Recent Storm Damage Posts
What Are the Most Vulnerable Areas of Your Home During a Storm
1/10/2023 (Permalink)
During a storm, wind can blow and break your windows leading to water damage.
The best way to protect your home from a storm is to know what areas are most vulnerable to damage. This will help you identify if you need to make any repairs or if there are any safety concerns. You may think that the most important places to focus on would be doors and windows, but these aren't always the most at-risk spots of your house when it comes to storms. Here are some other parts of your home that might need extra attention during bad weather.
Doors
Things like doors are the first line of defense against damage to your home. That’s why it’s so important that they be strong enough to withstand wind, rain, and debris. If a door isn’t properly fortified, it can spell disaster for you and your family during a storm.
Windows
Windows are one of the most vulnerable areas of your home during a storm. Wind can blow through windows, breaking them and leading to water damage. Flying debris can also break or crack windows by hitting them at high speed. Wind pressure during a hurricane or strong thunderstorm may even be enough to shatter glass, which makes it even more important to protect your windows with shutters or plywood if you live in an area prone to these kinds of storms.
Roof
The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home during a storm. When the wind and rain come in full force, the roof can be seriously damaged. If that happens, it will no longer be able to withstand the weather as well as it used to. As a result, water damage can occur inside of your home or on other parts of your property.
Another reason why roofs are so important to protect during storms is because they protect all the other aspects of your house from water damage (like walls). If water gets into these areas after being absorbed by shingles or tar paper on top of them then you could end up with mold growth before long!
Siding
Siding is the outer covering of your house, which protects it from weather and insects. It can be made from wood, vinyl, stone, or brick. Siding protects the walls of your home by keeping out moisture and providing a barrier against pests like termites.
If you have siding on your house that's damaged by high winds or hail during a storm, contact an experienced contractor to repair it as soon as possible before water damage sets in or mold starts to grow inside of the walls.
Making sure you have the right storm protection system for your home can help to protect it from all kinds of natural disasters. You can find out more about what types of systems are available and what their benefits are at our website or give us a call today!
2002 Hurricane Season Information
4/11/2022 (Permalink)
See These Safety Tips From Weather.gov
"Hurricanes are among nature's most powerful and destructive phenomena. On average, 12 tropical storms, 6 of which become hurricanes form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during the hurricane season which runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.
While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.
- Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.
- Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
- Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
- Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
- Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
- Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore."
See more:weather.gov
Solar Panel Storm Damage Information
4/10/2022 (Permalink)
Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and surrounding areas experience all kinds of different storms throughout the year. Many of these storms cause little concern and do little damage to your home. However, high winds, rain, and other conditions may be a concern to the owner of solar panels.
Hail Stones
Hail storms may not be common in your area, but they can create various problems for property owners. You may wonder about panel damage if hail starts falling, but you can have peace of mind knowing that these panels should not be affected.
The panels are made of tempered glass and highly flexible material, and are built to withstand impact from rock, hail or other materials.
Wind
While high winds can cause roof damage, they are much less likely to cause panel damage. Your solar panels are designed to withstand up to 140-mph winds. This means they can hold up against hurricanes and other less potent storms.
Snow and Rain
If you purchase a high-quality set of panels, they should last 25 years or more. They are well-equipped to handle a rainstorm or a snowstorm. The glass portion of the panels has protection from any negative effects from precipitation.
Power Outage Preparedness
12/11/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove has some helpful tips here from Ready.gov in case your power goes out from damaging storms such as snow, ice or rain.
"Preparing for a Power Outage
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity. Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life
Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher."
To find more information about power outages and how you can maximize your supplies and food, go to https://www.ready.gov/power-outages.
Ready.gov Power Outage Tips!
12/10/2021 (Permalink)
Winter is fast approaching, and with that could mean heavy snowfalls and ice. Sometimes the heaviness of the storm can lead to downed trees and powerlines, causing the electricity to go out in large areas for extended periods of time. SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to be safe and conserve heat this winter. Please pass these tips along to your friends that may experience a power outage! Here are some tips from Ready.gov to help get you through a power outage:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
See more here: Power Outage Tips
NOAA Winter Prediction
12/1/2021 (Permalink)
The 2021-2022 U.S. Winter Outlook map for precipitation from the NOAA website.
Winter storms can produce heavy snow and ice that could lead to power outages, broken/frozen pipes and weak roofs collapsing. Being prepared could help prevent a disaster from happening. SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to be prepared for what this coming winter potentially has to offer.
Here's a look ahead according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):"Above-average temperatures are favored across the South and most of the eastern U.S. as La Nina climate conditions have emerged for the second winter in a row according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service. In NOAA’s 2021 Winter Outlook — which extends from December 2021 through February 2022 — wetter-than-average conditions are anticipated across portions of the Northern U.S., primarily in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and western Alaska."
