The Damaging Power of Southern Storms | SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Don't let storm damage ruin your Alabama home or business, call SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties to help restore your space.

We know all about severe weather here in the Cullman area. Hot and muggy summers can lead to serious storms in the afternoon and evening, and we even see our fair share of tornado watches and warnings.

Mother Nature is powerful, and while we can all do our best to stay safe and avoid home damage, wind, rain and hail can cause serious issues for your home. Knowing the different threats during a storm can help you control the situation and recover faster.

The Dangers of Wind 

A soft and gentle breeze on a warm summer’s day can feel amazing, but that can quickly turn south as the wind picks up and a storm rolls into town. Summer storms can range from mild situations to serious emergencies, and a lot of that has to do with the wind speeds that accompany each storm. 

Moderate wind speeds of around 30 to 40 miles per hour can certainly blow things around in your yard and toss about debris, but winds up to 70 miles per hour or more can cause serious damage to your property. Straight-line winds can topple trees, overturn cars and throw heavy objects into your house. 

The Dangers of Rain

Rain can fall fast and hard during a thunderstorm, and it can easily overwhelm our gutter systems if they are clogged or if they aren’t set up to move water away from your home. If water starts to pour over the side of your house or falls down around your foundation, you could easily wind up with standing water in your basement or with rain that is leaking down your walls.

Rain can also infiltrate your attic if there is a small gap or crack in your roof line. Once water has made its way inside, it can leak and seep into virtually every area of your home and can cause serious structural issues or even mold growth.

The Dangers of Hail
Hail can be incredibly destructive depending on how large it gets. The bigger the hail size, the higher the chance that you will suffer from broken windows, dented roof vents and shingle damage. Your car may even be dented so badly that it becomes totaled. If hail breaks windows or infiltrates your home, you could also wind up with water damage as the hail melts or rain comes pouring in. 

All of that can combine to create some serious storm damage in your home. SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties is here to help. We can dry out your home, address repairs quickly and work alongside your insurance company to make sure your claim is processed accurately. 

We can help you overcome storm damage. Call SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties 24/7.

Storm Team

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Living in the southeast has incredible benefits; amazing food, amazing scenery, and the
hospitable people on the planet. But with all those great things comes the challenge of strong
storms during the spring and early summer months. In my short 43 years on this earth, I've
see some of the worst. When disaster like that strikes, it's reassuring to know that you have a
company you can call on that is
“Faster To Any Size Disaster”. At SERVPRO, no job is too big and no job is too small. It's
inevitable that disaster will strike, we just never know when. We are a team of dedicated
professionals that are ready 24/7 365 days out of the year. One of the added benefits to a
company like SERVPRO is the way we coordinate with other SERVPRO franchises surrounding us.
You see, we are a team, so when I say no job is too big, I mean that. We can have boots
from other areas on the ground right here in Cullman to help us get your home or business
cleaned up and back in working condition. With a dedicated corporate entity that can supply
us with however much equipment we need, we are truly ready for whatever comes. We love
our community and we don't ever wish disaster on it, but when it DOES strike, we are right
there with you putting the pieces back together.

How our Storm team Travels

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

I can remember my first year working with SERVPRO as if it were yesterday. I was brand new to
the industry. While I was familiar with the SERVPRO brand, I did not know what all that entailed.
Within a short 3 or 4 month span, I was about to see one of the most heart wrenching events
take place, and that was the Nashville flood. I can remember our SERVPRO owner mobilizing
us to connect with the other teams around Nashville to help mitigate all the losses,
commercial and residential. It was surreal riding down the streets of downtown seeing where
water had not receded and downtown blocks still under water. The Cumberland river
wreaked havoc on downtown Nashville and many of the surrounding neighborhoods. In all of
that damage, I got to see the greatest restoration company work together, teaming up
franchises from all parts of the United States to help that community put their lives back
together. That's what you get when SERVPRO assembles for a massive storm event,
cooperation and team work. Although, we don't wish disaster on any community, we are
honored when allowed to serve and help clean up. That couldn't happen if multiple SERVPRO
franchises didn't come together, as a team, to get the job done. So, if a storm does damage
to your area and you see those green fleets come rolling in from all over the United States,
you can rest assured they are a team with the same goal….to get your property back where it
needs to be so you can move forward with your life and business.

