Important Steps To Prepare Your Business for a Storm

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Laredo is here to take care of any storm damages that may happen to your Laredo building.

Mother nature has a way of making her presence known. An assortment of severe weather such as flood water can wreak havoc on homes and businesses alike. If you want to save your company a lot of money and hassle, you should have a plan in place to deal with these powerful forces.

Check Your Building

As typically rainy seasons approach, it’s important to inspect the inside and outside of your Laredo, TX. facility for spots prone to water damage. You should take the following steps:

• Ensure that your plumbing system is up to date and free from problems.
• Make sure the rain gutters are clear of debris and are diverting water away from your building.
• Look for spots near the foundation where water collects and pools.

Back up Your Data

A flooded building can cause widespread damage. One of the worst issues you face is the possibility of losing crucial data and sensitive information on your computers and other electronic media. If you haven’t created reliable backups for your data on off-site servers, it’s time to take this step today. When you do this, even if flood water ruins all your equipment, you will still be able to access any essential files.

Have a Plan

Discuss with your team what you will do in the event of a major storm or floor. Develop an evacuation plan and decide how you will continue to operate your business if you are unable to remain in your building.

Choose the Right Restoration Company

If water does enter your building and cause damage, you need to call a reliable restoration company for fast and effective cleanup. The best companies will get your facility back to safe conditions so you can resume your operations.

You can’t predict when flood water might infiltrate your facility, but you can be prepared. Follow these tips to ensure your business will be ready. 

The Aftermath of a Storm

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

For any size disaster, give SERVPRO of North Laredo a call at (956) 568-0266

Storm damage

The truth is even the smallest amount of damage from water is potentially hazardous, and water cleanup must be done immediately. When a person finds water in their home or commercial building, it’s already causing damage, despite the small amount. Restoration is a must, and mitigation cannot wait in a situation like this.

Not All Flood Damage is Covered

Flood damage is different than other water damage from a storm or a leaking pipe or sewage issues, which is why homeowners and business owners must take the time to carefully read through insurance policies before signing on the dotted line.

Water Cleanup Must Occur Right Away

Water damage is dangerous, and it takes but a few hours for it to allow mold growth to occur. If there is water in the home or commercial building, owners must get a restoration specialist out immediately. Mitigation is best when it occurs immediately following damage from water. The drying process is very specific, and cleanup takes some time.

Not All Water is Created Equal

It’s a safe bet that no one should enter a home or business where water is present for several reasons. The first is live power sources make the situation too dangerous. The second reason is not all water is created equal. If the damage is from flood damage living next door to an ocean or lake, chances are it’s safe water. However, water damage that comes from a local sewage treatment center or other unknown sources could contain a myriad of contaminants teeming with bacteria that can cause serious issues. Not all water is created equal, and you never know what might be lurking in your water.

It's not uncommon for someone to find water in the home following a terrible storm only to find living creatures in the water. Because many of these living creatures have been displaced as a result of hurricanes or tropical storms, a home filled with water is inviting.

Airing the Building Out Works

Water damage should not be handled without the help of a professional because it requires much more than opening windows and putting fans on the floor. It requires special equipment to properly handle the drying process. If any water is missed, mold becomes a problem. This results in the entire situation becoming more expensive, more dangerous, and more stressful.

Finding water at home or in the office is never a good sign, especially if it’s not due to a flood or other easily explained issue. It could be a plumbing issue, a roof issue, or even a sewage issue. The safest thing to do is call the professionals immediately after you call your insurance company to report this claim. It's imperative to seek restoration and mitigation from a professional source for the best outcome.

How to stay safe in a lightning storm

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

For any storm damage, contact SERVPRO of North Laredo at (956) 568-0266

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months.  Stay safe with these basic tips:

• Have a safety plan, and cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects (this includes electric wires, fences, etc).  Seek shelter in a substantial building, or a fully enclosed vehicle.
• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows.  Do not use the telephone, and consider unplugging computers, power tools, and television sets.  Lighting may strike exterior electric or phone lines, and send jolts of electricity to inside equipment.

If a storm has damaged your house and you need help cleaning or repairing the interior or exterior of your home, don't hesitate to give us a call.  You can reach SERVPRO of North Laredo 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (956) 568-0266.

When lightning strikes!

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

For any size disaster, give SERVPRO of North Laredo a call at (956) 568-0266.

It's important that we know our facts about the weather patterns to prepare for any future emergencies.  Learn the common myths and facts about lightning during spring!
 

Myth: If it's not raining, then there is no danger from lightning. 
Fact: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.  This is especially true in the western United States where thunderstorms sometimes produce very little rain. 

Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car protect you from being struck by lightning. 
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires proved no protection from lightning.  The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.  Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside. 

Myth: "Heat lightning" occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat. 
Fact: "Heat lightning" is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. 

To find out more information about the myths and the facts about lightning go to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. 

Dealing with lightening damages can be very overwhelming to deal with alone.  Give SERVPRO of North Laredo a call at (956) 568-0266. 

SERVPRO of North Laredo Has the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience storm damage call us at (956) 568-0266

When storms hit Laredo and the surrounding areas, SERVPRO of North Laredo can scale resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. Because we have a strong network system, we can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams.

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.

SERVPRO of North Laredo 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today - (956) 568-0266