Recent Storm Damage Posts

Learn the Basics: Flood Damage Prevention | SERVPRO of Allen

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

rain water pooling on a hardwood floor after a storm with a man in work boots walking through it SERVPRO of Allen is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.

When you are looking to tackle a problem, how often do you break down the steps and bring it back to what you know? Starting at the beginning and breaking down the basics of a task can help set you up for the most success.

This is especially true when it comes to preparing for storm or flood damage! Sometimes the smallest tasks have the biggest impact, which can help your home avoid serious damage when storms with heavy rain come to town.

Our team wants to help you prevent flood damage as much as possible this season, so incorporate these tips below now so your home is ready for anything the spring season brings our way.

Understanding Flood Zones

Emergency flooding situations can be caused by Mother Nature, but that is not the only way you can wind up with a basement full of water. Leaky appliances, burst water lines, or broken dams or levees can quickly cause a serious situation to develop.

Did you know that our community is considered part of Flash Flood Alley? This narrow alleyway that runs through central Texas experiences intense rainfalls and lacks efficient drainage, which can lead to serious flooding situations really unexpectedly. Knowing your home’s specific flood risk can help you plan ahead.

Knowing how your property reacts when it rains can help you take action faster and more efficiently. If you struggle with drainage around your home, add a rain garden or make sure your downspouts are installed with enough length to deposit the water in a more productive place.

If you have trees on your property, check your gutters regularly to catch the beginning of any clogs or blockages. Better yet, install gutter covers over your gutter system to help keep the yard debris out. Having clear gutters is a vital part of preventing water damage. In addition, you should be inspecting your roof regularly for signs of damage, especially after a strong storm comes through the area.

Additional Preparation Tips

While no one wants to experience flooding, having this experience can actually teach you a lot about your home and property so you can make the changes necessary to prevent it from happening again.

If your basement tends to get wet when it rains, you can hire a professional company to come grade your yard for you. If your yard slopes away from your home instead of backward into it, you will be utilizing gravity to help you stay dry.

If you notice moisture around one of your windows consistently when storms are in the area, you can address these leaks easily with some new caulk! You should also be checking the other windows and doors in your home for the same issues. Finally, you should be addressing any issues with your sump pump right away. The worst time to discover that your sump pump isn’t working is when you need it most.

Starting with the basics of flood damage prevention can help set your home up for a successful and dry season ahead. Remember, we are always here to help you recover if you suffer any sort of home or property damage.

Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.

The Impact of Different Types of Home Damage | SERVPRO of Allen

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

residentail home with roof destroyed and debris falling down If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Allen right away.

Disasters and unexpected situations can happen at any point. Severe weather, house fires or broken windows from a fly ball that flew a little too high while your children were playing can all leave your home damaged without much warning.

Even though we know that we cannot prevent every situation from occurring, we can take steps to be prepared for as much as we can.

Understanding the different types of home damage and what to expect can help you prepare more thoroughly. If you do suffer damage, SERVPRO® of Allen can handle every aspect of your recovery.

The Biggest Risks in the Allen Area

In our particular area, we are at risk of heavy rain, flash flooding and tornadoes. We can also be at risk of suffering from wildfire damage if a season gets particularly dry and the conditions become volatile. Of course, the general risk for water damage, roof damage or fire is always present.

Water damage can happen due to rain or flooding, but it can also happen in an instant if your dishwasher malfunctions and leaks or a pipe in your wall bursts and leaks everywhere. Fire can also start in a variety of ways, but they most commonly start due to human error or negligence.

What Are Compounding Damages?

Suffering through one disaster situation is often stressful enough, but that single situation can lead to further issues, called compounding damages. For example, a flood will leave your home soaked and damaged, but that lingering water can also lead to structural issues or even mold growth.

A house fire will certainly damage the walls and floors where the flames were present, but the soot and smoke can travel to parts of your home that the fire never reached. When the fire is extinguished, water damage and chemical residue will all need to be addressed as well.

No matter how your home was damaged, a proper recovery is required so you can avoid lingering issues or further damage. SERVPRO is well-equipped to handle your recovery process from start to finish. We are trained in water, storm and fire damage repair as well as mold remediation and home remodeling.

If your home suffers water damage from a storm or a household accident, we will get to work drying out the excess moisture and tackle any repairs quickly. We will also make sure any lingering odors are taken care of and your entire space is sanitized.

If your home suffers a fire disaster, we will get right to work removing burned debris and cleaning out any soot and smoke damage. We will go room to room to make sure every bit of lingering damage is repaired. We can handle the smallest repairs all the way up to entire reconstructions of levels or sections of your home.

