Recent Storm Damage Posts

Handling A Power Outage

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Are you ready if the electricity goes out? Prepare now to make sure you stay safe and are ready for the unexpected. Power outages can influence the whole community and economy by disrupting communication, water and transportation. Many businesses face closure, even gas stations, banks and ATMs are not able to function. Other issues include water contamination, food spoilage and unavailability of certain medical devices. Check out our list of recommendations on what to do during a power outage;

  • Make a list of anything you need that uses electricity; plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Plan if you have medication that needs to be refrigerated. Talk to your doctor about what to do with medicine if you lose power.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed. Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
  • Make sure to have a flashlight and extra batteries at home so that you can see where you’re going and what you’re doing.
  • Have enough non-perishable food and water for your family.
  • Keep your mobile phone charged and consider investing in a back-up battery if you don’t already have one.
  • Keep your gas tank full to make getting around easy. Consider checking on your neighbors, especially elderly or those with special needs. 
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows. 
  • Do not use a gas stove to heat your home, if safe go to an alternative location to stay warm.
  • Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.

Contact SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723 if you would like more information on preparedness procedures for your home or business. We are available 24/7 365 days a year to serve our community!

Summertime Natural Disasters

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

While Edmonds, WA does not experience many ‘natural disasters’ it is important to know what kinds of disasters could be coming regionally and nationwide, especially in summertime which is peak season for wildfires and hurricanes. The National Disaster Education Coalition states every person, no matter where they live, should learn what disasters could impact their area (natural and man-made), make an emergency disaster plan, create a list of emergency contacts, make sure they are properly insured and have a pre-made disaster kit. In 2021, the U.S. experienced 20 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, putting 2021 in second place for the most disasters in a calendar year, behind the record 22 separate billion-dollar events in 2020.

Summertime Natural Disasters: Wildfires

In 2020 the Western United States experienced a series of major wildfires fueled by winds and hot, dry terrain. More than 10.2 million acres were burnt costing approximately $16.5 billion in property damage.

Summertime Natural Disasters: Hurricanes

The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active and the fifth costliest Atlantic hurricane season on record. Of the 30 named storms, 14 developed into hurricanes, and a record-tying seven further intensified into major hurricanes. This caused a great amount of damage, again costing millions of dollars in damage and displaced families.

The national hurricane center encourages residents to invest in emergency supplies before a disaster hits to save you money as products are still readily available and not as in high of demand.

For all emergencies it is important to remember the following;

  • The safest and (unsafe) rooms in your home
  • Know the escape routes out of your home, city, county and state
  • Appoint a person to be single point of contact that everyone can call in the event of an emergency. This person should not live in the same state as you.
  • Know what you are going to do with your pets in the event of a disaster
  • Post emergency numbers near home phones and teach your children how to call 911
  • CPR and first aid
  • Preparing now will save you money, heartache and stress should the unthinkable happen.

SERVPRO of Edmonds Helps Condominium Boards Effectively Prepare for Emergencies

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you participate in a homeowners association or condominium association board you are likely a very useful and knowledgeable resource for owners and tenants alike. As a board member it is important to discuss all relevant issues and concerns that affect the health and safety of a property. Many boards have their own policies and procedures for handling emergencies, but how often are they discussed and reviewed? SERVPRO of Edmonds offers complimentary emergency preparedness planning AND is happy to speak at board meetings about common issues that may be of concern when handling an emergency. We speak on topics such as;

  • How to mitigate water damage during an emergency
  • Causes of mold and mildew
  • Questions about insurance coverages and responsibilities
  • Routine inspections that can minimize water damage risks
  • Emergency and evacuation planning
  • How to choose the right emergency service vendors for your property

We are happy to speak in-person or virtually about any issues pertaining to the restoration industry. Call us at 425-775-5723 to schedule with us!

SERVPRO of Edmonds Supports WAMOA

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds has many years of experience working with local school districts on a variety of projects small and large. As one of the large loss (disaster recovery) designated offices we have the power and equipment to handle large scale floods, fires and specialized cleaning needs. As a member of WAMOA (Washington Association of Maintenance and Operation Administrators) we enjoy staying in the loop on current policies and procedures when it come to working with school districts. WAMOA is an educational organization for educational facilities and their maintenance professionals with a directory of vendors (such as SERVPRO) who are qualified to provide them services.