To see more, visit NOAA.gov.
If your property suffers from a frozen pipe or roof leak, give us a call at 570-523-3300. "There's a Pro for that!" here at SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove.
Farmer's Almanac Predictions Are In!
10/15/2021 (Permalink)
"HOW DOES THE ALMANAC PREDICT THE WEATHER?
By tradition, The Old Farmer’s Almanac employs three scientific disciplines to make long-range predictions: solar science, the study of sunspots and other solar activity; climatology, the study of prevailing weather patterns; and meteorology, the study of the atmosphere. We predict weather trends and events by comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity.
For the 2021–2022 weather predictions, the important factors which shape the weather include a weak La Niña, a continued warm phase in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), a neutral to positive phase in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) in the early stages of its warm cycle. In addition, we are in the early stages of Solar Cycle 25, which is expected to bring very low solar activity—historically associated with cooler temperatures, on average, across Earth."
For our region, The Appalachian Region, the Farmer's Almanac predicts that "winter will be colder and drier than normal, with near-normal snowfall. The coldest periods will be in early, mid-, and late December; through much of January; and in early and mid-February. The snowiest periods will be in early December, early January, and mid-February."
To see more: Farmer's Almanac, Winter Extended Forecast
Call SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove if the cold weather causes any damage to your property!
2021 Hurricane Season Predictions Are In!
4/9/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane season for 2021 has been predicted to be a fairly active hurricane season, based on a few factors that the researchers at the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project have been studying. Though officially beginning June 1, 2021 and lasting until November 30, 2021, hurricane season can also have some surprise storms in the months leading up to it. Here's some information from The Weather Channel's article:
At a Glance
- A total of 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes are expected this season.
- This is above the 30-year average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes.
If your home or business is struck by damaging winds or rain this hurricane season, call us at SERVPRO of Lewisburg Selinsgrove IMMEDIATELY at 570-523-3300. The quicker our professionals can get to your damage, the more likely we are to be able to save your property!
For more information about this year's hurricane season, click here: 2021 Hurricane Outlook.
Hurricane Tips for Property Managers
4/9/2021 (Permalink)
Hurricane season begins on June 1. As a property manager, it’s important to make sure that a storm preparedness plan is in place well beforehand for the safety of your residents, staff, and property. Prepare for potential storm damage by:
1. Developing a Procedures Handbook
A property management company should have a hurricane procedures handbook prepared before the hurricane season begins. Include emergency numbers and contact information for staff. Also, outline the roles of each staff member, as well as their responsibilities, indicating essential personnel. Collaborate with all staff and make sure that everyone is on the same page with company policies, emergency procedures, and staff availability.
2. Sharing the Plan With Residents
Have a reliable way of reaching out to residents of the property. Many property managers will update tenants via an automated alert system, sending text messages and emails. Give each resident storm preparedness information familiarizing them with shelter areas, pre-storm procedures for their property as a whole, as well as instructions on how to prepare their residences.
3. Reviewing Insurance and Contracts
Review the property’s insurance policies to make sure that it’s adequately covered. Also, make sure that contracts with landscaping, construction, and mitigation companies are in place so that work can begin immediately after storm damage is incurred.
4. Performing Outdoor Maintenance
When you first hear that a hurricane is likely, begin preparing the outdoor areas. This maintenance includes cleaning gutters, trimming tree limbs and securing outdoor items such as furniture, signs, flower pots and trashcans. Get residents to bring their belongings inside from patios and balconies. Take time-stamped “before” photos or videos of the property for insurance claims purposes. Make sure that important computer documents are backed up to the cloud or an off-site hard drive.
Call SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove if any of your properties are hit by damaging winds or rain at 570-523-3300.
SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove's Winter Storm Tips
12/9/2020 (Permalink)
Brrrr..... the cold weather is coming, and with it whipping wind, damaging ice and heavy snow. SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to have some tips to keep you and your home warm this winter season!
- Heat rises, and will escape through a poorly insulated attic. Add more insulation! Fiberglass insulation comes in rolls with paper backing that you can roll and tack up to winterize your home.
- Use water resistant caulk on the outside of buildings to caulk around cracks in door and window framing.
- Add weather stripping to doors and windows when winterizing buildings.
- Installing outlet gaskets to electric outlets located on outer walls will eliminate drafts.
- Have your furnace serviced and replace the air filter. Dirty air filters clog the flow of air and could start a fire.
- Service your wood or coal stove. Have a professional chimney sweep come out to clean and inspect your stove and flue.
