Mitigate Storm Damage to Your Property

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent storm damage is to prepare before the winds and rain hit. Prevent damages, such as missing shingles, a roof leak, broken furnishings, and other havoc by taking specific steps as soon as you know there's a storm on the way:

• Trim trees and shrubs around your business to prevent branches from breaking winds or becoming projectiles.
• Pack up furnishings outside your building and stash any decorations or marketing signs that aren't completely attached.
• Board up the windows. Again, the best time to gather these supplies is before there's any news of a storm. Purchase the hardware you'll need and store it safely until you need to use it.
• Reinforce any garage doors. These doors tend to be relatively flimsy. The damage to the doors or to your exposed inventory or vehicles could become very expensive.
  
  

Of course, proper maintenance is an essential step in protecting your company property.

Gather Evidence of the Damages

Before you take any cleanup steps and before you contact professionals to take care of the work, record the damage. First, take photos of all damage to document your losses for the insurance company. Make a written inventory of all commercial and personal property that was damaged. Don't forget to hold onto receipts when work is completed.

Practice Preventative First Aid

After the storm has passed, there are several steps you can take to keep your commercial property safe, avoid that annoying roof leak, and keep your repair costs down. One of the first is to address any damage to the roof. Use tarps and plywood to board up holes in the roof, cover holes in windows and skylights, and inspect the rest of the property.

Turn Major Repairs Over to Professionals

You may find that siding has been blown off the building or a tree branch has broken the building or some property directly. In many cases, a storm damage repair and cleanup professional is the best person to repair your damaged roof. There are many safety concerns to keep in mind before sending an employee to the top of your building. There's no roof leak more important than a person's safety.

SERVPRO Can Handle Many Types of Storm Damage

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

We can experience several kinds of storm damage. Some are wind damage, flood damage, and hail damage. Consider the following tips should your home or business be hit with storm damage.

Wind Damage Restoration

The high winds of the desert often cause severe wind damage, placing your roof at risk. Your roof is particularly susceptible. The strong winds may cause flying debris to hit or lift the roof. Roof damage can be challenging for homeowners and business owners, mainly because a roof leak may not be evident until the next storm hits.

Roof Leaks

Many roof leaks and roof damages are difficult to detect. Storms can loosen the roof without creating a problem that is not easily visible. Even small roof leaks can produce damp, moldy conditions inside your home or business. It is critical to secure roof inspection and repair immediately after high winds. Doing so can prevent long term interior damage. The professional technicians at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia can assist homeowners or business owners in receiving a comprehensive roof assessment and roof repair services when wind damage strikes.

Flood Damage

Heavy rains and flooding may cause water damage from many miles away. If the land around your home or business cannot absorb the additional water, flooding will happen. Even houses and shops at higher elevations can sustain flood damage.

Hail Damage & Recovery

Hail can damage not just your roof, exterior walls, and any detached buildings. It is a great idea to hire a storm damage restoration professional to inspect your roof, exterior walls, and outbuildings for damage. Dents, nicks, and cracks on the roof are areas where hail has damaged the exterior of your home. These weakened areas can lead to other more extensive problems like water damage

After a storm, if you are not sure if there is damage to your home or business, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia. We will access your property for any damage that could put your property at risk.

Give us a call at (334) 371-7378!

Preparing for Emergencies

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

In recent years, many forms of disasters have affected the United States. Flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and blizzards are natural disasters that can threaten your home, business, and community.

If you've seen the news, you know that emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people like you. We've seen tornado outbreaks, river floods, flash floods, historic earthquakes, tsunamis, and even water main breaks and power outages in U.S. cities affecting millions of people for days at a time.

Here are three steps to help you prepare and plan in the event that you must go for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services:

1. Get a Kit: Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and those in your care - water, non-perishable food, first aid, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio - for a checklist of supplies, visit www.ready.gov
2. Make a Plan: Discuss, agree on, and document an emergency plan with those in your care. For sample plans, see www.ready.gov- Work together with neighbors, colleagues, and others to help build community resilience.
3. Be Informed: Free information is available to assist you from federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial resources. You can find preparedness information by:

- Accessing www.ready.gov to learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency.

