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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

February Freeze-2023

2/11/2023 (Permalink)

Employees standing outside in front of red building and two green trucks. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: The team that is faster to any size disaster!

Winter in New England can bring a multitude of surprises and challenges when it comes to weather. Snow, slush, sleet, ice, and of course, frigid temperatures.

Last weekend, parts across New England experienced some of the most bone chilling temps in recent memory. Beginning Friday night and culminating into Saturday morning, temperatures reached negative digits. When the windchill was factored in, depending on the location, temperatures reached -20, -30, -40, and in some places even -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that is cold! On top of Mount Washington, the windchill pushed the temp to over -100 degrees. Incredible! 

These frigid temps and high winds led to power outages and an extremely high quantity of frozen pipes throughout our team's coverage area. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received over 100 service calls due to burst pipes in the week following this extreme freeze event. Our team has been incredible with responding and providing service to as many of our customers as possible without sacrificing quality or professionalism. We want to extend a big thank you to our clients who have been patient and understanding during this event as we continue onward. Lastly, we want to give a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated crew for their hard work for the past week. We're grateful to have such an amazing team here at Windham & Windsor Counties!

Winter Weather: Is Your Home or Commercial Property Prepared?

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Outside of building during a snowstorm. Winter weather can be potentially damaging to your home or commercial property. Is your property prepared this winter?

It's winter here in southern Vermont which means snowstorms, ice, and cold weather are upon us. Our homes and properties are susceptible to damage when winter weather arrives. As we like to do each year, here are a few reminders and suggestions to prepare your home or property during the cold months.

  • Protect water pipes from freezing. Flow-based leak detection systems can shut down your home's water supply in the event of an emergency. Be sure to cover outside faucets as well.
  • Keep thermostats at a reasonable level to adequately heat your property. As a recommendation, avoid dropping your thermostat below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Backup generators are a great way to ensure key elements to your home can run in the event of a power outage. Furnaces and water heaters need power to run, not to mention the benefit of having light and the ability to use kitchen appliances.
  • Adding insulation where needed, such as attics, cold and unheated basements, wall cavities, floors, basement windows, and around exposed pipes can greatly improve your property's ability to hold in heat and keep out the cold. 
  • Be sure that the area around windows is caulked thoroughly to reduce heat loss and to cut down on your heating costs. 
  • Clear rain gutters as often as possible. Specifically, be sure the downspouts are clear of debris to ensure proper drainage. 

Be sure to monitor and inspect these areas of your home regularly this winter. The more often they are checked, the more likely a potential issue is discovered before it becomes a real problem.

Winter weather can be potentially damaging to your home or commercial property. Is your property prepared this winter?

Winter Storms: Protecting Your Property From Frozen Pipes

12/29/2022 (Permalink)

Copper pipe with a crack and leaking water. Keep these preventative measures in mind to help prevent frozen pipes.

As 2022 draws to a close, and we're but a few days from January, winter is here and that means cold weather. Cold weather can mean a lot of things to a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, and right at the top of the list for property damage concerns are frozen pipes. Baseboard heat pipes, supply lines, sprinkler heads, and outdoor spickets are just a few areas where a frozen pipe can potentially create extensive damage to a property. 

Even a small crack or puncture can lead to hundreds of gallons of water to infiltrate your building. The three common causes of frozen pipes are:

  • Quick drops in temperature
  • Poor insulation
  • A thermostat that is set too low

Consider these preventative measures to help prevent frozen pipes in your property:

  • Insulate your pipes. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
  • Seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around the electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
  • Let water drip. Let warm water drip from a faucet overnight.  

Safety Considerations for the Winter Season

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Red building surrounded by snow. Winter is just around the corner! Are you ready?

Living in New England, we have the privilege of experience the four seasons and all that comes with them. Changing weather, beautiful colors, the smells, the sounds, and the adventure. Although still in the fall, winter is just around the corner. Not too long from now we will be reacquainted with snow hats, gloves, shovels, snow blowers, salt, firewood, holiday decorations, ice skates, skis, and sleds. It's an exciting time that not everyone in the country can enjoy, but it can also be treacherous. Here are a few safety reminders for the upcoming winter season.

  • Be prepared: stay informed of incoming snow and ice storms.
  • Create an emergency kit.
  • Check your smoke & Carbon monoxide alarms.
  • Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during outages.
  • Make sure your vehicle is winter storm ready with proper tires and make sure your gas tank is at least half-full.
  • Minimize driving during winter storm events.
  • Dress accordingly for the frigid weather.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Be conscientious of your pet's well-being and safety in the cold weather.
  • Clear exhaust vents from direct vent gas furnaces to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Dig out fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood.
  • Keep snow from accumulating on your roof to help prevent roof collapses and ice dams.
  • Be sure to check on your neighbors, especially those that are elderly, have medical conditions, or those that live alone.

Be sure to take full advantage of the many joys of winter but prepare and be safe as well.

Hurricane Facts

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

River waters raging from heavy rains. We're here to help 24/7 for storm cleanup and restoration.

Although Hurricane Season is in its final weeks, you can't rule them out just yet. Hurricane Ian made landfall in late September/early October, and just this past week, Tropical Storm Nicole made its way into Florida and up the east coast. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage from high winds, flooding, storm surge, landslides, and power outages. Preparation is paramount when protecting your property against potential damage from hurricanes. Prepare an emergency kit, plan an evacuation route, and take inventory of your property.

Here are some facts you may not be aware of regarding hurricanes:

  • 2004's Hurricane Ivan produced 127 tornadoes in nine different states over a ten-day period.
  • Roughly 40% of hurricanes hit Florida.
  • To identify these storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a six-year rotating list of names.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to assist with emergency cleanup and restoration following hurricane and storm damage.

Hurricane Sandy: 10 Years Later

11/12/2022 (Permalink)

Green truck on side of street next to a temporary heating appliance. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was 1 of about 300 franchisees that mobilized to assist with Hurricane Sandy storm cleanup.

Back in late October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy (often referred to as "Superstorm" Sandy) landed on shore in just northeast of Atlantic City in New Jersey as a post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds. Sandy affected 24 states, including all the eastern seaboard from as far south as Florida, and north to Maine. It reached as far west as Michigan and Wisconsin. The most severe of the damage took place in New Jersey and New York. New York City experienced flooded streets, subways, and tunnels. Sandy dissipated in early November, leaving in its wake, nearly $70 billion dollars in damage, and north of 200 deaths.

Nearly 1,000 SERVPRO crews, representing over 300 individual SERVPRO franchises, mobilized to storm affected areas all over the eastern part of the US to assist with flood damage. Our previous owner, Richard Paul, along with current Co-Owner, Ryan Paul, traveled south the Long Island, NY to assist a local SERVPRO franchise with a large influx of emergency service requests. Richard and Ryan brought with them a team of about a dozen technicians and project managers, several cargo trucks, a couple water extraction trucks, and about 100 pieces of drying equipment to help with emergency water mitigation caused by the storm.

The damage done by Hurricane Sandy was unforgettable and devastating. Our team did their very best to assist the Long Island, NY SERVPRO franchise in the 2+ weeks they were in town. The SERVPRO franchise system and Disaster Recovery Team are such incredible resources when tackling storm damage of this magnitude. One more reason why SERVPRO is the cleanup and restoration team that is "Faster to any size disaster."

Storm Damage: You Can Rely on SERVPRO

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Row of green SERVPRO trucks in a parking lot. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties: Faster to an size disaster.

Storms can take many shapes and forms. They can differ in size, severity, and ferocity. One thing is consistent, storms are serious, often times frightening, dangerous, and damaging to your residential or commercial property. Heavy rains, lightning, rising waters, intense winds, hail, or snow, these elements can cause serious damage to a home or business.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a locally owned and operated franchise that has been serving the area since 1978. Timely response, professional service, and clear communication are three pillars our team considers in ensuring a positive customer experience.

Another major benefit to being a part of a franchise system when a major storm or catastrophe makes its way into our geographic area. When a major weather event strikes, we have the ability to contact and utilize franchises from around the country. With over 2,000 franchises nationwide, over 20,000 SERVPRO personnel, and the largest supply of owned restoration equipment, there is literally no job that is too big for SERVPRO to handle.

When it comes to storm damage, we mean it when we say SERVPRO is "Faster to any size disaster."

Storm Damage Comes in Many Forms

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

Collage of photos containing different equipment used for water damage mitigation SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the necessary equipment to mitigate property-related storm damage of any size or severity.

Depending on the season, especially here in Southern Vermont, storms can come in a variety of forms. They may differ based on many kinds of precipitation, temperature, severity, and intensity.

Most common during summer months, thunderstorms can bring with them strong winds, heavy rains, lightning, rising waters and often hail. When it comes to winter, storm damage varies even more. Substantial, accumulating snowfall, freezing rain, ice buildup, ice dams, periods of sub-freezing temperature are commonplace for New England Winters. In the Springtime, the combination of warming temps, snow melt, and the occasional rainfall can create flood concerns.