- Close off rooms that are not in use. Try to confine areas in your home that don’t require heating.
- Keep our phone number handy in case of any emergency. Call SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove at (570) 523-3300
Farmer's Almanac 2020-2021 Winter Predictions from the SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove Area!
12/9/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove likes to be completely prepared to help you in the event of large storms, extreme cold spells or other winter disasters. The Farmer's Almanac is one of our go-tos to have an idea of what the future seasons might bring to our area. This is what the Farmer's Almanac has to say about our area this coming winter season:
"If you love the cold of winter, you’re going to love our forecast if you live in the northern half of the country.
Remember last year’s almost snow-free winter in the Northeast? Well, this year our prediction is very different, with the possibility of a blizzard hitting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states during the second week of February. This storm may bring up to 1-2 feet of snow to cities from Washington, D.C. to Boston, Massachusetts!"
See more here: Farmer's Almanac 2020-2021 Winter Predictions.
If you experience a damage due to the cold or snow that they are predicting this winter season, give SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove a call at 570-523-3300! We're open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have a full staff of highly trained and customer-service-oriented professionals ready to tackle your disaster!
Power Outage Tips From SERVPRO
12/1/2020 (Permalink)
Storms can shatter windows, tear down power lines with fallen trees, and cause major flooding put our homes at risk for losing electricity. A power outage can last minutes, hours, or sometimes days if enough damage has occurred. When we lose power things like home temperature control, household chores, personal hygiene and outside communication become a concern. Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove to help you and your family get through a power outage safely:
If You Know A Storm Is Coming
Having a fully-powered cellphone or corded land line can be crucial during an emergency since you will not be able to charge your phone or use a cordless phone. Keep your cellphone use to a minimum to help preserve the phone’s battery life. Write down important numbers and addresses of local hospitals or storm shelters on paper to limit unnecessary cellphone use. For other devices like flashlights and radios, keep back-up batteries. As power outages limit your ability to cook or preserve perishable food, be sure to stock cabinets with non-perishable foods such as granola bars or dried fruit. Lastly, if you have any medications that require refrigeration, have a back-up refrigeration plan in place beforehand. Consider a portable or whole-home generator.
During the Power Outage
Generators may be used to temporarily plug in electrical appliances. It is important to remember that generators emit high concentration levels of carbon monoxide, so keeping your generator outside of your home or garage is crucial. If any electrical appliances are not being powered by a generator, make sure that they are unplugged in order to protect them from damage resulting from power surges. Refrain from opening freezer or refrigerator doors so they stay cold inside since they can lose their cool temperatures within hours and potentially spoil the food inside. Finally, it is possible to cook perishable food on a gas stove, but gas stoves should never be used to heat your home.
Flooding in your Lewisburg/Selinsgrove Area Home?
10/15/2020 (Permalink)
Flood water damage can happen almost anywhere. Some places are in 100 year flood-zones, some experience flash flooding due to heavy rains or fast snow melt, and some experience hurricanes or other weather phenomenon. Regardless of where the flood stems from, it's essential to know how to handle it properly to ensure minimum damage. If a water damage is not taken care of properly it can result in mold and/or rot to your home.
If you notice your home being flooded, the first thing you want to do is prevent any more water from entering the home. Sump pumps and adequate drainage systems are paramount in preventing water damage to your home. Routinely check to ensure no debris or blockages are preventing your drainage system from guiding the water away from your house. In cases where weather may knock out power, keep a generator ready so that you can ensure your sump pump runs continuously to help prevent flooding.
If you experience a flood in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove immediately. The faster our professionals can get to your home, the quicker the remediation process can begin and the less damage your home will endure.
Business Owner's Winter Storm Preparation
12/9/2019 (Permalink)
Winter weather can lead to dangerous work or travel conditions. An ice or snow storm can lead to property damage or employees being unable to use the workplace. SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to have these three essentials tips for making dealing with winter storms more efficient:
- Know What You Are Up Against-Winter weather varies greatly depending on any seasonal weather phenomena or advancing air fronts. There are several types of winter storms. A blizzard is the most dangerous because of extremely limited visibility, frigid wind chill and dangerously strong winds. An ice storm may not sound as dangerous like a blizzard, but it can lead to a power outage, frozen pipe burst or employee harm. Luckily, weather services offer a winter storm warning. You have at least twelve hours to prepare. There are also “winter storm watches” that should still be heeded even though it’s only a chance of a snow storm. The weather forecast is one of the most helpful prevention tools.
