Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Hurricane Ian
9/30/2022 (Permalink)
Hurricane Ian hit the majority of the state of Florida this week. The reported damages have been widely shared on social media! I personally have seen luxury vehicles just washing away down there from the storm surges and excess flooding. There have also been videos of people swimming through flood waters and let me tell you why I personally would not do that. Rain water when hitting various surfaces picks up dirt and goes from a clean water to extremely unsanitary. If roads and homes are flooding think about everything that's in the grass and your carpet! You do not want to swim through floor waters. Also at least one Florida Resident had flooding in their home and later found an alligator in the flood water. Nope that's a no for me! After hitting land and ripping through Florida, Hurricane Ian is headed for the Carolinas next. We will keep you updated as to whether Ian will get all the way up to Southern New Jersey. Stay tuned for our next update on this on going storm.
This Weeks Weather!
9/20/2022 (Permalink)
This week overall is looking pretty clear minus a storm Thursday September 22!
With a current 60% chance of rain prepare for anything to happen! Wednesday check to see if your sump pump is properly operational. Ensure all windows seal properly! Check for any signs of previous water intrusion to keep an eye on as we get this rain coming our way!
Review your insurance policy and coverage incase of emergency! Have all your information in one place as well as your local SERVPRO's phone number! The sooner you call the better!
Do your best to prevent water intrusion to your home and doing your best to stay on top of any accumulating water until a crew can arrive to help you out!
Give us a call if you have any issues Thursday or Friday after this incoming rain! 856-339-0500!
National Preparedness Month
9/14/2022 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month where we remind you to stock up essentials incase disaster strikes!
Hurricane season is in full swing up here on the east coast and we have been quite lucky to start as mother nature has been taking it easy on us.
Things you could need if you get hit by a major hurricane!
Charged battery chargers will come in handy if you lose power! Being able to stay connected to what is going on outside and stay in contact with your loved ones.
Non perishable foods are a necessity incase you get stranded inside your home! Along with plenty of water! Check your emergency kit yearly to ensure expiration dates are still good and see if there is anything further you could need to add!
We always recommend plastic storage bins over cardboard! Cardboard will break down and cause you to lose much more!
Stay tuned for part two!
Weather Update 2/22/22
2/22/2022 (Permalink)
Taking a look at this weeks upcoming weather its looking like some rain!
Today Tuesday the 22nd we are looking at rain in the afternoon through the evening.
Wednesday we are looking at a partly cloudy day but otherwise pretty clear!
Thursday we have a cloudy day with a small chance of precipitation!
And Friday its looking like a high chance of rain through the day!
With these sporadic rain storms through the week we want to remind you to check your areas most susceptible to water intrusion! Keeping an eye on these areas will help reduce secondary damage if you were to have a water issue. The sooner you call us the more we can do to get you back "Like it never even happened."
Upcoming Storm This Weekend 1/28
1/27/2022 (Permalink)
We have a winter storm warning over here in southern New Jersey for the weekend ahead of us. Some reports say 1-3 inches while others are saying 8-12 inches depending on the route the storm goes. As of right now it seems precipitation is to start around 7pm on Friday the twenty eighth. If you can go out and get the necessary supplies to stay home between Friday night and Saturday we recommend staying off the roads.
Winter storms and temperatures leave homes susceptible to frozen pipes. Frozen pipes burst and can cause severe water damage in the home as well as microbial growth. If water starts to flow find a shut off valve! Call a plumber, call us, and call your insurance carrier and report a claim. We are faster to any size disaster and the quicker we are on site the less of a chance for secondary damage within the home. Stay safe this weekend New Jersey!
Storm Update
10/29/2021 (Permalink)
It is supposed to be a rainy weekend here in Salem County. With high tide warnings for flooding near Mannington Mills and on 540 be careful traveling early mornings and late evenings this weekend! We are also under coastal flood warnings this weekend! Being aware and prepared are the best things for these situations! Avoid driving through flooding the best you can and plan for alternative routes and extra time to get to your destinations! If you find yourself in a situation of flooding or water damage you can call our office at any time day or night! We are available 24/7 for you and any of your needs! So don't wait! Call us! We are here to help in any size disaster!
Weather Update
9/30/2021 (Permalink)
Weather Update here!
