Here are the Steps to Take Immediately After Storm Damage!

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

When poor weather conditions come, it can affect your roof. Regardless of whether your roof has suffered minor or major damage, it's important to know what to do after a storm. Knowing what steps to take after Storm damage can make a significant difference in what happens next.

This can affect everything from your furniture to your flooring to insurance claims against your vehicle. If you don't make the right decisions afterward, you can put your family, belongings, and wallet at risk. Here are the steps you need to take after Storm damage occurs.

• Check Your Home for Damage
• Review Damage & Assessment
• Contact Your Insurance Company
• Avoid Further Damage Whenever Possible
• Call SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort to Renovate Your Home

It is significant to hire a professional and reliable Storm Damage Restoration Company to help you rebuild your home. A poor or incomplete recovery results in an unhealthy home for your family. If water damage occurs, mold can also develop immediately. It is very important to be aware of this and get rid of it as soon as possible to avoid further damage and health hazard.

At SERVPRO, we have seen it all when it comes to Storm Damage. Whatever your circumstances are, we'll begin the process of rebuilding your life by providing quotes and estimated time required for storm damage repair.

Things Storm Restoration Pros Look for During Inspection

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Your home's ability to rebuild after being damaged by bad weather depends on how accurately the danger signs are detected.

Because undetected issues cannot be properly resolved, the structural integrity of your property will not be fully restored if one or two causes for concern are not found.

To find problems, SERVPRO storm damage restoration experts always look for the following:

1. Broken roof components: During a full external inspection, experts actively check for signs of wear such as loose shingles and damaged sheet metal parts.
2. Gutter fault: Experienced storm damage specialists fear clogged and loosened gutters and downspouts. Since gutter problems sooner or later cause water damage, they have the highest priority for inspection and repair.
3. Wet spots on the ceiling: If the roof is leaking, the easiest way to find out in fair weather is in the attic. Water intrusion must have left traces of its existence. Dark streaks on ceilings and walls, damp insulation, damp values, and mold growth indicate a leak.
4. Broken siding panels: Siding issues are always bad news, but a rift requires immediate attention. If left undetected and untested, they pave the way for water intrusion and are an open invitation to wildlife.
5. Chipped windows: Storm damage repair experts look for paint damage. This is one of the most common consequences of constant exposure to moisture. While this is just a cosmetic issue, it can quickly become structural if water gets into the subfloor during bad weather.

SERVPRO can perform a thorough assessment of your home after a storm to uncover any issues. To schedule your inspection, contact SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort at (518) 580-1111.

The Best Restoration Company for Storm Damage

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Without warning, nature can take a violent turn: floods, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards. These can have a devastating effect on your home, turning your life upside-down.

At SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort, we know that our fast response time is key to minimizing the cost and time involved with storm damage restoration. Here is a water damage timeline detailing the damage water can do to a structure in a short period:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

48 Hours to 1 Week

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp
• Metal begins to rust and corrode
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold
• Paint begins to blister
• Wood flooring swells and warps
• Severe biohazard contamination is possible

When a Storm Damages Your Home, We're One Call Away

Our SERVPRO team of Saratoga Springs is prepared for any storm damage emergency. Our highly trained restoration technicians are ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 518-580-1111. We'll restore your storm damage and make it "Like it never even happened."

The 4 Steps of the Roof Damage Cleanup Process

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Many people think of flooding as something that happens at the base of a building. Floodwaters rise and break over barriers to flood the basement and bottom floors. Another common flooding problem associated with storms, however, is a roof leak. If the roof of your commercial building in Saratoga Springs, NY, gets damaged, rain can seep in and cause further problems. Here are the steps to resolve those problems.

Steps To Cleaning Roof Damage.

1. Drying Area

The first thing that has to happen when missing shingles cause water damage in your attic or top floor is for all the excess water to be removed. Water remediation professionals use industrial pumps to remove standing water. They may increase airflow in the affected area to dry surfaces. Making sure the area is dried quickly can help prevent secondary damage such as mold growth.

2. Removing Damage

If the roof leak is significant, there may be a lot of damage not just to the roof but also to the layers of the building directly underneath it. Waterlogged walls or ceilings are no longer structurally sound. Materials have to be torn out if they cannot be salvaged. 