Each of these types of storm damage can be damaging to your home or commercial property. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is equipped the proper equipment needed and trained personnel to remedy storm-related damage to your property no matter the size or severity. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to make storm damage "Like it never even happened."

Flood Water: Knowing the Terms

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded street running through a commercial area. Being prepared can make a major difference when damaging rain and flooding make their way through your town and surrounding areas.

It was almost a year ago, the local area was inundated with heavy rains, downpours, and rising water. In July of 2021, we saw record rainfall in several of our surrounding towns. Rivers swelled, the ground became overly saturated, and as a result we received an abundance of service requests for flooded properties.

The heavy rains arrived unexpectedly for many. Preparation can be helpful in minimizing property damage but more importantly, for the safety of you and your family. Here are a few terms relating to flooding and their meanings which can be helpful before the onset of heavy rainfall.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to weather radio, commercial radio, or TV for information.

Flood Warnings: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Flash Flood Warnings: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately. 

Remember to take as many safety precautions as possible prior to flood causing rains. If your property becomes damaged by flooding, contact the emergency restoration team that's faster to any sized disaster: SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties.

Lightning Safety Tips

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Dark clouds and lightning in the sky above large red commercial building. Thunder and lightning storms can be dangerous. Be sure to take proper precautions when confronted by a thunderstorm.

While technically still Spring, summerlike weather is just around the corner. Along with high temperatures and humidity, comes the threat of heavy rain, thunder and lightning. An afternoon thunderstorm during the summer can be refreshing and stimulating to the eye but can also be dangerous and potential harmful to your family or property. Here are a few pieces of info and pointers to keep in mind as we enter thunderstorm season.

  • If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you.
  • When thunder is heard, quickly move to a safe shelter.
  • Stay in the safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

While indoors during a thunderstorm:

  • Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that could potentially put you in contact with electricity.
  • Avoid Plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
  • Stay away from windows and doors, stay off porches and decks.
  • Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

While outdoors during a thunderstorm:

  • Avoid highly elevated areas such as mountains, hills or peaks.
  • Do not lie flat on the ground.
  • Do not shelter under an isolated tree.
  • Avoid ponds, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. 
  • Stay away from objects that conduct electricity such as power lines, windmills, barbed wire fences.

Be sure to consider these reminders the next time you experience a thunder and lightning storm. Be safe, be alert, take precautions.

Wind Damage Prevention

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Flag flying and flagpole bent due to high winds. Be sure to prepare for high winds prior to the event to protect your home or commercial property.

It's Spring here in Southern Vermont. The weather is changing constantly. It can be difficult to predict. Warm temps, cold temps. Sunshine, then rain. Frosty mornings, comfy afternoons. However, one element that seems to be consistent is the wind. While wind can be a nuisance and add a chill to the air, it can also be potentially devastating to your residential or commercial property. Here are a few things to consider when protecting your property from strong winds:

  • Trim trees or shrubs close to your home
  • Remove debris from the yard (outdoor furniture, toys, etc.)
  • Cover windows with plywood if sever winds or storms are approaching
  • Ensure materials such as roofing are, fencing, chimneys are properly maintained
  • Keep rain gutters clear and clean

Stay up to date with current weather forecasts and be sure to prepare for heavy winds prior to, rather than during the event.

Residential Ground Water Damage

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Home with ripped up floors and walls due to flood damage. Water mitigation can often require several steps to ensure affected areas are properly dried.

Due to recent rainfall, combined with snow melt and warmer temperatures, a number of service calls have come in for flooded basements. In many cases, old, cracked, or damaged foundations were overwhelmed by the high amounts of ground water at which point basement water intrusion occurs.

In a recent case, the water level at this residential property came up through the crawlspace, and flooded parts of the first level of the home. The water mitigation of the property was extensive. First, water was pumped and extracted from the crawlspace. Next, flooring and subfloors were removed from the first level, followed by 2-foot "flood cuts" to the base of sheetrock walls. Wet, damaged insulation from wall cavities was then discarded. Finally, open areas of the building structure were cleaned and dried using high powered air movers and dehumidifiers.

There were several steps and phases to this water mitigation project, but by the end, the affected areas were dried and ready for reconstruction.

Portable Generator Safety

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Two portable generators. Portable generators are a great way to supply power temporarily but should be maintained regularly and used with caution.

Spring is just around the corner but until then, snowstorms, ice, frigid temperatures, and heavy winds are to be expected. These weather characteristics are synonymous with power outages and loss of electricity. Having a portable generator can be a valuable commodity in these occasions. It is important however, to keep safety in mind when using them. Please consider these important tips when using your portable generator, courtesy of Energy.gov. For further details, tips, and clarification, be sure to check out the link above.

  • Use your generator correctly. Using a generator incorrectly can be dangerous.
  • Position generators outside and away from any structure. 
  • Keep your generator dry.
  • Disconnect power coming into your home or business prior to operating your generator.
  • Make sure generator is properly grounded before using.
  • Plug equipment directly into generator.
  • Never plug generator into a wall outlet.
  • Maintain an adequate supply of fuel.
  • Prior to refueling, allow the generator to cool down once turned off.
  • Inspect, service and maintain generator regularly. 

Generator safety and maintenance are crucial. Keep these tips in mind and you will be set to go the next time your generator is needed.

Information on Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Visual depiction of an ice dam on a roof. Ice dams can be managed, and steps can be taken to prevent their formation.

It's January, and we are sitting squarely in the middle of Winter. Here in New England, that can mean a long list of potential issues for your home. One common damage causing issue are ice dams. Ice dams form as a result of heat loss through the roof of a home. A ridge of ice that forms at the roof's edge and prevents water from draining creates the ice dam. Ice dams can become a nuisance to your property when water backs up behind the dam and works its way under shingles and begins to leak into the home. Insulation, walls, ceilings, and other areas can become affected. Water that is not dried quickly and thoroughly can eventually lead to mold growth.

 Hot water can be used to melt the ice dam but do so gently. Heat cables can be installed on the roof prior to the winter and snow months. Raking your roof consistently around the edges following snowfall will help to prevent ice dams as well. Keep your gutters clean and downspouts clear to avoid slowly draining gutters which could potentially cause ice dams. 

If an ice dam develops, do not use rock salt or sodium chloride to attempt to clear the ice dam. This material is highly corrosive and can cause damage to roofing, gutters & downspouts and siding. Deicer is better. A sock or pantyhose can be filled with deicer and placed vertically on the roof to break up the ice dam. The melted areas where the deicer was placed can allow drainage channels for the excess water.

Protect Your Home from Winter Weather

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Exterior photo of red commercial building during a snow storm. Prepare your home or commercial property to help prevent damage from the winter elements.

As we're on the eve of the official start of Winter, it's never too early to begin preparing for the elements and protecting your most prized possession, your home!

Here are a few friendly reminders and tips to help protect your home this winter:

  • Insulate pipes in your crawlspace or basement. This will help prevent them from freezing and ultimately bursting.
  • Clean your rain gutters. Keeping your gutters clean can help to prevent ice dams and cracking gutters.
  • Trim branches aways from your roof. Heavy snow and ice could potentially weaken the branches and ultimately fall and damage the roof.
  • Seal air leaks by caulking cracks around trim and windows. Use rubber or metal door sweeps between the bottom of doors and flooring to seal in warm air.
  • Have a generator on hand in the event of power outages. Consult a licensed electrician for proper installation.

Keeping these tips in mind will help immensely in preparing your home for cold weather this winter season.

Here to Help: Storm Damage Restoration

11/26/2021 (Permalink)

Row of green SERVPRO trucks outside of commercial property. Contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties anytime: 24/7/365. Our team is faster to any sized disaster!

Storm damage can result from a variety of different types of events. Whether it be hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, or blizzards, the damage from nature's events can be severely damaging to your home or business.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available, equipped, and ready to assist when nature strikes. Our focus is, you, the customer. Specifically, we are here to help you get back into your home or business as quickly and safely as possible. No matter the size or severity of the damage you have experiences, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the personnel and equipment availability to necessitate any size project. No job is too large, no job is too small.

From residential homes to commercial properties, large and small, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is here to help make storm damage "Like it never even happened." 

Flood Damage Response

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flood damage and high waters under a bridge. Throughout Southern Vermont, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to assist with your flood damage.