Member benefits include:

  • Annual Educational Conference
  • Training Workshops
  • Certification Programs
  • National Affiliation and their resources
  • Networking in their industry

To learn more about getting involved in this great organization visit their website at https://wamoa.org/.

How To Limit Flood Damage Before A Storm Event

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

The devastation caused by flood water in Edmonds, WA can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to limit the effects of water damage by taking preventative measures. You may have heard about a business in your area going through certain processes to limit the likelihood of a flooded building, but you can also do them as a homeowner.

Know the Flood Level Near Your Area

Governmental officials carry out evaluations to assess how high flood water will rise in a given area. It’s crucial to know the level water could reach during a storm. You can find out the flood level for your area by:

• Going to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website
• Checking with your insurance company
• Contacting local building authorities

Once you’re aware of that information, it becomes much easier to take proactive measures. Get started by hiring licensed and insured contractors to make modifications to your home, so water-sensitive parts of your abode, such as the electrical system, are not as prone to problems from excessive moisture.

Apply Protective Coatings to Walls

It’s possible to buy sealant products to apply to the walls of your residence to help keep moisture out. Do research to find the best-reviewed and highly rated options and invest in some of them before you hear about the next flood threat.

Have a Cleanup Plan

Think ahead by deciding what you’ll do if preventative measures don’t keep the water out completely and it becomes necessary to clean up after a flood and salvage what’s left of your possessions. Because there are so many safety risks associated with flood recovery, it’s smart to contact professional disaster recovery specialists to let them handle the job- such as SERVPRO of Edmonds. 

These steps could help you protect your home and reduce the chances you’ll deal with a flooded building. Water damage can be severe, and flood water is particularly dangerous. Flood prevention could also reduce disruption to your life and residence. Visit http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com for more information on storm damage.

Types of Storm Damage Restoration

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage can come in many forms, each devastating in its own way. Ice damming, frozen pipes, hail damage, wind damage, hurricane damage, flooding, and river flooding are all common effects of storm damage. SERVPRO of Edmonds professionals are here to help victims navigate storm damage restoration.

Flooding can be caused by runoff ground water, overflowing storm drains, torrential rains, hurricanes, or extreme thunderstorms. Flood water doesn't need to remain in a structure long to cause massive amounts of damage. Unfortunately, even small amounts of flood water can cause mold or mildew to begin growing in a structure.

The use of a proper flood pump is almost always necessary in situations where flood water and water restoration is needed. A reliable company such as SERVPRO of Edmonds will know exactly which type of flood pump is needed to remove any standing water. Apart from using a flood pump, industrial drying tools are also commonly needed for proper storm remediation.

Hail damage and wind damage are common forms of storm damage that professional home restoration companies are familiar with. Roof damage and roof repair may be necessary. If hail damage occurs, a professional storm restoration company can give homeowners advice on what steps to take toward storm remediation. Roof leak related issues such as roof leaking can be handled easily by the professionals at SERVPRO of Edmonds.

Ice damage can take place almost anywhere with cool winters. Frozen pipes, Ice damming, and other forms of ice damage are very common problems many people face each winter season. Ice damming is caused by buildup of ice around the edge of a roof which then can stop melting snow from draining correctly. If an ice dam has caused roof damage to your home or business, removing the ice dam and preventing future ice damming is key. Ice dam removal may require the help of professionals as well. These same professionals may be able to help with frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to substantial damage to a structure.

Visit http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com for more information on storm damage or to get help immediately and to be prepared for the next winter storm.

5 Steps To Prepare Your Workplace From Natural Disasters

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfires, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, and hail storms are just some of the natural disasters that hit the United States each year and unfortunately some of this is due to recent climate change. While it is impossible to be 100% prepared there are many steps that can be taken to limit damage and keep personnel safe in your workplace. 

