How to Prepare your Home for Winter Storm Izzy

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

The winds forecasted for Winter Storm Izzy can produce power outages that can last up to a week or more.

Winter storms can cause just as much damage and property issues just like any other storm. That's why it is good to follow specific instructions and prepare your home and family for the unexpected before it's too late. 

Winter Storm Izzy is a major winter storm coming in from the Midwest, sweeping across the South, and going East toward West Hartford through Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. 

Winter storm warnings, winter storm watches and winter weather advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service for Winter Storm Izzy.

Like any large blizzard, Winter Storm Izzy has the potential for below freezing temperatures, several inches of snow and ice, and strong winds throughout West Hartford Monday. Power can go out at any moment with strong winds and freezing temperatures therefore it is important to follow these tips to remain prepared.

Lets begin with some steps we can take before the storm hits:

Step #1:Maintain the Safety and Health of Your Family

The winds forecasted for Winter Storm Izzy can produce power outages that can last up to a week or more. It's a good idea to set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest temperatures possible before the storm hits. In an unopened refrigerator, food will keep for 4 hours, and in a full freezer, it will keep for 48 hours.

To protect the health and safety of your family make sure to keep plenty of non perishable food items on hand. Other important items to stock up on in the next few days include:

• A gallon of water for every person for each day
• A first aid kit
• Flashlights with batteries
• Charged electronics including cell phones
• Medication
• Cash
• important paperwork (identification and insurance)
  
  

Step #2:Reinforce Your Structure

Check on your roof

If your home’s roof is flat or has a flat portion, be sure to remove snow carefully to prevent snow and ice buildup. Ice can weigh up to 57 pounds per square foot. With several inches of snow it can put your roof at risk of collapsing.

Don’t Let Water Pipes Freeze

A common issue we see in the winter is frozen water pipes therefore planning ahead is key. You can lose power, your furnace can malfunction or if the weather gets too cold outside your pipes are at risk for freezing and bursting resulting in inches of water damage. To prevent bursting pipes be sure to use a generator or an alternative source of heat to keep the warmth in your home. In addition, be sure to seal your home by wrapping insulation around your pipes and throughout openings in your attic to make sure no heat escapes

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Not only are your pipes at risk of freezing but when ice builds up on the side of the roof it forms an ice dam that prevents the melting snow from draining properly. This water ends up leaking into your home through your windows and walls. In order to stop water from entering your house, add insulation above your ceiling to keep the roof warmer and prevent ice buildup. Make sure your roof's gutters are clear of any leaves or sticks that prevent further drainage.

If you have suffered damage from a storm or other flooding disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Hartford at 860-216-2785

We're Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers a flood, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141 for immediate water damage cleanup and restoration of your structure and property

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home or business from disasters and how to deal with water, sewage, storm, mold, fire and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

IICRC Certified

Noemi DiCristofaro 

Certified SERVPRO technicians

Call 860.206.6141

24-hour emergency service

Be Storm-Ready with the Right Information

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Part of surviving a storm in central Connecticut is having your family's important information stored safely. Here's how to do it.

Nobody’s figured out how to change a weather forecast, so when it comes to successfully weathering a big storm in central Connecticut, preparation is the key.

(One great way to prepare for a storm or natural disaster is to research in advance the options for who to call for damage restoration. In the aftermath of a widespread storm disaster, reliable experts, such as SERVPRO of West Hartford, will be extremely busy, so it’s best that you call us ASAP.)

SERVPRO advises you to take a series of actions that will help you and your family to reduce the amount of physical damage from the storm and to be as safe and comfortable as possible after the storm. And don’t delay: begin now on storm preparation, because some of the tasks will require planning and may take some time to finish.

There are many ways of being prepared for a storm, ranging from hardening your home’s defenses to having supplies on hand to ride out the aftermath. One important way to be ready is to gather and protect essential information.

Put the Right Information in the Right Place

Begin your storm preparation by gathering the important information that will help you and your family if your home or property is damaged or if you need to evacuate your house. This task will require some time to accomplish—in fact, we think this task makes for a good weekend project.

What’s your coverage?

Meet or speak with your insurer to review your homeowners coverage. Depending on your current situation, you may need to update your policy for full protection.

Where are your documents?

Gather your important documents together and place them in a safe storage spot, such as a waterproof, fireproof container. Here’s where you’ll store your family’s birth and marriage certificates, passports, insurance policies, bank records, automobile titles and proof of vaccination. You may want to store keepsakes or family photos in the safe box, if there’s room.

What do you own and what’s it worth?

Do a room-by-room inventory of your possessions, taking photos or videos as you go. List serial and model numbers, purchase dates, prices and, for art or jewelry, appraisal values. Add a paper copy of these photos/videos and the inventory document to your safe box, upload a digital copy to the cloud, and consider putting another digital or paper copy in a bank’s safe deposit box.