Floods can strike anywhere across the United States. The principal causes of floods in the eastern part of the US are hurricanes and storms. In the western part of the US, the principal cause of flooding is snowmelt and rainstorms. SERVPRO franchises across the country have assisted in flood and storm damage restoration for many major events such as Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Gustav (2008), Kentucky Floods (2009), Tennessee Floods (2010), Minot, North Dakota Floods (2011), Hurricane Michael (2018) to name a few.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has been involved in several flood events over the years as well. In 2011, Hurricane Irene ravaged the entire state of Vermont and parts of New Hampshire. In 2012, our team assisted with local SERVPRO franchises in Long Island, New York following the devastating Superstorm Sandy. Most recently, parts of Southwestern New Hampshire were heavily affected by heavy rains this past July. In each of these local events, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties was there to assist our neighbors.

Wherever your home or business may be located, there is a SERVPRO team ready to assist you and make flood damage "Like it never even happened."

Be Prepared: Flood Tips For Your Southeastern Vermont Home

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded brook over a local landscape. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is available 24/7 to make flood damage "Like it never even happened."

As we all know, it is much easier to prepare for a disaster before it occurs. Of course, we are all challenged with tasks, obligations and distractions in our everyday life which can prevent us from taking precautions following a disaster, in this case happens to be flooding. Below are helpful tips from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Before the Flood

  • Have a qualified professional elevate your furnace, water heater and electrical panel if susceptible to flooding.
  • Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
  • Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.

During the Flood

  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. 
  • Disconnect electrical appliances.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Do not walk-through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.

After The Flood

  • Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
  • Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
  • Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  • Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

Once your property is deemed to be clear, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties who are prepared to assist with flood damage restoration and water mitigation. We're here to help!

What's A Nor'Easter?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Office building during a snow storm. You can never be too prepared for treacherous winter weather. It's always easier to prepare before the weather arrives rather than during or after.

We may not want to admit it, but cold weather, snow and ice season is not far off the horizon. It's a good time to make sure you're snowblower is serviced, you've made arrangements with a snowplow driver, and you're stocked up on firewood for the Winter. It won't be long before the first snowstorm has made its way to our neck of the woods, or even more impactful, the arrival of the dreaded nor'easter! 

These kinds of storms, which take place along the East Coast of the U.S., carry with them coastal winds that originate from the Northeast. Nor'easters can last anywhere from 24 to 36 hours and can produce wind speeds exceeding 58 miles per hour. A Nor'easter can take place any time over the calendar year but are most common between September and April. Nor'easters are large in diameter which can be 3 to 4 times larger than a hurricane. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also one of the prominent characteristics of a Nor'easter. 

What was the worst Nor'easter you ask? In 1888, a storm which left a path of destruction from New England to Chesapeake Bay left 50 inches of snow in Massachusetts and Connecticut, 85 MPH winds, and sadly claimed over 400 lives, including about 100 that were out to sea. A Truly devastating storm indeed.

It's never too early to start preparing for the winter and the terrible weather that comes with it. Be prepared and be safe.

Record Rainfall for July 2021

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Orange road closure signs on a road which has been flooded due to large amounts of rain. Record rainfall in the area led to the swelling of countless rivers, brooks and streams causing damage to local roads and property.

There's no doubt that Southern New Hampshire and Vermont have had their share of rain so far this Summer.  Downpours, thunderstorms, driving rain, drizzle, more downpours, we've had it all and then some. Remnants from Tropical Storm Elsa also contributed large periods of rainfall.

July rainfall totals in Southwestern New Hampshire surpassed previous records that were set in the mid-1800s. Jaffrey, NH measured a record 19.17 inches of rainfall while Keene, NH saw an even 18 inches of rain. Swelling rivers, brooks and streams led to localized flooding throughout Southwestern, NH and Southern Vermont. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties received hundreds of calls from property owners who experienced flooded basements, roof leaks and wind damage. Many homeowners expressed a common sentiment, "In all these years in our home, we've never had water in our basement." Very understandable as July was the rainiest for Southwestern NH in over 100 years. Areas in Southern Vermont were also affected and damaged by the high amount of rainfall.

If your home or business has experienced water damage resulting from flood water, or any water related mishap, contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to make water and flood damage "Like it never even happened."

Facts About Microbursts

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Tree limbs and branches down in the area of a power line following strong winds. High winds can mean a dangerous environment causing tree limbs and branches to fall. Be sure to take necessary safety precautions.

From heavy snow, freezing temps, and icy conditions in the winter, to high heat, hard rain and flooding in the summer, New England sees all kinds of treacherous weather. Another weather event that is not uncommon in the Northeast are what are called "microbursts." 

  • Microbursts are normally short in duration but are very intense.
  • Microbursts occur when very high winds descend from rain clouds towards the ground and disperse horizontally.
  • As previously mentioned, microbursts do not last long and typically pass after 10-15 minutes. Sometimes even shorter.
  • A Microburst can cause damage, ordinarily, within a 1/2 mile- 2-mile diameter.
  • Heavy winds are a characteristic most commonly associated with a microburst but can also include thunderstorms and heavy rain.
  • Microbursts were only first observed in 1974 and the physics of them is still not completely understood.
  • Microbursts are particularly threatening to airplanes, specifically during takeoff and landing. 

Of course, with high winds comes the threat of down trees, limbs, and other airborne debris. Be sure to get to a safe area whenever a threat of a microburst arises.

Disaster Preparedness-Stay Protected

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Police cruiser parked in front of a blocked off road due to flooding. Preparing for natural disasters is the best way to ensure the safety of your family, business, and community.

Next week is Disaster Preparedness Week and as natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency, we thought it would be beneficial to outline some reminders to be more prepared for them.

Planning for events such as hurricanes, floods, snowstorms wildfires and even earthquakes help individuals and communities increase the health and safety during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services, and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.

One of the best ways for communities to prepare for disasters is to build the most up-to-date, modern building codes. Disaster mitigation through the adoption and enforcement of building codes provides you, your family, and your community protection in the event of a natural disaster.

Making sure your family is prepared for any natural disaster is important. Your preparedness actions can ensure that no matter what Mother Nature brings, you, your family, and your community will be safe and resilient. 

Flash Flood Preparedness

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Four photo collage with flood damage. Flash floods can be dangerous and damaging. Contact the water mitigation pros at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with your property.

Here in Windham & Windsor Counties, we are no stranger to foul weather. Whether it be snow, sleet, high winds, driving rain, thunderstorms, frigid temps, and even high heat and humidity, we get a little bit of everything. Often, we are faced with combatting flash floods.

Flash floods are caused by excessive rainfall, a dam or levee breaking or failing, or an ongoing ice jam loosening in the winter. Flash floods can be very damaging. Trees can be torn down, large boulders moved or rolled, and even buildings can be damaged, and in some cases, destroyed. You want to take certain precautions any time there is a potential for a flash flood. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

  • Be alert and aware of a possible flash flood.
  • Review your family disaster plan.
  • Create a disaster emergency kit.
  • Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.
  • Do NOT drive through flooded roadways.
  • Move any personal belongings on your property to higher ground.
  • Take into consideration the safety of family members, loved ones and pets. Have a safe place to relocate to.
  • Disconnect appliances and electrical items in low levels of property.
  • Seal vents/windows to your basement.

The best thing you can do prior to flash flooding is be prepared. Be aware and listen for warmings and inclement weather forecasts. Be safe and plan ahead of time. Once the weather subsides, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready to provide you with the water mitigation your property may need!

High Wind Safety

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Wind blow trees fallen on roof of a home damaging roof. High winds can be potentially dangerous and its beneficial to be prepared when extreme weather approaches.

You may have noticed; Windham & Windsor Counties have experienced weather with very high winds as of late. The windy days seem much more frequent than the calm ones. Great kite flying weather, not so great for keeping the yard cleaned. More importantly, high winds can be potentially dangerous. Here are a few safety pointers to consider when experiencing high winds.

  • Evacuate manufactured homes.
  • Take shelter in a safe location.
  • Keep a disaster kit easily accessible.
  • Items outside the home such as patio furniture, kid’s toys, garbage cans should be put inside a garage or the home.
  • Remove or trim potentially dangerous tree limbs before the storm arrives.
  • In extreme wind conditions, board of glass windows and doors
  • Having a generator for extreme wind events is a good strategy due to the high likelihood of power loss.

Keep these tips and pointers in mind before the next high wind weather event in your area!

Storm Prep: Build a Disaster Supply Kit

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency supplies critical following storm damage: food, water, flashlight, first aid kit. Building a Disaster Supply Kit with items you will need following a storm is key for optimum preparedness.

When it comes to combating oncoming storms, the best offense is a good defense. In other words, being prepared for storm damage is of the utmost importance. Whether it be a snow, ice, rain or windstorm, having a plan in place and a disaster supply kit assembled, will have you one step ahead when they strike. Here are a few recommendations for your Disaster Supply Kit:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days)
  • Food (no less than a three-day supply)
  • Battery powered radio
  • Flashlight 
  • First aid kit
  • Additional batteries
  • Cell phone with chargers/battery backup
  • Toolbox
  • Pet food (if there are pets in the household)
  • fire extinguisher
  • Change of clothing for the appropriate weather and sturdy shoes
  • Matches (preferably in a waterproof container)
  • Writing utensil and paper
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Paper towels, plates, cups, and plastic eating utensils.

