Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Emergency Preparedness - Are You Prepared for a Disaster?
9/1/2022 (Permalink)
In September the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) sponsors National Preparedness Month, although it is a good reminder that disasters can occur at any time, and it is important to be prepared.
Federal agencies such as Ready.gov or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are valuable resources for emergency preparedness.
At SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties we know how important it is to be prepared, have a plan, and communicate it to anyone who may be affected or can help. We have training and resources to assist you in any disaster.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Complete a Written Plan
5/6/2022 (Permalink)
The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before the season begins. Having a written plan helps you be prepared.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
As we come to the end of Hurricane Preparedness Week, realize that this is just the beginning. Being ready to weather the storm means taking what we focused on this week and staying abreast of what needs to be done.
The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. A written plan takes the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect your home and family.
Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line.
Make a Plan
1. Discuss the following with your family to start putting together your emergency plan - how will you receive warnings? what is your shelter plan? evacuation route? household communication plan? do you need to update your emergency preparedness kit?
2. Consider specific needs for your household - pets, medicine, responsibilities of helping others, dietary needs, medical equipment, etc
3. Fill out a Family Emergency Plan - check out this link from ready.gov as a guide to create your own that fits your individual family's needs - Family Emergency Communication Plan
4. Practice your plan so everyone knows what to do and can remain calm in an emergency
There are many ways to take action and prepare before a disaster occurs. Simple actions at home and in your neighborhood can make a big difference.
Of course, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties is available 24-7 to help after an emergency.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Help Your Neighbor
5/5/2022 (Permalink)
You can play a large role in how your neighbors fare before, during and after a hurricane.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Being a good neighbor and helping others prepare for and during hazardous weather incidents is important. Helping neighbors prepare means everyone is ready for whatever may occur. Some neighbors may need help evacuating if necessary. Check on your neighbors after the storm passes. Together we can all weather the storm.
You Are the Help Until Help Arrives
Did you know that forty-six percent of individuals expect to rely a great deal on people in their neighborhood for assistance within the first 72 hours after a disaster? You can make a difference by getting involved in your community and acting today to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season!
The basic steps for helping your neighbor are easy. This week, be sure to help your neighbors collect the supplies they’ll need before the storm. Then as storms approach, assist them with evacuation orders if ordered to do so. Then after the storm is over, be sure to check on your neighbors after its safe for you to head outside.
Stay safe and be prepared. Should water damage occur after a storm, contact SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219.779.7577
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Get an Insurance Checkup
5/4/2022 (Permalink)
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Take some time this week to review your current insurance policy. Contact your agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough coverage and the right coverage for your lifestyle.
Standard homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover flooding so keep in mind that you may need special flood coverage, a separate policy, especially if you live in a flood zone.
Consider the following when reviewing your current coverage:
- What is covered - does my policy cover that?
- How much insurance is enough?
- What is my deductible?
- Do I qualify for any discounts?
It is important for you to understand your homeowners insurance policy. Know what perils are covered, and if your coverage amounts are sufficient. Your agent can discuss your specific needs and recommend ways to save money or mitigate potential losses.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties is a preferred provider for many insurance companies. Contact us for your cleaning, restoration, or construction needs - 219.779.7577.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Strengthen Your Home
5/4/2022 (Permalink)
Can your home withstand a hurricane? Take precautions to be able to withstand high winds.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Before hurricane season begins, take measures to protect your home. Make sure you have plywood, steel, or aluminum panels to board up windows and doors. The garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so make sure it is able to withstand high winds.
Some of the things you can do:
- Cover windows
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Move vehicles to safe locations
- Trim trees
- Secure all doors
Check out this link from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) with videos on how to do a DIY wind inspection plus activities you can do in one hour, one day, and one weekend to get your house ready for hurricane season.
Stay safe and be prepared. Should water damage occur after a storm, contact SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219.779.7577
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Develop an Evacuation Plan
5/2/2022 (Permalink)
It is important to be prepared in case you need to evacuate during a storm. Take some time to make sure you have a comprehensive evacuation plan.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
It is important to be prepared in case you need to evacuate during a storm. Take some time to make sure you have a comprehensive evacuation plan.
First, find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone - Find Your Evacuation Zone - or if you are in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. Figure out where you would go and how you would get there if told to evacuate.
You don't need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, maybe a friend or relative who doesn't live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination.
Don't forget about your pets - many shelters will not let you take them there with you.
Put your plan in writing and review with your family.
1. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
2. Have a bag of supplies ready to go including important documents and phone numbers
3. Follow any evacuation orders given by local authorities
4. Plan several routes
5. Don't forget about your pets
If you return home to find water damage and mold and you don't know what to do, contact the professional at SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties for help and advice.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Assemble Disaster Supplies
5/2/2022 (Permalink)
Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a long recovery period too.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Whether you have to evacuate or can stay in place during a storm, you need enough supplies to not only make it through the storm but for what may be a long period afterwards.