We are a full-service restoration company, so we come with everything we need to tackle your project from start to finish. Our team is trained in the latest restoration techniques, and we have years of experience helping homeowners like you overcome home damage challenges.

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

Preparing for Chilly Texas Weather | SERVPRO of Allen

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

snowy highway with vehicles driving in a squall The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Allen has your back with these helpful tips.

The winter season is a tricky one in our community—there’s no denying that. Depending on the time of year, we could see heavy rain, freezing temperatures and even accumulating snow, sometimes all in the same day!

Regardless of the weather situation, knowing what to do and how to prepare your home for what is forecast can help you avoid serious property damage.

Getting Ready for the Incoming Weather

Depending on the type of storm, avoiding travel when the weather comes to town is always a good idea. If the temperature is hovering close to freezing and it is raining, it can quickly create slick roads and snow can make travel difficult or even impossible.

Stay home instead and fire up your weather radio to stay in the know. Start gathering your supplies so you can stay comfortable if the storm lasts for a while or knocks out power to your home.

Locate your extra flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, blankets and safe drinking water. You should also have an extra heating source in case the power is out for a while. Clean out your fireplace just in case.

While your home is usually the safest place to be during winter weather, it simply may become too cold to stay in if the power is out for multiple days. Have a backup location like a friend’s home or a warming center in mind that you can head to if needed.

Addressing Damage After the Storm

Use caution when you are walking around outside after a storm. Slick walkways and snow can cause many different dangerous conditions, so carry your phone and be careful.

If we do get any snow, brush it off of your roof and gutters right away. That snow can eventually melt, only to refreeze again at night, and that can lead to structural damage for your roof.

If the storm brought strong wind, check your roof and siding for impact damage as well as your vents. Wind can blow rain or sleet into your vents, which can freeze and cause ice blockages. Any blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up in your home, so clear away these blockages quickly.

Our Storm Damage Restoration

If your home suffers any sort of home damage, give us a call right away. Our team can address water damage and structural issues quickly to help you avoid further damage and costly repairs. We will assess the situation, clean and sanitize and tackle repairs for you in a timely manner.

The winter season may be an unpredictable one, but we are always here to assist you. Contact us day or night for immediate, reliable restoration assistance.

Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Allen for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.

Recovery Tips After a Summer Storm | SERVPRO of Allen

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Dramatic night shot of a home with visible roof damage from a recently storm and fallen debris Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Allen to restore your space in no time!

The summer season here in the Allen area can be tranquil and beautiful one minute and storming like crazy the next! Preparing for the possibility of severe weather is always helpful in avoiding significant damage, but sometimes storms can take us all by surprise.

Even just a few months ago, many of us were surprised by the hail storm that came through town! Even the best preparations sometimes don’t stand a chance against Mother Nature around here. In addition to hail, strong winds, floods and tornadoes can develop in a moment’s notice.

Keeping your family and pets safe during a weather emergency should always be your main goal, so stay inside and away from windows until the storm has passed on. Once it is gone, you can start investigating your property for any damage, then call SERVPRO® of Allen for a complete recovery.

Steps After the Storm Passes

Be extremely cautious about heading outside immediately after a storm passes your home. We all know that thunderstorms can come in waves, and another one may be on the horizon. Stay connected to your weather radio or tune into a local news station for updates.

If anyone in your household was not home when the storm came through, connect with them to ensure their safety and call your relatives or friends if they were in the path of the storm.

You should also take the time to check on your neighbors! Storms affect houses differently and can have very specific damage paths, so stop by to make sure everyone is OK. Just be cautious about going into any damaged rooms or spaces that seem unsafe.

Once everyone is safe and accounted for, head back home and start taking pictures of any damages you see. We will use those pictures to create your restoration plan, and we will also use them to communicate with your insurance company about your storm damage claim.

As Time Goes On

While you wait for us to arrive, you can survey the damage around your home and start collecting your possessions. Be careful while you move about. Hidden loose floorboards or bent nails could be lurking out of sight, or parts of your home that you can’t see could be structurally damaged. Walk cautiously and carry your phone with you in case you run into any trouble.

If your home has been significantly damaged and it is still raining or drizzling, cover your possessions with a tarp or board up your windows while you wait for us to arrive. We will do this extensively when we show up, but do what you can in the meantime.