Hurricane Sam is out on the east coast headed towards Bermuda! It is a category four hurricane and the fourth major hurricane this year. There are chances for swells near the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. These swells could then head to the US a bit north of Florida and as far north as New York.
Top winds were measured at 145 miles per hour.
In the case that this storm does continue to grow please make sure you take the necessary precautions and prepare yourself and your home accordingly. Emergency Services will not start until the water source slows or stops. As always if you need anything give us a call! It is our goal to make it "Like it never even happened."
National Preparedness Month
9/27/2021 (Permalink)
September is national preparedness month!
Over here at SERVPRO we try and give you five of the tools to be prepared as possible for when these large storms hit.
First, have a plan if you need to evacuate and a place to meet if you get separated.
Second, recycle cardboard and replace with plastic tubs to hold storage items. Place these on high shelving to reduce the chances of flood water reaching them
Third, bottled water and non perishable foods in a reachable area incase you need them.
Fourth, a back up power source incase you lose power at all or for an extended period of time along with this make sure you have gasoline to keep it running.
Fifth, flashlights and battery chargers for getting everything set up.
Storm Alert!
2/25/2021 (Permalink)
There is a chance of snow in our area tomorrow!
So take the time today to prepare! If you haven't gone to the grocery store maybe take a trip and get the essentials you know milk, bread, eggs, etc. Trust us we are over this weather too! How long until spring again? Don't even get me started on summer!
But anyway lets take this time to prepare for this! Set your heat a little higher to try and prevent pipes from freezing! Keep an eye on the basement and related areas to stop damage faster! Give us a call if you see anything out of the ordinary! We are available 24/7 for emergency work! The last thing you want is to let any type of damage sit and become even worse!
Winter Storms!
2/18/2021 (Permalink)
Its snowing! While some are overjoyed by a snow day or two headed our way there is a lot to be aware of! This wintery mix that is currently hitting the country has pipes freezing and slick road conditions all around! Hopefully you have prepared for the snow by completing your grocery shopping as well as stocking up on salt and have a great winter coat with some gloves to get all of this snow off your cars! With the possibilities of pipes freezing and breaking its best to keep an eye on your basements and crawlspaces. Water Damage that is not taken care of can turn into a bigger issue! A mold issue! No one wants that! Certain types of mold can be dangerous to your health! So if any type of water is intruding in areas it shouldn't be give us a call! Also the road conditions are not great so far so stay home if you can! If you cannot stay home please be careful! It is super dangerous out there!!
Snow is Approaching
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Winter 2020 is upon us! A Nor'easter is headed our way over the next few days therefore we need to prepare! Make sure you have stocked up on your groceries, emergency candles, flashlights and blankets. If you have a generator or snow blower make sure you have enough gasoline at home! Wash all of your hats, gloves, scarves, and snow suits to ensure proper protection from the cold. If you're feeling festive, grab some hot cocoa and marshmallows to combat the cold with a nice sweet treat. We hope everyone is staying safe in the crazy world we live in today. Make sure to wear your mask even outside playing in the snow! Not only will it help keep you safe but warm as well! Happy Holidays!
Hurricane Delta!
10/9/2020 (Permalink)
Hurricane Delta is expected to make landfall today. This category three hurricane is expected to rock the gulf coast which just six weeks ago was hit by Hurricane Laura. This storm will most likely cause a lot of storm damage down in the south. Anything you can do to help those who will be affected is appreciated. What that means for us up here? We will most likely come into some lighter storms and rainfall early next week. If anything happens to your home during these storms give us a call! Anytime day or night we will come as fast as we can to help you. If these storms are larger than expected understand that we always are trying to help as many people as possible affected by the storms!
Ways to be Prepared for Storms!
8/19/2020 (Permalink)
There have been a lot of storms hitting the Southern New Jersey Area lately. Whether your home or commercial property has tree, wind, or water damage know that there is a local company ready to come help you put things back together. The weather is looking pretty clear over the next 10 days so take this time to put a plan together just in case disaster strikes! Putting a list of various contractors information is a great way to start. Put together a few electricians, plumbers, and general contractors! This kind of information stored in a notebook or binder will save you from added stress that comes with damage from natural disasters! Another way to prepare for storms is checking the lay of the land around you! If the land slopes towards your property, think about bringing a contractor in to change this! If the land is sloping towards your home, water is more likely to come towards your house and penetrate causing issues you may not know about until there is very hard rain. By adding a drain system or diverting the potential water away from your property you can attempt to avoid major damage. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to help avoid property damage with natural disasters! Just remember, we are here to help twenty four hours a day seven days a week for whatever needs you have! 856-339-0500!