  1. Analyze Your Current Resources

Resource management is essential to disaster preparedness. Analyze what resources are available internally and in your community. Do you meet building standards? Have you had your routine maintenance? What vendors and supplies will help get your back on your feet?

  1. Estimate the Disaster Risks In Your Area

What kind of risks are most common in your area? Analyze and plan accordingly. Discuss what coverages you have with your insurance company to make sure you are properly prepared.

  1. Create A Disaster Preparedness Plan

Assess your risks and follow tips to create a thorough plan for all. This includes updating work safety procedures. Create a communication and disaster plan. Designate a temporary workplace and have an emergency services vendor (such as SERVPRO of Edmonds) ready to help.  

  1. Prepare Your Facility

Emergency supplies in the workplace should be stocked and accessible to all. Create a checklist and update as needed. Some items may expire.

  • Food supplies
  • Shelter supplies
  • Emergency lights, fire extinguishers, and emergency radios
  • Emergency kits (Including first-aid supplies)
  • Search and rescue supplies
  • Sanitation supplies
  1. Prepare Employees

There are several measures you can take to prepare employees such as conducting a preparedness class and actively testing out a plan. This ensures personnel is all on the same page and feels confident in the correct steps to take.  

Restoration Professionals with Large Loss Capacity

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes it can be difficult to pick the right restoration company for the job. How do you know if they are certified and knowledgeable enough to handle the job you need done? There are many restoration companies claiming to specialize commercial and residential but doing research and knowing their capacity is of utmost importance, especially before the disaster happens. SERVPRO of Edmonds not only holds their Large Loss designation, they have years of experience working in the large loss field. SERVPRO of Edmonds is the right choice for your large loss because of the following:

  • Experience: SERVPRO of Edmonds has been performing Large Loss projects since 2008.
  • SERVPRO of Edmonds has the manpower with 30+ certified technicians on staff and access to unlimited equipment resources.
  • SERVPRO of Edmonds has specialized large loss equipment designated for commercial buildings.
  • SERVPRO’s national network provides us with support of all local franchises in the region, there will always be enough manpower and equipment to handle any sized loss.

One hundred hotel rooms affected? Twelve office floors flooded? A regional storm? You name it we have done it. SERVPRO of Edmonds has worked on many specialized projects throughout Washington State. With a strong staff and access to thousands of pieces of equipment we are always the right choice for the job! If you have questions about how we perform large loss call us at 425-775-5723.

If you are a facility manager, building manager or owner call us and request a complimentary walk-thorough to discuss our capabilities. We hope to be your trusted restoration professional!

Preparing For A Storm. What Is On Your Checklist?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Most storm, fire, and water damage happens unexpectedly and emergencies can catch Snohomish County residents unprepared. You are smart to have an emergency supply bag or container already stocked with the basics you need should an emergency happen. When the New Yorker published an article in 2015 called ‘The Really Big One” many people began re-evaluating their personal preparedness. Our team recommends the following items for personal preparedness;

Emergency survival kit

  • Store a kit at home, at work and at each child’s school or daycare facility.
  • Dry or canned food and drinking water for each person
  • Can opener
  • First aid supplies and first aid book
  • Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, licenses, and insurance policies
  • "Special needs" items for family members such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medications
  • A change of clothing
  • Sleeping bag or blanket
  • Battery powered radio or television
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Whistle
  • Waterproof matches
  • Toys, books, puzzles, games
  • Extra house keys and car keys
  • List of contact names and phone numbers
  • Food, water and supplies for pets
  • Additional items you can store at home for use during an emergency

Cooking supplies

  • Barbecue, camp stove
  • Fuel for cooking, such as charcoal or camp stove fuel
  • Plastic knives, forks, spoons
  • Paper plates and cups
  • Paper towels
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Sanitation supplies

  • Large plastic trash bags for trash, water protection
  • Large trash cans
  • Bar soap and liquid detergent
  • Shampoo
  • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • Feminine and infant supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Household bleach with no additives, and eyedropper (for purifying drinking water)
  • Newspaper — to wrap garbage and waste

