Storm Damage: Prompt Restoration for Parma and Seven Hills Properties

4/11/2024 (Permalink)

Severe weather events can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing extensive damage and disruption to daily life. At SERVPRO of Parma / Seven Hills, we specialize in storm damage restoration, providing prompt and reliable services to help our community recover from the aftermath of storms.

Here's how we assist property owners in Parma and Seven Hills affected by storm damage:

1. Rapid Emergency Response: Our team understands the urgency of storm damage restoration. We offer 24/7 emergency response to assess the damage and implement immediate measures to prevent further loss.

2. Comprehensive Assessment: Every storm damage situation is unique. Our experts conduct a thorough assessment of your property to identify all areas affected by the storm, including structural damage, water intrusion, and debris.

3. Water Extraction and Drying: Flooding and water intrusion are common consequences of severe storms. We utilize advanced water extraction equipment and drying techniques to remove water from your property and restore it to a dry and safe condition.

4. Structural Repairs: High winds, hail, and falling debris can cause structural damage to roofs, windows, siding, and more. Our team is trained and equipped to handle structural repairs, ensuring the integrity and safety of your property.

5. Debris Cleanup: Storms often leave behind debris such as fallen trees, branches, and other materials. We provide debris cleanup services to remove hazardous debris and restore safety to your property.

6. Insurance Assistance: Navigating the insurance claims process can be overwhelming, especially during times of crisis. Our team works closely with insurance companies to ensure a smooth and efficient claims process, relieving stress for our customers.

At SERVPRO of Parma / Seven Hills, we're committed to helping our community recover from storm damage quickly and efficiently. Contact us today for prompt and reliable storm damage restoration services.

Preparation is Key: Get Ready for Spring Storms

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storm Prep is Worth the Time

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $27 million in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Stay Safe During a Storm

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

• Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
• Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
• Try to stay away from appliances. Avoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
• Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills today and let the experts take care of it! 

SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills is Ready for All of Your Storm Needs

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills will be there for you. Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm anywhere in the United States! We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes.

Understanding Hurricanes

11/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills helping to restore a flooded building following Hurricane Ian in Florida.

You might be thinking, "I live in the Parma/Seven Hills area of Ohio, why do I need to know anything about hurricanes?" We completely understand this question. Hurricanes may not be an immediate threat to our homes and businesses in Ohio, but it is a good idea to stay informed on them as they may cause heavy rainfall in our area, they may affect you on a vacation, or your friends or family along the cost may be affected. Gaining knowledge on hurricanes can help keep you informed for the future.

At SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills, we have the opportunity to help when hurricanes hit anywhere along the coast. As a Disaster Recovery Team, we are able to mobilize our crews and equipment to help those affected by hurricanes, while still managing a crew at home to handle any water damage you may suffer locally.

Understanding Hurricanes

The strongest winds in a hurricane are generally found in the right side of the hurricane’s eye wall, the area closest to the center.

Once a hurricane makes landfall, wind speed will begin to decrease, and within 12 hours will have slowed significantly. However, winds can remain at hurricane strength well inland.

Hurricanes can also spawn tornadoes, which can increase destruction. These tornadoes generally occur in the right front quadrant of the storm, and in thunderstorms embedded in the hurricane, but not immediately near the center.

Not all hurricanes produce tornadoes, while some develop multiple tornadoes. According to the National Hurricane Center, “studies have shown that more than half of the land-falling hurricanes produce at least one tornado."

How Are Hurricanes Named? One reason hurricanes are named is because more than one may exist at the same time. Names make it easier to keep track of and talk about storms.

A storm is given a name if it reaches tropical storm strength. That name stays with the storm if it goes on to become a hurricane.

Each year, tropical storms are named in alphabetical order as they occur. The names come from lists of names that are maintained and updated by the World Meteorological Organization.

There are six lists of names. Each year starts with the next list. The same lists are reused every six years. Names of storms that are very deadly or costly are removed from the lists and replaced with new names.

What Are the Parts of a Hurricane?

• Eye: The eye is the "hole" at the center of the storm. Winds are light and skies are only partly cloudy, sometimes even clear, in this area.
• Eye wall: The eye wall is a ring of thunderstorms swirling around the eye. The wall is where winds are strongest and rain is heaviest.
• Rain bands: Spiral bands of clouds, rain and thunderstorms extend out from a hurricane's eye wall. These bands stretch for hundreds of miles and sometimes contain tornadoes.

Preparing Your Home

• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

• Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds and in locations above flooding levels.

After a Hurricane

• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.
• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

Although you may not be directly affected by the next hurricane, this information can help you better understand the storm, and prepare you for the future.

If you experience local water damage from heavy rainfall, be sure to call the pros at SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills.

How SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills Can Help You Post Storm

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills handles all of your storm damage needs!

At SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills, we know that storm damage can be extremely stressful to try to handle. All you want is for your home or business to be back to its pre-storm state, and you may not even know where to start to get back there following a storm. Luckily, we are able to handle anything that Mother Nature throws your way, getting your life back on track following disaster.

We provide Emergency Board Up and Roof Covering/Tarps Services for Parma/Seven Hills homeowners. We're there for you as soon as possible, 24/7/365. We know that storms don't follow a schedule, so whenever disaster hits, we're ready to start the restoration process as soon as we safely can.

Our board up/roof covering service can help you minimize potential damage to your property prior to a storm or help you secure your property after an unexpected disaster occurs. The sooner we are able to secure your home, the less damage you will have.

Here’s a few ways SERVPRO of Parma/Seven Hills can help you if disaster strikes your home or business.

• Hail Damage: Inspection and repair, estimates provided.
• Repairs Following Downed Trees: We help to repair your home following the removal of the tree.
• Ice Backup Damage: If your ice–damaged roof cannot be repaired on the spot, we will temporarily fix it to prevent further damage.
• Tornado Damages: Repairs and cleanup to homes and businesses following catastrophic storms.
• Wind Damage: Provides specialized emergency cleanup and restoration services to bring your property back to normal with minimal interruption.
• Reconstruction and Repair services:  Full-service restoration, mitigation, and reconstruction provider for properties damaged by wind, water, fire, hurricane, floods, smoke, mold, and any other disaster.

If you have an emergency causing water damage to your Parma or Seven Hills home, we will be there to help!