Weather Alerts and Emergency Notification Services in North Carolina

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Being prepared for unexpected weather events is essential to keep our loved ones and property safe. In North Carolina, where residents have experienced hurricanes, tornadoes, and various storms, staying informed on weather alerts, and emergency notifications is crucial. Our SERVPRO® team has compiled a list of reliable services that can provide timely and accurate information on weather conditions in North Carolina.

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

One of the most reliable sources for weather alerts is NOAA's National Weather Service. Their service provides accurate forecasts, storm-related updates, and alerts for potential threats.

• Website: https://www.weather.gov/
• Social Media: Follow your local weather forecast offices on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.

2. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

WEA is a federal government initiative that sends out emergency notifications directly to your mobile device. Compatible devices receive automatic alerts for severe weather events, evacuations, and other emergencies.

• For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/alerts

3. Local TV and Radio Stations

Local news broadcasters in North Carolina, especially during severe weather events, provide continuous coverage of emergency situations. Tune in to your favorite TV or radio station to receive the latest updates during a weather emergency.

4. ReadyNC Mobile App

The ReadyNC mobile app is designed for North Carolina residents to help them stay informed and prepared. The app provides real-time updates on weather forecasts, road conditions, and evacuation routes during an emergency.

• Download: Available for iOS and Android devices.
• Website: https://readync.org/

5. CodeRED Weather Warning

CodeRED is an emergency notification service that informs residents of severe weather and natural disasters in their area through phone calls, emails, or text messages.

• Note: Verify whether your local city or county uses this service.
• Registration: Visit https://www.onsolve.com/ to subscribe to the service.

6. Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS)

CoCoRaHS is a community of volunteers dedicated to monitoring and documenting precipitation. Their reports are accessible online, enabling you to stay informed on current and historical precipitation.

• Website: https://www.cocorahs.org/

Remember, knowledge and preparedness are the keys to staying safe during severe weather events. And if you ever experience storm damage to your property, SERVPRO® of West Mecklenburg County is always here to help. Our team of professionals specializes in storm damage restoration, making it "Like it never even happened." Stay informed, stay safe, and rely on our expertise whenever you need assistance.

Creating An Emergency Response Plan for Storms

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

Charlotte, North Carolina, with its vibrant urban lifestyle and picturesque surroundings, is no stranger to the unpredictability of Southeast storms. As a homeowner, being prepared for potential storms is essential to ensure the safety of your family and the protection of your property. In this informative guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a comprehensive emergency response planning checklist tailored to Southeast storms in the Charlotte area. By having a well-thought-out plan in place, you can navigate stormy weather with confidence and peace of mind.

Know Your Risk

Understanding the types of storms that typically affect the Charlotte area is the first step in emergency preparedness:

Research Storm Patterns: Learn about common storm types, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, thunderstorms, and winter storms, that can impact the region.

Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with local emergency management resources and websites that provide up-to-date storm information.

Develop a Family Communication Plan

Creating a family communication plan ensures that everyone is on the same page and knows what to do in the event of a storm:

Contact List: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, and local authorities.

Emergency Meeting Place: Designate a safe meeting place where your family can gather if you need to evacuate your home.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that can sustain your family's needs for at least three days:

Food and Water: Pack non-perishable food items, bottled water, and a manual can opener.

First Aid Supplies: Include a first aid kit, prescription medications, and essential medical supplies.

Clothing and Bedding: Pack extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to stay warm and dry.

Secure Your Property

Take steps to safeguard your property and minimize potential damage:

Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim branches and shrubs that could become hazards during strong winds or heavy rainfall.

Anchor Outdoor Items: Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

Review Insurance Coverage

Ensure that your homeowner's insurance policy adequately covers storm-related damage:

Policy Review: Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for storm damage, including wind, rain, and flooding.

Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowner's insurance may not cover flood-related damage.

Create a Shelter Plan

Identify safe spaces within your home where your family can take shelter during a storm:

Interior Rooms: Choose interior rooms on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and doors.

Emergency Supplies: Keep your emergency kit and necessary supplies in or near your designated shelter areas.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about storm developments and local emergency alerts is crucial:

Weather Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and notifications from local news sources, radio stations, and weather apps.

Emergency Radio: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio to receive updates in case of power outages.

Evacuation Plan

In the event of an evacuation, be prepared to leave your home safely and efficiently:

Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters.

Transportation: Plan for transportation options if you don't have access to a vehicle during an evacuation.

