Preparing Your Home and Business for Storm Season: Essential Tips from SERVPRO of San Marcos/ New Braunfels

5/1/2024 (Permalink)

As storm season 2024 approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your home and business are adequately prepared to withstand the potential challenges that severe weather may bring. At SERVPRO of San Marcos/ New Braunfels, we understand the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding your property and mitigating the risk of storm-related damage. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Inspect and Maintain Roofing and Gutters: Start by inspecting your roofing system for any signs of damage or wear. Repair loose or damaged shingles, and ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water backup and potential leaks during heavy rainfall.

2. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches can pose a significant risk during storms, potentially causing damage to your property or nearby structures. Trim trees and shrubs regularly to reduce the risk of falling branches and debris.

3. Secure Outdoor Furniture and Equipment: Secure or store outdoor furniture, equipment, and other loose items to prevent them from becoming projectiles in high winds. Anchor down or bring indoors any items that could cause damage if picked up by strong gusts.

4. Seal Windows and Doors: Ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent water intrusion during storms. Consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing existing windows with protective coverings to minimize the risk of damage from flying debris.

5. Backup Power and Emergency Supplies: Invest in a backup power generator to keep essential systems running during power outages. Stock up on emergency supplies, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies, to ensure you're prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.

6. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan for your household or business, including evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and contact information for emergency services. Ensure that all occupants are familiar with the plan and practice emergency drills regularly.

7. Stay Informed: Stay informed about weather forecasts and updates from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts and monitor weather conditions closely during storm season to take timely action and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

By following these proactive measures and preparing your home and business in advance, you can minimize the risk of storm-related damage and ensure that you're ready to weather any storm that comes your way. At SERVPRO of San Marcos/ New Braunfels, we're here to help you every step of the way and provide prompt, professional restoration services should you ever need assistance in the aftermath of a storm. Stay safe, stay prepared, and let's weather the storm season together.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Each September, National Preparedness month encourages to help prepare communities, homeowners, and business owners to prepare for disasters and emergencies.

Preparing for natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods can greatly reduce the risks to your home, health, and environment.

Here are some items you should have handy for when a storm hits:

• Water – at least one gallon per person for several days
• Food – nonperishable food is best in case of a power outage
• Battery powered flashlights and radio with extra batteries
• First aid kits
• Local maps
• Prescription Medications
• Pain relievers and other over the counter medications
• Baby formula, diapers and wipes
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Matches
• Paper plates, utensils, and cups
• Some fun things to do such as books, games, and puzzles

Storms can hit at any moment, and we won’t always be in the same place. Therefore, it is also important to prepare supplies for home, work, and cars. Have dedicated spaces for your emergency kits in the common places that you and your family are located.

If your home or property has received any storm damage, call on SERVPRO of San Marcos/New Braunfels at (830) 625-0578. We are experienced in storm damage restoration, and We are Here to Help®

Keeping Your Yard Storm Ready

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

As the summer months end and the fall begins this also means winter storms are headed our way. If you live in an area that is commonly affected by severe weather storms, then properly preparing your homes landscape is imperative. According the National Weather Service, storm damage causes nearly $15 Billion in damage per year. Here are some important tips for keeping your landscape storm-ready.

• Trim Your Trees

Proper pruning is important to improve tree health and wind resistance. Removing dead tree limbs that are a hazard is one way you can prepare your landscape. This way the tree limbs can not break off during a storm and cause damage to your home or other properties surrounding the area.

• Protect Potted Plants and Equipment

Move all potted plants and planters inside your garage or another protected area. If they are too big to bring inside, move them to a corner and tip them on their side if not heavily protected. Stow away any patio furniture, lawn equipment, and BBQ pits as well.

• Inspect the Roof

Inspect your roof and note if there are any roof repairs in need, such as shingle replacement, patching holes, and securing loose object as soon as possible.

• Prep your pool

If you have a pool or hot tub, cover it if possible before a storm arrives to prevent debris from entering the water. Turn off power to heaters, pumps, filters and lights in case of a power outage.

The best preparation you can do is keeping your family, home and yard safe during storm season and stay informed about potential weather threats. Stay tuned to local weather forecasts and community evacuation routes.

If you find yourself effected by storm damage, SERVPRO of San Marcos/New Braunfels are water damage specialists who are ready to get your property back to pre-storm condition. Call Us Today (830) 625-0578

Tips for when Stormy Weather Hits

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Getting your home back into shape after a big weather storm may require more than a bucket and a mop. For many people, when a storm hits the aftermath may include debris, flood waters, power outages, shattered glass and damages to your home. Here are a few tips to help save your home and keep your family safe.

• Avoid an Electrical Disaster - With heavy rain, flooding in inevitable. If water makes it way into your home, make sure the power is turned off even if there is a widespread power outage. Locate your fuse box and turn your main breakers off.
• Be Prepared with Protective Gear - Be sure to wear protective clothing like rubber boots and gloves. You will be wading through water that has met many foreign objects and substances including chemicals, sewage and garbage.
• Have your Insurance Policy Easily Accessible - Call your insurance company and document all damage. Homeowners insurance coverage varies depending on your policy but most have an option to cover flooding due to acts of nature.

