Guide to Prepare for Hurricane Hilary - Southern California

8/18/2023 (Permalink)

Preparing for a Category 5 Hurricane: A Comprehensive Guide

When a Category 5 hurricane is on the horizon, time is of the essence. These powerful storms bring with them catastrophic winds, torrential rain, and life-threatening storm surges. Preparation is critical not only to protect your property but, more importantly, to ensure the safety of your family and yourself. Here's a concise guide to help you prepare:

1. Stay Informed:

• Monitor local news and weather channels. Trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will provide regular updates and advisories.
• Download weather apps. These can give real-time notifications and tracking.

2. Evacuate if Advised:

• Listen to local authorities. If they recommend or mandate evacuation, do so promptly.
• Plan your route. Know multiple routes in case one is blocked.
• Inform someone. Let a family member or friend outside the danger zone know where you're headed.

3. Create an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials including:

• Water and non-perishable food for at least three days (one gallon of water per person per day).
• Medications and a first aid kit.
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-operated radio.
• Important documents (insurance, medical records, bank account numbers) in a waterproof container.
• Cash (as ATMs might be down).
• Chargers for your devices, possibly solar or battery-powered.

4. Secure Your Home:

• Install storm shutters or board up windows using plywood.
• Clear your yard of any potential flying debris such as lawn furniture, tools, and toys.
• Secure doors.
• Consider installing a sump pump if flooding is a concern.

5. Plan for Pets:

• Have a pet emergency kit with food, water, and medications.
• Ensure your pet has a secure carrier or leash.
• Know pet-friendly shelters or hotels on your evacuation route.

6. Protect Your Vehicle:

• Fill up the gas tank. Gas stations could run out or lose power.
• Store it in a garage or secure area if possible.
• Avoid parking under trees or in low-lying areas prone to flooding.

7. Communicate:

• Establish a communication plan with family. Everyone should know who to contact and where to meet if separated.
• Use text or social media to let others know you're safe. Phone lines might be jammed.

8. Be Cautious After the Storm:

• Stay indoors until local authorities declare it's safe.
• Avoid floodwaters. They may be contaminated or electrically charged.
• Inspect your home for damage. Document any issues for insurance claims.
• Be wary of fallen power lines and report them to the utility company.

A Category 5 hurricane is an extreme weather event, but with thorough preparation, you can significantly increase your chances of weathering the storm safely. Remember, while possessions can be replaced, lives cannot. Safety first!

Rain Water Damage

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

Rain. It can be refreshing, soothing, even necessary for life. However, it can also be a source of anxiety and frustration for homeowners, as excessive rain can lead to water damage in our homes.

Rain water damage can manifest in various ways - from leaks in your roof, flooding in your basement or crawl spaces, to issues as serious as structural damage. Unfortunately, these issues often remain hidden until they become significant problems.

One of the most apparent signs of water damage is staining on ceilings or walls, indicating a potential leak. If these signs are ignored, over time, this could lead to the growth of mold, which presents an additional health hazard.

At SERVPRO of Pasadena North, we specialize in recognizing and addressing rain water damage swiftly and effectively. Our team of experienced professionals is trained to identify both visible and hidden water damage, using advanced tools and techniques to ensure no dampness is overlooked.

In the event of heavy rainfall, the first step is to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. If water damage is detected, we'll develop a customized plan to dry, clean, and restore the affected areas. We use the latest equipment, including industrial strength dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers, to accelerate the drying process and prevent the growth of mold.

Beyond addressing the immediate damage, we're also here to help you prevent future rain water damage. From advising on regular maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning and roof inspections, to recommending improvements in drainage systems, we're committed to helping you protect your home in any weather.

Remember, not all effects of rain are soothing and calming; some can be downright disruptive. But with SERVPRO of Pasadena North as your partner in water damage restoration, you can rest easy knowing that even the heaviest rainfall won't dampen your peace of mind.

Rainfall Flooding

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

Here in Southern California we had some heavy rainfall a few days ago in December that effected so many homes and streets. The following counties had street flooding due to rain: San Bernardino, Orange, and LA county. 