If your possessions are damaged in a storm, you can then take “after” photos and videos to document the damage.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Be Storm-Ready with a Plan

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

The time to make critical decisions about what to do if a big storm hits is BEFORE the storm. Follow SERVPRO's tips and stay safe.

When a storm hits, it can bring with it a fury that puts you and your family at risk. In an emergency, decisions often have to be made and actions taken quickly. That’s why it’s so smart to make some of those decisions and take some of those actions ahead of time, long before the storm is on the horizon.

SERVPRO of West Hartford has seen a lot of storm damage and knows how the potential for destructive storms has increased. That’s why we advise you to create a plan for how you will respond if you need damage cleaned up, and if you need to evacuate or take other emergency steps. This process may take some time, so it’s a good task to undertake on a weekend. When a storm hits and you’re ready to spring into action, you’ll be glad you have a plan!

What to Plan For

Once you and your family agree on a plan, document it and be sure everyone understands the details.

How will you escape?

If you and your family need to evacuate, decide in advance where you will go. First pick a nearby spot you can all walk to, then choose a distant location that you can drive to if there’s an area-wide evacuation order—perhaps a public shelter or a relative’s or friend’s house. Have a map and directions for the evacuation route; it’s a good idea to practicing getting there. Finally, select a place for your family to meet up in case you are apart when the storm hits.

Who’s your contact person?

Decide on a person (not in the immediate area) to reach out to for information and to confirm that you and your family are well and safe.

Do you have a first aid kit?

If not, put one together ahead of a storm or disaster. The kit should be kept in a portable bag and stored in a convenient place. Fully stock the kit, and make sure family members know how to use the contents; taking an American Red Cross first aid class is a good idea, too.

Do you have a go-bag?

If you have to evacuate, you’ll want to have an easy-to-tote bag or backpack that contains shelf-stable food and water, the meds you and your family will need, important documents (ID, insurance, etc.), contact information and other essentials.

Can you work with your neighbors?

 In an emergency, it’s ideal if you and your neighbors work together to help each other and keep everyone safe. Be sure to share contact information ahead of time and decide if resources and emergency equipment can be used communally.

Who’s your storm damage remediation expert?

nce a storm or natural disaster hits, reliable damage remediation companies will be busy! Part of your planning should include reviewing and choosing this important resource so you can start clean-up quickly. SERVPRO of West Hartford is the local expert in fire, water and storm damage remediation. We’ll help return your home, your possessions and your lives back to normal after a big storm!

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

SERVPRO and Storm Damage: Local Experts, National Resources

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's deep experience in responding to major storm damage means we know how to respond to YOUR storm damage!

If you’ve become concerned—or even alarmed—about the frequency and ferocity of storms in recent years, you have good reason. Hurricanes, tropical storms and blizzards are hitting more often, growing stronger and causing substantially more damage. So-called “storms of the century” are becoming routine events, often topped by the next year’s big storms. You can’t change the weather, but you can be more prepared (hint: read our helpful blog posts for tips on storm prep).

Speaking of being more prepared, be ready to call on SERVPRO for storm damage remediation after any kind of storm that affects your home or business. Remember, after a big storm hits our central Connecticut area, you’ll be far from the only one calling storm damage experts for help in stopping and repairing the damage to your structure and possessions. That’s why it’s important to reach out to SERVPRO of West Hartford as soon as you can.

Why SERVPRO? We’re the local experts with national expertise!

Local Experts

You can be confident that SERVPRO of West Hartford will arrive to your disaster quickly and put our expertise, technology and equipment to work getting your home or business back to before-storm condition.

With our five decades of experience in helping customers recover from storm, water and fire damage, SERVPRO has developed the industry’s best products, tools and training. Our pros undergo rigorous training and follow standard operating procedures that have been honed by our responses to disasters both big and small.

Further, SERVPRO of West Hartford can call on the resources of both our fellow central Connecticut franchises for needed equipment and staffing, and the resources and expertise of our more than 1,800 nationwide SERVPRO franchises.

National Resources

Back in 2010, SERVPRO corporation, headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee, responded to the devastating floods that hit the Nashville area. Based on that experience, we decided to assemble our most experienced teams into Disaster Recovery Teams that are ready to respond to large-scale, widespread storms and other disasters quickly and in large numbers.

We position these expert storm damage remediation professionals strategically throughout the nation so that our Disaster Recovery Teams are ready to respond at a moment’s notice. The teams coordinate with local SERVPRO teams to provide a seamless, high-level disaster cleanup response for big storms and other natural disasters.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Safe Use of Your Generator After a Storm

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Using your portable generator safely after a storm can literally save your life. Follow SERVPRO's tips to stay out of trouble.

Going through a big storm or natural disaster—whether it’s a hurricane, tropical storm, tornado, blizzard or ice storm—is hard enough. Then there’s the aftermath, which all too often includes extended power outages. Unfortunately, those outages can end up being fatal for people when they don’t follow safe use guidelines for generators.

