is allowed to pick them up. They'll need correct contact information and sometimes require a form of identification for their records. Many schools have materials they distribute to indicate designated pick up areas and other important information.
Drop Off Location
It’s scary, but it could happen. If none of the emergency contacts can be reached by phone or they're unable to pick your child up in a timely manner, alternative transportation may have to be arranged. Be sure to have a designated alternative drop-off spot. This could be a friend or relative's house, or another trusted location. Be sure your child knows the location, their current address, and phone number so that they can accurately tell authorities how to get there safely.
Reevaluate Each Year
As your child ages, changes schools, or your family moves, it's smart to update your plan.
Although we hope your family never experiences an unexpected disaster, if you do, SERVPRO is available 24/7/365 for emergency service. Learn more here.
Immediate Service: Day or Night!
7/24/2022 (Permalink)
Immediate Service: Day or Night!
SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova provides 24-hour emergency service and dedicates being faster to any-sized disaster! We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
Residential Services
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
Commercial Services
There's no convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and expertise to respond with trained technicians to get your property back to business.
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
Humidity: Primary and Secondary Damages Explained by Restoration Experts
6/21/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova restoration experts to mitigate primary and secondary damage due to storm, flooding, and water.
Different Types of Water Damage
Whenever excessive moisture gets inside a building, the problems it causes can be broken down into two categories: primary and secondary damage.
Primary Damage
When water leaks from a pipe or an appliance, it comes in contact with contents and building materials. Anything that happens due to direct contact with liquid water, such as the carpet's de-lamination, is considered primary damage.
Secondary Damage
Once water gets inside a structure, it naturally raises humidity levels indoors when moisture from wet materials evaporates into the air. Elevated humidity levels can also cause building materials issues since water transfers from the air into dry materials to reach equilibrium. When water vapor causes structural problems, it is called secondary damage.
Extraction procedures help reduce primary issues, and structural drying helps mitigate both primary and secondary water damage. When our SERVPRO technicians deal with any water damage situation, we monitor both relative and specific humidity.
What Controls Humidity?
Controlling humidity levels in a structure helps speed up structural drying times. Wet materials dry out faster if the humidity inside a building is kept low using air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring and strategic placement of these devices optimize drying times. When we keep humidity levels low, we also reduce water vapor in the air, causing fewer secondary issues.
Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity (RH) is a measure of how much water is in the air at any given temperature. RH is expressed as a percentage, so if the relative humidity is 100%, then the air is holding as much moisture as it can at that temperature. At this point, if not sooner, condensation can occur inside the building. "Raining" inside your home can only exacerbate the already water damaging effects. Air can hold more water at higher temperatures, so increasing the house's temperature will lower the relative humidity. That is one of the features of our HEPA filters. Not only does the filter suck the moisture from the air, but it also heats the air to dry the space quicker.
Specific Humidity
The temperature has such a significant effect on relative humidity, but it's not always a good gauge of how much water exists in the air. Specific humidity is the actual amount of moisture in the air. When our restoration professionals measure specific humidity, they count the actual grains of moisture in each pound of air. To find specific humidity, we measure relative humidity levels and the room's temperature. We then put these numbers in a psychrometric chart that gives us the grains per pound (GPP) number.
If you ever need help with issues related to water or humidity, such as flood damage, storm damage, or microbial growth, call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova at (901) 382-0900, available 24 hours a day.
We Have The State-of-the-Art Equipment Necessary in Memphis
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
Saving Facilities After Silicone Roof Water Damage in Memphis, TN
As many Florida business owners know, water damage is the second most common type of claim that they can make. A staggering 20% of all insurance claims filed are related to water damage of some kind, whether this is from a pipe malfunction, storm damage, or other water-related issues. Without thorough mitigation and drying, this damage can pose challenges to the structural integrity of your business as well as the safety of employees and customers.
If your office needs commercial water damage mitigation, you can count on a certified SERVPRO team to handle the damages quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business. No matter how large or small the disaster, professionals are dedicated to restoring your business and ensuring that cleanup is done to code.
Silicone Roofing Risks
While silicone roof coatings can help business owners with flat roofing save on electricity and other costs, there are some risks to consider when implementing this in your space after water damage strikes. These include:
- Abrasion and tear resistance. Compared to other coatings like modified bitumen, silicone roofing is not the most durable. It can get very slippery when wet, which can make it more prone to tears. Foot traffic dropped tools, and other activities can potentially damage the coating.
- Attracting dirt. Silicone roofing, which is often white, can get a visible coat of airborne dust and dirt over time, darkening roofing. Clean regularly to maximize the energy-reflective nature of the roof coating and save on HVAC costs.
- Recoating. While recoating may not be needed as often as it is for other roofing solutions, it is imperative to choose silicone compatible with your current coating.