Most people were not prepared to see any rain this season so all the usual precautions were not taken to prevent flooding. 

We got several phone calls regarding:

• roof leaks - due to high winds blowing off shingles prior to rainfall
• clogged gutters causing water damage
• Saturated garden beds - which caused water seepage in through common walls of basements, crawlspaces, etc.
• Over flowed sump pumps 
• through cracks in the window seals

If these things are not addressed in a timely manner the possibly of mold growth increases. Be sure to call SERVPRO of Pasadena North (626) 447-4111

Protect Your Home

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

While in any case, we can not control the weather, but we can do our best to protect our homes. In most cases rain storms always damage sidings and the roof. 

Here are a few tips to follow:

• Replace missing or damaged shingles 
• Repair loose sidings
• Update current insurance 
• Keep your gutters clear
• Ensure water can flow away from your home
• Properly seal doors and windows
• Regularly trim your trees
• Keep a generator on hand

If all else fails, SERVPRO is always here to help 24/7 to come and repair water damages. Our team of water experts can help ease the stress of loss to your valuables. 

SERVPRO will be able to extract water that has come in after a storm and help make things as if it never even happened.

Catastrophic damages from Hurricane Ida

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Street in Louisiana

Hurricane season has hit Louisiana hard this week! 

Hurricane Ida has caused catastrophic damage to roads, homes and families in Louisiana. Over 1 million residents are without power at this point and have no idea when to expect lines to be repaired. According to CNN, the National Guard has been dispatched to assist with search and rescue efforts. The American Red Cross has also opened several shelters for those who have lost their homes. We are very grateful to those risking their lives and providing their assistance to those who need it the most right now. 

SERVPRO Storm Team has also activated our strongest franchises nationwide to assist with disaster cleanup in the area. Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Louisiana and the cleanup and rescue crews working tirelessly. 

For live updates on Hurricane Ida visit: https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/ida-updates-08-30-21/index.html

SERVPRO Storm Travel

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Keep it Green!

Did you know SERVPRO Storm Teams travel across the United States to assist overwhelmed local franchises when catastrophic events occur?

Our teams have traveled to: 

• New Mexico 2011- Pipe Freeze

• New Jersey 2011- Hurricane Irene 
• New York 2012- Hurricane Sandy 
• Washington DC 2012- Mid-Atlantic Freeze  
• Oregon 2013- Pipe Freeze 
• Iowa 2014- Flooding

• Ohio 2014- Flooding 

• Kentucky 2014- Pipe Freeze 

• Santa Barbara 2017- Thomas Wildfire

• Ventura County, CA 2018 - Woosley Wildfire
• San Antonio, TX 2021 - Pipe Freeze

As leaders in the water mitigation industry, we have advanced training and expertise. In addition, our crews have a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use our training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to its pre-storm condition. 

Our crews come well equipped with all the resources necessary to clean up after any disaster. Teaming up with our SERVPRO Storm Teams provides us with the advantage of unlimited resources. We understand that the community hit with a catastrophe may not be prepared to handle the overwhelming responsibility of cleaning up, which is why we are here to help! 

Tennessee Flash Flood

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Street in Tennessee

The city of Waverly, Tennessee has suffered a tremendous loss from the flash flood that occurred on Saturday, August 21, 2021. According to CNN, the flash flood has killed 21 residents and damaged several infrastructures, schools and homes.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families in Tennessee who have lost loved ones, friends and their homes. We cannot imagine the pain felt in their town at this time. The damages caused by the flood are devastating and we hope to see Tennessee recover from this. We admire how strong the community is and we are hopeful that they will get through this difficult time.

SERVPRO headquarters is located in Gallatin, Tennessee and our thoughts are also with the family members of our fellow SERVPRO teams.

