Recent Storm Damage Posts

Storm Damage Team Near You Today

11/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help We are here to help the community if storm damage is something you have experienced

If you are dealing with storm, flood, or water damage from our ever changing Texas weather, the experienced team at SERVPRO of East Dallas is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we have prepared for expected damage and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams are prepared with equipment strategically located in case of flood or storm emergency in our area.

Choose SERVPRO!

We are a local company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and ready to respond to storm and flooding conditions in the Dallas, TX metroplex.

Commercial Storm Damage Repair Process

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Balch Springs Storm Damage Experts We have trained professionals to handle any size disaster.

Implement  A Storm Preparedness Plan For Your Business

Storms can wreak havoc on commercial buildings. By implementing some sound storm preparedness plans you can reduce the risk of severe damage to your property in Balch Springs.

1. Mitigate the Risks
Strong winds and heavy rain account for much of the damage during a storm. Before the storm hits, prepare your property to reduce the risk of extensive damage.

Bring in outdoor equipment, such as grills and lawn furniture to avoid items becoming airborne. Board up windows and glass doors so they don't shatter during the storm.
Inspect roofing materials to ensure they are secured. Fix any loose materials right away.
Trim any loose branches near the building so they don't damage the siding or break windows.
Disconnect computers and other electrical devices. Don't unplug the refrigerator, however.
Move loose items away from windows inside the building as much as possible.

2. Train Employees on Storm Procedures
Make sure all employees and visitors understand what to do in an emergency. Property management must develop work instructions to address the risks and then train workers on the procedures.
Conduct emergency drills with all employees so that they are familiar with the emergency procedures. This will reduce the risk of people becoming panicked during a true emergency.
Designate evacuation exits and assign persons who are responsible to account for employees and visitors.

3. Inspect the Property After the Storm Passes
Wait until you are sure that the storm has passed before inspecting the building. If the emergency required persons to evacuate, don't allow employees to enter the building until authorities have given permission to do so.
Authorized personnel should inspect the property around the building to look for damage. They can identify issues to the structural integrity of the building and look for potential hazards that must be addressed. Call a storm restoration service if you need help with repairs.
Implement a sound storm preparedness plan to reduce the risk of damage during a storm.

What to do before, during, and after a storm

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck in Balch Springs SERVPRO of Balch Springs Storm Damage Repair Team

After a flood happens in Balch Springs homeowners may be faced with property losses and damage. Unlike a pipe leak, which is relatively clean water, the cleaning requirements for floodwaters are different. Along with potential black water in the mix, there can also be debris and loosened materials to watch for.

Assessing the Damage

Anything the flood waters touch will need to be addressed. If the flooding is overwhelming, a flood clean professional help you address the problem and provide services to get your home looking “Like it never even happened.” During an initial inspection, in addition to checking flooring and walls, check the following for any contact with the waters:

  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Carpet
  • Kitchen utensils, plates, cups, etc.
  • Appliances
  • Mattresses
  • Toys

While some of these may be able to be cleaned, such as appliances and furniture, some of them should be thrown away. Things like mattresses and stuffed animals can be difficult to completely clean. If a rug has been saturated more than 24 hours, it may need to be tossed. Any clothes, rugs and furniture should immediately be removed and set out to dry before cleaning.

A Thorough Clean

One of the main cleaning requirements for flood waters is a good flood disinfectant. It will not only eliminate bacteria, stains and odors but also help reduce the potential for mold to grow. Once any wet items have been dried, usually for at least 48 hours, the cleaning process can start. Be sure to clean anything that has been in contact with water and remember to take safety precautions during the process, such as:

  • Wear disposable gloves and clothing.
  • Avoid touching the face or eyes.
  • Refresh cleaning solution when it becomes cloudy.
  • Thoroughly wash hands after cleaning.

While cleaning requirements may feel overwhelming on top of all the other stresses from the flooding itself, it’s important to ensure everything is clean. That will ensure any mold or bacteria is stopped in its tracks before becoming an issue down the road.

What To Do When Flooding Happens

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Couch In Home SERVPRO of Balch Springs Storm Flooding in Home.

When the flood water runs high in Balch Springs the most critical decisions you can make are what not to do. Avoid certain pitfalls and you can make it through the disaster with what's important.

Don't Stay Behind

You may feel tempted to sit tight and ride out the storm, but this is not in your best interest. Especially if your are receiving severe flood warnings, evacuate to a shelter or stay the night in a hotel. The well-being of you and your family are more important than your pride or property. Even if you did stay, there would be nothing you could do to prevent damage. You might end up in a situation where you need to be rescued from your flooded home.

Don't Touch the Water

Flood water can be contaminated with sewage and debris, so you should avoid contact with it whenever possible. It is especially crucial not to get it on your hands or face. If you need to get something done in a flooded area, it may be safer to hire water damage restoration specialists to handle it so you can avoid any accidents. Personal protective equipment can reduce your risk, such as:

  • tall, rubber boots
  • rain pants or waders
  • waterproof gloves

Don't Jump the Gun

Try not to shell out any cash until you're sure of your situation and know all of your options. There are federal and state emergency funds that can help with temporary housing or water damage repairs. It is also possible to apply for a grant from FEMA if your home sits within a declared disaster area. Don't buy any replacement furniture or appliances until all your repairs are finished, just in case things don't go as planned.

It can be tough to think about your home and belongings getting ravaged by flood water, but you need to prioritize health and safety when a storm hits. Taking your time and thinking things through can save you a lot of headaches later. Doing less may actually save you more!

Tips When Handling Storm Water

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Balch Springs storm damage We can handle any size disaster

When it comes to dealing with flood water in Balch Springs it's important to know that this type of water often falls into the black category. This can become a factor in many cleanup operations. It is important to understand where the water comes from and what to do if flooding occurs in your business.

Where Black Water Comes From

Contaminated water, otherwise known as black water, is any water that may have come in contact with fecal matter. This may include

  • Sewer water
  • Water from fields
  • Toilet backup
  • River run off

Flooding falls into the black category because often there is no way to tell what it has come into contact with. In most cases, it is best to assume it has been contaminated and follow the proper sanitation procedures.

What To Do If Flooding Occurs

If you're busy with storm damage or flood water, it’s important to conduct any repairs necessary as quickly as possible. Doing so can help prevent further damage and may also help when it comes time to talk to your insurance. Since flooding is considered to be contaminated water, it's important to remember to sanitize the damaged area as well as to clean the zone.

How Your Insurance May Help

Depending on your policy your commercial insurance may cover the costs of cleanup and repairs related to flooding. They may even recommend a flood restoration service who can help with every step of the process. If you have questions about what exactly is covered by your policy, it's important to talk to your insurance agent.

Understanding that flood water falls into the black category can help you take proper sanitation measures when it comes time to clean up. Most experts recommend thoroughly drying the area, and then following recommended sanitation practices. In many cases, your insurance may cover the cost of restoration. If you have any questions, a professional may be able to help.