Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

STORM

Name: SERVPRO of Highland Village
Address: 5230 Kelly Dr., Roanoke, TX, 76262
Telephone: (940) 241-3434

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

One of our 18 Wheeler Storm Vehicles

What makes SERVPRO stand apart from other restoration companies? That answer is simple, Storm Teams. At SERVPRO of Highland Village, we are a part of Storm Team Wilson, which means we are available to be dispatched at a moment's notice to a loss area. Hurricanes, tornado events, and flash flooding are all examples of chaotic times that bring serious damage. That’s why thousands of Americans trust SERVPRO during traumatic events. It is truly remarkable the amount of firepower that being a part of a storm team can bring. With the help of franchises across the U.S., Storm Team Wilson is capable of handling hundreds of situations a day during a storm event, helping homeowners and business owners in the time when they need it most. Rest assured, when SERVPRO is involved, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Texas Weather

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storm rolling through DFW

STORM

As we all know, the weather in Texas can never be predicted. It may be a water loss being experienced in your home due to the AC unit running nonstop for days due to the extreme heat we are all so aware of, or water coming into your home or business from flash floods. No matter the reason, you need a company that cares and will be there fast in any disaster. That is SERVPRO of Highland Village. We live here. We work here. We are here to help. We provide expert knowledge and we are ready for whatever happens. If you need emergency water damage services, give SERVPRO of Highland Village a call. Please Call at (940)-241-3434.

Different Types of Storm & the Damage They Bring

7/2/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can be incredibly damaging to your home. There are many different elements a thunderstorm may include, such as lightning, wind, rain, and hail. While there is only so much you can do to protect your home from a natural disaster, understanding the different types of storms and how they may damage your home can help you properly plan if a bad storm is headed your way and know what to expect in the aftermath.

Depending on the area you live in, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing certain types of storms. Being familiar with the types of storms your area is most likely to experience can be very helpful. The following is an overview of the more common types of storms and how they can damage your home.

Types of Storms

The different types of storms include thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. Each is damaging in its own way and claims numerous lives each year in the United States. In addition to the deadly nature of storms, they can also severely damage your home.

Storms often damage homes by infiltrating them with water, causing electrical damage, and damaging the foundation, walls, and roof through heavy wind, lightning, rainfall, and other elements.

Water damage, fire damage, and heavy damage caused by wind are among the most common ways in which your home can suffer from a severe storm. Below we highlight the three main types of damage that often occur to homes in the United States. These damages include lightning, tornado, and flood damage.

Lightning

Lightning exists with many thunderstorms. They have the power to damage the electrical wiring inside your home. If there are any electrical items plugged into outlets in your home, then they are at risk of damage as well. This includes computers, cell phones, televisions, kitchen appliances, and more. Another way lightning can damage your home is by striking your roof or other parts of your home. Lightning can also lead to home fires that can quickly spread as well.

To prevent lightning damage, be sure to unplug all electrical appliances and items. Also, stay away (and keep children away) from electrical outlets, appliances, and systems during thunderstorms for optimal safety.

Lightning can also cause the power to go out, so be sure to have flashlights and candles ready before an expected storm. If lightning damage does occur, consider contacting a home damage restoration company near you that offers prompt service. They can restore parts of the home directly affected by lightning such as roof damage as well as damages that occur as a result of an electrical fire caused by lightning.

Tornadoes

A tornado is a fast-moving vortex of high winds that connects from a cloud to the ground. They appear as a funnel-shaped cloud and can be incredibly violent and destructive. Most tornadoes have 100-mile-per-hour winds or higher, and some can carry winds more than 200 miles per hour. This gives them the potential to be incredibly destructive to a home.

There is little that can be done to prevent a tornado from causing damage, but a prompt initial response to damage can help the restoration process be more effective. If a tornado warning is given for your area, then be sure to get in the safest place possible where there are no windows. After the storm, check your home for damage and call a restoration professional for fast and effective service.

Floods

Floods are often more severe than many realize, and they claim hundreds of lives each year in the United States alone.

A flood occurs when there is an overflow of water in areas that are normally dry. Storms often bring heavy rain to an area. While much of the water absorbs into the soil or goes down drains, storms that produce heavy rain or rain that continues for an extended period of time leads to flooding. Flash floods can also occur if rivers and other water sources become too full and lead to an overflow.

Floods can damage your home if standing water builds up along the foundation. In many instances, the water and moisture can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps. If this occurs, it may lead to the need for storm damage restoration.

Fight Back Against Storm Damage with SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Highland Village is here to help homeowners restore their homes after storm damage. If wind, water, fire, or other elements have damaged your home, then get in touch with us today.

We offer a 24/7 service so that the restoration process for your home can start right away. You can reach us through phone or email, and our team is happy to answer your questions and guide you through the restoration process.

