Storms in Dallas

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of North Garland for all your storm and flood damage restoration needs. We provide a range of services.

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. At SERVPRO of North Garland, we have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. During catastrophic storms and major events, SERVPRO has a Disaster Recovery Team that responds with additional resources as well. These include:

• Flooding caused by heavy rains
• Hurricanes and tidal surges
• Tornadoes and wind damage
• Ice and snowstorms
• Wild fires

Here in North Texas, storms can occur with little warning it’s important to be prepared in order to minimize potential damage. Make sure you have an Emergency Kit readily accessible and that the family knows the safest spot in the house for shelter during severe weather. Always keep important documents in water proof containers and have a list of resources saved in your phone for easy access. Weathering a storm is never easy, and we will do our absolute best to help you recover. Call us anytime – we’re always here to help.

Lightening Lessons

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Stay safe in a storm.

If you can hear thunder then you’re close enough to be struck by lightning – so understanding the facts will help you stay safe in a storm.

• Lightning is highly unpredictable which increases the risk to people and property.
• Rain isn’t required for lightning to occur – it’s been seen as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction so it’s best to take precaution.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening. More people will survive a lightning strike than die from it, however they can have lasting effects from the injury.
• Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

If a Storm is Approaching

• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. However, water and pipes conduct electricity – so do not get in the bath or take a shower during a lightning storm.
• Lightning causes power surges, so unplug appliances and other electrical items – especially computers and televisions.
• If your only option for shelter is an automobile – get inside but don’t touch any of the metal. It’s steel frame will protect you as long as you don’t make contact with it. Tires are made of rubber – which is a conductor so will not protect you if it strikes the car.

Remember that no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. Stay indoors until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. If your home or property is damaged from lightning, SERVPRO fire and storm experts can help.

Roof Tarping and Board Up Services Save Homeowners From Further Storm Damage

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Tarping can help minimize damage from storms.

SERVPRO of North Garland has handled large scale storm events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and polar vortexes in the DFW area. One of the ways we've helped home and business owners is with our roof tarping and board up services. When a storm or other emergency leaves you open to the elements, you must act quickly to help prevent further damage and protect your home’s interior.

If you experience roof damage from a storm or other emergency, SERVPRO of North Garland can help address the damage quickly to avoid further exposure to the elements. 

Our Disaster Recovery Teams can respond quickly because we have a network of storm teams strategically positioned across the country ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year. 

When There's a Storm, Stay Informed.

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

Staying connected is important during storm emergencies.

Storms are common in North Texas, so when the moisture level and temperature combine in just the right way, we get thunder, lightning and wind. Storms cause trouble inside and outside the house. Although they are unpredictable, we can  minimize the potential damage by being prepared.

Use Technology to Track Storms

There are lots of weather tracking apps that can alert you as well as keep you updated on a storm’s progress. 

Smart phones and social media can let friends and family know how you’re doing during or after a storm hits North Garland. It’s important to keep phones charged and contact lists are up to date so you can easily reach out. Twitter is also a great tool for getting the word out - if you happen to see someone in distress, tweet their location so that first responders hear about it. This technology saved many Houstonians during tropical storm Harvey.

Both Facebook and the American Red Cross are platforms where you can update your status during a storm to let friends and family know you're ok.

Use Technology to Store Important Information

It's a good idea to save an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets in a cloud based system as well as keeping copies in a waterproof bag as part of your emergency preparedness kit.

Try SERVPRO's Storm Readiness Technology

If you’re a business owner in North Garland, we offer a free evaluation of your workspace to help you develop an Emergency Readiness Plan (ERP) so you’re ready for anything. Our teams are always watching the weather and your ERP will keep us up to date on your business to make our assistance as efficient as possible.

Our professional equipment and technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so call us at 972-496-2441 if you need help after a storm.

Know Where to Go

10/24/2021 (Permalink)

know where to go when a storm strikes.

Did you know that tornadoes can spin off from hurricanes? This means we have another month of potential tornadoes since hurricane season doesn't end until November.

It’s a good time to remind everyone of important safety factors when dealing with storms.

Always shelter in a room that has no windows - ideally in the center of the house. If you have space under a staircase, that is a good place to gather the family during a storm.

Don’t open windows during a tornado. It may seem intuitive, but there is a false rumor going around that open windows equalize the pressure in your house. This isn’t true. Keep windows and doors closed to avoid flying debris.  