Last summer, for example, Hurricane Laura hit the state of Louisiana as a category 4 storm, with winds of up to 150 miles per hour. The ensuing storm surge was 15 feet high. After that kind of fury, hundreds of thousands of people lost power, and a number of people died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by unsafe generator usage.

More Death After the Storm

As The New York Times reported in August 2020, “The electrical outages have been deadly, as several people who turned to generators to power refrigerators, lights and air conditioners have been overcome with fumes.

“At least seven people have been killed by carbon monoxide from generators, including four members of a family found dead in a home in Lake Charles. A fifth member of that family was taken to a hospital. Their generator was in a garage and the deadly gas was able to seep into the house through a garage door that was left cracked open, [Lake Charles mayor Nic] Hunter said.

“Another man in Calcasieu Parish, which includes Lake Charles, died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator, as did an 84-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman in the same home in Allen Parish, to the northeast, said health officials, who warned people never to place generators in homes or in closed garages.”

Use Your Generator Safely

The danger from portable generators lies in their exhaust: they produce colorless, odorless and tasteless carbon monoxide gas (CO). The National Institutes of Health reports that it only takes five minutes for enough carbon monoxide to build up inside a garage or home to sicken or even kill people.

The symptoms of CO poisoning are dizziness, fatigue, headaches and nausea. If anyone in your home experiences this, everyone in the home should go outside ASAP. Call 911 and stay outside until fire or police have checked your house for carbon monoxide.

If you’re shopping for a new generator, look for one with an automatic shut-off sensor to prevent dangerous levels of CO from building up.

SERVPRO recommends that you follow these generator use guidelines.

• Never run your generator inside a garage, house or other enclosed space. Even a partially enclosed space can trap and concentrate CO, putting your health at risk.
• Set up your generator at least 20 feet from your house. Leave 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all sides and above your generator for ventilation. Point the engine exhaust away from windows and doors.
• Use a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home whenever the generator is operating.
• If it’s raining, protect the generator under a tent or canopy to allow for ventilation.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

What If Your West Hartford Basement Floods After a Storm?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

If your basement floods after a storm, call SERVPRO of West Hartford for fast and complete water damage cleanup.

Many different kinds of storms can cause a flood in your basement. It could be an extended series of rainstorms that overwhelms drains and sump pumps. Perhaps it’s a hurricane that drops vast amounts of water all at once. Maybe it’s a winter cold snap that freezes and bursts a pipe in your basement. Or perhaps it’s a sudden thaw that sends water gushing toward your foundation.

Whatever the cause, flooding in your basement needs to be dealt with promptly to prevent further damage from the water, including the potential for a stubborn mold infestation. We’ve outlined the steps to take as soon as you know you have water in your basement—and although we include tips on how to dry out your basement and property, we strongly recommend that you at least have a professional water damage remediation company like SERVPRO of West Hartford evaluate your damage, if not handle the entire cleanup.

SERVPRO will approach your flooding using our organized, time-tested method that prevents damage down the road. We respond 24/7 to your emergency, stop the water damage, check for signs of structural damage, take precise moisture measurements, pump and dry out all the water and moisture, and evaluate, treat and restore your affected personal items, furniture and home. We also help coordinate and expedite your homeowners insurance claim!

First Things First

These are the essential first steps to take when there’s water in your basement.

• Be quick: Your goal is to minimize the damage, so begin cleanup quickly. If it’s a widespread storm or flood, many others in the area will be contacting water damage professionals, too, so don’t hesitate to call for help ASAP.
• Be careful: Safety comes first, so begin by shutting off the electricity to the basement—if you can’t reach your electric panel, hire an electrician to come out and shut it off. Be cautious when walking in your basement: put on protective gear, such as gloves and boots, a perhaps a mask and goggles. Watch your balance on the slippery floor.
• Cut off the water: If you have a burst pipe, turn off the house’s water at the main valve.

Removing Water and Drying Out

Try to get all the moisture out of your basement and possessions within 48 hours.

• Remove the water: Focus first on getting the water out with a sump pump, a wet/dry vac or a mop and bucket. Check your floor drain (if you have one) to be sure it’s clear.
• Dry things out: Try to get everything dried out within 48 hours to prevent the possibility of mold. Drag your wet furniture and possessions from the basement either to another area of the home or outside.
• Goodbye, carpet, drywall and insulation: Almost always, you’ll have to rip up and toss out your carpeting, pad and other flooring—and any wet or damaged drywall and insulation.
• Dry out the basement: The standing water may be gone, but there’s still moisture in your structure, furnishings and possessions. Open all the windows and doors and run fans and dehumidifiers for at least several days.
• Clean and sanitize: Finally, wash everything—walls, floor, furniture, possessions—with a strong disinfectant to prevent mold growth.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

What Our Customers Say About Our Storm Cleanup Services

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm damages your house, trust SERVPRO of West Hartford to get there quickly and repair the damage thoroughly.