After you handle the above-mentioned, consider finding an honest, reputable restoration company.

SERVPRO of San Marco/New Braunfels has served the Hays County community for the past 37 years and

is capable of aiding you in filing your insurance claims.

Our franchise knows your family’s well-being is your number one priority and wants everyone to be safe. Allow us to be there to help eliminate some of the burdens you’re facing in the aftermath of any storm destruction inflicted upon your home.

We have trained technicians on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to take action when needed.

If you need emergency clean up or restoration work, call us any time at (830) 625- 0578.

3 reasons why Spring is the most Volatile Season

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is known for its rapidly changing weather including severe flooding, major thunderstorms, big temperature changes and high winds. This is due to the battle between warmer air pushing forward and the last of the colder air plunging south.

 Here are some facts and things to look out for during the spring transition.

1. Tornado threats are higher

Tornado outbreaks are most often associated with the changing weather conditions in springtime. These increase around March and peak in April, May and even to June. Tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300mph! This can damage many structures through storm surge and rainfall caused flooding

2. Spring Floods

Flash flooding is an increased threat in spring as thunderstorms are predicted at a higher rate. Thunderstorms can produce rainfall rates of more than an inch per hour. If heavy rain persists for several hours at a time in a particular area this can cause major flash flooding.

3. Changing temperatures

During the spring transition from cool to warm weather the air around us heats up. When these two combine this causes the air to rise and moisture escapes in the form of rain and storms. This leads to a extremely wet spring. Towards the end of spring when temperature swings are less common, we see less storms and more warm weather. This is where we get the saying April showers brings may flowers!

Test Your Flood Knowledge

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

The city of San Marcos is very familiar with flooding events happening in the area. In 2015, two floods wiped out much of San Marcos. The flood in May 2015 has been estimated to equal a 250-year flood event. 

Were you aware, there are five types of floods? 

They are:

• River Flood
• Coastal Flood
• Storm Surge
• Inland Flooding
• Flash Flood

Let's continue to test your flood knowledge with the following questions.

1) A flash flood is a flood that:

A. is caused by heavy rain rather than from the flooding of a river

B. occurs in urban areas

C. occurs suddenly and unexpectedly and for a short duration

D. is caused by the blocking of drains.

2) Flood risk refers to:

A. the chance of a flood occurring

B. the number of people and properties exposed to floodwaters if a flood occurs

C. the vulnerability of people and properties that are exposed to floodwaters

D. all of the above.

3) According to the National Flood Insurance Program, what's the chance of the average American home sustaining flood damage in the course of a 30-year mortgage?

A. 14 percent

B. 26 percent

C. 48 percent

4) How much rapidly moving water can knock a person down?

A. 3 inches (8 centimeters)

B. 6 inches (15 centimeters)

C. 1 foot (30 centimeters)

5) Which of these can cause floods?

A. Rainfall

B. Ice jam

C. Snowmelt

D. All of the Above

Answers:

1. C) occurs suddenly and unexpectedly and for a short duration
2. D) all of the above.
3. B) 26 percent
4. B) 6 inches (15 centimeters)
5. D) All of the Above

How to Protect Your Personal Items During an Electrical Storm

2/12/2022 (Permalink)

There is a dark overcast above a residential area with lightning striking a home.

An electrical storm is a violent atmospheric disturbance in which air is highly charged with static electricity, causing a storm.

Although an electrical storm isn't the most dangerous of disasters, it can still cause a lot of damage to homes and start fires.

Start by Protecting Your Gadgets: Unplug computers and phone lines, and unplug corded telephones and sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges.

Don't Wait for Flames: Call your local fire department immediately if your home gets hit. Lightning strikes can cause small fires inside walls that smolder for hours before noticing anything.

Be Safe: Lightning may strike nearby electrical and phone lines and travel to your home. Avoid contact with electrical appliances and telephones (landlines). In addition, lightning strikes can travel through metal plumbing pipes. So avoid sitting on the toilet and don't shower or bathe during electrical storms.

Proper Landscaping Could Prevent Excessive Flood Damage to Your Residence

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

When preparing your residence for a possible flooding situation, most homeowners are more concerned about the interior of their property than the exterior.

However, landscaping should be a consideration, especially if you live in an area with a high probability of flooding.

Here are a few benefits of landscaping:

1. Consider adding drainage next to your driveway through channel drains, pavers, or other landscaping-based solutions to avoid rainwater runoff on your paved driveway, which can increase your home’s risk for flooding. Two options are to add drainage areas near driveways by installing a gravel or spaced paver driveway.
2. Planting new grass can reduce the impact of floods. The root structure of grass can help absorb water. It’s essential to research what kind of grass would be most effective for your region. Once it grows in, avoid cutting your lawn too short, which weakens the roots and can lead to flooding in your yard and possibly your home.
3. Using mulch in the garden can prevent water from flowing toward your home. In garden areas graded away from your home, fill with a few inches of mulch. The mulch will help keep soil in place and hold in rainwater. If mulching near your home, make sure the mulch is at least six inches from your siding to avoid moisture wicking and rotting of your home’s exterior.