If you are driving when a tornado warning is issued, try to get off the road and into a building as soon as possible. Do not park your car under an overpass – high winds could cause it to collapse. Do not try to outrun the tornado while driving – it is best to get out of your car in case it is picked up by the storm. If there isn’t a building to shelter in, then find a ditch far away from items that can fly through the air. Lie down as flat as you can and put your arms over your head and face.

When storms hit, make sure you watch for weather updates related to tornado activity in your area. Charge your phone and get ready to shelter in place if needed. In the unfortunate case that your home sustains damage from a storm, SERVPRO of North Garland is here to help and can be there within 1-4 hours to assess the situation and begin mitigation.

SERVPRO in a Storm

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Garland is here to help you weather the storm.

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. At SERVPRO of North Garland, we have the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. During catastrophic storms and major events, SERVPRO has a Disaster Recovery Team that responds with additional resources as well. These include:

• Flooding caused by heavy rains
• Hurricanes and tidal surges
• Tornadoes and wind damage
• Ice and snowstorms
• Wild fires

Here in North Texas, storms can occur with little warning it’s important to be prepared in order to minimize potential damage. Make sure you have an Emergency Kit readily accessible and that the family knows the safest spot in the house for shelter during severe weather. Always keep important documents in water proof containers and have a list of resources saved in your phone for easy access. Weathering a storm is never easy, and we will do our absolute best to help you recover. Call us anytime – we’re always here to help.

Weather Ready or Not?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Be "weather-ready" to minimize storm damages.

At SERVPRO of North Garland, we are always watching the weather and preparing to help in the event of water or fire damage. We do this in order to be ready should someone have storm-related damages. How often do you watch the weather so you can stay ahead of the storm?

Being “weather-ready” is the first step to effective preparedness. It allows you to respond efficiently in the event of a storm emergency. This involves communication and activation before, during and after any storm situation.

Communication:

1 – Before a storm, make sure your family has a plan to deal with these kinds of emergencies.

2 – During a storm, keep a close eye on news sources for real time updates and developing threats.

3 – After a storm, let family and friends know your status.

Activation:

1 – Before a storm, create a “Storm Emergency Kit” and keep it somewhere you can access it quickly if needed. Also keep important documents in waterproof containers.

2 – During a storm, make sure you, your family and pets are located in the safest possible spot in your home to shelter.

3 – After a storm avoid any electrical wires and make sure it is safe to leave before exiting the home.

Remember that having a plan – and then activating it are the most effective ways to be weather-ready in North Garland, where storms can come whether we are ready or not.

Prepare the Trees Please

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Proper care of trees will help prevent storm damage.

We love our trees in Texas – they provide much needed shade in the summers. But those same trees in a storm can become dangerous. High winds and lightning cause broken branches, splintered tree trunks and even the complete uprooting of a tree – which can cause significant damage to you, or your neighbor’s, property.

Like most things, maintenance is key to keeping them healthy and flourishing. Proper upkeep will prepare your trees to weather the storm – literally. Watering and fertilizing are important, but regular pruning can shape your trees in becoming more resistant to storms and weather damage.

Improper pruning can cause damage so if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to leave it to the experts. In general, the National Arbor Day Foundation recommends these tips for pruning and care:

• Keep branch angles at 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock. Narrower angles between 2 branches can become a weak point.
• The center of gravity for a tree should be over the trunk. Remove branches on the leaning side and encourage branch growth on the opposite side to ensure a stable center of gravity.
• Don't cut branches back to stubs. Long, natural limbs on a tree are strong and can withstand storm-like conditions. If a branch needs to be removed, cut it back to the main branch or to the tree's trunk. Do remove any temporary branches such as rubbing branches, suckers and water-sprouts.
• Conduct tree trimmings when it’s best for the type of tree. Some trees need to be pruned in a specific season to avoid pests and disease. As we head into winter, make sure your oak-trees get trimmed so they don’t end up with oak wit. Other types of trees that should be pruned in winter include apple, cedar, Douglas fir and spruce trees.

In general, trees that are healthy endure storms way better than the rest. If you don’t want your trees to end up deteriorating due to extreme weather conditions, then be a responsible tree owner—provide the plants with proper watering, regular and corrective pruning and nutrients.

Lessons on Lightning

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning is unpredictable, so know your facts to stay safe.