Insurance Relationships During a Storm Event

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Anytime someone is dealing with a major storm event that turns their life upside down, it can
be unsettling enough by itself. Then comes the cleanup. So, how do you know who to trust?
That is where national and local relationships can help. Whether it's your local SERVPRO sales
rep making monthly visits to your local insurance agents and adjusters, or members of our
corporate sales team building bridges with the corporate arms of insurance, know that
SERVPRO works tirelessly to earn the trust of those companies we do work for. We understand
the expectations of these companies when mitigating a loss during a storm. By having built a
foundation of understanding prior to a major event, there is a level of trust that can assure you
that all parties have your best interest at heart. SERVPRO has spent years becoming a
preferred service provider on many of these insurance programs and we work as hard as
needed to maintain those relationships. This is important in a major crisis because it lets you
know that we, along with your insurance company, are committed to doing what needs to be
done to get you back on your feet.

Steps To Take After Storm Damage

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

As we get into the summer months here in Cullman/Blount County, it is not uncommon to see devastating storms. Here are just a few steps to take after a storm to help best preserve your home.

1. Prioritize Safety First
2. Take pictures and document any damage done to any structures and make notes of any damaged personal items
3. Tarping the roof could help prevent further water damage from occurring
4. Reach out to a local restoration professional for help.

These steps may seem simple, but it is the homeowners responsibility to stop further damage from occurring, when possible and safe. Leaving structures with holes in the structure could lead to secondary damage. Tarping the roof, and even sometimes boarding up windows, or holes that may have been created in the side of a structure can help protect your home. By completing these steps,  you will lower your chances of secondary damages. Should you need any assistance this storm season, we encourage you to reach out to us for a helping hand. 

Good Shutters Can Protect Your Home During A Storm

8/17/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to protecting your home or business, from damaging winds, there are many things to consider. If you want to add storm shutters to your home, it can be overwhelming to review the numerous types. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for protecting your home, learning the basics can help you choose wisely. Here are some of the options you may consider:

• Accordion
• Bahama
• Colonial
• Fabric
• Plywood
• Rolling
  
  

Permanent Fixtures

If you live in an area with frequent storms and severe weather, you may consider adding permanent storm shutters to your home. Permanent mounts add protection and aesthetic flair to your home. You can choose from accordion, Bahama, Colonial, or rolling shutters, all of which provide both storm protection and an element of design. Prices and styles vary within each category. Manually-operated accordion-style options generally cost $15-$25 per square foot of window area, while rolling shutters, generally made of high-quality metal or polycarbonate, will cost approximately $20-$30 per square foot of window area. Bahama-style awnings protect your home against the sun and high winds alike and are sold in standard window sizes for $15-$20 per square foot. Colonial-style varieties offer the most diversity as they come in numerous materials and are sold in sets for $200-$500 per window.

Temporary Fixtures

Though temporary fixtures may be less visually appealing, they are equally functional for storm protection. Fabric storm panels, made of PVC or mesh, are a budget-friendly choice that generally costs $75-$300 depending on the size of your windows. A sturdier and more protective option is plywood. Though less pleasing to look at, plywood costs only $1 per square foot and is an effective temporary way to protect your home from intense storms.

Preparation is important when you're facing tornadoes and high winds. When the storm passes, know who to call for help with clean up and restoration to get your home back to a clean and safe state.

What's In Your Emergency Kit?

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

As we are at the peak of Hurricane Season 2021- we are urging everyone to prepare now. The National Weather Service is predicting this hurricane season to be very active.

Emergency Preparedness Kits are a crucial part of hurricane preparation, but what does a kit need to include?

According to Ready.GOV - Basic Emergency Supply Kits include:

1. Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
2. Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
3. Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather
4. Radio with tone alert
5. Flashlight
6. First aid kit
7. Extra batteries
8. Whistle to signal for help
9. Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
10. Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
11. Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
12. Manual can opener for food
13. Local maps
14. Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Find a supply kit that best fits your family or business to be better prepared for severe weather. 

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you might want to think about adding in hand sanitizer and face masks to your kit**

SERVPRO of Cullman/Blount Counties is also helping local businesses get prepared by creating FREE Emergency Ready Plans - tailored to fit your business disaster recovery and remediation.