3. Disinfecting Surfaces

Because flood water is contaminated, everything it touches must be sanitized. Professional strength cleaners are used to remove bacteria and other harmful substances. Afterward, the surfaces can be tested to ensure that they are clean.

4. Rebuilding Roof

After the cleaning is finished, the technicians repair the damaged roof. They make sure the base is strong and well-sealed against further leaks. Then they replace the shingles that are broken or missing. If any interior parts need to be rebuilt, they can do that as well.

A roof leak doesn’t always show signs of significant damage at first, so it’s important not to forget the roof in your inspection after a flood. You can avoid further problems by addressing any roof issues in a timely manner.

Sewage Has Backed up Into My Bathtub! Now What?

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

No one expects a sewer backup, much less to encounter raw sewage backing up into their Saratoga Springs, NY, bathtub. Unfortunately, it is a possibility that some homeowners must face at some point. It's essential to get the problem solved as soon as possible to avoid the various hazards resulting from sewage going where it shouldn't.

7 Steps for Dealing With a Bathtub Backup

The key to appropriately dealing with a sewage backup is to clean the area thoroughly while preventing cross-contamination into unaffected areas. There are several basic steps for accomplishing these goals safely.

1. Keep Everyone Out of the Affected Area

First, it's critical to keep everyone not working in the affected area out until it's safe, especially children and pets. Raw sewage needs to be handled with care to not spread the bacteria even more than it has already dispersed.

2. Turn Off the Electricity

If there is a chance that the standing water has come into contact with electrical outlets or plugged-in electronics, shutting off the electricity before entering the area is vital. An electric current could be traveling through the water, so if you can safely reach the breaker box, turn off the electricity to the affected area or the whole house.

3. Protect Yourself With Personal Protective Equipment

When dealing with raw sewage, anyone working in the area needs to protect themselves as much as possible. Sewage carries germs, bacteria and diseases that can be hazardous if people encounter them unprotected. Therefore, you must put on PPE before entering the affected area. Then, you must remove the PPE every time you exit the area to prevent cross-contamination to other parts of your home.

Depending on the severity of the sewer backup, you may choose to wear only a few PPE items such as protective glasses, a respirator and latex gloves. You could also wear hair coverings, coveralls and shoe coverings for more protection.

4. Extract All Water

Removing the standing water could be relatively quick and straightforward if you have a wet/dry vacuum; it can also remove small debris. If not, a mop and towels may have to suffice. Hiring water damage restoration specialists is typically the best solution because these workers have the expertise and industrial-grade equipment to ensure a quality, thorough job.

5. Dispose of Unsalvageable Materials

Anything porous item that has soaked up the water probably will be unsalvageable, as you may not be able to clean and dry it thoroughly. You must throw out these materials, which could include things like wood flooring, carpet, wooden furniture, wooden cabinets and drywall.

6. Clean and Sanitize Everything That Remains

Cleaning and sanitizing the entire affected area and its contents is one of the most critical parts of the job after sewage flooding. You can purchase products in stores or simply make a bleach/water solution. Everything must be wiped down with this mixture.

7. Dry Everything Completely

To avoid more water damage and mold growth, you will need to quickly and completely dry all that remains. You can turn on the ventilation fan in the bathroom, open windows and doors, and run dehumidifiers, heaters and fans.

It's always beneficial to be proactive when it comes to home issues. If you discover a sewer backup, remember to perform these basic steps to mitigate the damage.

How to Get Ready for a Potential Flood

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

It's difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate a disaster. Still, there are things you can do to combat emergencies at home. You can also minimize the likelihood of incidents such as flooding from occurring. With a few simple steps, you can spare yourself a lot of grief and heartache. A professional flood cleanup company can help you restore your home, but you would like to avoid going through such an ordeal in the first place.

Take a Look at the Plumbing

While some flood damage happens from natural causes such as massive storms or broken sewer lines, other problems start from plumbing issues. A leaky pipe, for example, can go undetected for months or even years, leaving widespread damage in your home. To guard against a flood, do the following:

• Inspect all the pipes in your home and check for cracks or other problems.
• Repair any damage to the plumbing system immediately.
• Have a professional inspect the main water line of your home.
  
  

Sure up the Drainage
Storm damage can take a heavy toll on your house, especially if rainwater has nowhere to go. Your rain gutters and downspouts should divert water away from the house. However, if there is dirt, leaves, or other debris clogging them up, the water could collect under your roof shingles or pool up near the foundation. It won't take long for the water to seep into your house. Check out these areas and make the necessary repairs right away.