Water and electricity may be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a minimum of three days. Also make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone.
Check out these sites for more information on assembling a disaster supplies kit:
Ready.gov - Build a Kit
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) - Assembling a Disaster Kit
Maintaining Your Kit:
- Keep canned goods in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Review your needs every year and update as your family's needs change
Kit Storage Locations:
You never know where you'll be when disaster strikes. Prepare for any emergency by keeping supplies in your home, at work, and the car.
Stay safe and be prepared. Should water damage occur after a storm be sure to contact SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219.779.7577
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Determine Your Risk
5/1/2022 (Permalink)
Not just those along the coast can experience significant, life-threatening impacts of storms. Determine your risk - protect your home and family.
May 1st - 7th, 2022 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
The first step is to determine your risk. You can use the link below to find out what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live and then be better prepared for how to handle those risks.
Hurricanes don't just happen on the coast. You can feel the impact from wind and water hundreds of miles inland. It doesn't matter how strong the storm is, you can still feel significant impacts. It is important to know if you live in an area prone to flooding and if you are safe to remain in your home.
Search Historical Hurricanes
Understanding Hurricane Forecasts and Impacts
All storms are different:
- Impacts can be much worse for some hurricanes compared to others, even of similar strength, due to differences in landfall location, size, and forward speed
- The storm's scale only tells you about the strongest winds near the center of the storm and does not tell you about potentially life-threatening flooding from rain or storm surge
- Stay informed of the latest forecasts as changes in track, intensity, and landfall location can result in changes in potential impacts
Stay safe and be prepared. Should water damage occur after a storm be sure to contact SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219.779.7577
National Preparedness Month - Prepare to Prepare
9/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties is always prepared to help you in your time of need.
September is National Preparedness Month. #PrepareToPrepare means preparing to protect everyone you love.
Steps you should take:
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties is always prepared to help you in your time of need. Contact us at 219.779.7577
National Preparedness Month - 12 Ways to Prepare
9/20/2021 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month - simple actions at home and in your community can make a big difference.
September is National Preparedness Month. As the month comes to the end, we want to remind you of 12 ways you can take action and prepare for any emergency or disaster. Simple actions at home and in your community can make a big difference.
- Sign up for alerts and warnings
- Make a plan
- Save for a rainy day
- Practice emergency drills
- Test family communication plan
- Safeguard documents
- Plan with neighbors
- Make your home safer
- Know evacuation routes
- Assemble or update supplies
- Get involved in your community
- Document and insure property
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can help if you are affected by a disaster. Keep us in mind - no job is too big or too small.
National Safety Month - Family Emergency Plan
6/8/2021 (Permalink)
Identifying risks around your home and improving safety standards protects everyone in your community. Today's Tip: Family Emergency Plan
Every week throughout June is an opportunity to make a difference in your home, work and community.
Identifying risks around your home and improving safety standards protects everyone in your community.
We will post several safety tips throughout the month in our blog. You can also check out the National Safety Council website for tips and resources.
Today's tip: FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
The National Safety Council recommends every family have an emergency plan in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency event.
Spring is a great time to renew your plan and make sure every family member knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Have a home and car kit of emergency supplies, generally enough for three days for every family member (don't forget pets!).
The emergency plan should also include:
- Communication plan - how will family members contact one another, meeting place, understanding of when it is safe to go outside, etc
- Shelter in place plan if needed - if outside air is contaminated the Federal Emergency Management Act (FEMA) recommends sealing windows, doors, and air vents with plastic sheeting
- Getaway plan - include multiple routes and destinations in different directions in case one is closed
#NationalSafetyMonth
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Complete a Written Plan
5/17/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Complete a Written Plan
May 9-15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
The time is NOW, before hurricane season begins, to plan and prepare. You won't be under pressure and will have a better chance at fully preparing without missing an important piece. Having a written plan, particularly one you share with friends and family, will take the guesswork out of what needs to be done and provide you with peace of mind.
If you plan to ride a lesser storm out, prepare in advance what supplies you'll need to board up windows and to have on hand especially if water and electricity are not working. You don't want to spend time standing in long lines when a hurricane watch is issued, plus there is a greater chance of supplies not being available.
Click here to learn more from ready.gov about planning head including questions such as:
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
FEMA also has a comprehensive preparedness guide available here
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Get an Insurance Checkup
5/16/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Get an Insurance Checkup
May 9-15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Before hurricane season starts, be sure to check in with your insurance agent and ask for an insurance checkup. \You'll want to understand your coverage and ascertain if you need an additional rider for hurricane coverage. You'll also want to make sure you have appropriate coverage - enough to repair, or even replace if necessary, your home and contents. Standard homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover flooding so you may need a separate policy if you live in an area of concern.