Other tasks that should be kept in mind prior to a storm:

  • Fill your vehicle's gas tank
  • Check your vehicle's tires
  • Have cash on hand
  • Charge your phone
  • Plan alternate evacuation routes if necessary
  • Gather important documents in a waterproof bag
  • Have an extra set of keys
  • Move your valuables to the highest level of the home

These are but a few items and tasks that can help you better be prepared when a storm is on its way. Of course, safety is of the utmost importance and should be your top priority. If your home or commercial property experiences fire, water, smoke or mold relating from storm damage, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties and we'll be there to assist you. Always here to help!

Winter Storm Reminders

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Outside of a commercial office after a heavy snow fall. There is a lot to consider when preparing your property for New England Winters. Are you ready?

It's Winter here in the Northeast and that means snow, freezing temps and potentially treacherous driving conditions. It's important to be prepared for these types of conditions specifically when it comes to your home and your vehicle. Here are a few reminders for the winter ahead.

  • Prepare an emergency car kit: cell phone, charger, batteries, hats, coats, mittens, window scraper, shovel, water and snacks, and jumper cables.
  • Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary.
  • When driving, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
  • Prepare for power outages.
  • Service and maintain generators.
  • Rake snow from the edge of roofs to avoid possible ice damming.
  • Insulate exposed or vulnerable water lines in your home.
  • Repair roof leaks.
  • Caulk and weather strip windows and doors.
  • Prune tree branches that could potentially damage your property during a winter storm.
  • Keep a stocked first aid kit easily accessible.
  • Have your home's furnace checked and serviced yearly by an HVAC specialist to ensure it is working as it should.
  • Have your chimney or flue inspected by each year by an experienced inspector.

Keep these helpful hints in mind as we batten down the hatches for another long New England Winter. If your property experiences a fire, smoke or water emergency, please contact the professionals hear at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties and we'll be pleased to assist you. We're available 24/7/365 to make your emergency "Like it never even happened."

Ice Dams: Dreaded Winter Hazard

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Snow and ice buildup on the edge of a roof on a red house causing large icicles to form. Be sure to clear snow buildup around the edge of roofs to reduce the possibility of ice buildup.

Winter is a very festive time of year but along with the holidays comes freezing cold temps, snow storms, sleet and ice. The elements can certainly make the short days seem long and can also pose serious threat to your home or property. Ice dams are one of these winter storm concerns.

Ice dams build up on the eaves of sloped roofs in buildings that are heated. Melting snow, stemming from heat loss in the building, causes snow to melt and run down to the edge of the roof where the surface is below freezing, and ice begins to build. That ice buildup can cause damage to rain gutters, shingles and eventually the interior of the house. Here are a few tips on how to combat the forming of ice dams on your property.

  • Vent exhausts from kitchen ducts, bathroom and clothes dryer are properly vented outside rather than into the attic
  • Use roof rake to clear excess snow from the edge of roofs
  • Seal and insulate air ducts
  • Caulk around vent pipes and electrical cables with a fire-stop sealant
  • Ventilate Eaves and Ridge Vents
  • Add steel flashing around the chimney

Winter Storm Worries

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck parked at a residence surrounded by tall banks of snow. It's a great idea to prepare your home or property for the inevitable snow and cold for the upcoming winter.

Winter weather is more than just the common snow covered sidewalks and slippery roads. If you're a New Englander, freezing temps and heavy snow are as common in the winter as beautiful foliage in the fall or green grass in the Summer. With freezing temperatures comes the possibility of freezing pipes which can result in significant water damage to your home or commercial property.

Frozen pipes occur when exposed to freezing temps. Common areas for freezing pipes are basements, attics, garages, crawlspaces, or along exterior walls within a home. Additionally, outdoor water spigots are a regular place for cold weather exposure. A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but usually the rupture is caused from the backflow of pressure between the water source and the blockage. 

If your home or commercial property experiences a burst pipe caused by the extreme cold temps that surround a winter storm, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. We will make sure your property if properly dried mitigated in the affected areas to make it "Like it never even happened."

Facts About Floods

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

River water has flooded over a main road in a small town causing damage to trees, signs, and property surrounding the road. River water can quickly rise and overtake the surrounding areas with the help of heavy rains and snowmelt as seen here in this local town.

Floods are one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. No matter where you may live, floods can can pose a significant threat. Whether you are near mountains, coastlines, along city streets or near a river, the threat for flooding is all around us. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, houses in the United States 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage. Businesses face similar risks by flooding. Here are some statistics regarding flood damage in the US:

  • The principal causes of floods in the western U.S. are snowmelt and rainstorms.
  • The principal causes of floods in the eastern U.S. are hurricanes and storms.
  • Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.
  • More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.
  • Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood- especially at night when it's difficult to see.

If a flood does strike your home or business, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties to assist with the damage. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated properly. The cleanup for a flood can be an overwhelming task and the professionals at SERVPRO have the equipment and trained personal to make flood damage "Like it never even happened." 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

5 Steps to Take If Your House Floods

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

A home almost completely submerged in water during a flood Severe weather and flooding can cause serious damage to your home.

Whether due to extreme weather/flooding or a plumbing failure, a flooded house is a serious issue that can have repercussions long after the water recedes. Your first priority during a flood is to get your family to safety, but once the immediate emergency needs are taken care of, it’s time to focus on disaster recovery for your property. To protect your health and safety, below are the first steps to take.

How to Respond to a Flood in Your Home

  1. Reduce Additional Risks

Electricity can cause additional dangers when your home floods. Even if the power has gone out, if there’s standing water in your home, you might be at risk for electrocution or fire when the power is restored. If you can safely reach the fusebox and turn off the main power line, then do so. If not, call an electrician for help. If it’s only your home that’s flooded, call the gas and sewer companies as well to shut off those lines to prevent more damage. 

  1. Avoid Contact With the Water

Even if the floodwaters appear clean, they could be contaminated with bacteria, sewage, or household chemicals that can make you sick. If you must enter your home for cleanup, use proper protective gear, including boots, hip waders, gloves, and masks. Take care when handling any items that have come in contact with the water, and throw away all food that got wet. 

  1. Take Photos 

Before attempting to clean up or make repairs, take photos of the flood and damage. Your insurance company will need them to process your claim, and if you start cleanup before documenting the damage, you could affect your coverage and reimbursements. 

  1. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notifying your insurer as soon as possible after the flood can help speed your claim and get you on the road to disaster recovery sooner. Follow your insurer’s instructions regarding cleanup or repairs. They may request that you wait until an adjuster examines the damage before starting cleanup. If you are located in a designated disaster area, you may be eligible for additional help and funds from FEMA. Your insurance company will help you with that claim. 

  1. Begin Cleanup & Mitigation

Once your insurer gives the go-ahead, you can begin the process of disaster recovery. Because mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, it’s best to get professional assistance with cleanup. Without proper mitigation, floods can lead to toxic mold throughout your home, causing significant health risks. Expect to replace any furniture that was saturated, as well as carpeting and drywall.

Preparing For An Unexpected Hailstorm

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Hail collecting on the windshield of a car Hail can cause severe damage to your car or roof.

Hailstorms can happen year-round and can vary greatly in severity. Hail can be anywhere from .2 inches to 6 inches in size and weigh more than 1 pound. Annually, hailstorms cause close to $1 billion in damages mainly to roofs and cars. While hailstorms are not easily predicted, there are a few ways to prepare for them to lessen future damage. The first thing to check is your roof. You will want to look for any missing or worn shingles and get those replaced. If you know hail is on the way, try and get your car to the garage or a covered area if possible. Hail can be the bigger than a baseball and can fall from the sky up to 100 mph, yikes! During a hailstorm, you will want to stay inside and avoid skylights or any other glass windows/doors in your home. If you haven’t yet, check with your insurance carrier to see what is covered on your current policy and consider adding hail damage.

Preparing for Heavy Rain

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain coming down on a roof Heavy rain storms can cause serious damage to your property, be prepared!

When a heavy rainstorm is on the horizon, the first thing to do is to check the outside of your home and make sure it is protected. Start by inspecting your roof for any areas that may be missing shingles, or aging/sagging. Clogged gutters can cause issues if they overflow, so check to see if your gutters are fully intact and clear them of any leaves or debris that may be piled up. While walking around your house, check to see that all windows and doors are closed, and that all lawn equipment is stored inside. Once the storm hits, plan on staying inside and avoid driving anywhere unless completely necessary. While checking weather reports, be sure to stay away from windows and doors as they can break or blow in if the wind is strong enough. Once the storm has passed, you should survey your property to check for any damage from fallen branches or to see if any power lines. It is very important to not touch any power lines that are down, and call professionals to repair it.