Water, Water Everywhere
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
After these absolutely wild storms we have had over the past week, we have received a lot of storm damage calls and water damage calls. A good tip for after the storms end is to check your basements and crawl spaces! Especially crawl spaces you would not know that there is mold slowly growing down there if you never check! Minimum of a monthly check for the crawl spaces and during the crazy storms that surround our area! Keeping your home safe for you and your loved ones is our top priority. If you have any concerns of mold or find some lingering water in your home give us a call 856-339-0500. Any time day or night to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Will it ever stop??
8/5/2020 (Permalink)
Rain, Rain, GO AWAY.
As I am sure we all know it’s supposed to and has been storming all week and I don’t know about you but I am over it. Storms, while great for my outdoor plants, can be cancelled for the rest of the month as far as I am concerned. Now onto what we really came here for. Storm Damage, you never know what’s going to happen during one of Mother Nature’s natural disasters. A tree could fall into the side of your house or on your car, the excess flooding could just tunnel right into your exterior walls into your freshly finished basement causing what seems like the end of the world. No matter what strikes you this week, know this number 856-339-0500. Call us anytime, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We’re here and ready to serve you in your time of need.
Storm Preparation!
6/17/2020 (Permalink)
With the next 10 day forecast being full of storms coming our way, here is some information to prepare!
Storms are very unpredictable, being prepared for whatever happens is extremely important. There are a few steps to take to ensure that you are ready to ride out the storm. First things first, know your risks and what types of storms come to your area whether it be tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms etc. After that you are going to want to create a plan with your family/ roommates. Putting a plan together means asking the following questions, Do I receive emergency alerts in my area? Do I have a shelter plan? Do I have an evacuation route? How will we communicate? Do we have an emergency kit together that is up to date? Have I checked the CDC guidelines recently?
If you have answered all these questions, you are ready to move onto any necessary conversations you need to have with your household such as prescriptions, dietary needs, pets, cultural and religious considerations etc. Next you will want to create an Emergency Readiness Kit. Filling out this plan with phone numbers, insurance, utility contacts, and protocols for the various things that could happen will save you so much time. Including a place to meet if you get separated and make sure each person in the household has a copy. You can find these online or create your own with help. Be sure to have all contact information because you never know when disaster will strike and where everyone will be.
Now you are ready with all the paperwork filled out, time to put a kit together. Your kit should include these few things at minimum, Water (1 gallon a person for three days minimum), non-perishable foods ( three day supply), battery powered radio, flashlights, batteries, whistle, cellphone chargers and battery packs, soap and wipes, face masks, prescription and non-prescription medications, pet food and water, fire extinguisher, feminine hygiene products, change of clothes and shoes, pen, pencil, paper, plastic ware, blankets and pillows per person, and cash. While there are many other things you may think of you can never be too prepared. On the same note you will need to keep an eye on expiration dates and update your kit as needed to fit your needs.
Since you don’t know where you will be when these things happen have a few varieties of these kits, one at home, one at work, and one in your car. Setting reminders on your phone monthly to check supplies and yearly to make changes can be helpful as well.
Having a kit together saves you time, stress, and possibly yourself.
Storms Heading to Southern New Jersey This Week!
6/3/2020 (Permalink)
It's the first week of June! While many of us are excited about the nice weather we are headed for in these warmer months, summer storms are headed our way also! With scattered thunderstorms throughout this whole week we are prepared for any storm damages that may occur to your property. Keep an eye on areas that tend to flood! If you have a generator it might be a good idea to get it started to make sure its working properly in case there is a power outage! Also make sure your gas can is full! Taking some extra precautions before storms hit can help you in the long run. It looks like were staying at a high in the 80's this week and lows in the high 50's! Stay safe everyone!
Dirty Jobs
2/28/2020 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO of Salem County, we handle all sorts of jobs. Including those dirty jobs like this one. Our team arrived at this job not sure exactly what to expect on a water damage with sewage water. It was more than expected but they were prepared for anything and handled it with ease.