Trees crashing through roofs … flooded basements … ice dams … all this and more can happen when there’s a powerful wind, rain, snow or ice storm in your area. Lately, it seems like the storms don’t let up, and they are more furious and damaging than ever before. Homeowners need to be prepared: both to minimize damage to their homes, and to quickly find a reliable storm damage remediation company to get to work quickly repairing the damage to your house and your possessions.

In central Connecticut, look no further than SERVPRO of West Hartford. We are experts at dealing with whatever Mother Nature can throw at you. Our crews are trained and equipped to handle the toughest storm damage, including heavy water damage, and they follow SERVPRO’s established procedures to clean up the mess fast and restore your home and everything in it.

Take it from our customers—here’s what they think of our storm remediation services:

“When we lost power during a storm, I didn't think about anything but lighting candles up for the time-being in the living room. But after smoke started coming down from the stairs, I evacuated my family immediately and extinguished the fire myself. SERVPRO and their resources recovered our home before the holidays; we couldn't give you enough thanks.”—Donald in West Hartford

“A tree fell and hit my house in West Hartford, Connecticut. I called SERVPRO of West Hartford and they came out immediately to tarp my roof. They extracted water in my house to prevent any more water damage. Thank you, SERVPRO of West Hartford.”—Jeff in West Hartford

“SERVPRO is the greatest company with the most amazing employees. Their speediness to help with my ice dam removal emergency was outstanding. Thank you!”—Gloria in West Hartford

“After a few tree branches fell on our roof during a storm this past year, we had them removed by our neighbor. What we didn't expect was water damage to gradually come in and damage our walls. SERVPRO of West Hartford took good care of us. Both our roof and everything under it was like new again.”—Jen & Mark in West Hartford

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Many Risks Lurk After a Flood

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Once you've survived the flood after a big storm, you need to take precautions to survive the risks posed by floodwater.

Phew! You and your property survived a big storm. But now, your home or business is flooded. It’s time for the big cleanup job, or perhaps you and your family need to evacuate. In either case, you need to be extra cautious to avoid risks that follow a flood.

Dangers Inside Your Home

Post-flood, you’ll face several hazards, even if you can stay in your home. For instance, do you have a supply of food and water that can sustain your family for a few days? How about an emergency kit in case of injuries?

And then there’s the looming cleanup. The floodwater inside your home poses a threat in the form of debris, chemical and other types of contamination, snakes and wildlife, and the potential for mold growth.

Dangers Outside Your Home

If you do leave your home, you face several more risks from the floodwater. First of all, what’s in that water? It could be any or all of these:

• Sharp debris
• Live electrical wires
• Sewage
• Chemicals, oil and gasoline

Because of this, try not to walk through floodwater. If you must, put on protective gear, like rubber gloves and boots. And take it slow and steady: did you know that just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock an adult over?

Dangers in Your Car

Likewise, if you attempt to drive through floodwater, be very careful. Floodwater can be deceptive, and only 12 inches of water can cause your vehicle to float, putting it at risk of being carried into a current. And if you drive or get pulled into water, you run the risk of stalling out and getting trapped inside your car. Even if you can navigate the floodwater, beneath the water can lurk debris that can damage your car or tires, downed electrical wires that can electrocute you and washed-out pavement that can make it impossible to drive.

So, stay safe after a flood by being aware of the many risks posed by floodwater. And make your recovery from the flood and the resulting damage easier, faster and safer by calling on an experienced water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of West Hartford. We’ll arrive promptly and handle the start-to-finish process of remediating the water damage to your home or business.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Get Your Home Ready for Winter Cold and Storms (Part 1: Inside)

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Winterizing your home will pay off in a reduced chance of damage from storms and cold weather. Here's what to do inside your house.

With winter just around the corner, now is an ideal time to prepare your house, both inside and out, to withstand the damage that cold weather and winter storms can cause. Let’s first look at the steps you can take inside your home to emerge damage-free from the winter storm season.

Inspect and Evaluate

Start by taking a good look at your current situation. That’ll tell you if you need to do repairs to any of your systems.

• Furnace: No one wants to wake up to a cold-as-a-stone furnace that won’t start. Likewise, you want to avoid a malfunctioning furnace that can emit deadly carbon monoxide. Hire a pro to do an annual inspection before the heating season and make any indicated repairs. Every month, replace your HVAC filters.
• Insulation: A poorly-insulated attic is a primary cause of damaging ice dams. Check the insulation in your attic and basement or crawlspace to keep the warm air where you want it: in your living space.
• Fireplace: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected each year to check for damage or built-up debris that could start a fire.
• Energy use: Consider asking your local utility company to do an energy assessment to find where your hot air is leaking out. The utility company may perform a number of fixes to give you immediate improvement, and they’ll recommend bigger improvements, too.