Comfort

  • Sturdy shoes
  • Gloves for clearing debris
  • Tent

Tools

  • Ax, shovel, broom
  • Crescent wrench for turning off gas
  • Screwdriver, pliers, hammer
  • Coil of one-half inch rope
  • Plastic tape and sheeting
  • Knife or razor blades
  • Garden hose for siphoning and fire fighting

Need Cleanup? -- Call SERVPRO of Edmonds, (425-775-5723)

  • If you are interested in having us speak on Emergency Preparedness at your next COA, HOA or neighborhood meeting please contact our marketing department at: courtneyg@SERVPROofedmonds.com.
  • In Washington flood recovery, earthquake recovery, and recovery from other natural disasters will be much easier if you’re prepared with emergency survival tools and supplies like these.

Spring Showers Bring May Flowers… And Leaks!

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are very familiar with wet, rainy Spring weather leading into summer. The harsh weather of winter is over, no more freezing temps, snow or ice is expected. While winter is over Spring classically brings hail and rainstorms, penetrating structures and creating a soggy, wet ground. Make sure your home or business is prepared for the possible rainfall and follow these tips to minimize risk for damage and keep your home dry.

  1. Maintain Gutters and downspouts; have them cleaned, inspected, and monitored often. If you live under trees pay extra attention to the areas that are collecting debris from leaves, branches and needles.
  2. Have your roof inspected; The effects of UV exposure, freezing and thawing cycles, wind and aging materials combine to cause deterioration that promotes leakage, particularly in heavy rain. Roof leaks into the attic trigger mold growth, compromise insulation and eventually infiltrate building materials like joists and drywall.
  3. Test your sump pump to ensure its functioning properly. Make sure the sump basin is clear of any debris. Pour 4-5 gallons of water into the basin and verify that the pump automatically actuates, empties the basin, then shuts off. Outside check the termination of the discharge pipe to make sure it’s not clogged and releases water far enough away from the structure.
  4. Examine nearby and overhanging trees. High winds associated with spring storms may break overhanging limbs, causing roof damage. Weak or dead trees may be toppled, which could strike the structure and cause damages. Cut back limbs that extend over the roof and remove compromised branches.

If you have an issue with a leaking roof or water infiltration due to high rain and wind call SERVPRO of Edmonds at 425-775-5723. We are always Here To Help!

How to Make Sure Your Belongings Get Clean After a Flood

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing with a flood in Edmonds, WA isn’t just inconvenient, sometime is can be downright catastrophic. Black water damage can completely destroy parts of your business as well as your belongings. For some business owners, taking care of the structural integrity of your building is as simple as calling your local disaster restoration company such as SERVPRO of Edmonds. But what about the important items inside your building? Here are a few things to expect from a restoration company concerning content cleaning.

1. Various Cleaning Methods

When it comes to content cleaning your belongings in Edmonds, WA a professional will understand the need for treating these items delicately. The first step will be to assess whether a particular item can be restored or if it will have to be replaced. Once an item has been deemed eligible for restoration, it will be cleaned in a number of ways depending on the item itself. This can include dry, wet, immersion, abrasive, spray and wipe, and foam cleaning methods.

2. Electronic Cleanup

You may be surprised to know that your electronic items that have been damaged by water can be treated by disaster restoration professionals. Some may be too far gone to restore, especially if you’ve attempted to activate or turn on any electronic device you suspect may have been damaged by water. Content cleaning professionals can coordinate the treatment of computers, televisions, DVD players, and more. Taking prompt action in these instances is the key to successfully restoring these items, so be sure to include them on your list of damaged items.

3. Move Outs

If an entire room’s worth of belongings has been damaged by water, SERVPRO of Edmonds professionals will often coordinate a move-out of the items in the affected area. This will greatly improve the efficiency and organization of the restoration process, both for the affected belongings and the room itself. We store and clean contents at our warehouse facility in Lynnwood, WA.

Visit http://www.SERVPROedmonds.com for more information on flood damage.