Flood insurance policies require a 30-day waiting period before they become effective so act sooner rather than later to ensure coverage.
Know where your documents are located and take them with you in the event of an evacuation.
For more information on flood insurance check out FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program at https://www.floodsmart.gov/
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Strengthen Your Home
5/16/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Strengthen Your Home
May 9-15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
If you plan to ride out the storm, if evacuation isn't necessary, be sure that your home is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specification.
There's plenty you can do before hurricane season to prepare and protect your home from damaging hurricane winds:
- Trim trees on your property
- Cover windows with approved window coverings
- Collect loose outdoor items and secure other outdoor items
- Secure all doors
- Find a safe place for your vehicle
The garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, make sure it can withstand the high winds.
For more information check out FLASH - The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes which includes a do-it-yourself wind inspection to find out what needs attention.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Assemble Disaster Supplies
5/15/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Assemble Disaster Supplies
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Just having enough supplies to make it through the hurricane isn't usually enough.
There may be a long recovery period and you need to be prepared with enough supplies to make it through that extended time.
Water and electricity may be out for a week or more.
You'll want to have the following on hand for each person in your household for a minimum of three days:
- Non-perishable food
- Water
- Medication
- Extra cash
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlights
- Portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phone
Since you don't know where you'll be when disaster strikes, prepare kits for your home, work, and vehicles.
For more information on best practices for assembling a disaster supply kit check out this website: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Help Your Neighbor
5/15/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Help Your Neighbor
May 9-15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week
Many people rely on their neighbors to help them after a disaster. But more can be done before and during the storm as well to help others who may need the assistance.
Before the Storm
Help your neighbors collect supplies and prepare emergency kits. Encourage them to contact their insurance agent to ensure they have appropriate coverage for home and contents. Help them board up their windows if you plan to ride the storm out.
During the Storm
Assist neighbors who may need extra help with evacuation as needed.
After the Storm
When it is safe for you to head outside, check on your neighbors. Do they need any help? Is anyone hurt?
Click here to learn more about the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from a hurricane, storm, flood, or other weather related disaster.
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Determine Your Risk
5/9/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Determine Your Risk
Threats from hurricanes vary widely depending on where you live. It's not just those on the coast who can experience life-threatening impacts.
Take some time now to evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family - before that first storm hits.
Hurricanes can wreak havoc on the coastlines but also affect inland areas. Watch for storm surges along the coast and inland flooding due to heavy rainfall, as well as tornadoes, strong wind, rip currents and large waves.
If you experience flooding from heavy rainfall the professionals at SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can help clean up the water damage and restore your home.
Evaluate your personal risk for hurricanes, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review and update, if necessary, your insurance policies. Make a list of supplies you will need and prepare your home for the upcoming hurricane season.
For more information on hurricanes and hurricane safety, visit the National Weather Service
Hurricane Preparedness Week - Develop an Evacuation Plan
5/9/2021 (Permalink)
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week - Develop an Evacuation Plan
May 9 - 15, 2021 is Hurricane Preparedness Week.
Take some time this week to develop or update your evacuation plan.
First, find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you're in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane.
If you are, figure out where you will go and how you will get there if you are told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles away, but you need to relocate to someplace safe. Make sure you know if any routes will be closed or have a plan for alternate routes if inaccessible.
Identify someone, maybe a friend or relative, who does not live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home and coordinate with them to use their home as a safe evacuation destination.
Be sure to account for any pets as local shelters may not allow them.
Put the plan in writing for you and be sure to share your plan so your family and friends know that you are prepared and follow up when you can to let them know you are safe.
The National Weather Service and Red Cross have more information to help you prepare.
Understanding Thunderstorms
5/6/2021 (Permalink)
When a storm hits you need the company with storm damage experience & expertise - call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties.
Thunderstorms can occur quickly and without warning at times. How exactly do thunderstorms form?
The Center for Science Education at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research explains that most thunderstorms form with three stages: cumulus, mature, and dissipating.
Cumulus Stage - This is where the clouds start to form. Warm, moist air moves upward and forms puffy clouds. As it rises, the moisture in the air condenses into water droplets. The updraft of warm air can form when air is pushed up the side of a mountain or at weather fronts where warm and cold air masses collide. However, they often can occur just because warm air rises.
Mature Stage - As the cloud grows and more water droplets are added, the cloud starts to look dark and grey and becomes heavy. Raindrops start to fall through the cloud when the warm air rising can no longer hold them up. Air flows up and down through the cloud creating a thunderstorm cell and building up electrical charges. Those charges allow lightning to form. Thunder is the sound you hear when lightning strikes.