Helpful Tips During Severe Wind

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Palm trees blowing in severe wind Palm trees during a severe wind storm.

Preparedness is a very important when it comes to protecting your family & property from any severe weather or storm. Winds can reach up to more than 100 miles per hour during severe weather such as a tornado, but a high wind advisory is issued when winds of over 25 miles per hour are predicted. The first thing you will want to do during severe winds is find shelter and move towards the middle of your home or the basement if that is an option. Try to avoid being near any windows or glass doors, and bring belongings such as a grill, garbage cans, and patio furniture inside as these are wind-borne objects that could cause more damage to your home. Severe wind can happen anywhere, regardless of where you live so being informed on how to be prepared is important.

In the case of an evacuation, go to the nearest shelter if possible and follow these helpful tips:

  • Lock all doors and windows at your home before you go.
  • Bring a survival kit and other supplies such as food & water.
  • Let family & friends know where you plan to be.
  • If there is no time to get to a shelter, stay in the middle of your home or basement, away from windows, and try to take cover.

Wintertime Flood Hazards

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

a snow rake pulling large amounts of snow off of a roof with large pile of snow below Preparing Your House For Winter Is Your Best Defense In Preventing Flood Damage To Your Home

Even mild to moderate winters without record-breaking snowfall can cause considerable damage to your home. Ice and fluctuations in temperature and conditions can potentially cause a dangerous situation including a flood hazard. To avoid an emergency, keep an eye out for the following conditions — or you may need water cleanup and restoration services this winter.

3 Wintertime Flood Hazards

  1. Ice Dams

Correct ventilation in an attic is key to avoiding ice dams in your home. Without proper ventilation in the attic, heat will rise through the roof peak, making the center of the roof warmer than the edges. After a snowstorm, this uneven spread in temperature causes the snow to melt at different rates. Ice then builds near the edges and blocks snow-melt from draining through the gutter system. This process is called ice damming. As the snow melts, water can dislodge the shingles and roof flashing and even pry apart gutter seams. Because water expands when it freezes, the cycle of freezing and thawing can magnify this damage.

If ice dams form on your gutters, water can eventually permeate the roof and cause wood-rot, mold, and drywall damage in your attic.

To combat ice dams:

  • Use insulation and caulk to keep the attic and roof cold.
  • Add roof and soffit vents to improve the ventilation outside your home.
  • Install a waterproof under-layer beneath the roofing shingles.
  1. Snow Accumulation on the Roof

Snow accumulation is another potential risk during the winter. If heavy snowdrifts form on your roof, the weight can cause the structure to collapse. Factors such as the condition and pitch of your roof, affect the likelihood of this scenario. Depending on the type of roof you have, a roof rake may be needed if there are periods of heavy snowfall. If your house is up to code, it should be able to withstand average snowfall. For more information about snow accumulation on the roof, check the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

  1. Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are typical during the winter, especially in unheated or cold rooms with water pipes, like the basement. Pipes along exterior walls (i.e. water sprinkler lines and hose bibs) are also more susceptible to freezing.

As a water pipe freezes, pressure builds up until the pipe bursts. This usually causes flooding until the supply line is turned off. A frozen pipe typically requires water cleanup services.

To keep pipes from freezing:

  • Insulate pipes with specially designed foam sleeves.
  • Heat areas of your home that have water pipes.
  • Winterize outdoor plumbing fixtures.

If a winter storm hits your home or business, call the experts at SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties at (802) 674-8004 for immediate water cleanup and restoration services. Our company is locally owned and operated yet comes with the support and resources of a nationally recognized brand.

Weatherproofing Your Home for Winter

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

illustration of a snowflake with blue squares in the background We hope these tips help you stay warm this winter!

When the temperature dips down in the winter months it’s important to keep your home safe and warm. Here are some tips to help weatherproof your home to help protect it against Jack Frost:

  • Insulation makes a huge difference in cutting your energy costs and keeping your house warm. Important areas to insulate are exterior walls as well as the attic. Having well insulated walls, ceilings and floors throughout your house will help you tremendously in your battle against the winter chill.
  • Repair roof leaks and remove any tree limbs that could fall on your home during a storm.
  • Cover your windows with weatherproofing plastic or install storm or thermal-pane windows to reduce heat loss and drafts
  • Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors.
  • Hang thermal curtains from your windows.
  • Insulate water lines that go along exterior walls.

We hope these tips help you stay warm this winter! If there's ever a need for remediation services this winter call us. We are available 24/7

(800) 352-7251

Is Your Home Storm Ready?

8/22/2019 (Permalink)

animated picture of lightning bolts When a storm rolls in so does trouble!

When a storm rolls in so does trouble! Storms can produce high winds causing downed power lines, debris and downed trees. There is always a risk when a storm hits that there will be damage to a property. While every situation may not cause catastrophic damage to your home, even a small roof puncture from a tree limb or flying debris can be enough to allow substantial runoff and torrential rainfall to pour into your home. A falling tree can cause serious damage to your roof, siding and windows. Heavy rain can also cause concern for potential flooding. Below are a few tips to help keep your home safe and dry in the event of a storm:

  • Regularly check your home for potential weaknesses especially in the roof, siding and windows. Even a small opening can let in rainwater so catching and repairing these issues before a storm hits is important and will save you money
  • Consider options to protect your windows and entryways such as adding shutters and storm doors
  • Keep an eye on the trees closest to your home. Of course, you don’t want to cut into every tree but sometimes damage can be prevented by trimming back the trees that pose a threat
  • Regularly check that rainwater is draining properly. If it isn’t, consider ways to redirect it such as adding gutters or consulting a contractor
  • Having a sump pump and dehumidifier handy can really help on days with heavy rain or high humidity

If the latest storm has damaged your home don’t delay to act! Call us, we’re available 24/7 to help!

(800) 352-7251

Hurricane Safety- Getting Your Home Hurricane Ready

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can grow quickly and cause widespread damage.

The warmer weather months, June through early November, are beautiful and certainly treasured in New England. The warm seasons offer a time to visit favorite campgrounds, swim in a local lake or pool and stick your toes in the sand at the beach. Warm weather also brings the threat of hurricanes. A massive storm system that begins over warm ocean waters and moves inland is known as a hurricane. Hurricanes produce hazards such as heavy rain, floods, rip tides, landslides, strong winds, storm surges and even tornadoes. These massive storms can cause large amounts of damage to properties and even death to those in affected areas. Below are a few tips to prepare your home just in case a hurricane hits your town:

  • Do a little research to understand the likelihood of a hurricane in your area
  • Have an emergency plan in place and learn your area’s evacuation routes and local emergency shelters
  • If you live in a flood zone, always be on the lookout for warning signs during a storm (such as heavy rain)
  • Store emergency supplies in a place that’s safe and easy to reach. This should include basic survival items such as potable water and food (3 days supply or more), first aid items, a flashlight and batteries, a weather radio so you can listen to storm updates and any vital medications
  • Sign up for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and EAS (Emergency Alert System) to stay informed on current local weather

If your home does experience any damage from a storm, please feel free to call us. We’re available 24/7.

(800) 352-7251

Staying Safe During A Thunderstorm- Emergency Outdoor Safety Tips

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

"When thunder roars, go indoors." Safe shelters include homes, offices, a hard-top vehicle, or public facilities like a shopping center or library.

When the thunder rolls, it’s best to find shelter quickly. But if you’re caught outside during a thunderstorm, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts of how to protect yourself. Thunderstorms can be dangerous, especially if important rules of safety are forgotten. In addition to heavy rain, the storm can also produce hail and your risk of being struck by lightning increases if you are stranded outside. If your car is close by, you can take shelter inside your vehicle until the storm passes. Put the windows up and then stay in the car until the storm is over. If there are no shelters nearby, here are some last-minute tips from the National Weather Service to reduce your risk of being injured or struck by lightning:

  • Never lie flat on the ground.
  • Never shelter in or under an isolated tree.
  • Immediately get off elevated areas like mountain ridges or peaks and hills.
  • Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
  • Keep away from objects that are conductive, i.e. power lines/transformers, windmills, metal fencing.
  • Stay clear of bodies of water.

For weather forecast and safety information visit the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov

Staying Safe During A Thunderstorm- Indoor Safety Tips

5/8/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm

April showers bring May flowers. Springtime is also when we start to see thunderclouds roll in with heavy rain and lightning. It is important to know how to protect yourself and your family from the potential hazards associated with thunderstorms.

Sometimes thunderstorms produce hail which can vary in size from the size of a Tic-Tac to the size of a grapefruit! These chunks of ice can plummet to earth at speeds up to 120 mph.