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
No matter how big or how dirty the job may be, you can always count on SERVPRO of Salem County!
WE WANT SNOW
2/11/2020 (Permalink)
We don't know about you but WE WANT SNOW. How have we not had snow yet, it's already February.
Bring it on mother nature. We are waiting!
Crossing our fingers we at least get some winter snow for the kids to play in! When or IF we do and you end up needing help. That's exactly what we are here for. Anything can happen and you can't be afraid to ask for help.
If snow decides to just not show up and we continue to just get rain. We can help with that too.
Give SERVPRO of Salem County a call!
856-339-0500
We're not just a Water or Storm company. Check out the rest of our website and see how else we can help you!
Tip Tuesday - Avoid Bursting Pipes.
2/10/2020 (Permalink)
Tip Tuesday – Here is 7 of them!
Avoid Bursting Pipes while this "cold front" approaches.
- Wrap outside faucets
- Caulk around pipes where they enter the home (or business)
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Drain in-ground sprinkler systems
- Let a Stream of water run (if the temperature dips below freezing)
- Open Cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving your home or business for several days
Broken Pipes happen quicker and easier than you think when those cold temperatures start. Broken pipes can cause an overwhelming water damage scenario.
If you experience any water damage, give us a call at 856-339-0500, and we will get a team onsite immediately! See the rest of our website to see what else we do!
#heretohelp #SERVPROSalemCounty
Tip Tuesday - Frozen Pipes?
2/4/2020 (Permalink)
Back with another Tip Tuesday:
Are your Pipes Frozen?
Here's a few tips just in case of Frozen Pipes:
- Keep the faucet on with a small drip to allow some flow of water to run through the pipes
- Apply heat to affected section of the pipe with a heating pad or hair dryer (at a safe distance)
- Applying heat until the full flow of water pressure is restored
Those are just simple things that you can do yourself to help restore water flow to your home or business. If you're still having trouble, call a licensed plumber to help!
If it ends up being too late, we are only a phone call away. Give SERVPRO of Salem County a call today! 856-339-0500. Let us help!
Tip Tuesday - Cleaning up Broken glass
12/17/2019 (Permalink)
Here's your easy Tip Tuesday:
Holiday time bring in more guests through your home or business. Winter time brings more storms as well. Blowing trees around or cracking glass from the cold. Anything is possible.
No matter how it happened. Cleaning up glass can be very difficult. Sometimes you can't actually see the little pieces until they're stuck in your finger or toes, and boy does that hurt.
Simple Trick;
Molding clay or Play Dough from your kids craft set. Just roll it in a ball, and dab over the area where the shards could be and they will stick right to the ball.
Such a nifty trick to clean up broken glass or ceramics to prevent yourself or other from being hurt by those tiny unseen shards.
Bring on those mud pies
10/16/2019 (Permalink)
Fall to Winter time brings in the toughest weather struggles. Different type of storms can bring on many different things that you may not think of.
Rainstorms could cause the worse damage. But also the most fun for kids anyways. Bring on those silly laughs and mud pies!
Hopefully for your sake, you have your washroom stocked up with plenty of towels to do a once over wiping those dirty hands down.
If by chance those little rascals come running through the house in excitement or exhaustion, they may not even take a second to take those muddy boots off or rinse off their dirty hands. Watch your carpets!!! Mud is never fun when it's inside your home.
Call SERVPRO of Salem County for that, we can help!
When it rains it pours
8/22/2019 (Permalink)
No one person can tell you when it is going to rain. We can all say that we would love to be a meteorologist and be wrong 95% of the time and still have a good paying job. But the fact of the matter is when storms roll through damage can happen faster than ever expected.
We have seen time and again how a small rain shower can turn into a massive storm in a blink of an eye. Those dark rain clouds shower down in waterfall fashion. Which in turn may flood your property, creeping through small leaks in your roof that you may not have known you had, flooding outside could spill into your home causing damage to your basement. So many possibilities that could happen. Only one solution we can guarantee; SERVPRO of Salem County can be there in a jiffy.
For all emergencies the team here at SERVPRO of Salem County will quickly respond in less than 1 hour from the time you call to do an initial walk through.
Take a look at our website and see our storm work.
Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration
"The Treehouse" Project
7/23/2019 (Permalink)
Storms can take some wicked unexpected turns. One certainly never knows what to expect.