Dissipating Stage - When the downdrafts become stronger than the updraft, the storm starts to weaken. The storm dies out, usually with a light rain. Typical thunderstorms take about an hour to complete the process, but more powerful supercells and squall lines can last for several hours.
If you find yourself with water damage after a sudden thunderstorm, contact SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at (219) 779-7577 to help assess and remediate the damage.
Storm Damage - Is It Covered?
5/6/2021 (Permalink)
There is nothing worse than trying to recover from storm damage only to find out it isn't covered by your homeowner's insurance.
You'll need to check your individual policy and speak with your insurance agent, but the typical policy will cover these storm claims: water and ice damage, lightning strikes and power surges, and wind, hail, and fallen trees.
Coverage for water damage varies depending on the cause. Review your policy to see if your particular situation is covered (pipes burst, overflowing toilet, leaking ice maker, etc)
If lightning strikes, the resulting fire or smoke damage is often covered. Some policy may even provide coverage for power surges or outages as a result of the lightning strike.
Some storm damage is not covered at all without a separate specific insurance policy such as earthquakes or floods. If you live in an area where these are frequent you will want to work with your agent for the best coverage to fit your needs.
As with any claim, limits apply. Your policy will spell out your coverage and your agent can help explain the best course of action in the event of a loss.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Sothern Lake Counties works with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork.
Flood Information and How SERVPRO can help
5/19/2020 (Permalink)
Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience.
Many areas of the SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties territory are at risk for floods.
Floods are Common
Floods can happen during heavy rains and when bodies of water reach flood stage. They can occur quickly, or over a period of time with extended rain. Floods are the most common and widespread weather-related natural disaster.
Flash Floods
Flash floods occur when excessive rain water causes rapid rising of bodies of water in a short amount of time. They are dangerous because they combine the destructive power of a flood with speed and unpredictability. Flash floods can happen with little to no warning
Storm drains can become overwhelmed during heave rains, which leads to flooded roads and buildings.
Detection
The main tools used to detect heavy rainfall associated with floods are satellite, lightning observing systems, radar, and rain gauges.
Forecasting
Although forecasters can usually tell in advance when conditions are right for flash floods to occur, there is often little lead time for an actual warning.
Stay Safe
Even with a large or tall vehicle, please don't try to drive through flood water. You can't accurately gauge how deep the water is, and as little as 6" of fast moving water can sweep almost any vehicle off the roadway. You also can't determine the condition of the ground beneath the water - the road could be washed out or a sinkhole may have developed.
How Can SERVPRO Help?
Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather related event.
Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties as the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today 219-779-7577
NSSL:NOAA Frequently Asked Questions
The National Severe Storms Laboratory and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration provide insight into commonly asked questions about floods and other weather-related disasters. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions about floods.
Lightning Safety Tips
5/19/2020 (Permalink)
As the days get warmer and we start to spend more time outside, we need to be prepared and know what to do in the event of a summer storm or lightning strike.
Lightning - What You Need to Know
- No place is safe outside
- If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you
- When you hear thunder, IMMEDIATELY move to safe shelter
- Stay in safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder
Indoor Lightning Safety
- Stay off corded electronics - phones, computers, anything that puts you in direct contact with electricity
- Avoid plumbing - baths and showers, sinks
- Stay away from windows and doors
- Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls
Outdoor Lightning Safety
If you are caught outside, reduce your risk with these safety tips:
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills or high peaks
- Never lie flat on the ground
- Never shelter under an isolated tree and stay away from towers or utility poles (lightning tends to strike the tallest object)
- Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
- Immediately get out of and away from bodies of water (pools, ponds, lakes)
- Stay away from objects that conduct electricity
We want you to stay safe and be prepared. You can use this game as a tool to help your family be prepared by building a kit of supplies needed to prepare for an emergency - Build a Kit Game
Power Outage Safety
5/18/2020 (Permalink)
Sudden power outages are frustrating, especially in this day and age with our reliance on technology and electricity. For prolonged outages, you can take steps to be prepared to minimize loss and keep your family members comfortable.
Advance Preparations
What are some things you can do now to be prepared in case of a power outage or other emergency situation?
