Facts about Flooding in the Rochester Area

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage.

Just because you haven't experienced  a  flood  in  the past,  doesn’t  mean  you  won't  in  the future.  In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3 billion in annual losses in the United States. Commercial flood claims average more than $75,000.

According to the American Red Cross (ARC), floods cause more damage in the U.S. every year than any other weather-related disaster.  The ARC offers the following flood safety tips.

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing scream where water is above your ankles, stop, rum around and go another Six inches of swiftly moving water can  sweep you  off of your feet.
• If you approach  a flooded  road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road  and waters are rising rapidly around  you,  get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about run ning water or contaminated water. Keep your pets out of the water too.

If a flood does strike your home or business, contact SERVPRO^® of Northeast Monroe County. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a  structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO® System is prepared to handle any sized disaster. The sooner work begins, the sooner order can be restored.

When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO^® of Northeast Monroe County will help you take it back.

What you can do to Help Prevent Damage During a Hurricane

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

June is the start of Hurricane Season. Hurricane's are defined as an intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher. You can see a storm coming by the change in color of the sky (often greenish), large hail, low-flying clouds and a roar like a freight train.

Below are some helpful hints to follow whether you own a home, RV, boat, car or all of them! 

• It is best to have a plan in place regarding where you are going to go when a hurricane hits. While they may be intriguing to watch, the best place is NOT outside. Your basement or under a set of stairs are great places to wait out the storm. If this is not available, the bottom floor of any building will work.
• Keep your car indoors if possible. Tape up the windows and door with tarps and keep away from any objects that could damage the car if they were to fall on top of it.
• During an emergency, gas stations will often be closed, so always make sure you have at least half a tank of gas to get away instantly
• Have enough supplies on hand to wait out 72 hours, just in case help cannot arrive right away. These supplies can also be stored in the trunk (items like a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, and medication can stay there at all times.)
• Make sure your car is in proper shape. Have a full tank of gas, wiper blades and tires are ready to go.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged and keep your charger with you.
• Avoid driving in deep waters
• For your boat, remove non-secure items, electronics, excess gear, valuable, and important documents.
• Make sure all openings are clear of debris
• Double all lines that are securing your boat to its securing space
• With your RV, do not drive it during the storm as it is more vulnerable to higher/stronger winds
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas, but empty holding tanks, turn off propane cylinders and cover the regulator.
• Make sure all documents are in a waterproof bag and with you at all times

Life can be unpredictable, but having plans in place help you with whatever may come. For more information, please check out these hurricane tips. As always, once the storm passes, contact your SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County at 585-482-9390 to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

When a Storm hits Rochester, SERVPRO is ready!

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

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

Faster Response

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

We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Rochester, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 585-482-9390

Flood Damage and SERVPRO

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Say the words flood damage and people rightly think of foot deep water in their basement or entire neighborhoods underwater. This time of year, it can be a common, even multiple occurrences in some parts of New York.

SERVPRO is an expert in reducing the obvious flood damage to Rochester homes. What surprises our clients are just how many ways a flood can destroy a home even after the water has been removed. Here are the most common ways your home can be dry as a bone and still be unlivable.
Odor - This may seem like a minor thing, but some folks can be allergic to just the smell. If you don't get rid of it, you won't be able to live in your home, and you certainly won't be able to sell it. The smell is also indicative of a worse problem.

Mold and Mildew - If not found and immediately treated and removed, mold and mildew will cause respiratory problems that will drive you out of the house. It is particularly dangerous to people with asthma. If the mold and mildew get into sheetrock and cannot be destroyed by industrial cleaners, then walls will have to be replaced.

Electrical System - If flooding reached high enough to reach electrical outlets, then those have to be inspected by our SERVPRO professionals and possibly be replaced before the power can be turned back on. If they have been compromised, then there is the possibility of a fire hazard when the lights are turned back on.
Plumbing and Sewage - Flooding can overwhelm and damage a home's plumbing system. If it stays under water too long, there is also the possibility that raw sewage can flow backward into your home through the toilets. Septic tanks can also be compromised in the same manner. The cleaning process now becomes much more extensive.

Bacterial Contamination - If sewage gets into your home, this also brings the threat of bacteria which can cause more respiratory problems and other health concerns such as having your kidneys and intestinal (digestive) systems compromised as well.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

Flood water in a home is a dangerous threat and needs to be removed quickly. SERVPRO of Northeast Monroe County understands that this is only the first step. Other hazards have to be addressed before you are safe again in your own home. To begin the process or if you want to schedule an inspection to help prevent problems in the future, call us today at 585-482-9390

Floods Strike Everywhere

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

On Average, floods coast $6 billion in annual losses in the United States.  The following are a few more little-known facts:

• Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the United States, making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
• The principle cause of floods in the eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.
• The principle cause of floods in the western United States are snow-melt and rainstorms.
• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood - especially at night, when it's difficult to see. 

Call SERVPRO of NortheastMonroe County Today!! (585) 482-9390

FEMA Tips for Flood Preparation

9/14/2018 (Permalink)

Before the Flood:

• Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding. 
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drain of your home or business 
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage. 

During the Flood:

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of water can make you fall.

After the Flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink. 
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

What To Do Before A Storm Hits

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

BEFORE THE STORM

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan

• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

• Postpone outdoor activities.

• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives

CALL SERVPRO of the Finger Lakes TODAY!! (585)482-9390

What To Do During A Storm

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

DURING THE STORM

• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials.
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords.  Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners.  Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.  Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open spaces. 
• Avoid contact with anything metal - tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you are not driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park.  Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

CALL SERVPRO of the Finger Lakes TODAY!! (585)483-9390

What To Do After A Storm Hits

9/6/2017 (Permalink)

AFTER THE STORM 

• Never drive through a flooded roadway.
• stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.
• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.
• Watch your animals closely.  Keep them under your direct control.
• If you have storm damage to your home or property, call SERVPRO of the Finger Lakes! Timely mitigation is key to minimizing damage to your home and belongings.

CALL SERVPRO of the Finger Lakes TODAY!! (585)482-9390