Update the Appliances
You probably rely on your home appliances every day. Items such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and water heaters offer convenience and ease of living. They are also big culprits of flooding at home. If it has been a while since you did some maintenance on these appliances, now is the right time to do an update. This could prevent leaking or bursting, which would send gallons upon gallons of water onto your floors. 

Flooding is nothing to take lightly. You could be at risk of losing your entire home if you are prepared. These tips can help you keep your house safe.

Preventing Winter Storm Damage-Frozen Pipes

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Winter is here in Saratoga and SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs/Gansevoort wants you to be prepared for bitter cold days/nights and winter storm weather. Two most common winter storm catastrophes are frozen pipes and collapsed roofs. Here are some easy tips/tricks to prevent these unwanted repair or restoration costs:

Preventing Frozen Pipes:

1. Let your water faucets drip during really low temperatures. This helps reduce the pressure between the faucet and the ice that builds resulting in less of a chance for the pipe to burst from the increased pressure.

2. Keep your thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit during freezing temperatures. 

3. Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation, towels with duct tape around it or electrical tape to keep them from freezing. 

4. Be sure to shut off the water supply to any sprinkler or irrigation system prior to seasons with freezing temperatures. Make sure to have the pipes blown out to be sure any water left behind is gone.

Preventing a Collapsed Roof: 

1. Check the integrity of your roof before snow season or a snow storm hits. If there are any loose shingles, holes or any other flaws to your roof be sure to fix or replace them to prevent further damage. When any of this goes unresolved the chance for leaks, water damage and even a collapsed roof increases significantly.

2. Be sure to have snow removed from your roof after any significant snow storm as well as periodically between smaller snow storms as the snow can continue to build over time resulting in a collapsed roof. 

If disaster does strike and you need assistance with any restoration services SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs/Gansevoort is here to help. Call us 24/7, 365 days/year at (518)580-1111

Preventing Storm Damage to Your Home- Wind and Rain

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

You may not be able to prevent heavy rain and/or wind from hitting your area but you can prevent or at least limit the damage to your home or business. Here are a few easy tips to get you started:

1. Check your sump pump before each heavy rain season. Make sure it is in good working order. You may want the extra security and have a back up pump just incase. 

2. Ensure your gutters are clear and that your downspouts flow away from your home or business. Water that builds up, unable to drain properly can back up and cause flooding, water damage, mold and an abundance of other damage to a home resulting in extra repair costs.

3. Check roof shingles and siding periodically. When there are strong winds it only needs a small opening underneath a shingle or piece of siding to enlarge the opening and potentially cause severe damage to your roof or siding. This also gives rain a chance to get in that could cause flooding,  water damage and mold.

4. Make sure any fencing around the home has strong footing to prevent strong winds from pulling it out and blowing it into your home causing damage to windows, siding or roof. Just as important is ensuring all outside furniture and lawn accessories are put away before storms to prevent them from blowing into your home also causing extra repair costs.

Smart Ways to Prepare for a Flood

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

It's difficult, if not impossible, to anticipate a disaster. Still, there are things you can do to combat emergencies at home. You can also minimize the likelihood of incidents such as flooding from occurring. With a few simple steps, you can spare yourself a lot of grief and heartache. A professional flood cleanup company can help you restore your home, but you would like to avoid going through such an ordeal in the first place.

Take a Look at the Plumbing

While some flood damage happens from natural causes such as massive storms or broken sewer lines, other problems start from plumbing issues. A leaky pipe, for example, can go undetected for months or even years, leaving widespread damage in your home. To guard against a flood, do the following:

• Inspect all the pipes in your home and check for cracks or other problems.
• Repair any damage to the plumbing system immediately.
• Have a professional inspect the main water line of your home.
  
  

Sure up the Drainage
Storm damage can take a heavy toll on your house, especially if rainwater has nowhere to go. Your rain gutters and downspouts should divert water away from the house. However, if there is dirt, leaves, or other debris clogging them up, the water could collect under your roof shingles or pool up near the foundation. It won't take long for the water to seep into your house. Check out these areas and make the necessary repairs right away.