How to Stay Safe After Storm Damage Affects Your Home

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with storm damage to your home is always a difficult experience. Many storms occur at an unexpected time with little notice, which makes it all the more difficult to handle the situation. Before the storm, you should have a safety plan in place. However, many do not think about how to stay safe after storm damage affects their home.

There are certain steps that homeowners can take to ensure the situation is handled properly and the risk of injury after the storm is kept to a minimal level. You can also take measures to minimize the damage to your home, which may make the cleanup and restoration process easier and faster.

Staying Safe After a Storm

The main priority after a storm damages your home is ensuring your safety and your family’s safety. There are many risks to consider, including but not limited to a collapsing roof, fallen electrical wires that are dangerous, and extreme flooding.

After ensuring optimal safety by understanding the proper steps to take in the immediate aftermath, you can also take steps to help your neighbors and ensure your home is properly protected from further storm damage. Lastly, you should also start the home cleanup and restoration process by contacting a storm damage restoration company to come out remove water and protect damaged areas of your roof and home.

Listen to the Radio for Any Advisories

The first thing you want to do after storm damage affects your home is to ensure the storm has passed completely. Ideally, you will have a place inside of your home that is safe, and try your best to remain there until it is safe to venture out. During the storm, the power will likely have gone out, which means watching the news or using your cell phone may not be an option.

If this is the case, then the best option to hear any advisories and receive updates on the status of the storm is by listening to the radio. Of course, if you are able to use your cell phone or television, then you can likely receive the news through those devices as well.

Leave Your Home If It Has Sustained Structural Damage

Once you have received word that the storm has passed, then you can check on your home. If there is any structural damage, leave the home until the damage restoration company has an opportunity to restore the property.

In the immediate aftermath, avoid going near any power lines, electrical wires, or water. If you have elderly neighbors whose homes are damaged and you are safe and in good health, then consider checking on them to see if they need assistance before finding a safe place to go. It is best to avoid driving, if possible.

Practice Caution When Working on Roofs

The best thing to do after storm damage occurs to your home is to call a storm damage restoration company. They can arrive quickly and start the home restoration process in a safe and effective manner. However, if you do plan to start the initial restoration efforts to prevent further damage to your home, then it is essential to use extra caution.

If you work on the roof, then be sure to be careful while climbing ladders and do not step on any areas of the roof that seem weak and damaged. Also, avoid tasks that require professional assistance, such as replacing severely damaged parts of the roof yourself.

Cover Leaking Roofs to Prevent Further Water Damage

Although it may become unsafe to do extensive work to your roof, laying a tarp across the damaged part of the roof can be an effective way to prevent further water damage inside of your home. If you do not feel comfortable climbing your roof, then you can call a damage restoration company to start the restoration process quickly.

You can also start the initial efforts of removing water from your home. If there is standing water inside of your home, you can remove it with buckets, towels, and other household items. Also, be sure to take out wet rugs and any carpet that is damaged beyond repair to reduce the impact of water damage to your flooring.

Consult with the Storm Damage Experts

If your home has suffered storm damage and you need a fast response from a professional and reliable home restoration company, then get in touch with our team at SERVPRO of Highland Village.

We help homeowners in the area who suffered fire damage and water damage restore their homes in a fast and effective manner. We are glad to answer any questions you have on the initial phone call, and we take pride in making the cleanup and restoration process as easy and convenient as possible for homeowners after storm damage occurs.

Lightning Causes House Fires in Lantana

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Following scattered thunderstorms in the DFW area, several homes in the Lantana community were set ablaze after being struck by lightning. This photo represents one of these homes and the drastic damage that was inflicted. It goes to show that flood damage is not the only concern regarding heavy storms. We advise all community members to have an emergency plan in place that is adaptable to any situation that may arise. Communicate your plan with other members of your household and involve your neighbors when possible. Practice procedures often in order to build confidence and certainty should an incident occur. Lastly, we at SERVPRO of Highland Village are here to help ensure the safety of those around us. If you are unsure where to begin in formulating your emergency plans, give us a call at 940-241-3434. Our Emergency Ready Profiles help keep you prepared for any disaster.

Tornado Season

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

Local church's missing roof after being in a tornado's path.

During the heavy storm season, Dallas is often hit with tornadoes. Tornadoes can leave behind a trail of destruction and ruin. At SERVPRO, we respond to people who have been displaced due to tornado damage in their homes. Wind can blow roofs off of buildings and trees can fall on buildings--allowing rain to enter these structures, causing further damage. In order to help families who have been affected by tornado damage, we pack up all of their belongings to be stored in our secure, climate-controlled facility, and begin to remove all debris from the home. Once all personal belongings and debris are removed, we can begin to properly dry out the structure. Once the house is dry, we can rebuild the structure and do any renovations necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Heading to Storm

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

As a part of Storm Team Wilson, we at SERVPRO of Highland Village pride ourselves on being able to be dispatched at a moment’s noticed to a loss area. Whether this storm is a hurricane, polar vortex, or tornado site, we are here to help after these storms create chaos and serious damage.