Creating a comprehensive emergency response planning checklist tailored to Southeast storms in the Charlotte area is an essential step in safeguarding your family, property, and peace of mind. By knowing your risk, developing a family communication plan, assembling an emergency kit, securing your property, reviewing insurance coverage, creating a shelter plan, staying informed, and having an evacuation plan, you can face stormy weather with confidence and readiness. Remember, being well-prepared is the key to effectively managing the challenges that storms may bring, and your efforts can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

Tackling Roof Leaks: A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Repairing a Leaking Roof

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

A leaking roof can be a homeowner's nightmare, causing damage to the interior of a house and potentially compromising its structural integrity. When faced with a roof leak, it's essential to act swiftly and efficiently to minimize the damage and restore the integrity of your home. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean up a leaking roof, ensuring a thorough and effective recovery process.

Ensure Safety First

Before starting any cleanup efforts, prioritize your safety. If there is water pooling or if the leak has caused a significant structural compromise, consider evacuating the affected area and contacting a professional roofer to assess the situation.

Identify the Source of the Leak

Locate the exact point where the water is entering the building. It may not always be directly above the visible signs of the leak, as water can travel along internal structures. Inspect the roof and look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or any other potential causes of the leak.

Contain and Remove Standing Water

If there is standing water on your roof or in the affected area, use buckets, mops, or wet/dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible. It's crucial to prevent further water damage to the interior of your home.

Dry and Dehumidify

Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to facilitate airflow and speed up the drying process. Remove any wet or damaged materials from the affected area, such as insulation, drywall, or carpeting, to prevent mold growth and further damage.

Repair the Roof

Once the area is dry, it's time to address the underlying cause of the leak. Depending on the issue, you may need to replace damaged shingles, repair flashing, or seal any cracks or gaps in the roof. If you're unsure about the repair process, it's advisable to consult a professional roofer for expert assistance.

Check for Interior Damage

Inspect the interior of your home for any signs of water damage. Look for water stains, peeling paint, or sagging ceilings. If necessary, repair or replace damaged materials to restore the aesthetics and structural integrity of your home.

Take Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of future leaks, consider implementing preventive measures such as regular roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and addressing any potential issues promptly. It's also advisable to maintain good attic ventilation and insulation to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.

Dealing with a leaking roof requires a prompt and systematic approach to prevent further damage and restore the affected area. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can effectively clean up a leaking roof, identify the source of the leak, repair the roof, and address any interior damage. Remember, safety should always be a priority, and if you're unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of the cleanup or repair process, it's best to seek professional assistance. With proper cleanup and maintenance, you can protect your home from the perils of a leaking roof and ensure a secure and comfortable living environment.

What To Expect With Storm Restoration

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

The goal of a good cleanup team is to restore your building "Like it never even happened."

If your commercial building has suffered damage from a major storm, you might not know what to expect in terms of cleanup, especially if this is your first time. While each storm is different, and no two situations are exactly alike, there is a general pattern that a cleanup will follow. This is true if you call a professional storm remediation company in Charlotte, NC. They will have handled disasters in the past and will be skilled in the process, whether your building is in need of a tear out or just needs to have the water removed from the premises.

The Critical First Steps

Once water enters a building, the professionals will want to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer it is present, the greater the water damage will be. Therefore, they pride themselves on being Faster to any size disaster and will begin the following steps as soon as they arrive:

• Inspection and assessment of damage
• Water removal and extraction
• Drying out the building
• Cleaning and sanitizing
  Restoration

If the damage is extensive, a tear out of ruined materials will have to be performed. This is more likely if there is dirty, contaminated water or sewage present. In this case, the storm restoration process will be more complicated and may involve drywall removal and installation, painting and floor repair.

The Final Stages

The goal of a good cleanup team is to restore your building "Like it never even happened." Professional cleaning techniques include restoring furniture and belongings to good condition and removing the odors that are often associated with storm damage. Equipment such as air scrubbers and fogging machines will be used to get rid of excess moisture. They will scrub everything down with antimicrobial disinfectants and make sure the building is deodorized. If a tear out is needed, the team will dispose of all items until your commercial building is like new again.

How a Flood Cut Restores Your Home

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Our technicians are trained to begin your restoration process.

How a Flood Cut Can Help You Restore Your Home

Large storms and floods often happen without much warning and they can be devastating to a home. They are among the most common disasters to strike properties across the nation, and no area is immune. When flooding does occur to your home in Wilmore, NC, immediate action should be taken to mitigate damage. A fast response by a local storm remediation franchise that is open 24/7 365 days a year is a good start. A team of trained technicians will come to your home and begin the restoration process with a thorough inspection and assessment, followed by a vigorous and informed action plan. The team will use all available tools of restoration.