Thunderstorms also produce lightning which can kill or seriously injure one caught in its path. Here are some safety tips to follow once you get indoors:

  • Stay inside until the storm is over.
  • Stay away from windows, skylights and doors as high winds and hail can break the glass.
  • Don’t use corded phones and electronics like power tools or computers. The electrical wires can conduct lightning.
  • Don’t use the shower/bathtub, wash dishes, do laundry or wash your hands as the metal plumbing is also conductive.
  • Keep candles, matches/lighters, flashlights and batteries in a secure and easy to reach location in case they are needed during a power outage.
  • Keep a first aid kit fully stocked and in an accessible location in your home.
  • Always have emergency non-perishable food and potable water in your pantry just in case.

SERVPRO Says Wilmington Homes, Flooding, and Odors Often Occur Together

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Have No Fear--SERVPRO Is Here--In Wilmington for Snow Flood Recovery

Melting Winter Snow Can Lead to Flood Damage in Wilmington Neighborhoods

Winter weather in Wilmington includes snow falling everywhere and leaving a blanket of white on our town. Even with freezing temperatures, days without any cloud cover can let the sun get hot enough on snow to cause melting. When areas downhill remain solidly frozen, melted snow ends up trapped.
 
Homes in Wilmington can experience flood damagewhen trapped water from melted snow accumulates around the foundation and seeps in through new or existing cracks. With the ground still frozen, it cannot absorb any of the water, either.
 
Flood damage in your basement or ground floor can happen anytime, but during the evening before temperatures drop and the sun's rays give less light is when flooding is most likely to happen. Flooding can also happen when nearby streams overflow because of blocked areas downstream.
 
SERVPRO's specialized teams can mitigate the damage flooding can cause in your home. We can make it “Like it never even happened,” quickly and with few interruptions to your family's life. Getting things back to normal again for you is one of our main goals. We know flooding, at any water levels, can cause problems for residents.
 
After we remove the water and get your home dry again, we need to treat your home for the new presence of foul odors. We use techniques that meet industry standards and leave your home protected well.
 
Many of the microorganisms that flooding, regardless of its intensity, forces into a home produce unpleasant odors. The presence of odors from floodwater does not mean your home remains dirty or contaminated. It merely means that trapped microorganisms continue creating the odors.
 
We remove the odors caused by flood damage with thermal fogging or the use of our hydroxyl machines. With severe flooding, we often use both, as well as other methods. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) explains that both thermal fogging and hydroxyl methods create chemical bonds between chemicals we introduce to your home's environment that bond at the molecular level with odor-producing substances.
 
After this takes effect, previous odors decrease significantly. A second treatment is rarely required, but if a customer requests an additional service, we perform an assessment first to ensure that odors do not need a different treatment method.
 
Flood damage can create a different atmosphere inside your home, even in areas that remained dry. SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is always here, 24/7, to aid you in getting things restored quickly. Call us at (802) 674-8004 when your home needs professional mitigation and restoration services.

Fun in the snow of VT by clicking here

Flooding Facts: How Water Affects Your White River Home’s Structural Integrity

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Water and wood don't mix. Call SERVPRO to restore your home after a water incident.

How Flood Damage in White River Junction Affects Higher Levels of a Home

Flooding washes a land's features away and changes it drastically. It can do much the same to homes in White River Junction. The force of the water involved can become extremely strong, and the pressure behind its mass can also force timbers to move from their original location.  

The damage to wooden structures from a flood in White River Junction worsens as the flooding increases. When wood swells, it can suffer changes to its shape, by curving or twisting. These changes can also affect your home's other levels when they lose their original angles. Twisting internally, at even slight amounts, can cause cracking along seams and corners.  

SERVPRO technicians realize that getting your home's previous dry condition restored quickly means many of these changes in the internal structure can revert to normal. Once this happens, minor repairs can suffice in making your house “Like it never even happened.” Instead of significant patching of gaping cracks in corners to close up holes, only small amounts of work, such as sanding and minor repainting, sufficiently clears up any mess.  

Our equipment handles extracting any leftover water from lower areas of your property and gets them ready for our drying machinery. Opening windows and doors so that air can move more freely, might occur, but only should the air outside be drier than the air inside. Our powerful air movers pull moisture from out of concrete and brick areas of your home. These slightly porous materials hold onto water they absorbed much more than softer materials tend to do. Getting it out of these more difficult materials helps immensely toward drying out the entire house. Our IICRC-certified technicians measure moisture content levels in different materials, starting when we first arrive so that we can accurately track our progress.  

As the air moves more forcefully through your home, the removal of damaged drywall and other wall materials means air can flow through areas that it could not before. This air movement causes dry areas inside upper walls which works in our favor to counteract evaporation and condensation. Trapped moisture is not a welcome aspect of flood damage mitigation. We also use desiccant machines to extract the moisture from the air, steadily decreases the amount of moisture in your property.  

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties can help get your home back to normal again after flood damage causes untold harm. We understand that your house in Woodstock, Stratton, or Springfield can suffer in many ways, and that time is of the essence. Call us at (802) 674-8004, so we can start working on the mitigation and restoration needed immediately after a flooding incident. We are available whenever you call.

The Center for Cartoon Studies is located in White River Junction. Click here for more information.

Summer Storms and Flood Damage in Your Wilmington Residence

8/31/2018 (Permalink)

Our technicians restore storm damage "Like it never even happened."

Watch Out For Summer Storms - Flood Damage Can Occur

Summer brings plenty of beautiful warm weather to Wilmington, often in stark contrast to our freezing winter weather. Mixed in with sunny days come showers and storms that keep our lawns and parks green. Some storms cause problems though, especially when trees fall on homes or debris blocks drains on neighborhood streets. 

If your home in Wilmington experiences flood damage because of summer weather, SERVPRO can help get things back to normal. Your family home can sustain severe damage in untouched areas merely because of the increase in humidity. Water evaporates when temperatures rise, and this water vapor then seeks equilibrium, forcing its way into drier materials. Any dry surfaces act like magnets to water vapor, while conversely, moisture acts trapped by these same materials later.

Because of this, SERVPRO does not stop at simply removing damaged materials and cleaning things up after flood damage affects a home. We also remove the left-over moisture. Airing things out without using air movers, desiccant machines, and moisture meters can leave many hidden issues behind. Air movers draw the moisture out while desiccant machines collect moisture. We use our moisture detection equipment to keep tabs on our progress.

Concrete and brick can retain enormous amounts of water, even though they seem non-porous. Their porosity is responsible for their breakdown during winter freeze-overs. Melting snow seeps into cracks only to freeze overnight or during cold snaps. The water expands as it freezes and forces small cracks to expand. Over time, this can cause walkways and patios to deteriorate. Flood damage can cause this dilemma to occur in your garage unless we remove the water flooding left behind.

SERVPRO wants to provide the best services possible to all our customers. Preventing damage remains more inexpensive, and less time-consuming than repairing the damage wrought by flooding, as well as other disasters. Fully mitigating the damages can prevent such problems from becoming a reality and keep your expenses reasonable low.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources


SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has the professional and skilled technicians needed to mitigate any degree of flood damage successfully. Ludlow and West Dover residents can rely on us to make their homes livable again after any disaster. Contact our skilled technicians at (802) 674-8004 when your home needs professional mitigation experts.

For more on Wilmington, click here

Gray Water Backup Can Flood Your Wilmington Home

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding from Storms Can Mean Damage to Wilmington Homes--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup

Wilmington Properties Can Suffer from Flooding in Many Ways

Most of the homeowners in Wilmington have an adequate understanding of their respective plumbing that brings fresh water into their homes, and ushers used water and sewage back out of it. Many homes have all of these outlets tying in together as they exit the house, but many residences have a separate line for wastewater and another for sewage removal.

It is important to know what the set up is for your house because if something goes wrong, you have to understand whom to call to fix the problem. While many residents in the area would choose to reach out to our SERVPRO team for the restoration end of the problem you might face, the issue itself could require tradecraft specific to intricate plumbing or the municipality could have an issue with their main lines and are unaware. Ultimately, flood damages can occur in your Wilmington home when your gray water/wastewater line backs up. Often, storm-induced flooding does not allow for the egress of water from the plumbing.

Fortunately, this does not directly feed sewage back into your home if you do not have these lines combined. Often, issues with gray water lines originate from something too large to pass through the lines outside of your home wedging tightly and blocking the passage of the water. The result is this same water backing up through your lines and overflowing onto the floors around sinks and appliances.

While not sending any more water through this line can eliminate the situation getting any worse, it is best to seek out the experience and professionalism of our SERVPRO restorers to help get started on cleaning up the mess and disinfecting your home while the repairs and blockage clearing occurs. We can respond quickly to the situation, helping to mitigate substantial damages.

When you have any kind of line backing up into your home, it is best to get the situation resolved as efficiently as possible. If you are unsure as to what is happening or where it is coming from, trust in the experience of our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties restoration specialists and hazardous materials team to handle the situation for you. Give us a call right away at (802) 674-8004.