Types of Storm Work

Typically, we work at storm events that include home damages that are considered covered or uncovered. Uncovered Storm Work includes damages to be mitigated and repaired that will not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. This can include mold or contents coverage over policy limits. Covered Storm Work includes damages that will be mitigated and repaired that will be covered under the homeowner’s insurance policy. This typically includes most water damage to the structure and contents up to a limit.

How Can I Repair Storm Damage to My Home?

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

A home swept away by storm water in need of restoration.

Storm damage can occur in the blink of an eye and leave a homeowner confused and displaced, as they now need to restore their home. Calling a storm damage restoration company as soon as possible after the storm has passed in order to begin the restoration process.

The following is an overview of how you can repair your home after storm damage, including an in-depth look at the different types of storms and what storm damage is, how the restoration process works, and whether or not the cleanup and restoration is covered by your insurance.

What Is Storm Damage?

Any damage that occurs as the result of a storm is considered storm damage. Many different types of storms can create this damage, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and snow storms. Heavy rain, heavy winds, lightning, hail and various other elements can cause damage to a home. For our restoration purposes, wildfires are also considered a type of storm.

A prompt restoration effort is often necessary after a storm. Fire and water damage can create more damage the longer they sit, so quick cleanup is essential in lessening the effects of damage after a severe storm.

Storms can sometimes be identified in advance, which means you and your family can have a plan in place for cleanup after a storm occurs. However, storms are not always predictable. This is when knowing about a 24/7 emergency storm damage cleanup and restoration company comes in handy, so you can get settled back into your home as soon as possible after disaster strikes.

Rejuvenate Your Home

The main goal of storm damage restoration is to restore your home at the most affordable cost possible. This is done through trying to restore rather than replace items in your home. The beginning of this process is a detailed inspection of the home. Storm damage restoration professionals will assess every part of the home, including foundation, floors, walls, roof, and furniture.

The next step in the restoration process is to board up any severely damaged or sensitive areas of the home so no further damage occurs. This step can also include removing water, smoke, soot, and other elements that--if left undisturbed--could cause more damage.

Allowing a 24/7 restoration service professional into your home as soon as damage has occurred can lessen the overall damage and make the restoration process more efficient.

Removal of Water

With many storms comes water damage. Thunderstorms especially can bring heavy rains, which often cause flash flooding. Heavy winds and lightning can damage roofs as well.

Upon arrival at your home, a restoration specialist will first begin to remove any standing water. This helps to prevent further water damage and prevent mold growth. Removing standing water also can make the drying process quicker. Our technicians will also use specialized equipment such as:

Moisture detectors
Infrared cameras
Dry vacuum
Submersible water pumps
Truck-mounted vacuum units

Places such as under carpet, floorboards, and the inside of walls can trap water, which is why having a professional water removal technician is key in remediating water damage properly. It is not uncommon for experienced water extraction technicians to remove hundreds of gallons of water in the initial stages of the restoration process.

Is It Covered by Insurance?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover damage by lightning, fire, wind and hail. Some also cover water damage due to flooding. In order to know if you are covered, ask your insurance agent what exactly your policy covers. By understanding what types of damage to your home your homeowner’s policy covers, you can financially plan in case of disaster. Part of this planning can include gathering phone numbers and other essential information of damage restoration companies in order to be able to get a professional out as soon as possible after damage occurs.

Work with the Storm Damage Experts

You can find out more about storm damage cleanup and restoration by getting in touch with our professional restoration experts today. We provide 24/7 service and can get to you as soon as possible after a severe storm damages your home. For more information, give our team at SERVPRO a call today.

Different Types of Storms & The Damage They Bring

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Different storms can cause damage to a residence and may require restoration.

Thunderstorms can be dangerous and incredibly damaging to your home. Thunderstorms can include many elements, such as lightning, wind, rain and hail. Understanding the different types of storms and how they could damage your home can help you properly plan and protect yourself and your family during a natural disaster. Knowing what to do if a bad storm is headed your way and what to expect during the aftermath could help to keep you and your family safe.

Certain areas are at an increased risk of experiencing bad storms. If you live in an area that is at a higher risk, being familiar with the types of storms that tend to occur can be incredibly helpful. The following is an overview of the most common storms and how they can damage your home.

Types of Storms

Different types of storms include thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. Numerous lives are claimed during these storms in the United States each year. These storms can be deadly, and they can severely damage your home. Water can infiltrate your home during storms, causing electrical damage and damaging the foundation, walls and roof through heavy wind, lightning, and rainfall--amongst other elements.

The most common ways in which your home can suffer from a severe storm are water damage, fire damage, and wind damage. Next we highlight the three main types of damage that often occur to homes in the United States during storms, including lightning, tornado, and flood damage.