If you can hear thunder then you’re close enough to be struck by lightning – so understanding the facts will help you stay safe in a storm.

• Lightning is highly unpredictable which increases the risk to people and property.
• Rain isn’t required for lightning to occur – it’s been seen as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
• "Heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction so it’s best to take precaution.
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening. More people will survive a lightning strike than die from it, however they can have lasting effects from the injury.
• Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately.

If a Storm is Approaching

• Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. However, water and pipes conduct electricity – so do not get in the bath or take a shower during a lightning storm.
• Lightning causes power surges, so unplug appliances and other electrical items – especially computers and televisions.
• If your only option for shelter is an automobile – get inside but don’t touch any of the metal. It’s steel frame will protect you as long as you don’t make contact with it. Tires are made of rubber – which is a conductor so will not protect you if it strikes the car.

Remember that no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. Stay indoors until 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. If your home or property is damaged from lightning, SERVPRO fire and storm experts can help.

Be Ready for Texas Storms

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Families in North Garland Can Be Prepared

Does your family have an emergency kit ready to go in case of sudden storms? SERVPRO North Garland has gathered information and tips for creating one that will keep you and your family safe in a storm.

Your kit should have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. The Red Cross recommends storing items in a backpack or an easy to carry container. It should also be in a known location and easily accessible.

Things to include in your kit:

• Water (at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Non-perishable foods such as crackers, peanut butter and other shelf stable items that don't require cooking.
• Battery-powered or hand-powered radio and extra batteries
• At least 1 high-powered flashlight
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Dust masks
• Cellphone with charger and/or solar charger 
• Baby wipes, garbage bags, and twist ties (for sanitation)
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each person in the family.
• Cash (in small bills)
• A first aid kit and any medications that your family needs as well as over the counter meds such as pain relievers or stomach aids.
• A complete change of seasonally appropriate clothing for every member of your family
• Personal care items for each member of your family (toothbrushes, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant, diapers, feminine hygiene items)
• Pet food, leash and supplies

While not necessary for survival, it’s also good to have these items on hand:

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape, or emergency tents
• Trash bags
• A camping stove for cooking
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities and a multi-tool (such as a Leatherman)
• Copies of essential documents, such as birth certificates, IDs, wills, health insurance cards, immunization records, all stored in a sealed Ziploc bag
• A list of emergency numbers, including family contacts (keep in mind your cell phone might run out of batteries or be damaged during an emergency)
• An emergency medical book if medical help is unavailable or delayed. One good option is “The Survival Medicine Handbook.”

And since the spring of 2020, the CDC has also recommended people include items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or the flu, such as cloth face coverings, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

There are ready made kits that can be purchased, but it’s much more affordable to assemble it yourself. This allows you to pack supplies tailored to your family’s unique situation and needs. If there are kids in the house, get them involved and let them pick out their own clothes or food items to carry in their kid-sized backpacks.

Preparing for emergencies can be scary, but knowing you’ll be ready for anything is equally, if not more, empowering.

 For more information about what you can do to prepare for, or recover from storms in North Garland, call us at 972-496-2441.

What Storm Season Means for SERVPRO of North Garland

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Garland is in Gulf Shores, Alabama working after Hurricane Sally made landfall.

Hurricane season started June 1^st and doesn’t end until November 30^th.  So far, 2020 has been one of the most active seasons in history with 25 storms as of October 5^th. With nearly 2 months to go, we’re on track to overtake the current record which was 27 storms in 2005. The Weather Channel says it’s even possible we will see more than 30 storms in 2020.  

In an active season like the one we are having, it’s not uncommon for other SERVPRO teams to travel to a storm site and help with recovery efforts. Our North Garland team has been on the road since Hurricane Sally and is now bracing for Hurricane Delta to hit Florida and Louisiana later this week. They have been working around the clock to help businesses and residents deal with storm-related water and mold damage.  

It’s this work ethic that makes SERVPRO such a valuable resource in tough times. If you’re dealing with any sort of damage from water, fire or mold – we are ready to assist you. Just call us at 972-496-2441 and one of our experts will be happy to help.

A How To On Recovering From Storm Damage

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help you weather the storm.

Imagine your house has been attacked by a huge storm. The strong winds broke windows, blew doors open, caused some roof destruction. The rain can now creep inside your home, the place where your family is, and can cause more damage. No one wants to imagine anything happening to their homes, especially their family, but in case of an emergency, we have to. We have to be prepared for whatever comes.