- Assemble an emergency preparedness kit - the American Red Cross offers these kits for supplying a Survival Kit
- Create a Household Evacuation Plan
- Stay informed about your community's risk and response plan
Protect Your Family
- Keep coolers on hand to help protect food from spoiling - surround your food with ice - use a digital thermometer to check internal temperatures to ensure food is cold enough to use safely
- Make sure you have access to NOAA broadcasts for information
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
Protect Your Pets
- Include supplies for your pets in your emergency preparedness kit
- Make sure your pets are included in your evacuation plan
Protect Your Home
- Consider purchasing a generator to power critical equipment during a power outage - make sure it's rated for the power you think you'll need and that you know how to operate it safely
- If you have a generator, be sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors/alarms in central locations on every level in your house
During a Power Outage
Stay Safe Indoors
- Use flashlights instead of candles
- Eliminate unnecessary travel and movement, keep things together
- If you use a generator, make sure you understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to use your generator safely
- Do NOT use gas stoves to heat your house during a power outage
Food Safety
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible (an unopened refrigerator door can keep food cold for about 4 hours - a full freezer will keep temperature for about 48 hours if the doors remain closed)
- Use perishable foods first from the refrigerator, then the freezer, finally saving your canned and nonperishable goods for prolonged outages
Electrical Equipment
- Turn off and unplug unnecessary electrical equipment
- Turn off and disconnect any unused appliances or electrical equipment you were using before the outage (when power comes back on surges or spikes can damage equipment)
- Leave one light turned on so you know when the power has been restored
After a Power Outage
- Throw out any unsafe food - when in doubt, throw it out
- Check on your neighbors (during and after an outage - help those who may need additional help during this time)
- Call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219-779-7577 if you have any damage that needs to be mitigated due to the power outage, especially if the outage was due to a storm
When You Feel Out of Control
3/29/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can help you feel in control in times of disaster
When disaster strikes, be it a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, storm, or a fire or water damage to your home or business, you can often feel out of control. With the ever changing COVID-19 pandemic changes, that out of control feeling seems to be affecting most of us.
Today, March 30th, is national I AM IN CONTROL DAY
There are several ways you can prepare so that you don't feel a loss of control, especially in times of storms or disaster. You can only take charge of those things you can control; you have to let everything else go, as hard as that may seem.
- Make lists - prioritize what you can do and how to go about doing it
- Declutter - keep your space and mind clear of distractions
- Plan - having a plan in place helps you organize your thoughts and actions
- Tackle one project at a time - don't try to do everything at once or you will quickly become overwhelmed
- Ask for help - realize that in times of disaster you may need to reach out to others for help
- Talk with someone - a trusted professional, a friend - talking helps
- Feel confident in your decisions - take charge of the things you CAN control, one by one
Disasters disrupt our lives in significant ways, including physical and mental health. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties professionals have experience in assisting homeowners with getting their lives back to normal.
Call us today if we can help you feel in control of your disaster - 219-779-7577
Tips for Recovering After a Thunderstorm
3/26/2020 (Permalink)
Severe thunderstorms are no joke. Stay safe and call SERVPRO to mitigate any damages.
Thunderstorms can be severe in nature, including hail one inch or more in diameter and wind gusts of 58 miles per hour or more. Thunderstorms produce lightening. Heavy rain from a thunderstorm can cause flooding, and high winds can cause damage to homes. Homes can be damaged by the wind, by trees blown down by the wind, or by downed utility poles causing power outages.
Watch vs Warning - Know the Difference
Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible - conditions are right - stay informed and be ready to act is a warning is issued
Warning - Severe weather has been spotted or indicated by radar
Taking Steps to Stay Safe
- Never drive through flooded roadways. You can accurately predict how deep the water may be and can be swept away.
- Stay away from storm damaged areas
- Listen to updated weather reports for information or instructions
- Help others who may need additional assistance during a disaster
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately
Let Your Family Know You're Safe
The American Red Cross has a Safe and Well website where you can register in the event of a community disaster to let you family and friends know you are safe. You can also call 1-800-GET-INFO to register.
If your home or business is damaged by a storm, call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties at 219-779-7577 to mitigate your loss as soon as possible to minimize secondary effects of the storm.
Storm Watch vs Warning - What's the Difference?
3/19/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
The difference between a storm watch and a storm warning means the difference between taking precautions and taking immediate action.
Watch - Conditions are favorable to occur.
Warning - Storm/tornado has been spotted or picked up by radar
How To React
A watch is issued to alert people of the possibility of a storm developing in your area. At this point the storm may not be seen or picked up on radar (such as a tornado or snow storm), but conditions are favorable.
A warning means to take immediate shelter. The National Weather Service recommends you go to a pre-designated shelter such as a safe room, basement, or storm cellar. In the even of a tornado, if you do not have a basement, the best place to take shelter is the center of an interior room on the lowest level (bathroom, closet, interior hallway away from corners, windows, doors, outside walls).
What To Do During a Watch
- Remain alert and watch for changing weather conditions
- Listen to local news reports and weather updates
- Review your family or business emergency preparedness plan
- Review your disaster kit
- Be ready to seek shelter at a moment's notice if necessary
What To Do During a Warning
- Take shelter immediately
- Listen to local radio for updates
- Close windows
After a storm event, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.