Water Removal and Extraction

With a flooding situation, prompt removal of all standing water in the home is a priority. This is accomplished with wet vacuums and is followed by drying and ventilation. In cases where drywall has been saturated, a flood cut or tear out is often necessary. This technique works in the following ways:

• Technicians identify areas of damage
• They cut out portions of the drywall
• They typically make the cut 12 inches above the flood line
• They restore the wall with new materials
  
  

The purpose of the flood cut is to remove any contamination from the floodwaters. The process usually involves removing and replacing insulation behind the wall.

Cleaning and Sanitizing
The restoration continues with a cleaning process that addresses all areas of the home affected by flooding. This includes the contents of the home such as clothes, furniture, and documents. Using specialized cleaning techniques, many items can be restored to excellent condition again. Antimicrobial cleaning agents and equipment such as air scrubbers and fogging devices provide deep cleaning to your home. A thorough job will remove lingering odors from the home. The final steps involve restoration of damaged areas to bring the home back to its original condition.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Drive Down a Flooded Street

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Three Reasons to Avoid Driving Down a Flooded Street

When a thunderstorm hits Berryhill, NC, the effects can be felt by more than just your battered roof or thriving garden. It can also negatively affect your commute. Despite that, it's imperative to exercise caution. Here are three reasons NOT to cross your fingers and gun it down that flooded street the next time severe weather impacts your route.

1. It Takes Less Water Than You Think To Wash Away a Car

According to the National Weather Service, just 12 inches of fast-moving water is enough to sweep away a compact car. At two feet, virtually no car, pick-up truck or SUV is immune. Even six inches of water is enough to cause your ride to stall or to make it float, which means a total loss of control for whoever is behind the wheel.

2. Your Car Is Not a Boat

Unless you're Batman, your beloved vehicle probably can't turn into watercraft at the touch of a button. Once your car does get carried away, you've ceded all control. After that, there's little to stop your car from careening onto its side or flipping over entirely — all while you continue barreling along.

3. You Don't Know What's Under the Surface of That Flooded Street

What Lies Beneath is more than just a second-tier Harrison Ford movie. It should also be one of your chief concerns as you traverse flooded roads. During flooding, entire road beds can be washed away. In other words, that street you're thinking about driving down, even though it's flooded, may not be there anymore. Those 6 inches of water may actually be 26, for example, and then it's time to refer back to the second of these travel tips.
Storm surges happen. After a flood, leave water damage repair to the pros, and leave sailing to the Navy. Your car and your wallet with thank you for exercising caution and driving past that flooded street.

Safety and Operating Tips for Your Sump Pump

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Sump Pump

Any time of year has the potential for bringing water into homes, whether it is from storms or faulty plumbing systems. There are many ways to minimize the chance of flooding and its associated damage, including having a reliable sump pump on hand. As with any other device, you need to be sure the unit is ready to work when you need it the most. Also, when dealing with water and electricity, safety is paramount. Always make sure the cord is in good shape and the pump is plugged into a working ground fault circuit interrupter. This will reduce the risk of electrical shock.

Essential Pump Maintenance

Once you have taken the appropriate safety measures, you can concentrate on making sure your device is in the best condition possible. Always look the sump pump over closely before each use, checking the discharge pipe and the vent hole for clogging or obstructions. If necessary, take these actions:

• Remove any debris from the intake screen
• Test the pump by operating the device under controlled conditions
• Check to make sure the pump activates and drains water
• Replace the battery every two to three years

Pumps by different manufacturers could have additional procedures. Make sure to read the owner's manual if you have any questions.

Important Flood Precautions

If incoming water does gain the upper hand, either from outside or an inside source, be sure to respond quickly to minimize water damage. Immediately call a local water mitigation franchise that operates near your home in Charlotte, NC. The restoration company will dispatch a team of trained technicians who will arrive in a matter of hours. These workers will assess the situation and get to work on removing any standing water and drying out wet carpeting, flooring, and other items.

Unwanted water in your home should be addressed promptly. A working sump pump is an important tool to limit the impacts of floods and other water disasters.

Understanding Storm Damage and Flooding

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

When your building is flooded you need a professional company that can respond quickly like SERVPRO, call us!

Storm Damage And Flooding: What You Need To Know

There are many types of emergencies or disasters that could affect your building in Charlotte, NC. Water damage is one of the most destructive and concerning. This can happen in several ways, including via Mother Nature and from faulty plumbing in your facility. Both storms and flood damage can wreak havoc on your business. It's important to understand both of these — including their differences.