For more information on the flash flood, visit CNN’s website:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/23/us/tennessee-fatal-flooding-monday/index.html

24-Hour Emergency STORM TEAM

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Our STORM TEAM is currently on multiple job sites in regards to the recent Southern California Fires. We have highly trained technicians ready to be sent wherever they need to be. As a home owner, we advise you to be aware of the mud slides that can come with heavy rain, due to the aftermath of the fires. If you look at the videos on our website you can see how close the fire got to the homes. Through experience and knowledge about fire restoration we highly recommend you consult with an environmental consultant to test for soot and then call SERVPRO of Pasadena North for the cleanup if need be. Keep in mind that we are a 24-hour emergency service company. Please give us a call at (626) 447-4111 to set up an appointment for your free estimate.

SERVPRO Storm Team

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Our heart and prayers go out to those who were effected by the recent wildfires in Southern California. Such catastrophic events can leave many feeling hopeless and confused on what to do next. Be cautious of soot, smoke and ash damage that may have risen, as a part of the aftermath from the fires. If your home or business were near any of the fires, your property may have been afflicted. We here at SERVPRO Pasadena North, are apart of a Storm Team that specializes in emergency restoration when events like this occur. Storm Teams are comprised of multiple SERVPRO franchises, all of which share the same goal of getting the home/business owner back to their home/business as quickly as possible. We can ensure that you receive the highest standard of customer service, to help make the transition of restoring your home as smooth as possible.

Large Loss at Local Airport

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

This large loss was caused by an overnight storm. Over 12" of water affected nearly 7,000 sq ft. of office space, lobby and break-room areas.

We received the call early Friday morning and within an hour we had a crew on-site. They began the mitigation process by removing carpets, baseboards and cutting walls. Once that phase was complete our crew began the drying process by placing air movers and utilizing our desiccant. We used two generators to minimize any business interruption. After six days, the drying process was completed and ready for reconstruction. 

At SERVPRO of Pasadena North our technicians are all certified and ready to assist with any size damage. We specialize in effective drying procedures with our state of the art equipment. We are a 24-Hour emergency response service. We leave it, "Like it never even happened."

Storm Awareness

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S.?

Heavy rainstorms can cause significant flooding, overflowing levees or dams, contributing to flash floods and mudslides. Although, California does not commonly experience heavy rain from time to time. This could potentially put property like your home or business at risk. 

Tips to help avoid flooding for your home or business: 

• Prepare your property by installing rain gutters and other drainage systems. (Clean out rain gutters frequently.)

• Understanding the flood risk in your area and fix any leaks IMMEDIATELY.

• Extra roof protection by investing and installing a rubber roof underlayment (waterproof barrier that goes under the shingles and protects the roof from water intrusion). 

Tips for drivers during the rainy season

• Avoid cruise control (This feature works great in dry conditions, but when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase).

• When driving, slow down and leave room in front of you (slowing down suddenly during wet conditions is critical and can increase a car’s chance of hydroplaning).

If you do experience flood damage in your home or business SERVPRO of Pasadena North is here to help leave it, "Like it never even happened."

Call us at (626)447-4111

Communities During Storm

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

With the recent fires in Southern California, the key thing to remember is to not panic. In times like this, staying calm and addressing the problem correctly can go a long way. These wild fires made it from the San Fernando Valley all the way to the hills of Santa Barbara, where our Storm Team and SERVPRO of Pasadena North have been dispatched. They are working diligently to begin the cleanup and restoration process for the properties that have been effected. Our customers have been looking out for each other, by staying in communication to coordinate their schedules and give each other updates on the latest fire status. During times like this, we see how well connected the community is. When our clients are at ease, it means making it “Like it never even happened,” that much easier. We appreciate the patience and great feedback we have received from our customers.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Contact SERVPRO of Pasadena North (626) 447-4111

Communities During Storm

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

The recent fires in Southern California, the key thing to remember is to not panic. In times like this, staying calm and addressing the problem correctly can go a long way. These wild fires made it from the San Fernando Valley all the way to the hills of Santa Barbara, where our Storm Team and SERVPRO of Pasadena Noth have been dispatched. They are working diligently to begin the cleanup and restoration process for the properties that have been effected. During times like this, we see how well connected the community is. Our customers have been looking out for each other, by staying in communication to coordinate their schedules and give each other updates on the latest fire status. When our clients are at ease, it makes making it “Like it never even happened.” that much easier. We appreciate the patience and great feedback we have received from our customers.