SERVPRO has the Resources to Handle Storms and Disaster
3/19/2020 (Permalink)
Independently owned and operated SERVPRO franchises have access to national resources and a dedicated Disaster Recovery Team.
Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.
No Job is Too Large
The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.
Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.
At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties - 219-779-7577.
Lightening Strikes Causing Extensive Fire and Water Damage
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
When lightening struck this Lowell homeowner contacted SERVPRO to mitigate the damage.
Lightening struck this Lowell, Indiana home destroying the roof and damaging all of the rooms inside. The customer was quick to call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton & Southern Lake Counties to mitigate the damage. Our certified technicians responded promptly to begin the cleanup. First they removed the falling drywall to prevent anyone from getting hurt. Then they extracted the standing water to prevent it from further soaking into the building materials and causing mold to grow. They also contacted the customer's insurance company to help the claims process run smoothly and confirm that insurance was aware of all the actions being taken to prevent further damage. The customer was ecstatic with SERVPRO's response time, especially considering it was a storm where many of his neighbors' basements were flooding from the heavy rainfall.
Carpet Saved After Sump Pump Fails
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
This post mitigation photo shows that when you call SERVPRO it will quickly be "Like it never even happened."
When heavy rainfall overwhelmed this customer's sump pump, they were distraught about the idea that they would not be able to use their Living Room and Dining Room for months while it was being repaired. Fortunately, they called SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties, who informed them that their carpet could be saved. The crew arrived shortly after the first notice of loss, and they were able to use special weighted extraction equipment to remove almost all of the water from the affected carpet. They then set drying equipment to remove the rest of the moisture. While their baseboards had to be detached to dry the drywall and framing behind them, resetting them was a quick project and the home looked "Like it never even happened."
The Effects of a Sump Pump Failure on a Finished Basement
5/20/2019 (Permalink)
This photo shows our drying equipment in action at a Crown Point, Indiana home.
Sump pumps have an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years, which means if you own a home with a sump pump you can anticipate it failing eventually. Sump pumps are used to prevent water from outside from seeping into your house, which is particularly common during heavy rainfalls.
When sump pumps fail, water comes into your home that can be significantly contaminated. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties' technicians are trained to evaluate your home's building materials to determine which building materials can be saved, and which must be removed. Building materials that are not salvageable that are not removed can support microbial growth. Salvageable building materials that are exposed to the water for too long can also be destroyed. This customer knew when her sump pump failed that it was important to contact us quickly at 219-779-7577 so that our crew could save as much of her basement as possible.
Building Containment During Mitigation After a Storm
4/11/2019 (Permalink)
Only part of this room was affected, so it was sectioned off with plastic to prevent unaffected areas from becoming contaminated.
Sometimes our crews need to move through unaffected areas of a home or business to get debris from the affected area to a disposal site. When that happens, our crews build containment chambers to prevent dust from spreading to the unaffected areas. Containment chambers are also built to reduce the amount of air being dried, which can speed up drying times.
On this job, ice dams formed in multiple places which allowed water to come into the building. The affected ceiling tiles and insulation had to be removed. The crews used plastic sheeting to construct containment so that the unaffected areas would not be contaminated. Once demolition was completed, the containment helped the affected areas dry significantly faster, with less equipment for a more cost effective job.
Lake Effect Rain in Northwest Indiana
3/4/2019 (Permalink)
This photo shows a home affected by the recent storms. Our crews had to remove the affected drywall and flooring because the ejector pump failed.
Its the beginning of the rainy season in Northwest Indiana. Don't forget to check your basement periodically to make sure that your sump pump and ejector pump are working and keeping up with the increased amount of rain. Lake effect rain can make a small storm swell into a large one and drop several extra inches of rain in a short period of time. This extra rain can quickly overwhelm your drainage system resulting in a wetter-than-desired basement. There are several steps you can take to prevent your basement from being flooded. Make sure you have a sump pump installed, along with a backup. Keep a generator on-hand in case your power goes out, so that you can keep your sump pump powered during heavy rainstorms. Keep your gutters clear and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.
If all else fails and your basement does flood, give us a call at 219-779-7577 to remove the water and dry your home so that you do end up with mold.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties is ready to respond at all times to major storms
2/5/2019 (Permalink)
Through Tornadoes, Hurricanes, or Winter Storms, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties is Ready to Respond to Them All.