How SERVPRO Saves Your Facilities
Suppose you have a roof leak in your facilities. In that case, SERVPRO can use centrifugal air movers and low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers in tandem to pull moisture off of surfaces and eliminate it, replacing the moist air with air that is warm and dry. To dry a wet ceiling, technicians may open a few ceiling panels on either end of the affected area and position equipment so that air circulates straight up and through the space between your ceiling and roofing. This placement also helps warm, dry air circulate through the affected space for better results.
SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is here to ensure that your business looks "Like it never even happened." Call (901) 382-3200 today for rapid disaster mitigation.
Protect Your Business from Flood Damage
4/10/2022 (Permalink)
Have a storm plan in case of an emergency!
Protect Your Business from Water Damage
Any building has the potential for flood damage. Even properties nowhere near water can incur damage from toilets overflowing, pipes bursting, roof leaks or intense rains. To avoid having to put your business on hold for massive flood cleanup, follow these tips to protect your building from significant damage.
Inspect Building Before Bad Weather
While sticking to a seasonal inspection schedule is recommended, if the forecast indicates that a strong storm is approaching, it makes sense to inspect it again. Look for cracks and leaks in exterior walls, foundation, and roof. If you find any, contact storm damage experts for repairs that can be done before the storm hits.
Clean Drainage
Giving excess water a place to go is vital to keeping it out of the cracks and crevices of your roof and walls. Clean gutters and downspouts of debris, particularly during storm season. Directing the downpour away from the roof and foundation of your building can help prevent seeping flood damage.
Test Sump Pump
If your building has low-lying ground that holds water after rain, a sump pump is beneficial to pump out the extra water—but only if it is working properly. These pumps are designed to get rid of water as soon as sensors are triggered. Regular testing, particularly before a major storm hits, is advisable.
Have an Emergency Plan
An emergency plan can help everyone understand clearly what they are supposed to do in any case of damage. Make sure it is up to date and that all employees have access to the latest version. Assign tasks that designate what each person needs to do in the event of a flood emergency. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova creates emergency plans for businesses, call us today at (901) 382-0900 to find out how you can protect your business and make it as flood-resistant as possible.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1950 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
- Memphis, TN
- Bartlett, TN
- Cordova, TN
- Germantown, TN
- Collierville, TN
- Poplar Estates, TN
- Almadale Farms, TN
- Arlington, TN
- Lakeland, TN
- Millington, TN
- Countrywood, TN
- Eads, TN
- University of Memphis, TN
- Galloway Gardens, TN
How to Reduce Pet Stress During a Storm: Evacuation Plan
4/8/2022 (Permalink)
Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress.
Plan For Your Pets
Inclement weather or fires can happen with or without notice. Creating an emergency plan can help prevent damage to your home and belongings and protect you and your loved ones - including pets! When putting a plan together, it’s important to plan for their needs as well.
Make an Evacuation Plan
Remember, if you must evacuate due to an emergency, the area is likely not suitable for your pets either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be taken, if not kept with you, and how best to transport them. Make a list ahead of time of pet friendly hotels or friends’ houses along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Know that some hotels and shelters do not accept animals.
You also might want to build an emergency travel kit for your animals. This will save time and worry when you must evacuate.
Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:
- A completed Emergency Pet Passport containing important information like your pets’ veterinarian contact info, medical needs, license/chip info, photos, etc.
- Leash, harness, and carrier with blanket to transport animals
- A few portions of a suitable non-perishable food, water bowl, bottled water, and can opener
- Cat litter and pan or bags for excrement
- Medications
- Toys
Don’t Have to Evacuate?
If evacuation is not necessary, there are still some things you can do to reduce your pet’s stress in an uncomfortable situation like a thunderstorm.
Pet Stress Symptoms
Pets may exhibit signs of stress and anxiety that can be alleviated by simple measures. Some of these symptoms include whimpering, hiding, pacing, or shivering. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of factors including pets’ greater sensitivity to sounds and air pressure.
As stress increases, symptoms may become more severe. Follow these simple measures to reduce your pet’s stress:
- Remain calm as an owner
- Create a comforting space for them in a smaller room like a closet or under a blanket
- Close blinds and curtains
- Keep them in their normal routine, if possible
Read more storm and pet related articles here.
Do You Have an Emergency Kit for Severe Weather?
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
Severe weather is unpredictable and safety is important, no matter the season! Be prepared, following these readiness tips to guide you, no matter what type of severe weather you may encounter.
Have a Weather Radio
Weather radios are the most reliable way to receive notifications of severe weather in your area in an emergency. Although cell phones, weather apps, social media, and wireless emergency alerts (WEA’s) are what the majority of us depend on for information, they can be interrupted during severe weather. Be sure to properly program your weather radio so you only receive the alerts you want for your county.