Our team works directly with your insurance company to handle your entire restoration, so rest assured that everything will be done properly and in an efficient manner. We can also help you figure out lodging if your damage is extensive and you need to live off site for a few days while the repairs are taking place.

SERVPRO of Allen is dedicated to helping you however you need it during this process. We are here 247 to respond to your call, and we won’t stop cleaning, sanitizing and repairing for you until you are 100% satisfied with the final product.

If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 247 when you need us.

Easy Storm-Proofing Steps for the Summer | SERVPRO of Allen

7/19/2023 (Permalink)

Empty parking lot with lots of greenery shown during a heavy downpour of rain. Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Allen has your back when you experience flood and water damage.

Wind, hail, rain, tornadoes and floods…it’s summertime here in Allen! The threats associated with severe summer weather can pop up at any time, so everyone in our community needs to be prepared for this possibility.

Owning a home comes with many responsibilities. In addition to everyday maintenance and household chores, you also need to prepare for any upcoming or dangerous weather patterns.

Our community needs to be on the lookout for strong winds, hailstorms, heavy rain and the occasional tornado that passes through town.

The best way to avoid home damage during any of these scenarios is to prepare for it! Read our tips below so you can start prepping your yard and home ahead of the next storm.

General Yard Work

One of the nice things about storm preparation is that many of your yard work tasks are actually things you should be doing on a regular basis anyhow! By splitting up the tasks amongst your family, you can get a lot done in a shorter amount of time.

Strong winds and downpours are some of the most common causes of home damage. In order to avoid this, keep your trees trimmed, your gutters cleared and your property free of debris like fallen branches.

Whenever you are giving your home a visual inspection, pay special attention to your windows and doors. Check these areas for rotten wood or gaps along the frames and address those issues right away. You should also focus on your roof! Water can easily get up under broken shingles, so those should be repaired as soon as you notice them.

Additional Home Upgrades

Storm preparation doesn’t have to be expensive! Some of the best preventive steps you can take are cost-free. However, there are some additions you can make to your home that will take your protection to the next level.

Storm shutters are a reliable investment if your neighborhood frequently experiences strong winds. Triple-pane windows can also add a layer of protection against the blowing wind and flying debris. If your property has heavy tree coverage, investing in gutter guards can help reduce clogs and blockages.

If you have a shed or other outbuilding on your property, consider adding reinforcements or tie down the roof before a storm comes through to help keep it intact.

Once your home is ready, stay current on the weather forecasts and make sure your safe shelter location is ready to use at any time. Remember, SERVPRO of Allen is always here to put your home back together in the event of storm damage.

Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Allen to start restoration, 247.

Steps to Protect Your Employees During Severe Weather Event | SERVPRO of Allen

7/14/2023 (Permalink)

Business man holding an umbrella and briefcase with a dark thunderstorm behind him. If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Allen to get you back in action.

Running a business is hard work at times! You are constantly being pulled in different directions while also trying to stay focused on the day-to-day operations and the eventual big picture.

While you are busy preparing and planning for the week and months ahead, don’t forget to have a plan for severe weather. Extreme weather situations have the potential to be catastrophic for your business as well as create unsafe conditions for your staff.

Your team relies on you to have a plan ready to use, so use our tips below to come up with a great plan that will keep everyone safe when the weather turns severe.

Knowing Our Risk

Weather threats look different all across the country, and they can even look different based on whatever season we are in! The threat of heavy rain, wind and particularly tornadoes are the main threats to us here in Allen. One tornado has the potential to cause complete devastation in a matter of minutes.

You should also understand the flood risk for your business location. This can help you prepare for the possibility of flooding and purchase flood insurance if necessary. Other methods like staying current on the weather patterns and understanding the weekly forecast can help you stay prepared.

Communicating Effectively

We are all connected in many ways through our computers, phones and the internet, so this step should be really easy! Be sure that you have your entire team’s contact information so that you can share updates about severe weather situations quickly.

If bad weather is in the forecast, you can send out your safe shelter location and explain how to access emergency supplies or how to evacuate in an emergency.

Getting Out Quickly

Your staff’s safety is your top priority during any severe weather emergency. Knowing how to quickly evacuate can help keep everyone safe. Explain the different evacuation routes and exit points throughout your building, and keep them all clearly labeled. Consider hanging your evacuation strategy near exits to help make this process go more smoothly in an actual emergency.

Evacuating might also be the worst option at the moment, depending on what is going on outside. To plan for this scenario, prep your safe shelter location now and store food, water and an emergency kit in it so that if your team has to hunker down, they can still be comfortable.