Through Tornadoes, Hurricanes, or Winter Storms, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties is Ready to Respond to Them All.SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties joined the Storm Response Program that is in place throughout the Unites States to assist in times of major disaster. The Storm Response program is four geographically based teams of franchises that is capable of managing catastrophic events from small local microbursts to massive hurricane responses that handle thousands of incidents that bring in hundreds of tons of equipment and even thousands of crews. Storm Team members are committed to being in a constant state of readiness to respond in a storm affected area.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties is constantly reviewing prior storm events to determine how we can improve our response and capabilities. We have dedicated supplies, equipment, vehicles and a Storm Response trailer in our fleet that is stocked with supplies that are dedicated to a quick and efficient response.
Winter Storm Freezes Pipes
1/23/2019 (Permalink)
The water pressure in this home is so strong that after the pipe froze and broke it shot water through the drywall and across the room!
Most people think of thunderstorms when prompted but winter storms can wreak havoc on your home too. One invisible danger to your home is extreme cold. An extremely cold system caused this pipe to freeze and burst because the wall was not properly insulated. The force of the built up water was strong enough to break a hole in the wall and shoot across the room! The homeowner was shocked to discover the pipe had burst because the room is located directly above a finished garage. Unfortunately, it was so cold outside that the garage was colder than normal. The cold air found its way into the wall cavity and settled there until the pipe froze and burst. Fortunately, the customer caught the leak quickly and contacted us to dry their home. We were able to save significantly more than they expected, even though the water flowed through three different levels of their home.
Injectidry used to dry bathroom flooring
5/18/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties is here to help! Recently during a storm, SERVPRO was called to a home in Crown Point, IN. Sump pump failure had caused the basement to flood. Multiple rooms were affected. Laminate flooring had to be removed because it had a vapor barrier underneath it which prevents us from drying the laminate. The carpet had to be lifted to remove the pad which can hold bacteria from the water. After drying is complete, the homeowner can install new pad and reuse the carpet. In the bathroom, Injectidry equipment was used to dry the tile floors.
When you have flooding or damage from water to your home, it is important to call us for help immediately. The sooner we can begin water mitigation, the more money and stress the homeowner can be saved. The longer the water sits in your home, the more damage it can cause. For any water mitigation needs, call 219-779-7577 and our SERVPRO professionals will respond immediately.
Ice dam causes Water Damage to Home
4/11/2018 (Permalink)
Winter in Northwest Indiana is coming to an end! This winter season had many storms that caused damage to homes in the area. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton, and Southern Lake Counties was here to help! Our crews were on standby to help the residents of these counties in a storm situation.
One home in Schererville, IN, had an ice dam form on the roof. Water seeped into the attic and walls. Snow needed to be removed from the roof so that the source of the water could be taken care of.
Our crew was onsite to make sure all water was extracted and to dry the walls, ceiling, and floors. The wet insulation needed to be removed from the walls and ceilings.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties can help you in a storm situation! You can call us at 219-779-7577 for all of your water mitigation needs.
Storms Cause Roof to Leak
3/26/2018 (Permalink)
Northwest Indiana was hit with heavy snow in February of 2018. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties was able to help many customers after ice dams formed.
The roof leaked in this school in Valparaiso, IN. After the source of the leak was repaired, SERVPRO was able to mitigate the attic and classroom. The wet ceiling tiles and insulation were removed. Our equipment was placed to dry and dehumidify the area. The hot air from our dehumidifier was ducted up to concentrate the air on just the affected framing. The building owner was able to use her classroom throughout the drying process. In this image, you can see the containment zone built over the hole in the ceiling and leading to the attic of the building. We are not only able to help with your water loss, but we will do our best so that you can continue with your day to day routine. When we leave, it will be “Like it never even happened.”
Record Rainfall Hits Northwest Indiana
3/19/2018 (Permalink)
Our technician is wearing protective gear while removing layers of carpet from this flooded home in Saint John, Indiana.
In February, Northwest Indiana was hit with heavy snow followed by several days of rain. The ground was still frozen and rainwater had nowhere to go.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties were ready to assist in this storm situation! Our crews were out day and night to help as many people as possible.
One home in Saint John had water seep in through the patio doors. Our crew pulled up two layers of carpet to reach the concrete subfloor. The carpet was disposed of due to water damage. In situations like this, our employees use personal protective equipment to ensure their own safety. In this picture, you see our employee wearing a face mask, shoe covers, gloves and a Tyvek suit. This minimizes the chance that she will get sick from the water while completing remediation.
If you need help with a water loss in your home or business, call 219-779-7577. SERVPRO is here to help!