Add Barriers to Keep the Cold Out

Keeping your house warm in winter often means keeping the warm air inside your house. Before the cold weather really hits, do these tasks to keep the heat inside your home.

• Seal leaks: Use insulating foam to seal areas around plumbing vents, windows, your attic hatch and the perimeter of recessed lights. Apply weather stripping around doors.
• Seal windows: Apply plastic-film sheet kits to your windows to add an extra layer of insulation while sealing up gaps around the window frame.
• Insulate pipes: Technically, warm air doesn’t leak from your pipes, but if your pipes aren’t insulated sufficiently, you may have an enormous problem during a cold snap: frozen and burst pipes. The idea is to keep your pipes warm enough to prevent them from freezing. During a cold spell, you may also need to run taps at a drip and keep cabinet doors open to prevent freezing.

Read part 2 of this article for information on how to prepare the exterior of your home to withstand damage from winter cold and storms.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Get Your Home Ready for Winter Cold and Storms (Part 2: Outside)

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Winterizing your home will pay off in a reduced chance of damage from storms and cold weather. Here's what to do outside your house.

Winter is coming, bringing with it the possibility of home damage from storms and cold weather. Part 1 of this article focused on what you need to do inside your home to protect against damage from winter storms and icy temperatures. Read on for what steps to take outside your house.

Prepare Your House

• Storm windows and doors: Adding these to your home will not only keep the warm air inside, but will also help protect against intrusion by strong winds.
• Faucets: Detach and store hoses inside your home, shed or garage. Drain any water still in the exterior spigot and turn the spigot off inside the house. If you have an irrigation system, have it blown out.
• Roof: Inspect your roof (perhaps using binoculars) to spot missing or damaged shingles, and have repairs made before winter hits. Check that your gutters are cleaned out and firmly attached to your house.
• Lights: Test your exterior lights to make sure all are working; replace bulbs if necessary, or have the fixture repaired.
• Foundation: Check the perimeter of your home for cracks and small openings that may provide a way for mice and other animals to enter when they seek warmth and shelter. Seal any gaps.

Prepare Your Yard and Property

• Debris: In a storm’s strong wind or under the weight of snow or ice, tree branches can fall onto or scrape against your home’s exterior. Pick up and dispose of dead or dangling branches around your roof, siding, HVAC unit, electric or gas meters, dryer exhaust vent and basement windows.
• Furniture: Store your patio furniture and cushions in a shed, garage or basement.
• Firewood: Stack your firewood at least 30 feet from your home.
• Snow removal: Get your snow and ice removal equipment ready for action. Check that your shovels are in good condition and perform an annual tune-up on your snow blower, if you have one. Keep a supply of de-icing product on hand, too.
• Holiday decorations: Before you decorate outside your home, check wiring for fraying and good operation. Securely attach any decorations to the exterior of your home and use only extension cords rated for exterior use.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Are You at Risk of a Flood?

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

You may think you're not at risk, but you don't have to be in a flood zone to suffer a water disaster from a sudden flood.

Did you know that floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S.? Floods can be caused by large storms, such as hurricanes or heavy rainstorms, or by other events, usually weather-related. The problem with floods is they happen unpredictably and they take a big toll not only in property damage, but unfortunately, sometimes in loss of life, as well.

Let’s take a look at some of the lesser-known causes of floods.

Not in a Flood Zone? Not So Fast

If you think you are immune to the risk of flooding because your home or business isn’t in a flood zone, think again. Each year, approximately one fifth of insurance claims for flood damage come from properties that are outside a designated flood zone. Remember, floods are unpredictable and stem from many sources, so don’t be too relaxed if you’re outside of a flood zone. Anything can happen.

Not Near a River or Stream? It May Not Matter

If you assume you have to be near a river or stream to experience a flood, you’d usually be right—but not always. Urban areas, such as cities and towns that are densely built up, are a frequent location of flash floods. When a large amount of rainwater or snowmelt starts coursing down streets or hills, it has very few places to go, because so much of the ground surface is paved over or covered by buildings, leaving little soil to absorb the runoff.

According to the Associated Press, the condition of almost 1,700 dams across the U.S. poses a risk of failure. A failed dam can release a wall of water that rushes downstream and may escape the channel to spread out over acres of surrounding land, causing water damage to properties that were thought to be safe from floods.

Not “Flood Season?” It’s Always Flood Season

If you think floods only happen in the spring, summer or fall, pay attention during the winter, too. When the temperature fluctuates in the winter, snow can melt rapidly, lots of rain can fall and ice jams can be created. Often, a warm snap will see a combination of snowmelt and heavy rain, creating ideal conditions for an unexpected flash flood.

Warm temperatures will also break up ice along rivers and streams, allowing large chunks to float downstream. The ice gets trapped near bridges and other structures, causing water to back up and flood upstream. Once the jam breaks up, the pent-up water can flow downstream so rapidly that more flooding is caused.