Practice going through these various scenarios a few different times, and always be sure that everyone understands their role during an emergency situation. This can help ensure everyone’s safety no matter the weather!

Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.

Understanding Wind Damage in the Allen Area | SERVPRO of Allen

6/5/2023 (Permalink)

Dense forest area with trees bending due to intense wind and rain If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Allen your first call.

Wind is an interesting weather phenomenon. Soft, gentle breezes on a warm summer day can feel like a gift, while strong winds during a severe storm can be scary and even dangerous.

Strong wind is often associated with severe weather, but it can also occur even when it is sunny outside. In any case, experiencing wind damage during either scenario can be frustrating and overwhelming to deal with.

<h3the-wind-blows">When the Wind Blows

Most reported damaging wind comes alongside thunderstorms, and even more so when tornadoes touch down. You should always obey weather warnings in these types of situations.

Thunderstorms can carry many different threats, including high wind speeds. Wind can easily reach 60 miles per hour and can knock around yard debris with ease.

Straight-line winds are a little more powerful than a regular wind gust. These winds don’t have any rotation in them, which leads to intense bursts of destruction. Straight-line winds can reach up to 100 miles per hour.

Winds associated with tornadoes can take on many forms, even multiple different kinds at once! Tornadoes can produce straight-line winds, downdrafts and micro or macrobursts that can cause complete devastation to your home and property.

Here in Allen, we need to be on the lookout for tornadoes as our risk for experiencing a few every year is very high. If you lived or worked in the Allen area in 2015, you remember how destructive that F4 tornado was, so it is important to take shelter during any tornado warning.

<h3home-damage-due-to-wind">Preventing Home Damage Due to Wind

Wind can cause a wide variety of home damage. It can topple trees, blow around yard debris and furniture and even damage power lines. If the wind blows hard enough, it can upend mobile homes and cars.

Staying safe during a wind advisory or warning involves being alerted to the changing weather patterns. If you have enough notice, go outside and secure any loose objects like your propane tanks, patio furniture and trash cans. Throughout the year, keep your trees trimmed and remove any fallen branches or limbs before a storm arrives.

When the wind starts to blow, head inside and avoid the windows. Strong winds can easily pick up yard debris and toss it into your glass. After the storm has passed, take a walk around your property to look for damages.

Damage may be obvious if something like a fallen tree lands on your roof, or a single shingle may be missing. Even one missing shingle can cause water issues throughout your home. If you do need help recovering from home damage, our SERVPRO of Allen restoration team is ready to help. Call us 247 for a quick recovery.

Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.

Do You Have a Storm Safety Plan? | SERVPRO® of Allen

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

a dark cloudy sky with lighting strikes off in the distance If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Allen Heights right away.

The spring and summer seasons bring warm and sunny skies, but they also bring thunderstorms and severe weather! Seasonal thunderstorms can quickly turn severe when the unstable air produces heavy rain, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Plus, considering that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, these severe weather events happen often in northern Texas, especially when we have one of the highest rates of confirmed tornadoes in the country.

We are off to a quick start this season so far in north Texas in terms of severe weather. We have had 17 reported tornadoes so far this year when our average for a typical storm season is 23. With the way that this storm season has begun here in Allen, being prepared will only help keep your family safe.

While we know that we cannot dictate the weather, we can do our best to be prepared for it when it occurs. By doing small things like building an emergency kit, developing a communications strategy and having a plan for how to deal with post-storm damages, you can be prepared to conquer severe weather and reduce the impact it can have on your home.

Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy

The first thing you need to do when bad weather is in the forecast is to come up with a communication plan with your household members. You also need to be able to receive communications and instructions from your local news and authorities.

It is important to know the difference between watches and warnings so you can understand when to stay vigilant and when to move inside and locate your safe area.

You must also have a reliable way to ** receive alerts** from officials, such as your cell phone or an NOAA weather radio.

Finally, having a storm strategy for your household is incredibly important in order to keep your family safe. Have a safe area in your home that everyone is aware of and is instructed to get to in the event of bad weather, and have a way to communicate with family members that are not home when the storm rolls through. That way everyone knows when and how to check in and mark themselves as safe, regardless of where they are.

Packing Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should be packed with the basics that your family members need to comfortably live for at least 72 hours of sheltering in your safe area. That should include non-perishable food, water, flashlights and extra batteries, and a full first-aid kit. This kit should always be stocked and ready to use in your designated safe area location.

Your “After the Storm” Checklist

After the storm has passed, you should always do a recap of your safety plan and then check your property for storm damage. Once it is safe to do so, check your property for damage.