Keep an Emergency Supply Kit
An emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Most emergency management agencies recommend supplies for up to three days. The following is a list you can use as a guideline for mitigating disaster effects:
Personal Items:
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food
- A simple, manual can opener
- Battery or crank operated radio—preferably a weather radio
- Battery or crank operated flashlight
- Extra batteries and matches or lighter in a waterproof case
- First Aid kit with whistle to signal help
- Clothing, blankets, hygiene items & dust masks
- Important documents. (Copy of insurance policy, bank account info, identification, etc.)
- Cash
Repair Items:
- Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape for leaks
- Wrench or other tools to shut off utilities
- Fire extinguisher
Make a family plan
Make sure all members in the household are aware of where they are to go in the event of severe weather. If for some reason the family is separated in the event of a severe storm, have a meeting place established to aid in finding each other amidst the devastation.
Highly Trained with Resources to Handle Storms
SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova specializes in severe weather restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. We can also scale our resources to handle a larger storm or flooding disaster.
Locally Owned & Operated = Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we can respond quicker with the right resources. This is extremely important because a fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. Call SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova today! We are here to help.
How to Dry Out A Flooded Crawl Space?
11/9/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova take care of your flooded crawl space after a Memphis storm.
A massive storm can damage your home in Bartlett, TN; Cordova, TN; or the surrounding area. Still, flooding doesn't always happen in the most obvious places. If you find standing water in your crawl space after a rainstorm, you may need to call water restoration specialists. These certified technicians have proper equipment and experience to remove the water and ensure no residual damage lingers. Here are the steps SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova takes:
- Extraction
You may have a well-maintained sump pump in your crawl space, but an industrial pump on a truck will get the water out faster. Once technicians arrive and assess the situation, they will want to remove the excess water as soon as possible. The sooner it's extracted, the less damage it will do to your house.
- Debris Removal
When your crawl space flooded, debris likely washed in with the stormwater. Other items already in the space may have been submerged. Experts can use a trash pump to remove everything from the area.
- Cleanup
The cleanup process's extent depends mostly on how much water flooded the crawl space and how long it was sitting there. Technicians will have to use special equipment to remove water-damaged materials. The contaminated area must be thoroughly disinfected to get rid of any bacteria that came in with the stormwater.
- Drying
After the space is clean, technicians must make sure no excess moisture remains. The drying process can help keep secondary damage, such as mold growth from occurring. Only after the space is completely dry can any necessary rebuilding take place.
It may seem simple to remove water from your crawl space on your own. However, if you want to ensure that your space is thoroughly dried to avoid further damage, it's best to entrust SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova to handle it! Check out our reviews to see why other Memphis residents are glad they entrusted their home and crawl space to SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova.
How to Handle Storm-Damaged Items
10/25/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO warehouse content cleaning items
When a building is outwardly damaged by a storm, items inside may be affected as well. If this is the case, it can be challenging to determine how to proceed. If you are unsure which belongings to have professionally cleaned and which ones are more easily treatable, the following content cleaning insight may help.
1. Curtains and Other Fabrics
Curtains and other fabrics are porous; they can absorb a lot of water. This can be especially troublesome when black water is involved. It carries a high level of contaminants such as waste, mud and bacteria that can be difficult to remove. While you may save most porous items with a thorough cleaning by your friends at SERVPRO®, others may be beyond repair.
2. Hard Surfaces and Non-Porous Items
Content cleaning for objects with hard, non-porous surfaces is generally much easier. Because the contaminated water is not absorbed, you don't need to worry about bacteria lingering beneath the surface. With these items, scrubbing them with an anti-bacterial cleaner will likely be enough to sanitize them.
3. Artwork and Paper Items
It can be upsetting when irreplaceable artwork and essential paper items are damaged in flood waters. However, there is good news; you may be able to repair the items. A professional service like SERVPRO® will likely have access to high-quality equipment that will dry these items and remove the bacteria and other contaminants.
4. Electronics and Equipment
Like porous materials, electronics can be difficult to save if they have been damaged by contaminated water. For the best results, you should have them taken to a professional right away for inspection. Don't attempt to use these items before you know it is safe, as you may cause additional damage.
If you have damaged items by contaminated water, the best thing to do is have professionals clean your belongings. A cleanup and restoration service can salvage many of your belongings and perform any necessary repairs on your building. Contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova today.
How Does FEMA Assist in Disaster Relief?
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
A natural disaster can be so overwhelming that victims are often left not knowing where to begin cleanup efforts.
In the wake of a flood, tornado, or hurricane, people who have lost virtually everything need help meeting their basic daily needs. Fortunately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides several disaster relief services and financial assistance. Generally, it acts as a liaison between the federal government and the affected area.