As you can see, floods can happen in many ways in many places, some quite unexpected. An experienced water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of West Hartford stands ready to help you recover from an unexpected flood disaster to your home or business.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Surviving a Storm During a Pandemic: Safe at Home

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm threatens during a pandemic, you need to take extra precautions to keep your family safe while sheltering at home.

In the midst of hurricane season, too many Americans will find themselves facing down a powerful wind storm that could damage their homes and cause flooding and widespread power outages—and potentially, injuries and death. Worse yet, this year Americans are facing a viral pandemic that makes just about every aspect of life more challenging—including preparation for a storm.

Just as you and your family have had to make different decisions about activities during the pandemic, you’ll also need to do some extra preparation in case of a hurricane or other damaging storm. But with a little planning, you can put yourself in a position to weather the storm and its aftermath, safe and sound in your own home.

Basic Shelter-at-Home Preparation

In the event you have to shelter at home, most likely without power, your basic preparations include building up and maintaining two-week supplies of these items:

• shelf-stable nutrition-rich food that doesn’t require refrigeration, such as canned food and dry mixes
• water for all family members (1 gallon per person per day)
• necessary medicines (prescription and OTC)
• personal hygiene products, such as soap and paper products
• food for your pet, if you have one

Other important items you should stock up on in case you need to shelter at home include:

• flashlights, lanterns, radios and plenty of batteries
• fully-stocked first aid kit
• important papers that will prove your identity and document your property ownership and insurance coverage
• cash and gasoline (for your car and a generator, if you have one)

Additional Shelter-at-Home Preparation During a Pandemic

Beyond doing basic shelter-at-home preparation before a storm, you’ll need to take additional steps during a pandemic to remain safe from exposure to viral pathogens. Have these on hand before the storm hits:

• A two-week supply of cleaning and disinfecting products
• Several face masks for each family member—remember, you may not be able to wash your masks

One of the most important things to do if you might be sheltering at home during a viral pandemic? Don’t wait! Stock up on all your supplies well ahead of time. If you delay until shortly before the storm hits, you are likely to encounter both supply shortages and crowded stores—immediately putting you at greater risk of exposure to pathogens.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Surviving a Storm During a Pandemic: Evacuating your Home

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm hits and you need to evacuate your home during a pandemic, take these extra steps to keep your family safe from infection.

Just about every aspect of life changes when you’re in the midst of a pandemic. That includes keeping your family safe if you have to evacuate your home after a hurricane, tornado or other damaging storm. Beyond the planning you should do to prevent and survive storm damage during a typical year, you’ll have to take extra precautions to minimize exposure to a contagious viral pathogen.

Your two primary concerns are where to go and what to bring.

Where to Shelter

Finding a safe place to shelter during a pandemic will be more challenging than it normally would be. Check your local emergency management agency and local authorities for the latest guidelines on sheltering, which should be up to date with your state or local public health executive orders.

Going to a large community shelter, like a school gym, won’t be the ideal option in a pandemic, because of the need to distance from other evacuees—although it may be necessary in a mass evacuation situation. If you must go to a large group shelter, expect these pandemic-related requirements:

• a health screening upon entry
• regular wellness checks for symptoms and fever
• face masks for all individuals
• more distance between cots and other furniture
• more frequent hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting
• an isolation area for individuals with symptoms of infection

You should try to locate a hotel, hostel or campground instead, which will allow you to keep your family separated from others. Start calling for a reservation when the storm is on the way.

You can also ask friends and family who are out of the storm’s path if you can shelter with them. You’ll need to take precautions, though, which may include quarantining in a separate room or area of the house if you or your hosts have symptoms of infection or have been recently exposed to the virus.

What to Bring

The American Red Cross advises homeowners to keep two emergency supply kits in your home when a storm threatens. Your stay-at-home kit will include enough nonperishable food, water, medications, hygiene items and cleaning supplies to supply you and your family for up to two weeks.

Your three-day evacuation kit is similar to your stay-at-home kit, but it must be portable and ready to go in an instant. Include these items:

• nonperishable, easy-to-eat food
• water (1 gallon per person per day)
• all needed medications (bring a two-week supply of these)
• personal hygiene supplies
• cleaning and disinfecting products, including hand sanitizer, wipes and tissues
• three or more face masks for each family member

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Your Winter Storm Preparation Checklist

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Take some time before a big winter storm hits to gather the supplies you'll need to get through the aftermath.

A severe winter storm can damage your home and property with ice, snow and water damage—but if it knocks power out for a week or more, it can put your life and health at risk, too (not to mention the comfort of you and your family)!

Prepare for a winter storm and power outage by following this checklist.