Make sure that your roof, doors and windows are your priority after any storm, as these areas are the ones that are susceptible to water damage most easily.

If you do find damage in your home, know that SERVPRO of Allen will be there to fix your problem. We provide quick responses from our trained technicians, and we have a passion for what we do.

When the storm is over and your household members have all been marked as safe, you should do one final audit of your safety plan. Gather feedback about what worked and what needed improvement, and make any necessary adjustments so that you are ready and more prepared for the next storm.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 247 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.

Tips for Sheltering Anywhere During a Sudden Summer Storm | SERVPRO® of Allen

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

lighting striking hillside during storm at night Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Allen is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.

When you are making the most of your fun in the sun during the summer, you may not even consider the possibility of a sudden storm when the skies are clear. Unfortunately, storms are something you should always be conscious of, especially when the heat and the humidity are high—these create perfect fuel for storms, so they can start in an instant and leave people unprepared.

Be sure you know what to do no matter where a storm catches you with these tips.

Know What to Do No Matter Where a Storm Catches You

Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.

Practice electrical safety. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, that means that lightning strikes are a possibility as well. Many times, lightning will strike from cloud to cloud instead of from cloud to ground, but it is important to practice electrical safety in any building just in case. Unplug everything around you if you can, and consider installing surge protectors at home and at the office for a solid solution that lasts.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though concrete provides a sturdy structure in which to seek shelter, it is also vital that you understand the risk of shock it presents. As most concrete is poured around metal bracers, if lightning strikes the building, the metal can become charged and dissipate this electricity through the concrete. This can cause shock to anyone directly touching the concrete, so it is wise to be aware of.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When a storm interrupts your otherwise peaceful day spent outdoors, getting back to what you were doing quickly is likely top priority. It is important to wait enough time before heading back outside, however—lightning can travel more than 20 miles, so waiting at least half an hour after the last thunderclap is advised.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.

Stay Safe During Storms | SERVPRO® of Allen

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

dark storm clouds forming in sky If your home is damaged due to a storm, SERVPRO of Allen is here to help. We will get the job done right, contact us today.

Here in Allen, we almost never have to shovel out from a winter storm. In fact, a snowy day comes as a rare pleasure most winters.

Still, weather this time of year poses challenges to people, pets and property. Let’s talk about keeping yourself, your loved ones and your home safe during storms—now and all year around.

Tornadoes

Yes, we can still have a tornado this time of year! To protect yourself and your loved ones during a tornado, look to this guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Long-Term Planning

Establish a way to get information if power and internet are down, such as a battery-operated radio. Identify safe places to shelter in your home, or places to stay if your home is unsafe. And always have water, medications and non-perishable food on hand if the storm limits travel for a while.

Make sure your plan includes people with special needs, as well as family animals.

During Stormy Weather

Avoid travel, except to get to safety. Check the weather forecast frequently for storm watches or warnings. Also, know the signs of tornado:

  • Clouds may appear low in the sky.
  • Hail may fall.
  • Sky may look black or green.
  • You may hear a roaring noise.

If the Tornado Hits

Now it’s time to find shelter. The best place to stay is underground (as in a basement) or in a central part of a dwelling. A cubby under a central staircase is a good bet.

Bolster up. For added protection, you can pull a mattress around your shelter area or also get under a sturdy table.

Avoid glass. Keep out of rooms with glass windows, if possible.

Never, never shelter in a trailer. If you live in a mobile home, have a plan to find alternative shelter in place and make use of that plan at the first sign of a storm—well before a tornado hits. For instance, you could have a standing plan to stay with a relative when the NOAA has issued tornado warnings.

If a storm damages your home, we’re there for you. Contact us at any hour for assistance.

Why You Should Count on Us to Handle Your Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Allen

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Having storm damage occur to your home or business is alarming and devastating. Structural damage, water damage and electrical damage are all extremely common after a storm, and choosing a restoration company that you can count on and one that is actually a legitimate resource can be an endeavor.

However difficult it is to start the recovery process after a storm damages your property, it is definitely worth it to find a restoration company you can count on. The price of storm damage repairs continues to rise with the frequency of severe weather events, and working with a company you trust can make a big difference.

When You Sustain Storm Damage, Depend on Us

Our local and national reputation matters to us. Many of the scams that pop up after a large storm or disaster involve companies that are not active in the area and not well-regarded in the restoration community, but with us, you never have to be concerned about that. We have been helping the community recover from disasters both large and small for many years, and we are proud of our reputation as an industry leader in restoration.