- Keep the Building Secure From Weather Threats- An inspection by yourself or a professional during the early winter can catch potential hazards. Leaks and cracks in the structure could lead to collapse from heavy snow or harsh winds. Computers should be secured and backed up in case of sudden or extended power loss. If it’s safe to do so during winter, snow and ice should consistently be removed from roofs and sidewalks.
- Plan Ahead and Know Whom to Call- A major snow storm is likely disruptive and needs an actionable plan. Employees should be informed of any potential to work from home instead of risking the roads. A local storm damage restoration company should be kept in a contact list of emergency services, so you can treat severe weather damage or stop any minor damage from deteriorating. Things can be kept both functional and safe by acting early. After all, preparation is much cheaper than reparation.
Winter Storm Season Has ARRIVED!
12/5/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to be armed with the knowledge to face any type of storm that winter sends our way! Here is some information from Wikipedia about winter storms:
- A winter storm is an event in which varieties of precipitation are formed that only occur at low temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are low enough to allow ice to form (i.e. freezing rain). In temperate continental climates, these storms are not necessarily restricted to the winter season, but may occur in the late autumn and early spring as well. Very rarely, they may form in summer, though it would have to be an abnormally cold summer, such as the summer of 1816 in the Northeastern United States.
TYPES OF STORMS
- Snowstorms are storms where large amounts of snow fall. This is the most common storm people think of when they think "winter storm"
- Graupel is otherwise known as snow pellets. Ice crystals fall through a cloud of super-cooled droplets—minute cloud droplets that have fallen below freezing temperature but have not frozen. The ice crystal plows into the super-cooled droplets and they immediately freeze to it.
- Ice Pellets are commonly referred to as sleet. Out ahead of the passage of a warm front, falling snow may partially melt and refreeze into a frozen rain drop before it reaches the ground. Because it is easily seen and does not accumulate ice, it is not as dangerous as freezing rain.
- Rime is a milky white accumulation of super-cooled cloud or fog droplets that freeze when they strike an object that has a temperature of 32 °F (0 °C), the freezing point of water. The process is called riming when super-cooled cloud droplets attach to ice crystals in the formation of graupel. Rime ice can pose a hazard to an airliner when it forms on a wing as an aircraft flies through a cloud of super-cooled droplets.
See more Winter Storm Information here.
What Does the Winter Look Like for the SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove Area?
11/21/2019 (Permalink)
Here is the Outlook according to FarmerAlmanac.com
Updated winter weather predictions have been posted on the Farmer's Almanac! SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove wants you to be prepared with this information- which is 80.5% accurate! Here is the prediction for the Appalachian Region of the United States according to Almanac:
Will There Be ICE?:
"In the U.S., prepare to shiver with below-normal winter temperatures from the Heartland westward to the Pacific and in the Desert Southwest, Pacific Southwest, and Hawaii but above normal winter temperatures elsewhere. The cold will continue through Valentine’s Day—providing the perfect excuse to stay indoors and snuggle! But be warned: Winter will not be over yet!
For some parts of the country, frigid and frosty conditions will last well into spring, bringing little relief to the winter-weary. “This could feel like the never-ending winter, particularly in the Midwest and east to the Ohio Valley and Appalachians, where wintery weather will last well into March and even through the first days of spring,”."
Will It Rain On Our Parade?:
"The middle of the country and New England can bank on a slush fund, as “more wet than white” conditions will leave sludgy messes that freeze during the overnights. Meanwhile, much of the Deep South will be saturated by soakers. As winter rages, the tip of the nice-berg will be Florida, the Gulf Coast, and Texas, which will bask in pleasant weather."
Call SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove at (570) 523-3500 for all of your storm disaster or freezing emergencies!
Red Cross Safety Tips To Prepare For Impending Hurricanes
9/3/2019 (Permalink)
Photo taken from wect.com video of Hurricane Dorian destruction.
With the hurricane season only being halfway over, SERVPRO of Lewisburg/Selinsgrove has some safety tips for you directly from the American Red Cross website:
How to Prepare Before a Hurricane
Protecting Your Family
- Talk with your family about what to do if a hurricane strikes. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children
- Make sure you have access to NOAA radio broadcasts:
- Search for a NOAA radio app in the Apple Store >> or Google Play>>
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. You may need quick, easy access to these documents. Keep them in a safe place less likely to be damaged if a hurricane causes flooding. Take pictures on a phone and keep copies of important documents and files on a flashdrive that you can carry with you on your house or car keys.
Protecting Your Pets & Animals
Protecting Your Home
- Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in one-half inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows.
- Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trash cans (away from stairs and exits) to prevent them from being moved by high winds and possibly hurting someone.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings.
- Remember that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding but flood insurance does. Get information at www.FloodSmart.gov.
Go to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html for more information on hurricane and other types of preparedness.
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