Update the Appliances
You probably rely on your home appliances every day. Items such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and water heaters offer convenience and ease of living. They are also big culprits of flooding at home. If it has been a while since you did some maintenance on these appliances, now is the right time to do an update. This could prevent leaking or bursting, which would send gallons upon gallons of water onto your floors. 

Flooding is nothing to take lightly. You could be at risk of losing your entire home if you are not prepared. These tips can help you keep your house safe.

Do you Have Water in your Saratoga Springs Attic?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring and Repairing Flood Damage in Your Saratoga Attic 

Severe weather systems that can sometimes affect Saratoga Springs, offer strong winds capable of hurdling debris and tearing off roofing materials. Once vulnerabilities exist in the exterior defense of your house, it is a direct path for water and elemental exposures to occur that can allow situations like flooding. For the attic of your home, this water damage can spread quickly to the point of getting out of control, and this problem can continue to worsen without the appropriate intervention. 

Among the first steps that must get taken when flood damage is occurring in your attic from a compromised roof is to get competent and qualified contractors on the scene quickly for temporary solutions. Our SERVPRO rapid response team features licensed contractors that can offer emergency board up and tarping services to correct vulnerabilities in your home’s construction to allow mitigation work to get started. 

Once our professionals have arrived at your flood-damaged address, we must get to work quickly on extracting water from the attic space unless this damage has already spread to the floor beneath this area of the property. The SERVPRO team can utilize moisture detection equipment and thermal imagery to locate moisture between floors of your home and into spaces of the attic that are challenging to access. 

Because mitigation work needs to wrap up as quickly as possible, our team works to ensure that we arrive within hours of a call to get this critical extraction and drying efforts started. Once we have managed these effects inside of the house, our licensed contractors on the team can begin their efforts of rebuilding and restoring the damaged roof that allowed the flooding. 

We offer every customer a comprehensive approach to recovery when flooding has occurred, and our qualified and experienced SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs/Gansevoort team is available 24/7 to help. You can count on our technicians to make all of the effects of flood damage “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call anytime you need us at (518) 580-1111.

Storms Can Cause Surprising Amounts of Flood Damage to Homes in Saratoga – Call SERVPRO for Help

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Flood Damage Cleanup, Repair and Restoration in Saratoga

When storms bring water into your home in Saratoga, causing damage to your floors and walls, it can seem very overwhelming. The floor is wet, and the water is seeping into the walls and wicking up the drywall. Items sitting on the floor are soaked in water. In addition, if the water is from a backed-up storm sewer or sewage line or floodwaters that washed into the house, it may be contaminated with dangerous viruses, bacteria, biological material, and chemicals.

SERVPRO provides cleanup services for flood damage to homes and businesses in Saratoga. Our team responds in less than four hours from your call. We treat sewage and floodwaters as highly infectious waste materials. We take all of the appropriate precautions for the protection of your family and our employees. The steps required include:

• Wearing personal protective equipment while cleaning and removing waste material
• Set up containment areas to protect the remainder of the building and remove the waste material
• We apply EPA registered disinfectant material to all waste material and all surfaces as they are cleaned
• We dispose of all trash following industry-approved guidelines.

SERVPRO may need to complete control demolition of contaminated flooring materials, make flood cuts in the walls to expose damaged and contaminated drywall, insulation, and vapor barriers. After all of the contaminated material is removed, everything is disinfected and cleaned. We use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the space damaged by floodwaters. Our building services team can also assist with repairs and restoration of your home after a flood.

Call SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs/Gansevoort for flood damage cleanup in Saratoga and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (518) 580-1111.

Help! My Neighbor’s Tree Fell On My House

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Need Help With Fallen Tree Damage & Cleanup? Call SERVPRO - (518) 508-1111

It’s unfortunate enough when a tree in your yard falls on your house - but when your neighbor’s tree falls on your house, the situation is a lot more complicated. Who is responsible for the damages? Who files an insurance claim? Who pays for tree removal? Here, we will clarify who is responsible when a neighbor’s tree falls on your house. 

Who’s Responsible For A Fallen Tree?

Scenario 1: Your neighbor's tree falls on your house

Whenever a tree falls on a home - it doesn’t matter where it came from to determine who is responsible for filing an insurance claim or covering for the damages. The only thing that does matter is whose house it landed on and why. So, that means if a tree in your neighbor’s yard falls on your home during a bad storm - you’re responsible for filing an insurance claim. The neighbor’s insurance policy will not cover it. 