Here are some tips recommended by Cintas to minimize the results of storm damage on your home or business.

1. Consider safety hazards.
1. Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
1. Outside doors and windows have easy access to the storm. Ensure the door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water entering and possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
1. Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm. Cleaning the contaminated areas will help not spread the infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
1. After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to backflow. By ensuring they are clear, it can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For some of these tips, oneself doesn’t have the experience to do all the work. You can contact your insurance agent and they can find contractors and cleanup crews to do the job. If by any chance you are not happy with who they have chosen, give us a call, SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441 and we will gladly do all the dirty work for you.

Hope these helped. These are just a few tips on how to recover from storm damage.

Fallen Trees in Your North Garland Home

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a storm can be scary, Let SERVPRO of North Garland do everything we can to make it easier on you.

For as inviting as the natural light can be to your North Garland home, grand window layouts can also present potential threats when your home encounters one of the many severe storm systems expected throughout the year. When trees get pushed over or split due to excessive winds, lightning, or other damages, these significant additions to your property can find their way to the windows you have installed and break them out. As alarming as this situation might be, the flooding that can result from this exposed portion of your home can become even more threatening. 

There are many homes throughout the area and its smaller surrounding communities, so storm and flood damage in North Garland after a severe storm can affect many properties simultaneously. While there are many steps to recovering your home after substantial damages like this, you need a team of professionals that can arrive fast with the expertise to handle all phases of the job through its completion. Our SERVPRO team offers comprehensive support in flood damage situations to handle mitigation, assessments, reconstruction, and final restoration work that returns your damaged home to preloss condition.

Our professionals can arrive quickly with the equipment to begin extraction while our licensed contractors board up the areas broken out from the wind or falling trees. We can remove the tree or its limbs from against your home as well to further protect it from continued water damages. Once mitigation completes, our contacting division can step in immediately to repair and reconstruct damaged areas of your property.

The faster that our SERVPRO team can get notified of the situation the better able we are to protect your home against threats from flood effects. In the right circumstances, many of the saturated materials and affected areas can get fully restored without the need for further demolition and reconstruction.

It is essential to secure professional restoration services immediately when disasters like this strike, as you are rarely the only home in the area affected by the severe weather. Our SERVPRO of North Garland rapid response team can work to make flooding in your home “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (972)-496-2441.

Is Your Roof Storm Ready?

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to our homes, and even commercial properties, our roofs are the first line of defense against storms. While spring is when severe storms are most likely to occur in North Texas, the long and cold rainy days we have during the winter often result in water damages when they penetrate through a roof that was not repaired after a heavy storm season earlier in the year.

In order to ensure your roof is ready for anything the weather may bring you should check for damage regularly. Missing shingles, signs of small leaks, or mold damage are some of the things you yourself can check for regularly, especially following a hard storm or consecutive bad weather days. If you suspect there may be any type of problem with your roof, you should call in roofing professionals that can give you a complete assessment. When the weather gets bad the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your roof can hold up against a storm, so try to do regular inspections throughout the year and at least one professional assessment per year in order to protect your home.

If you have a water damage due to a roof leak at your home or business, call SERVPRO of North Garland anytime at 972-496-2441. Our team can be onsite quickly to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

Storm Damage Cleanup

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

While we typically consider storm season to be during the spring here in Texas, technically it is storm season all year round. Our high temperatures and tendency for drastic temperature changes overnight create the perfect environment for violent storms. Cleaning up after one of these storms can be frustrating and time consuming if you aren't sure where or how to start. SERVPRO is here to help whenever needed, but we have also compiled a list of tips that are useful for any home or business owner when it comes to storm cleanup: 

1. Consider safety hazards.
• Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
• Outside doors and windows are exposed to any and every storm. Ensure all door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water from entering and deter possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm, particularly after a flood. Cleaning the contaminated areas helps to prevent the spread from infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
• After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to back flow. By ensuring they are clear, you can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For any and all of your cleanup needs after a water, mold, or fire damage call SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441. 

Emergency Supply Kit

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. In North Texas we are particularly prone to experiencing severe weather throughout every season. 

Approximately 98% of all disasters declared emergent by the president are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Preparing an emergency supply kit can help keep you and your family safe if you're ever caught in an severe storm situation. 