Data on Green Mountain Beach water quality testing right here.

Harsh Wilmington Winters Can Lead To Flood Filled Summers

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can respond quickly, even sometimes amid the flood itself, to help you start cleaning up the mess and preventing similar circumstances.

Harsh Winters Can Lead To Flood Filled Summers

With the warmer months finally ahead throughout the Wilmington area, homeowners are just not getting to see the full effects of a very harsh winter on the exterior of their houses. While freezing, thawing, and excessive weight can ultimately lead to roof failures, these are not the only places you should look to fully assess the defenses of your residence against the coming summer onslaught of rainfall.

In many cases, these freezing temperatures have been known to cause considerable damages to both the siding on the house and the gutter system intended to divert water away from pooling by the foundation. In either of these cases, heavy rainfall could find its way to areas inside and outside of your Wilmington residence (where they can pose a threat) and lead to a disaster like flood damage.

Our SERVPRO team can respond quickly, even sometimes amid the flood itself, to help you start cleaning up the mess and preventing similar circumstances. Leaks through your foundation can get patched over with hydraulic cement while the entire structural integrity gets better assessed.

For any area of your home, extraction is often a needed practice to pull water from the affected areas efficiently. While the process typically involves tools such as wet-vacs with extraction wands and portable sump pumps, there are times where more heavy-duty equipment must help.

Drying the area, especially in the basement, requires some additional steps at times. While a lot of the drying can happen with the use of air movers and specialized dehumidification equipment, extra steps like drilling weep holes in the block to allow for drainage and more thorough drying with other equipment like our injectidry dry system.

With such little warning as flood damages often provide, it is no wonder that so many homes in the area find themselves at the mercy of torrential storms. Several inches of rainwater can have a dramatic impact on your house and wallet, especially when you do not take the opportunity to reach out to our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties flood restoration specialists. Give us a call today at (802) 674-8004.

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When Your Wilmington Home’s Foundation Allows Flood Damages

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

If you find your home was unprepared for severe weather, call SERVPRO to help restore your home "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO’s Trained Teams Act Fast to Restore Your Home after Flood Damage

While Wilmington homeowners are not strangers to severe weather, especially throughout the winter months, yet homes get impacted in disastrous ways by this inevitable force all the time. One of the ways that homes most often get affected by these severe weather systems is through flooding, either widespread throughout the region or localized from house to house based on which residences have compromised construction and vulnerable penetration points for water to pass through.

You might not even realize that these vulnerable points in your home's construction exist until you get posed with a potential flooding situation happening outside. This event tests the mettle of your foundation and makes short work of any weaknesses that could exist in the mortar joints, the block themselves, or in the footer beneath your home. Within a short period, all of these penetration points can allow unabated water to access the inside of your house, posing considerable flood damages to your Wilmington residence.

Fortunately, SERVPRO is always available to help you even amid a crisis. When you call our emergency response team, we work to dispatch a team of experienced technicians quickly to help avoid prolonged exposure of this pooling water to structural components of your home. The longer that these materials get exposed to the standing water, the weaker and more compromised they become, in some cases requiring removal and replacement for the restoration to get deemed successful.

As you might have guessed, extraction is a vital component of the flood restoration process. No other facet of our restoration can occur until the standing water gets removed via pump trucks from our SERVPRO fleet or wet-vacs with extraction wands. Once this process gets completed, our team can get to work on thoroughly drying the area and assessing the stability and strength of the structural components of your home that could be in jeopardy.

Flooding might not be entirely uncommon for the area, but it is still something challenging to contend with in your home That is why you should trust in the reliability and experience of our SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals to help you remove the water and clean up the mess. Give us a call anytime you need us at (802) 674-8004.

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How SERVPRO Handles Flood Damaged Carpeting in Wilmington

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Cannot Always Salvage Storm-Damaged Carpets in Wilmington Properties

Storm Damaged Materials Can Sometimes Be Salvaged

Carpeting is often one of the first things to go when your home suffers flood damage in Wilmington. If water can pour into the area and seep deep into the materials making up your carpeted floors, it can cause heavy and permanent damage to a large area or even an entire room. Water can cause warping and shrinkage to the carpet itself, upend tack strips, oxidizing materials, and create mold colonies that could cause health effects. Here are some of the steps SERVPRO technicians take to help restore your carpet after a flood, when it is feasible.

Water Extraction
Whether the disaster has just abated or if your home has taken flood damage in Wilmington over the course of weeks, most types of carpeting are highly likely to retain water until our technicians arrive. If the water is contaminated with exterior groundwater and debris, the covering may not be salvageable. We use mechanized, high-powered pumps called extractors to remove large volumes as quickly as possible. Once water volume is at a manageable (but still significant) level, we shift our focus to the use of air movers, high powered machines that create directional air currents to pick up any remaining moisture in and underneath the carpet. If not heavily soiled, we can lift the carpet from the edges around the tack strip and "float" heated air beneath to enhance the rate of evaporation. Count on our IICRC certified technicians to give the best effort to salvage the flooring fabric.

Restoring and Repairing Damage
Removing water is only half of the battle against a flood-damaged carpet. SERVPRO technicians often must apply restorative treatments or suggest the installation of replacement materials. Many carpets can delaminate, separate into the nap and base material necessitating discarding and replacing. In some cases, mold growth may also cause enough damage to warrant its treatments and safety precautions. While we try to save as much as we can before replacing anything, carpet restoration often involves a relatively high amount of fresh materials. However, no matter what path we take, our cleaning processes and restorative techniques ensure that any carpeting laid down is soft, fresh, and aesthetically appealing.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a local authority on flood damage mitigation and restoration work. Call us 24/7 at (802) 674-8004.

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Saving Your Home from Flood Damage in West Dover

1/20/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect the flooring, low-lying structures, and contents inside your home.

SERVPRO Offers Thorough Flood Damage Restoration Services

West Dover homes can experience flooding during the winter months, especially during warmer days. Flooding affects flooring and other low-lying structures the most inside a home. Personal belongings also suffer significantly from flooding, even if never submerged.

For residents in West Dover, flood damage is often a new experience and can feel extremely traumatic. SERVPRO technicians help people recover from this kind of flooding event so they can move forward with their lives. Flooding affects homeowners and renters equally when it involves personal belongings.

Boxing up the contents of both your home and your garage separates your undamaged items from the ones requiring specialized care from our specialists. We label each box so you can quickly locate everything when we finish mitigating the flood damage. As we clean the damaged items, we ensure that we also dry them thoroughly before placing them in a new box. This practice hinders mold and mildew growth on newly cleansed items.

Laundering items such as clothing and smaller floor coverings can remove contaminants when we use particular disinfecting agents. To protect your family and minimize the risk of health effects, it is crucial that we disinfect all surfaces. We include cabinets when these do not require replacing, as well as any other durable surfaces. Bathtubs, shower stalls, doors and their frames, and air vents can harbor pathogens unless we clean these thoroughly. Removing water and debris, along with drying out your home, helps, but sanitary conditions provide crucial protection.

Extracting soggy materials to make room for replacements or drying them depends on various factors. Some materials, such as carpeting, can hinder the drying efforts for the rest of the dwelling. Because we rarely find it cost-effective to spend time restoring carpeting and padding, removing it and drying the floor solves two problems simultaneously – reducing a significant source of humidity and ensuring that new carpeting rests on an arid surface.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties works with all residents needing help recovering from flood damage and other disasters. We are always ready to help those in our community in ways that count, so they can soon move forward with their lives at home “Like it never even happened.” Our 24-hour service line is (802) 674-8004, making help only a phone call away.

Click here for more on West Dover.

Flood Damage Needs The SERVPRO Touch In Wilmington

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

When water is not properly guided away from you home's foundation, flooding can result. Maintain your home and call SERVPRO should you face flooding.

Our Technicians Follow the Path That Flooding Took in Your Home to Find Hidden Water

This fall has inundated the Wilmington area with some of the heaviest rains seen in recent years. When torrential rain falls, your house and belongings suffer the real risk of significant flooding. A professional flood damage team has the skills, experience, and equipment to get your waterlogged home back to preloss condition.
 
Flooding in your Wilmington home is perplexing, particularly if this is your introduction to the problem. Many homeowners think because they are not near a river, lake, or stream flooding cannot happen to them. Unfortunately, this is not the case, especially when days of persistent rain saturates the ground surrounding a home. We are familiar with the seepage into foundations that happens in these circumstances and can devise a plan to remove the water fast and restore the damage done quickly.
 
Water seeping through cinderblock or concrete foundations can hide in recesses and between the foundation and paneling or drywall in a finished lower level. Our technicians receive advanced training in methods to locate and then release and evacuate pockets of moisture. Expect to see SERVPRO workers measuring moisture levels and perhaps using scanning technology to find any remaining water. Many methods help clear out this residual, including drilling holes in joints, taking out sections of wallboard, and extracting from above if wands can be inserted and reach the water.
 