SERVPRO Uses High Capacity Dehumidifiers to Dry Structures
2/9/2018 (Permalink)
The 270HTX dehumidifier in action in St Augustine, Florida
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties is committed to using the best equipment available for each job. This photo was taken by one of our traveling crews at a job in St Augustine, Florida. The dehumidifier pictured is a 270HTX. It is capable of removing 161 pints per day of water at AHAM (80°F 60% RH). Most dehumidifiers work best between 70 degrees and 90 degrees Farenheight. This dehumidifier is capable of removing moisture from the air between 33 degrees and 125 degrees Fahrenheit. The dehumidifier contains an automatic bypass door that adjusts the mode based on the temperature. It was ideal for this job because the temperature was above 90 degrees outside for the duration of the job. The customer was happy with how quickly the structure dried
Hurricane Irma Cleanup
2/6/2018 (Permalink)
Drying equipment was set to dry this Florida home after hurricane Irma.
SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties sent several crews to Florida to help cleanup after Hurricane Irma. Our IICRC certified technicians drove across the country with vehicles loaded to the brim with drying equipment, antimicrobial and PPE to help make it, "Like it never even happened." While in Florida our crews helped both residential and commercial customers stabilize and dry their properties. The home shown in this loss suffered minimal damage but had to be dried nonetheless. After a thorough moisture inspection, the production manager determined only the sunroom and detached utility room got wet. The crew followed to remove the wet building materials and set drying equipment. The customer was pleased with the service he received and the quick drying time.
Sump Pump Failure
6/1/2017 (Permalink)
Storm Damage Response Van
Wow! 24/7 care came in handy for this Schererville couple that had an emergency call after hours. No worries, SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake counties was on the case! As water was rushing in from an unexpected sump pump failure, SERVPRO technicians acted quickly to drain the unwanted water from their basement. If the team did not respond quickly with high volume and reliable equipment, the couple’s musical instruments would have been ruined. Once the water was receding thanks to the team’s quick response time, restoration was able to commence. The team removed the carpet and baseboards and discovered mold. The highly trained team treated the mold, steam cleaned the floor, and applied anti microbial solutions until the basement was restored.
It was “Like it never even happened.”
Building Containment to Protect Unaffected Areas - Water Damage
4/10/2017 (Permalink)
The customer was ecstatic that he was able to cook in his kitchen without fear of dust in his food while our crews worked just a few feet away
Sometimes our crews need to move through unaffected areas of a home or business to get debris from the affected area to a disposal site. When that happens, our crews build containment chambers to prevent dust from spreading to the unaffected areas. Containment chambers are also built to reduce the amount of air being dried, which can speed up drying times.
On this job in Lowell, a previous homeowner improperly installed a roof by nailing through the shingles, which allowed water to come into the home. The insulation in the attic had to be removed. But the access point for the attic was in the back of the house, and the shortest path to the dumpster led through the unaffected family room and kitchen. The crews used plastic sheeting to construct containment so that the living areas would not be contaminated.
Flooded Garage Basement in Lowell
3/27/2017 (Permalink)
A recent storm left this basement with several feet of water.
A sump pump failure in this detached garage in Lowell, Indiana led to several feet of water in the basement. This before photo shows that crews could not access the majority of the garage basement until the water was pumped out. Due to gasoline and paint mixing with the water, an oily film was visible on the water which meant it had to be treated differently than a normal sump pump failure. SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties was called in to remove the water and clean the space so that it could be safely used again. SERVPRO also had the affected electrical tested and replaced as needed so that the sump pump would work. The customer was impressed that SERVPRO was able to quickly evaluate the situation and communicate with insurance to verify coverage.
Thermal Imaging on a Water Damage in Lowell
3/20/2017 (Permalink)
This thermal imaging photo shows that the ceiling is cooler where it is wet. The thermal imaging camera helped identify the wet areas.
Water damage restoration has advanced a lot over the course of SERVPRO's history. One tool we use to locate moisture is a thermal imaging camera. On many jobs it is easy to see water damage because water can warp wood, bubble paint and break drywall. On jobs like this water damage from a recent storm the damage was not visible to the naked eye.
The customer called us when a recent storm blew sections of her roof off. She said that she thought a small section of her carpet was wet but was not sure how extensive the water was or how it got onto her carpet since her ceiling looked unaffected. With a thermal imaging camera and moisture meters the crew checked the ceilings, walls and floors throughout the home. They discovered that water made its way through the ceiling in the living room near the light fixture (photo) onto the carpet below. They also confirmed that the master bedroom ceiling was affected.
Thermal imaging cameras work by evaluating the temperature of a given surface compared to the temperature of the surfaces nearby. Usually wet surfaces are colder than the surfaces nearby. Cooler temperatures on a thermal image do not guarantee moisture is present so all suspected wet areas are checked with a moisture meter to confirm if an area is wet. Our technicians are trained on how to use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to locate both the water you see and the water you don't. If you need help locating the source of moisture in your home please call SERVPRO of Benton, Jasper, Newton and Southern Lake Counties at 219-779-7577!
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