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO of North Garland for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

Tornado Knowledge

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado

Since North Texas is located in "Tornado Alley" - an area of North America prone to tornadoes includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota - many of us that live here are used to dealing with the threats that tornadoes provide, but is our knowledge really up to scratch? Since we are currently in the middle of tornado season, mid-March through June (although tornadoes can occur at anytime of the year), check out these tips to see if you know everything you need to know about staying safe during a tornado. 

• You should NOT open windows during a tornado. It is a common myth that it equalizes the pressure in your house; however, it does not do anything other than cause you to spend precious time outside of your shelter area. Doors should also not be opened, as it makes it easier for dangerous debris to fly into the house. 
• Always pick an interior room, on a ground floor, and without windows as a shelter. If it is an option try to be in a room close to the north or northwest side of your home as tornadoes approach from the southwest typically. Hide under a sturdy piece of furniture or in a bath tub within your shelter area. 
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 PM and 9 PM, but can occur at anytime. 
• A tornado watch means that the conditions are right for a tornado, while a warning means that a tornado has touched down or there is circulation in your area. You should seek shelter immediately if a warning is issued. 
• Never seek shelter under an overpass if you are driving during a tornado situation. Try to get off of the road and into a building as soon as possible. Many tornadoes can easily move cars, so you could be blown out from under an overpass or it could collapse on top of you. 

If you experience any damage to your home or business during this storm season call SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441.

Be Prepared: Tsunamis

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know tsunamis can hit any U.S. Coast? While they are more likely to hit states on the Pacific coastline or in the Caribbean, it is good to know what to do if a tsunami does strike where you live, or even where you may vacation.

Ready.gov says "tsunamis, also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"), are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite." Areas within a mile of the coast and less than 25 feet above sea level have a greater risk of being hit. 

As with any emergency, be sure you have a plan. know the evacuation plan and move inland or to higher ground and avoid the beach. "The first wave may not be the last or the largest," according to the National Weather Service. 

After a tsunami, do not return to the affected area until officials deem it safe. While drowning is the most common hazard, there are many aftereffects such as flooding and contaminated drinking water.

For more information on preparing for a tsunami, visit ready.gov/tsunamis.

Be Storm Smart, Be Storm Ready

5/31/2017 (Permalink)

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,000 tornadoes
• 2 landfalling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related, leading around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO of North Garland for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.

How do I recover from Storm Damage?

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

Call us, SERVPRO of North Garland, at 972-496-2441! We can help!

Imagine your house has been attacked by a huge storm. The strong winds broke windows, blew doors open, caused some roof destruction. The rain can now creep inside your home, the place where your family is, and can cause more damage. No one wants to imagine anything happening to their homes, especially their family, but in case of an emergency, we have to. We have to be prepared for whatever comes.

Here are some tips recommended by Cintas to minimize the results of storm damage on your home or business.

1. Consider safety hazards.
1. Watch out for loose debris. Know how to shut off the electricity in affected areas. Educate your employees and family on how to do this safely and correctly.
2. Examine outside doors and windows.
1. Outside doors and windows have easy access to the storm. Ensure the door handles and knobs as well as window locks are still working properly. This can help prevent more water entering and possible break ins.
3. Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
1. Remove all contaminated material when cleaning after a storm. Cleaning the contaminated areas will help not spread the infected areas to other surfaces.
4. Restore plumbing and water line.
1. After storm damage, specifically flooding, water lines can be clogged or cause them to backflow. By ensuring they are clear, it can limit the chance of closures and odor issues.

For some of these tips, oneself doesn’t have the experience to do all the work. You can contact your insurance agent and they can find contractors and cleanup crews to do the job. If by any chance you are not happy with who they have chosen, give us a call, SERVPRO of North Garland at 972-496-2441 and we will gladly do all the dirty work for you.

Hope these helped. These are just a few tips on how to recover from storm damage.

Hit at home.

10/20/2014 (Permalink)

On 10/2/2014 our very own SERVPRO was hit with hail and high winds. The roof was blown off of our building, causing damage to our offices and warehouses. Our team pulled together. We worked to temporarily relocate or offices. And, our production staff worked quickly and efficiently to get our warehouse repacked and stored away safely. It was definitely a change, dealing with our own water damage. Luckily, we know we what we are doing! Soon, we will be back in our offices. "Like it never even happened."

BIG thank you for helping us out!

• SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County
• SERVPRO of Pflugerville
• SERVPRO of Rockwall/Rowlett