Here at SERVPRO of Salem County, we have recently started a project we like to call “The Treehouse”.
Unfortunately for this homeowner a storm rolled through causing a tree to crash into the home and cause massive damage. The tree damaged not only the roof it fell onto, but it was big and heavy enough to affect the siding of the house, falling through a bedroom. Rainwater soaked all surrounding carpet, walls, and even extended over to the neighboring room closet.
Between the demolition and reconstruction of all the affected areas, the rainwater eventually caused the form of mold as well.
Our team and our contractors are hard at work to get this home back to a livable environment. We have posted a video of the before product on our youtube channel and our sites Video Content page.
Stay tuned for updates and the final product.
Dealing with Flood Damage in Salem County
7/18/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Puts You at Ease During the Flood Damage Restoration Process
When a Salem County homeowner finds himself ankle deep in water, he does not want to hear that his restoration service can be there tomorrow. He and his family need someone to arrive as swiftly as possible, begin work, and provide as much education and even comfort, as possible.
Any flood damage to a Salem County home requires an emergency response. At SERVPRO we found, over time, that there are certain tasks to begin immediately once our restoration team puts boots on a customer’s property.
First, they put the homeowner and his family at ease. Once the team has the owner calmed down, everything else goes much easier and quicker. A simple way they do this is to point out everything that is not damaged.
Now, the team educates the homeowner. One of our inspectors points out the tasks the team starts first and provides details on how they accomplish them.
After this quick briefing, the team begins work in the home by protecting the structure and the contents inside from further damage. They close off any openings to the outside by boarding up doors and windows with plywood. If there is damage to the roof from the storm, SERVPRO technicians also use plywood or plastic sheeting to seal it off.
As they accomplish this, other team members remove as much water as possible. Depending on the size of the home, specialists bring in one or more commercial pumps and extraction wands to draw out most of the water; usually in less than a day.
With the bulk of the water gone, our team starts the drying process. Members set-up dehumidifiers to lower the inside humidity and use exhaust fans and air movers to draw out the damp air inside and replace it with warm air that also helps to dry the surfaces of the structure and property items like sofas.
Finally, they do everything to make the environment as comfortable as possible for the homeowner. The situation is difficult enough, and we try not to disrupt his life any further.
Restoring a home after a flood is not easy, but SERVPRO of Salem County does it quickly and with as little stress to the owner and other residents as possible. If you need us, call today at (856) 339-0500. Our office is here for you.
Minor storms still cause floods
6/11/2019 (Permalink)
From all the heavy rain and windstorms that have affected our area. Flooding is always a possibility. Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather-related disaster.
The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:
- Stay away from floodwaters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off 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 riding 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 running water or contaminated water.
If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of Salem County. We are faster to ANY size disaster. Let us help you get your life back in order.
https://www.SERVPROsalemcounty.com/storm-flooding-restoration
SERVPRO makes storm damage "Like It Never Even Happened"
6/4/2019 (Permalink)
Who is the first person you call when you have an emergency occur in your home or business? Are they local? How is their response time?
There have been a lot of storms coming through our area lately. From wicked winds to pouring down rain topped with thunder and lightning. All those things combined can cause significant damage to your home or business.
Restoring your home or business after a storm, can be very stressful. SERVPRO of Salem County, is here to help and make the process as quick and painless as possible for you.
SERVPRO of Salem County is the only local business that is actually located in Salem County.
Contact our office for more information on how we can help you.
(856)339-0500
office@SERVPROsalemcounty.com
Salem County Winter Storm Cleanup and Restoration
12/28/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Salem County responds 24 hours a day even during a winter storm.
Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO of Salem County has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.
Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm? Call Today 856-339-0500
SERVPRO of Salem County
- Provide 24/7 Emergency Service
- Highly Trained Winter Storm Restoration Specialists
- Faster to Any Size Disaster
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO of Salem County can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.
Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Swimming pool supply lines
- Water sprinkler lines
Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
Ice Dams
An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.
Roof Damage
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.
SERVPRO and The Red Cross want to help you be Prepared!
7/26/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO teams up with the American Red Cross and they made a list of items you need in case of an emergency! Always be prepared!
Be Red Cross Ready!
Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Extra batteriesFirst aid kit [Avail
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Family and emergency contact information
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
- Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Games and activities for children
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
For more information check out redcross.org
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