Lightning and Thunderstorm Safety Precautions

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVORO of Edmonds we have learned to expect the unexpected. No one plans to a kitchen fire, a toilet overflow or flooded crawl space, but ‘surprise!’ – it happens every day. While lighting and thunder in the Pacific Northwest is not as prevalent as some other regions it can certainly happen which is why we should always be prepared to make the right choices when we could be at risk during a storm.

Although the odds of being struck by lightning are less than one in 1,000,000 some factors can put you at greater risk. People who work outside or engage in outdoor recreational activities are more susceptible. Imagine you are going on a hike in the woods, rafting on a river or golfing; would you know what to do if lightning struck? What if you work on utility poles, for the forest service or in sewer lines; does your company follow proper precautions and safety guidelines? Regional and seasonal differences can heighten or lower the risk of getting injured by lightning.

In 2018 Florida and Tennessee had the most lightning related deaths and Florida is considered the worst with over 2,000 injuries in the past 50 years. During 2006-2018 lightning caused an average of 30 deaths per year in the United States. 

You can protect yourself from risk by taking the following precautions;

  • If weather forecast calls for thunderstorms postpone your trip or activity
  • “When thunder roars go indoors” – Find a safe, enclosed shelter
  • Suspend activity for atm least 30 minutes after the last ‘clap’ of lightning to be sure it has passed
  • If no shelter is available crouch low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electrical currents on the top of the ground which can be deadly up to 100 feet away.

If your home or business retains structure damage from lightning call SERVPRO of Edmonds to help you clean up and repair the aftermath; we can be reached at 425-775-5723. For more emergency about preparedness follow our Facebook page for tips here.

Protect Your Property From Rainstorm Damage

2/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Edmonds provides tips to building owners and facility managers about important steps to take to maintain landscape and property investment during heavy rains. It is not uncommon for our Project Managers to run across flooding and groundwater intrusion on a daily basis. Make sure you review your insurance policy to know what is included and excluded from coverage.

Exercise proper drainage to prevent water intrusion and water damage in commercial and residential structures. Appropriate storm water management is necessary to help prevent flooding, erosion, and structural property damage, which can lead to costly repairs. Landscape Management professionals suggests facility managers use these tips to safeguard their landscaping efforts and property security in the event of heavy rain and floods:

  • Maintain storm drains and keep catch basins free of trash, sediment, roots, and plant debris to allow for water to flow through drains instead of pooling around them. Installing straw wattles and/or rock borders around drains and V-ditches can help prevent sediment build up in drains.
  • Keep brow ditches and V-ditches free of debris by regularly clearing drain outlets and weep-holes of sediment. Over-irrigation during dry times can cause erosion and sediment and chemicals can build up.
  • The most environmentally dangerous time for a property is during initial construction while land is being cleared and graded. To protect these areas during heavy rainfall, install a silt fence or straw wattle around drains to create flow channels for storm water to drain.
  • If landscape drains are clogged, contact a landscape management company as soon as possible to review the drainage issues and remove trapped sediment and debris to allow for rainwater to drain appropriately.

Spring Storm Preparedness

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

April showers bring May flowers… and sometimes spring storms!

From thunderstorms to high winds and flooding storms can create tremendous property damage. Hailstorms alone cause almost $1 billion in property damage each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Prepare your home for spring storms ahead of time to minimize property damage and protect your family. Call SERVPRO of Edmonds (425-775-5723) for disaster preparedness information, shut-off tags or if you would like an Emergency Ready Plan written for your business.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for your home or business;

  • Prune dead or rotting branches from trees near your home or car that could fall during a storm.
  • Use surge protectors for electronic equipment in your home such as computers, televisions and appliances.
  • Install a lightning protection system that will redirect lightning strikes safely into the ground.
  • Know how to shut off the power to your house using the main fuse or breaker on the electrical service panel, and how to shut off water and gas support lines if instructed by disaster officials.
  • Educate yourself about flood insurance and if this is something covered under your insurance policy
  • Check the condition of your roof and make any needed repairs to minimize damage in a storm.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts so water will be diverted away from the siding of your home
  • Tie down or bring inside anything that could be blown around such as trash cans or outdoor furniture.
  • Unplug expensive electronic equipment in case of a power surge