Storms and How They Can Cause Damage

Storm damage can send water into your building through the roof, the foundation, windows, doorways and other openings. They can also damage siding, windows, roof shingles and items inside your office. Common storms include:

• Thunderstorms with heavy rains
  
• Hurricanes and tornadoes with high winds
  
• Hailstorms

Flooding can occur in your facility when torrential rain seeps through a weakened foundation. A damaged roof may not be able to hold in the water either. Hailstones can also break glass or dent siding on the building. Powerful winds can knock over trees onto the building or damage power lines, cutting off electricity.

Floods That Don't Come From Storms

Not all flood damage is a result of the weather. A common way in which floods start in the building is from plumbing issues. A backed-up sewer line can send black water into the office, posing harm to everyone inside. Overflowing toilets can damage flooring and drywall. Also, broken pipes can causes leaks, which gradually damage building materials and develop mold. A bursting pipe can send large amounts of water into the building, threatening personal belongings and office equipment.

Help Is Available

For floods and storms, you need the expertise of a disaster response company. These professionals have the training and equipment to clean up after any damage and restore your building so you can return to work safely.

Flood damage is nothing to take lightly. Either from a storm or plumbing problems, water damage can affect your office.

3 Steps To Protect Your Pipes From Winter Storms

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

3 Ways To Keep Your Pipes Safe During Winter Storms

Winter can be a tough time for businesses in Franklin, TN. When you are already worrying about snow and ice removal and keeping your customers and employees safe, you don't want to also be forced to deal with a burst pipe. Here are three steps to getting your pipes ready for a cold season.

Remove Water From Outside Lines

Draining water from any water lines that have direct exposure to extreme cold is imperative to keeping your system in good working order. Disconnect garden hoses and sprinkler supply lines. Close off your outdoor hose bibs:

• Locate the shut-off valve and turn off the water supply.
• Place a bucket under the spigot and turn the water on, allowing it to run until the water in the line is removed.
• Leave the spigot open so that any water that may leak into the line is able to drip out instead of freezing in the line.

Insulate

A frozen pipe can end in disaster, with standing water that wreaks havoc on your building. Help prevent this by properly insulating your building and your plumbing. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas such as garages. Install pipe sleeves or heat tape as needed to help in these areas.

Keep Them Warm

Take additional precautions when you know extreme cold is coming. Keep garage and service doors closed and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Turn the water on to a trickle on any faucets served by exposed pipes. This will allow some water to move through the system to prevent freezing. If your efforts fail and a burst pipe results in a mess, be sure to contact professional water damage specialists as soon as possible to get a headstart on proper cleanup.
Don't let a burst pipe throw a wrench into your business plan. Follow these steps to get your plumbing ready for the cold winter weather.

Readying for Storm Season – Tips for Inspecting Your Building

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

If your building is flooded you need a professional company that can respond quickly and provide cleanup services efficiently. Contact SERVPRO!

Tips For Inspecting Your Building In Advance Of Storm Season

Finding and repairing vulnerabilities in your Berryhill, NC, building before a storm offers the best chance at seeing minimal damage. Fortunately, small things like proper exterior maintenance can dramatically improve your chances of getting through unscathed. Here are tips you can follow for inspecting your building before a storm hits.

Understand the Risks

Each storm brings its own unique threats. Some of the most common threats of all storms include:

• High winds
  
• Hail
  
• Power loss

While you can’t eliminate all risk, preparing with basic exterior maintenance can minimize some of the impact. The tips below can help you keep your building maintained and know what to look for as you prepare for storm season.

Secure Loose Objects

Wind is one of the biggest risks during any storm. As you examine your building exterior, look for loose shutters, fences, doors and even windows. Any of these can break off, creating dangerous projectiles during a storm. Secure these with locks, window shutters or plywood.

Monitor Hanging Icicles

Icicles may seem attractive, but they’re typically a sign of a poorly insulated roof. Too much heat in the attic can melt snow, leading to water runoff into gutters. The liquid refreezes and creates a dam of ice that can collapse. Inspect your roof eaves for icicles and target those areas for an interior roof inspection and possible repairs.

Clear Unsafe Tree Limbs

Trees can be a major threat to your building in a storm. Inspect your building’s exterior for overgrown branches as well as trees with shallow, rotting roots. Prepare to have branches trimmed or vulnerable trees removed to prevent damage to your roof or windows in a storm.

One of the best ways to get your building through a storm safely is by preparing in advance. Take time to do basic exterior maintenance and building inspection to minimize the need for storm damage cleanup and expense.