Ask A SERVPRO Pro | How Do I Prepare My Property for Severe Spring Weather?”

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help® Our highly trained professionals are just a phone call away (508) 757-7885

In our April installment of “Ask a SERVPRO Pro” we speak with, Chuck Sargent, Business Development Representative & Senior Project Estimator at SERVPRO of Worcester. He is passionate about his work and holds multiple IICRC certifications including: Applied Microbial Remediation, Water Damage Restoration, and Odor Control.

The days are getting longer, temperatures are starting to climb, flowers are beginning to bloom. These are sure signs spring has sprung and with it comes spring weather.  We asked Chuck, “How Do I Prepare My Property For Severe Spring Weather?” This is what he had to say:

Spring weather can be unpredictable, swinging between warm and cold temperatures, clear skies and storms- often within the same day. When warm moist air collides with cool, dry air thunderstorms can occur, making them a common spring offender. Thunderstorms can bring lightning, flooding, and tornadoes. Dealing with the unknown can be a daunting task but with a little storm preparation you can protect your home and commercial property from severe spring weather. Planning ahead makes sense.

Know Your Risks & Sign Up For Weather Text Alerts

The more information you have, the easier it is to plan and prepare. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sends text messages to keep you updated emergency situations. There is a FEMA app you can download to your phone. Additionally, your local weather channels, radio stations and power companies have similar services that let you know what’s happening in your region- being forewarned is forearmed

Get Familiar with Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a great way to prepare for the unexpected. Review your policy. Not all home owner’s insurance covers flood damage, familiarize yourself with your coverage. Know that if more is needed, it can take up to 30 days to take effect.

Inspect Your Property

When you take care of your property it can take care of you.
Be on the lookout for the following things:

• Check the foundation of your basement and along exterior walls to see if there are signs of new or past leaks. If you do find cracks or leaks, it would be wise to have them assessed and repaired by a professional specializing in foundation repairs and waterproofing. Taking care of them now can prevent further damage.
• Consider having your roof inspected - make sure it hasn’t sustained winter damage and is ready for spring storms.
• Check the siding to see if it’s firmly in place
• Look for tree branches extending over your driveway or property that could fall in a storm.
• Downspouts need to be in place, gutters should be firmly attached and free of debris- check for sagging or leaking.
• Loose patio furniture should be secured or pulled inside when a storm comes.
• Make sure unattached structures (gazeboes, sheds, etc.) should be bolted securely to their foundation.

Check Your Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump, now is the time make sure it working properly and perform any needed maintenance. Make sure to clear all debris so it doesn’t impede function and ensure your back-up is in working order.

Prepare For A Power Outage
Sometimes extreme spring storms can lead to power outages.
Here are some tips to prepare for when the lights go out the lights go out: 

• Fire up your generator and be sure it’s in good working order.
• Plug all your electronics in to surge protectors just in case there’s a surge while power is being restored.
• Charge your phones and any other electronic devices.
• Fill the car and generator gas cans with fuel.

SERVPRO of Worcester knows being ready for severe spring weather means planning ahead, performing regular maintenance on your property and being watchful after weather events but should the unexpected occur we’re Here to Help® 24/7.

Floods and storms don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.  Faster to Any Size Disaster and just a phone call away (508) 757-7885

For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters,

https://www.SERVPROworcester.com/storm-flooding-restoration

About April’s Featured “ SERVPRO Pro”

Chuck Sargent, Business Development Representative | Senior Project Estimator
SERVPRO of Worcester 

Chuck is a dedicated Business Development Representative | Senior Project Estimator at SERVPRO of Worcester | SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough.

He is passionate about his work and holds multiple IICRC certifications including: Applied Microbial Remediation, Water Damage Restoration, and Odor Control.

About SERVPRO^® of Worcester

The highly trained and certified professionals of SERVPRO of Worcester are experienced in cleaning and restoring a fire, mold or water-damaged building and its contents, including wall, ceiling and floor surfaces; furniture; fabric; fixtures and more. They also offer cleaning and restoration of special items, such as: HVAC duct systems; building exteriors; electronic equipment, including computers; and documents that have sustained water damage.

Additionally, SERVPRO of Worcester is highly trained and experienced in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination. Adhering to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry standards (CDC, RIA, IICRC) and using EPA approved cleaning products you can trust the professionals at SERVPRO® to deliver the highest standard of clean.

For more information on SERVPRO of Shrewsbury/Westborough please contact Chuck Sargent at (508) 757-7885

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,800 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss situations. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.