Sanitization and drying occur next, with SERVPRO crew members applying efficient products to inhibit microbial growth and positioning air movers and dehumidifiers. If necessary, we pack out belongings as the work progresses so good choices can be made to dispose of or dry out personal possessions.
 
Often in the fall, clogged gutter exacerbates the problems heavy rains present. Water overflows drains and pours down the sides of your home, creating more opportunities for moisture to make its way into your dwelling. As the SERVPRO crew works to pump out and extract the water in your basement, we take note of any runoff complications we see because of a damaged or poorly working drainage system. Our goal is always to leave your home looking and feeling “Like it never even happened.” We also want to help you avoid a similar situation in the future.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is poised to help you with seasonal flooding in your home. Call (802) 674-8004 to schedule a consultation and constructive response to a difficult situation.

For more information about the City of Wilmington, Vermont visit:  http://wilmingtonvermont.us/

Special Circumstances Surrounding Flood Damage in White River Junction

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding after a storm can be devastating. Contact SERVPRO today so that we can help you and your family through this disaster.

Professional Technicians Act Quickly After Flooding to Help Prevent Secondary Damages

Located at the meeting of the Connecticut and White Rivers, White River Junction is no stranger to residential flooding. Recently the Upper Valley experienced significant water overflow when heavy rains swelled the waterways, sending mud and debris as well as water into the community. A professional response is welcome as the intensity of the problem is beyond what an average homeowner can manage.
 
Flood damage in White River Junction that includes vegetation and earth slides increases the probability of contaminated water infiltrating your home. The tainted water can contain hazardous chemicals from many places upstream, including fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and roadway treatments. Add in silt and mud and you face hazards that are nearly impossible to remove without professional grade equipment. Our crews arrive with onboard pumps and extractors that manage the cleanup of this mess far better than any household tools. If the power is out, common and necessary in many cases to avoid electrical shock, our vehicles provide the electricity needed to operate the equipment.
 
Many of your neighbors may also have flooding problems. If faced with a large-scale demand for services, SERVPRO shines as a local company with access to a nationwide network of fully-equipped restoration professionals. Our technicians are highly trained, following industry best practices learned in classes approved by the Institute of Inspection, Restoration, and Certification. You can rest assured that the procedures used to rid your foundation of water and debris have been vetted by this international standards developing organization.
 
The SERVPRO crew attending to your flood damage contains the dirty water and other residues, disposing of them off-site and following local requirements for this dangerous waste. We move on to sanitizing the areas affected with appropriate antimicrobials. If your HVAC system is affected by the flood waters and debris, we inspect, clean, and seal the ducts, working alongside other contractors if repairs and replacement of operating parts are indicated.
 
Finally, we help sort through items stored in the flooded area. SERVPRO follows a precise protocol to inventory and pack out articles damaged. We stage them nearby or at our facility so you can make informed decisions concerning what to discard and what to clean, dry out, and restore. Ask about our document and electronic recovery services, and know we work with most insurers to limit your liability throughout the process.
 
SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is a full-service restoration company, reachable at (802) 674-8004 any hour of the day or night. We await your call and have as our central mission returning the property of our community members to preloss condition.

For more information regarding White River Junction, click here

Flood Damage in Brattleboro May Be Result of Trend Toward Heavier Rainfalls in Region

8/23/2017 (Permalink)

If a storm causes your home to flood, call SERVPRO for fast and professional cleanup.

Flood damage cleanup after a storm

Intense rainfall, defined as more than two inches in a day, may be on the upswing in our area according to a Dartmouth study. These rain events cause flooding problems for homeowners. Living near the confluence of Vermont's West River and the Connecticut River exacerbates the risk at certain times of the year. Property owners need our trained technicians and leading edge restoration equipment when rain, sewer, or river water invades.

Weather patterns change and cause flood damage in the basement of your Brattleboro home. Recent summer rains saturate the soil surrounding your house, and as the inches add up, the water makes its way through your foundation. If the storm also featured high winds, damaging your roof or siding, it could multiply the ways water enters your home. You need help fast, and our core mission is the provision of flood damage restoration to the property owners of our community.

A complication of storm related flood damage is the level of contamination of the water you find standing in your lower level. Antiquated storm sewer systems in a city or town multiply the misery of homeowners when the relatively clean rainwater is joined with backed up sewage or runoff from roads and lawns. SERVPRO technicians are familiar with the three types of water, graded for contamination -- clean, gray, and black. We know how restoration protocols vary depending on the level of hazardous substances mixed into the flooding within your home.

Gray and black water threatens health and contributes to accelerated microbial growth in your home. The flood waters always need swift extraction, but tainted water also requires containment and proper disposal according to local codes. Our truck-mounted pumps and extractors collect the water so SERVPRO can discard it away from your home and clean water sources.

Contaminated water alerts our flood damage restoration team to use proper sanitization products as we extract the water and begin the drying process. Porous materials saturated with black water from sewage often need to be removed and replaced, although nonporous surfaces restore well with the right cleaning solutions and methods. Thorough drying of all affected areas is the key to limiting any mold growth or structural deterioration. We use powerful air movers and dehumidifiers after removing evident water to meet drying goals we set after measuring the moisture content of the air, structures, fixtures, and belongings.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties is ready for the challenges of an unusually stormy and wet season. Call (802) 674-8004 to have an experienced team of flood damage specialists on their way to your flood damaged home.

For more information on flood hazard in Brattleboro, click here.

Do Not Let Flash Flooding Leave You Without A Plan in Brattleboro

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding can be devastating. Call SERVPRO quickly to help restore your home after storm damage and flooding.

SERVPRO Technicians are Equipped to Tackle Your Storm Damage Emergency

Weather patterns are changeable, and any home is at risk for a sudden incursion of water. Our local waterways and lakes swell with heavy rains, and low-lying areas or sections of town near large expanses of paving find inches of water seeping or pouring into basements, crawl spaces, and walk-out living areas. SERVPRO is ready to assist whenever flash flooding imperils your property.
 
Several inches of rain falling within a day or two inflicts serious flood damage on your Brattleboro home. Even if you installed a sump pump, the rapid incursion overwhelms the system and possibly damages its components. Our full-service trucks offer industrial grade submersible pumps and water extractors that operate off our vehicles. This is perfect for situations where the power is out or using electricity in your sodden lower level is risky.
 
Our staff trains for emergencies like this, able to put a proven flood abatement plan in operation immediately after arriving at your home. A SERVPRO project manager assesses the layout of the affected area and then the technicians get to work, extracting the standing water and vacuuming as much moisture out of flooring and floor coverings as possible. A quick reaction from you combined with a fast response from us means limitation of secondary water damage issues. Even a lag time of a day or two allows microbial growth to begin and deteriorates some building structures and many fixtures and personal belongings beyond even professional efforts to restore.
 
Our emphasis is restoration. We pledge to use every strategy possible to bring your home back to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.” Expect us to dry out as much as we can in place, minimizing interruptions to your quiet enjoyment of your living spaces. Our staff measures the moisture content of structures, contents, and the air throughout the restoration process, determining drying goals and monitoring our progress towards achieving them. Carpeting and drywall respond well to properly placed air movers and high-efficiency dehumidifiers. We may use a garage or other outbuilding to assess contents of boxes stored in the affected areas and any furnishings drenched by the flood. Proper techniques to restore these items often result in saving most of your property, as long as you engaged our services early.
 
Flooding does not need to mean ruin. Let SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties restore your home with an immediate call to us at (802) 674-8004.

For more information regarding Brattleboro, click here

National Preparedness Month

9/14/2016 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month. In recent years, many different types of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornados, hurricanes, wildfires and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business and community. During National Preparedness Month, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties professionals want you and your customers to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for Mother Nature's worst.

How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing.

Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. Also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage

Insurance policies vary: Make sure to check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare your Emergency Planed

Your employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, employee’s emails and other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan

The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure your Facility and Equipment

Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

Improve Cyber Security

Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest of business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open e-mails form unknown sources and use hard to guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protections updates known as patches regularly.

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties has an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) to help ensure you and your business are "Ready for whatever happens." The ERP is a comprehensive document containing critical information about your business. You can access the ERP online using your computer or tablet; download SERVPRO's free Ready Plan app. Or call your local SERVPRO franchise professional to establish your Emergency READY Profile.

When Storms or Floods hit Windham & Windsor Counties, SERVPRO is Ready

4/13/2016 (Permalink)

Pictured is our fleet in response to a flooded commercial building in Southern, VT following Hurricane Irene in 2011.

SERVPRO ofWindham & Windsor Counties specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Here are a few reasons why SERVPRO of Windham and Windsor Counties should be the company you call when disaster strikes.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Windham & Windsor Counties, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 802-674-8004

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