Food and Water

• Water (at least a three-day supply of one gallon per person, per day)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable, high-energy, easy-to-prepare foods)
• Baby formula and food, if needed
• Pet food, if needed

Heating and Lighting

• Flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries
• Candles
• Extra blankets
• Generator and gas to run for 24+ hours (never use inside your home!)
• Alternate supplies for heating methods, such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves
• Fire extinguisher

Venturing Out

• Fully fueled vehicles
• Extra cash

Electronics

• Fully charged cell phones, tablets, etc.
• Phone chargers to use in your car
• Fully charged power bank for your phone
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Extra batteries

Shovels and Tools

• Shovels and tools for clearing snow and ice
• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
• Fully fueled snow blower

Medical and Personal Hygiene

• Medications (at least a seven-day supply)
• First aid kit
• Medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, etc.)
• Medical information and medical insurance card
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Baby diapers and wipes, if needed

Important information

• Family and emergency contact information
• Copies of personal documents, such as passports and Social Security cards
• Phone numbers of your insurance company and agent

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

4 Kinds of Floodwater Hazards

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

After a flood, be aware of the serious risks to your health and safety that remain in the waters.

When many people think of floods, they think of damage to their home or property. But, floodwaters can also pose serious health and safety risks to you and your family. Beware these four kinds of hazards after a flood.

Electrical Hazards

Strong winds that accompany storms can knock down power lines. If downed lines are present, you may be at risk for electrocution when walking or driving through flooded areas. If you see downed power lines near your home, do not walk near or through floodwater. Instead, get to a safe place and call local authorities to report the situation.

If your electrical system has sustained damage, don’t turn on light switches or use electrical appliances or items in your home. If you’re uncertain whether it’s safe to use, call a professional to inspect your home’s electrical system.

Chemicals and Waste

Chemicals and sewage can contaminate floodwaters and cause gastrointestinal issues, infections, rashes and other illnesses, according to the CDC. After a flood, do not bathe, drink or cook with your home’s water supply until it’s been tested or determined that it’s safe for use.

Sharp Debris

Floodwater can carry sharp objects or other dangerous debris that may be hard to spot, so avoid walking or driving through floodwater. Protect yourself when entering your home by wearing rubber boots, gloves and eye protection during cleanup.

Insects and Animals

Floodwaters can contain or attract wild animals, such as snakes and rodents, so be cautious when walking through the water and keep an eye out for wild animals.

Flooded areas are a literal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so eliminate standing water as soon as possible by draining or emptying water that may have collected in buckets, gutters, pools or other containers.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Stay Safe During Post-Flood Cleanup

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

You'll be eager to get back into your home and tackle the cleanup after a flood, but you must take precautions to stay safe and healthy.

After a flood and once the floodwater has receded enough to return to your home to start cleanup, you are at risk of injury and infection from contaminants, such as chemicals and waste, in the water.

Take these precautions as you clean up after a flood.

• Wait: Don’t return home after a flood until local authorities say it is safe to do so. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to return home or have concerns during post-flood cleanup, contact local authorities and professionals for advice or an inspection.
• Wash your hands: Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water—especially before you eat or drink—to minimize the risk of contracting an infection or illnesses.
• Wash your clothes: Clean and disinfect clothing by washing any items that have come in contact with floodwater in hot water and laundry detergent. Wash the clothes you wore during cleanup separately from other items that weren’t exposed to floodwater.
• Care for wounds: Take care of any wounds, even minor ones, during flood cleanup. If you have an existing wound, avoid exposing the cut to floodwater. Wear gloves and clean all wounds frequently with fresh, clean water and soap. Change wound dressings often.
• Prevent infection: Keep an eye on existing wounds. If you spot any redness or swelling, or if you experience any other signs of an infection (such as a high fever or pain), seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you sustain a wound during cleanup, especially from a dirty object, seek medical attention.

Naturally, you will be relieved to be back in your home and restore your home after a flood, but be aware of the hazards lurking in the floodwater. Consider calling an experienced and highly trained disaster remediation company like SERVPRO of West Hartford to handle your home cleanup and restoration.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Is your beloved pet ready for a disaster? If you have to evacuate your home, be prepared to take your pet with you ... safely and comfortably.

Having to evacuate in the face of a hurricane, flood, wildfire or other natural disaster is disorienting enough for people. If you own a pet (or pets), you know they are an important part of your family. You need to plan for their safe evacuation, too.

Even if you expect to evacuate for only one day, plan for the worst-case scenario. In unpredictable circumstances, pets can be trapped, escape, be exposed to life-threatening hazards or even starve.

Determine Where Your Pets Can Stay

Once you know evacuation is a possibility, identify a place where you can stay with your dog or cat.

• Check with hotels to see which ones allow animals.
• Ask family and friends whether they’re willing to host you and your pets.
• Contact your local emergency-response agencies to learn which shelters allow animals and what their requirements are (such as medical records).
• Consider boarding and kennel facilities and veterinary offices for emergency housing.

If you’re away from home, make a plan with a trusted neighbor or friend who can evacuate your pets if necessary. Make sure they know where to find your pet and its supplies.