Some Assistance Specifics
The disaster relief agency provides direct services and financial assistance for damages and other disaster-related expenses not covered by the victims’ insurance. Specifics that the federal agency provides include:
- Coordinates with law enforcement on procedures for evacuation
- Coordinates food distribution
- Coordinates medical assistance
- Provides temporary fixes for houses such as roof tarps
- Seeks and provides temporary shelter for victims
- Provides financial assistance (e.g., unemployment, replacement, repair, lodging)
- Provides crisis counseling
FEMA not only provides help after a disaster but also before a storm hits and when it’s underway. For example, they will help prepare as much as possible for a major flood, assist with evacuations before and during the flooding, and provide financial assistance for damage afterward.
Prepare Ahead of Time
It is helpful to take before and after photos of your property (residence, vehicles, and other personal property) if you begin the repair process before an adjuster comes out to assess the damage. You could be reimbursed for some of these expenses. Know what your property insurance covers and does not cover. After the storm, you will need to apply for disaster assistance and make an insurance claim. Some forms of financial assistance are income-dependent.
Suppose your residence in Memphis, TN sustains damage such as flooding from a major storm. In that case, you will require storm damage mitigation professionals to quickly and thoroughly restore your property to its original state. FEMA should provide help with some of the costs incurred.
What to Know About Mitigation and Restoration
7/12/2021 (Permalink)
Many companies in Bartlett, Tennessee, or Cordova, Tennessee, experience the risk of flooding after a massive storm. Fortunately, a flood cleanup company can help with restoration in the aftermath. However, you can do some mitigation steps before flooding happens that may help you protect the company property. Here are three things you may need to know regarding mitigation and restoration.
1. Mitigation Helps Prevent Damage
Mitigation is used when referring to preparation steps before a storm that may help reduce damage. These steps may include building dams around areas prone to pooling water, inspecting drainage clogs that can lead to water back up, and placing tarps or boards over spaces where wind damage can occur. More permanent forms include installing storm shutters or a sump pump.
2. Restoration Occurs After Damage
Restoration is used for any repairs after a storm, often performed by a flood cleanup company. These are done to get the property back in working order. It's recommended that restoration occurs as swiftly as possible, as doing so can help prevent further damage. You will often see your restoration team take additional protective steps to avoid damaged areas from being further exposed.
3. Both Are Important Steps
Taking mitigation steps before the storm, and contacting a restoration company to repair any damages afterward quickly are important steps to keeping your business property in top condition. Reducing the damage possibility beforehand, and making quick repairs may help you avoid long-term problems regarding property upkeep and maintenance.
You can take some mitigation steps to help protect company property before the storm arrives. If your business does experience flooding, contact SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova. We can arrive quickly to start the repair process before additional damage can occur. These options used together may help you prevent the necessity of costly repairs down the road.
Understanding the Risks Of Storm Damage & Insurance Coverage
7/6/2021 (Permalink)
A homeowner's policy typically covers standard weather patterns and the risks involved. With warmer weather comes the increased risk of volatile storms and damage from high winds and heavy rains. The savvy homeowner may invest in a hurricane and flood insurance policy, knowing the potential disasters related to severe weather.
- Flooding
- Sewage backup
- Mold growth
- Roof damage
- Other property and structural issues
However, not every flood claim is equal, and not all damage caused by strong winds is covered under storm insurance. Therefore, make sure your policy protects you against typical storm damages in your area.
Increasing Water Levels
A typical homeowner's insurance plan will probably not cover flooding related to storms. You will need a specific policy for flood damage and loss. However, these plans are not necessary for every area or region. To verify whether such a policy is needed, you can check the flood zones in your city.
Structural Issues
High winds and storm surges can lead to significant structural issues. The winds can lead to damaged rooflines, and the swelling waters can weaken foundations. In either case, your property may become vulnerable to mold growth due to increased moisture and humidity.
Loss of Personal Property
While you may do everything right to prepare for an incoming storm, like install storm shutters and set up sandbags, you can still be vulnerable to property loss. For instance, the winds tear away at portions of your roof, and the rain destroys family photos, clothing, and other items stored in the attic. Thankfully, in this situation, a standard homeowner's policy should have you covered.
Whether a flood or other severe weather hits you, you will need assistance cleaning up the damage. SERVPRO of Bartlett / Cordova can help by mitigating further loss by putting up shutters and tarps around the property. They can act as a middleman between you and your insurer, making sure you get what you're owed.
While a homeowner's policy typically covers standard weather patterns and the risks involved, certain areas are more prone to flooding and severe weather, requiring specific policy upgrades. Make sure you have coverage for the structure, water, wind, and property loss.
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