Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
SERVPRO Responds to the 'Bomb Cyclone' in Northern California
11/23/2022 (Permalink)
When the Bomb Cyclone hit Northern California in late October 2021, many homes and properties were inundated with either water and/or mud damage. Many local providers were overwhelmed but SERVPRO was able to bring in crews from all over the state to help with the Storm Response.
Strong winds also caused destruction during the heavy rains which can cause roof damages that lead to more water damage as well as a need for roof tarping to prevent more water intrusions as the rain continued.
As with all storms the primary concern is the safety of all residents that find themselves in the storm's path. But we also want to take a moment to thank all those SERVPRO technicians that are spending weeks away from their home & their families in order to help the area recover from the devastation. So thank you to all SERVPRO Responders!
Are You Ready For A Natural Disaster?
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
From wildfires to earthquakes California is at risk for a natural disaster to strike at any moment. Keeping necessary items centrally located in your home can prepare you for the worst. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "emergency kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly and food is still viable. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep in your "emergency kit":
1. Flashlights for each family member
2. Battery-operated radio and clock
3. Extra batteries
4. Containers of bottled water
5. Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants
6. Non-electric can opener
7. List of important phone numbers
8. First-aid kit
Following a natural disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.
•Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
•Choose foods your family will eat.
•Remember any special dietary needs.
•Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
•Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
•Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
•Protein or fruit bars
•Dry cereal or granola
•Peanut butter
•Dried fruit
•Nuts
•Crackers
•Canned juices
•Non-perishable pasteurized milk
•High energy foods
•Vitamins
•Food for infants
San Diego Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Basement
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 858-527-1144
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
- We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
- Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
When Storms or Floods hit San Diego, SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is ready!
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Room
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley/University City 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.
Faster Response
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 restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit San Diego, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (858) 527-1144
Returning After A Storm - The First Steps
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
Living in San Diego we generally have mild weather throughout the year. However, like in recent winters, we get storms that cause flooding and water damage. We've put together a list of action steps to take when returning to your commercial or residential building after local authorities have indicated it is safe.
- Notify your insurance agent to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.
- Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing while entering and dealing with flooded areas.
- Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Move large furniture away from walls, wipe excess water from wood furniture, and place foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
- Do not leave rugs or colored items on the floor as they can cause staining.
- Do not turn on ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet or sagging.
- Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood water, even if it is canned.
While waiting for SERVPRO to arrive we recommend following these steps to avoid further damage.
Power Outages - Are You Ready?
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
Power outages are caused by a number of things: animal contact, natural disasters, equipment failure, vandalism, motor vehicle accidents.
Whether there is a planned power outage to protect us from a potential fire, or it occurs from weather or human contact, would you be prepared?
Here is a list of steps below to help you be prepared:
- Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
- Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
- Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
- Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
How To Prepare For Rain Season
11/5/2020 (Permalink)
Fall is officially here and before you know it, the rains will start and water damage will be more likely. We recommend following these steps in order to make sure your home is ready for the wet and cold winter ahead:
- Check your home's heating system and replace filters.
- Inspect the exterior and interior of all windows and doors. If needed, repaint and caulk the areas to prevent water from leaking in.
- Clean your gutters to prevent a back up, which can lead to water flooding down the side of your home.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Most house fires occur during winter.
- Check your trees. Have branches that brush up against or over the house trimmed.
- Divert water: add extensions to downspouts so that the water doesn't pool up right next to the house
- Check the roof for any signs of damage or cracks.
Hurricane Harvey
9/13/2017 (Permalink)
The results of Harvey's landfall
We are happy to do our part as many people have come together to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Our hearts go out to all the families who have been affected in this catastrophic event.
Hurricane Harvey was an extremely destructive Atlantic hurricane which became the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005, ending a record 12-year drought in which no hurricanes made landfall at such an intensity in the country. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches (1,000 mm) of rain as the system meandered over eastern Texas and adjacent waters, causing catastrophic flooding. With peak accumulations of 51.88 in (1,318 mm), Harvey is the wettest tropical hurricane on record in the contiguous United States. The resulting floods inundated hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced more than 30,000 people, and prompted more than 17,000 rescues.
SERVPRO Sorrento Valley will always have your back throughout any disaster.