Our teams can scale up as needed. Regardless of how large the storm is or how much of the area it impacted, you can count on us to be able to help no matter what. With our national SERVPRO® partners by our side, we can call for reinforcements when needed to make sure we can scale up and provide excellent service after storms of any caliber.

Our response time does not depend on when you call. Finding out you have storm damage is never convenient, but regardless of what time you discover it, you can count on us to help out. With our 24-hour emergency service, you will not have to waste valuable time waiting on us to return your call or show up—you can call us at any hour and we will start assembling our team to get out to you ASAP and get started on your restoration.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

Tips for Sheltering Anywhere During a Sudden Summer Storm

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

lighting striking hillside during storm at night Have you been affected by a storm event? SERVPRO of Allen is available 24/7 and ready to assist you with any storm damage.

When you are making the most of your fun in the sun during the summer, you may not even consider the possibility of a sudden storm when the skies are clear. Unfortunately, storms are something you should always be conscious of, especially when the heat and the humidity are high—these create perfect fuel for storms, so they can start in an instant and leave people unprepared.

Be sure you know what to do no matter where a storm catches you with these tips.

Know What to Do No Matter Where a Storm Catches You

Know your options for shelter. When you hear that a storm is a possibility and you are somewhere you can wait out the threat, this would be the ideal thing to do. That being said, when storms come up suddenly, this will not always be an option. You can set up shelter in your vehicle with the proper guidelines in mind, enabling you to wait out the storm anywhere you are.

Practice electrical safety. If there is a thunderstorm in the area, that means that lightning strikes are a possibility as well. Many times, lightning will strike from cloud to cloud instead of from cloud to ground, but it is important to practice electrical safety in any building just in case. Unplug everything around you if you can, and consider installing surge protectors at home and at the office for a solid solution that lasts.

Avoid direct contact with concrete. Though concrete provides a sturdy structure in which to seek shelter, it is also vital that you understand the risk of shock it presents. As most concrete is poured around metal bracers, if lightning strikes the building, the metal can become charged and dissipate this electricity through the concrete. This can cause shock to anyone directly touching the concrete, so it is wise to be aware of.

Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes. When a storm interrupts your otherwise peaceful day spent outdoors, getting back to what you were doing quickly is likely top priority. It is important to wait enough time before heading back outside, however—lightning can travel more than 20 miles, so waiting at least half an hour after the last thunderclap is advised.

If your home sustains damage due to a storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our storm restoration process.

Ready for Storms

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Allen is your local franchise, available to meet your fire damage, water damage, mold damage, and biohazard needs. If you're familiar with us, you may have heard us say that we're faster to any size disaster. But, do you know why we can claim that?

Obviously, at our local office, we have experienced teams at the ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to be dispatched to your home or business, assess the situation you're experiencing, then get to work on remediating the damage to prevent further issues, and get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.

In addition to our local people, we also have a nationwide franchise network able to mobilize quickly. By utilizing our existing infrastructure, SERVPRO green can rain down and reinforce our efforts to rescue all of those impacted by storms.

Destructive Storms Roll Through

6/9/2019 (Permalink)

Heavy rain, hail, lightning, and strong straight line winds can come when severe weather strikes. Let SERVPRO of Allen help you pick up the pieces.

While thunderstorm season is technically over, it never really is in Texas, is it? 

Storms have been rolling across our state, dropping large amounts of rain, hail, bringing high speed straight line winds, lightning strikes, and leaving destruction of varying sorts in their wake.

SERVPRO of Allen is committed to be HERO Ready in emergencies, coordinating efforts to keep our crews equipped with supplies and energy in order to push relentlessly through the wreckage caused by storms.

Roofs, siding, windows, and brick effacements are only some of the external components of a home or commercial building that can suffer damage during a severe thunderstorm. Secondary to that is the water damage caused by leaks and flooding, or even mold damage.

SERVPRO of Allen is able to immediately respond to your call for aid, to move pertinent contents, and begin cleaning up the interior damage. Within 24 hours, progress can be well on the way to bringing down humidity levels, and demo can begin in order to prevent growth and expedite drying. 

Storm Damage?

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

With access to a nationwide network, SERVPRO of Allen is ready to respond to any size disaster

SERVPRO of Allen 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.

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 overall restoration cost.

When storms hit Allen, SERVPRO of Allen can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 franchises across the country, as well as elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Do you have storm or flood damage? Call us 24/7 at 469-247-4429