Scenario 2: A tree from your property falls on your neighbor's house

In this case, your neighbor would be responsible for filing a claim and cleaning up any debris or damages on their property from your tree. In these cases you can feel ‘lucky’ that you didn’t have to file a claim and that no damage was done to your house. 

Scenario 3: Your tree falls on your home

This may not be as confusing as the other scenarios, but it is worth mentioning that you will be responsible for filing an insurance claim and taking care of any damages. 

Scenario 4: A neighbor's tree damages your house, but you think it was because it was old, damaged, or weak.

Since fallen trees are only covered due to “named perils” such as high winds, lightning strikes, vandalism, or a car crashing into the tree - insurance does not want to cover the damage for a tree that falls due to negligence or lack of preventative maintenance. If your neighbor has a tree in their yard that you think may fall on your home, approach them, point out the issue, and document it. This way, if the dying or weak tree falls on your home, you can argue to your insurance company that you took steps to prevent it and that it should be covered. 

Common Questions:

What if the fallen tree doesn't damage my home?

According to Allstate, if a tree falls on your house and causes no damages, insurance will not cover the cost of removing the tree. In these cases, it may not have been worth it to file a claim anyways, depending on your deductible and the size of the tree. 

What does tree removal usually cost without insurance?

The cost of tree removal is between an average of $500-$1,200, making it less than many homeowner's deductibles. Cost usually depends on the size of the tree and the location of where it fell.

What is the average cost of insurance claims from fallen trees?

According to Consumer Reports, the average amount paid by insurance companies for fallen tree claims was $4,110, and was only 7 percent of all settled claims.

What if a neighbor's tree just falls in my yard, and not on my house?

As mentioned earlier, when a tree falls and causes no damages it will not be covered by your insurance policy. You will be responsible for all debris cleanup and removal yourself.

Need Help With Fallen Tree Damage & Cleanup? Call SERVPRO - (518) 508-1111

After the Storm: Board Ups, Water Damage Restoration and Repairs

9/4/2021 (Permalink)

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort will respond quickly to assist in any repairs.

If you have been hit hard by mother nature, call our office at (518) 508-1111 for immediate service.

If your property has been damaged by severe weather such as a high winds, heavy rain or flooding, it can be devastating to your family or business. To get the complex storm damage repair completed quickly and safely, you need a restoration service company that specializes in bringing your home back to its preloss condition. 

SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort provides specialized emergency cleanup and restoration services to bring your property back to normal with minimal interruption. We can handle any damage due to severe weather, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Flooding
• Lightning strikes
• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes and high winds
• Hail and ice storms
• Freezing weather and ice dams

SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort is available 24/7 to restore your home or business.

Whatever wind or water damage you have experienced, we are fully equipped to help. Contact us for:

• Water, wind and storm damage repair
• Emergency tarping and board up
• Emergency heat and generators during restoration
• Reconstruction services
• Insurance claim assistance

If your property has experienced damage from a storm, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort!

Drying Out After The Storm

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

Storms, heavy rains and winds can cause significant damage to your commercial or residential property. It is essential to completely get rid of the standing water residual moisture to prevent any long-lasting and/or secondary damage.

The drying of your Saratoga Springs, NY commercial or residential property after water damage strikes depends on several factors. The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort are trained and certified to make sure they can deliver rapid and efficient drying results. Here are the most critical factors affecting the rate of drying that you should know.

Temperature

The temperature of the air governs the rate of drying. Contents dry at a much faster rate if the temperature of the area to be dried is high as hotter air can carry more moisture. The ideal temperature for the fastest drying is between 70 and 80 degrees. That said, if the temperature of the room is above 85 degrees, the air can become saturated with too much moisture and can create secondary problems.

Volume Of Water

The volume of water dictates the time required for drying. SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort technicians can use extractors to eliminate the standing water and dehumidifiers and air movers to pluck out the airborne residual moisture. Their purpose is to prevent moisture from causing secondary water damage.

Relative Humidity

The relative humidity of the affected area also controls the rate of drying. Higher RH can slow down the drying process significantly. Dehumidifiers are used to extract excess moisture from the air and keep the RH low, speeding up the drying process.