Pack a Pet Go-Bag

The ASPCA Disaster Preparedness recommends you stock these items in a pet go-bag.

• Collar with ID tag, contact number and rabies tag
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• 3 to 7 days worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (replace every two months)
• Bottled water, at least seven days worth for each person and pet
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra harness and leash (harnesses are recommended for safety)
• Copies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (replace every two months)
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter and paper towels
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for cleanup
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for comforting an anxious pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you need to make a lost poster)
• A photo of you and your pet together to document ownership
• Your pet’s favorite toy, treats and bedding
• If your pet has been microchipped, make sure your contact info is up to date

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Prepare Your Pool for a Storm

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Minimize storm damage to your swimming pool by knowing what precautions to take and what to do after the storm ends.

Your in- or above-ground swimming pool is not just a place of fun and relaxation, it’s also a big investment. Here are ways to protect your pool from storm damage cleanup from a hurricane or other powerful storm.

Keep the Water In Your Pool

Draining your swimming pool or spa before a storm hits will not keep it from overflowing and flooding your property. Properly built or installed pools should be equipped with overflows that will drain excess water. Additionally, the water in your pool will protect your pool's finish from the effects of flying debris.

You may want to lower the water level slightly, no more than 1 to 2 feet. Otherwise, the hydrostatic pressure can cause the pool to "float" or "pop" out of the ground, according to the Official Broward (Florida) County Hurricane Preparedness Guide.

Prepare Your Pool Equipment

The most significant storm damage to your pool can occur to its pump and motor.

• Turn off the circuit breaker to the pool equipment (pump, motor, lighting, chlorinators, etc.).
• If possible, remove the motor and move it inside, away from water and flooding.
• If you can’t remove the motor, tightly wrap it with plastic and secure it with strapping tape or rope.

If you have time, remove all loose items from the pool area, including filter housings, filter lid, etc.

What to Do After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, do a few essential tasks—basic clean-up and water conditioning—to get the recovery started. You'll want to:

• Resist draining the pool.
• Clean debris from the pool to keep it from staining.
• Balance water pH and super chlorinate (or shock your pool). Run the filter until the water becomes clear.
• Don't allow anyone to use your pool right before or after super chlorination.
• Inspect your pool pump and motor for damage. Let the motor dry for at least 24 hours.
• If you couldn't remove your equipment before the storm and it was underwater, have a professional check it.
• When electricity has returned, call a licensed, insured pool repair company to inspect your pool and equipment thoroughly.

If your home or business suffers damage from a natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, storm and other damage.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

Avoid Electrical Hazards After a Storm

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Downed power lines pose a silent, deadly threat after a storm. Take extreme caution during post-storm cleanup or evacuation.

The winds and rains of hurricanes and other powerful storms can do vast damage to property: flooding, tearing off roofs, breaking windows, tossing cars. Once the storm has passed, though, the danger remains, because of another kind of storm damage: downed power lines. Take this hazard seriously, because an energized power line is a silent threat that can take your life!

If you see downed power lines, stay away and never try to move them. Even if the power is out, don’t assume it’s safe to touch a downed line, because power lines can become re-energized at any time. Always assume that the line is live and that electrocution dangers exist.

Because power poles may be shared by utility, cable, and telephone companies, downed electrical lines can energize these other lines as well. In fact, when everything around the downed lines is wet from the storm, even normally non-conductive materials can become a path for electricity, including:

• metal security fences
• metal buildings, poles and mail boxes
• standing water
• trees, branches and pieces of wood

Cleanup Risks

After a strong windstorm, your yard and neighborhood will likely be covered with tree branches and litter. Power lines often get tangled in branches, posing a serious hazard for anyone trimming branches with a chainsaw.

Piles of debris can also be hidden dangers. A lawn chair, piece of metal siding or ladder could be touching a fence or tree limb that is energized.

Be careful and take a good look around your surroundings before attempting any storm cleanup. And have someone with you who can call for help if you come in contact with energized lines.

Driving After a Storm

If you need to drive during or immediately after a storm (to evacuate, for example), be extremely cautious. Watch for downed power lines, tree limbs and obstructions in the road. Never drive over a downed line with your car!

If your car does make contact with a downed wire, the vehicle could become energized. Stay in your car and roll your window down to shout for help or use a cell phone to dial 911.

But if your car has made contact with an energized wire and catches on fire, you must get out of the car. Take extreme caution: the way you exit the car will determine whether you live to tell about it. Your car’s rubber tires insulate it from the ground, but if you step out while touching part of the vehicle, you will complete the circuit and be electrocuted.

• Remove loose clothing items. Open the car’s door and stand on the floorboard.
• Don’t hang on to any part of the car as you prepare to jump, including the door handle.
• Jump away from the vehicle as far as possible, keeping both feet together. Shuffle away from the car without picking up your feet.

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141