Air movement

Air movement, or lack thereof, can have either a positive or negative impact on the drying process. The air in a water damaged area is usually damp which slows the rate of evaporation. Replacing this damp air with fresh and dry air can speed up the drying process.

Trained Team

Not only are we water remediation experts but we are also a licensed General Contractor. This means that after we finish removing all damage we can put everything back together, truly making it, "Like it never even happened."

When storm damage strikes your commercial or residential property call the experts at SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort at (518) 508-1111!

When Storm Damage Interrupts Your Life

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage to your Saratoga Springs, NY residential or commercial property can force you to hit the pause button. An intense storm can bring water, wind, and even debris to your front door. Winds in excess of fifty miles an hour can  blow signs, tree branches, and fencing into your property. A mighty gust of wind could throw open doors and allow storm damage inside. Storm damage like this could enable:

• Contaminated water to rush into your property
• Flooring to become damaged or waterlogged
• Mud and debris  
• Risk of mold and structural damage

Class 3 water is a serious issue and should not be ignored. It can contain biohazards, petroleum, gas, and other harsh chemicals. Should it impact the rugs in your home, they cannot be remediated as there is no way to ensure safety. Our team understands the health risks of contaminated groundwater and removes any residual amount as we begin the cleanup and restoration.

Why SERVPRO

Our technicians are specially trained and IICRC-certified. They have access to a fleet of vehicles and a warehouse full of state-of-the-art, professional grade equipment to clean up any size disaster. It is always our goal to make you feel "Like it never even happened."

To clean up and remove storm damage, our technicians can:

• Use wet/dry vacuums to remove excess puddles of water
• Set up flood drying mats to draw moisture from hardwood floors
• Clean your property with industrial-grade disinfectants and detergents

If your commercial or residential property has been struck by storm damage, get professional grade help. Call SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort  at  (518) 508-1111. We will make it, "Like it never even happened."

Prioritize safety if severe storms are in the forecast

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

When severe storms are possible in the area, prioritizing your safety is the best thing you can possibly do to prepare.

When severe storms are possible in the area, prioritizing your safety is the best thing you can possibly do to prepare. In addition to receiving property damage, many people get injured or killed in storms every year—but by taking the proper precautions, you can significantly increase the likelihood that you will survive the storm unscathed.

Understanding the weather alert system, being prepared and well-stocked for emergencies at home and staying in touch with weather alerts are all measures you can take to increase your safety during a storm.

The Difference Between Watches and Warnings

When thunderstorms are a possibility, our area weather officials will release watches and warnings as it is appropriate to do so in order to keep the public informed. A severe weather watch is issued if the conditions point to a thunderstorm occurring—meaning one has not started yet, but there is a high possibility. For severe weather warnings, a thunderstorm has already moved into the area—meaning everyone should immediately seek shelter and listen for further information.

Household Emergency Preparedness

When a thunderstorm is possible, officials will generally alert people to stay in their homes and wait out the process, which means you should stock your house with everything you need. Not only should you have an emergency kit stocked with food, water and medical supplies, but you should also prepare for a power outage by having light sources and backup power sources stashed around the house. Additionally, have a plan for where to go in the home should things get serious—generally a hallway or bathtub is advised.

Have a Way to Tune Into Emergency Broadcasts

While many of us depend on our phones to receive updates online, this may not suffice when it comes to severe weather alerts. When batteries die or a storm upsets the cell reception network, it is important to have another way to receive these life-saving alerts, such as a NOAA Weather Radio that is powered without electricity just in case.

If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact SERVPRO of Saratoga Springs, Gansevoort 24/7 at (518) 580-1111 to get a quick response to your home’s damages.

Summer Thunderstorm Preparedness

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is approaching fast here in Saratoga Springs and although summer brings nice weather, it also brings thunderstorms along with it. Here are some tips to be prepared for thunderstorms!

• Make sure you are aware of your local community’s warning system for severe thunderstorms.
• Pick a safe place for you and your family to meet in case of a severe thunderstorm
• Remove dead and damaged branches from trees and shrubs around your home to prevent them from breaking during a storm
• Postpone any outdoor activities if a thunderstorm is likely to occur
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger of lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors!
• Avoid electrical equipment and telephones during the storm
• Be sure to shutter windows and close your doors securely, and stay away from windows!

If your home is damaged by stormy conditions, SERVPRO can help you repair the damage and clean your home!