- Contacting your local emergency management agency to get essential information on specific hazards to your area, local plans for shelter and evacuation, ways to get information before and during an emergency, and how to sign up for emergency alerts if they are available.

- Contact your local firehouse and ask for a tour and information about preparedness.

Police, fire, and rescue may not always be able to reach you quickly, such as if trees and power lines are down, or if they're overwhelmed by demand from an emergency. The most important step you can take in helping your local responders is being able to take care of yourself and those in your care; the more people who are prepared, the quicker the community will recover.

As FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminded us, "Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation's emergency management team. Being prepared can save precious time if there is a need to respond to an emergency." For more information on NPM, and for help getting prepared, visit www.ready.gov, or call 1-800-BE-READY, 1-888-SE-LISTO, and TTY 1-800-462-7585 for free information.

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia wants you to be aware of the steps to take to help prepare for a natural disaster. For more information on disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.gov, or call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia; our professionals can help your business prepare for the unexpected by offering an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). The profile is designed to be a quick and easy snapshot of your business, providing critical facility information needed for detailed emergency preparation. For a customized Emergency READY Plan, contact us at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378.

What You Should Know After Storm Damage Affects Your Home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Though storms are common occurrences, storms that involve high wind levels and flooding can devastate homes. Many people don't know what will happen after their homes sustain storm damage. However, understanding cleanup methods and restoration methods, such as a tear out, can be useful to homeowners.

What Are the First Steps After Storm Damage Occurs?

After the storm has ended, there are several important steps that occur to begin the cleanup and storm restoration processes. After a storm has affected your home, the initial steps can involve:

• An assessment performed by storm damage restoration experts
• The documentation of damage, which can be provided to your insurance company
• A visit from an insurance adjuster
• Water removal with specialized vacuums, pumps and other equipment
  
  
  

How Is the Home Restored?

There are various restoration methods that are used after a storm. After water has been removed from the home, professionals will work to mitigate the damage by quickly drying the home, often using powerful dehumidifiers and other pieces of equipment. A tear out, the process of removing damaged building materials, can also be useful. After wet building materials have been removed, the home is sanitized. Finally, damaged materials are replaced.

What Happens to Damaged Items?

Many homeowners are concerned about what will happen to their damaged items after a storm. To mitigate the damage to these items, damaged belongings are usually removed from the home after a storm. Clothes, rugs and other items made of cloth can often be cleaned and restored if mold growth is not present, whereas electronics can be difficult to restore. Ultimately, whether or not an item can be restored depends on the extent of the damage and the fragility of the item itself, and items that can't be restored are replaced.

It's often useful for homeowners to know what happens after a storm affects their home. Learning what first happens after storm and water damage has occurred, knowing the methods and techniques, such as a tear out, that are used to restore homes and understanding what happens to damaged items can bring homeowners peace of mind after a storm.

If your home has suffered damage due to storms, call the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378!

Preventing Frozen Pipes

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Winter storms are here and it won't be the last.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory categories a winter storm as having snow, sleet, or freezing rain. We can see any of this type of precipitation throughout the winter months. When the temperature is below the freezing point and precipitation is in the forecast, that’s when our office knows what types of calls we’ll be getting: water damages.

How Water Pipes Freeze and Break

Water damage during a winter storm happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe, which can cause it to break.  The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed.  Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

Indoor Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

What To Do Until Help Arrives

If your pipes still freeze and you have water damage, give us a call immediately and follow the following steps:

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more damage it will cause.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible.
3. Get textiles off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our textile cleaning facility if need be.  What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.
4. Begin documentation.  Start with the point of origin and all affected areas.  While our technicians will also take the document, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Be Aware of the Weather

Keep your eye on the weather forecast.  Not only will you be prepared to travel safely, it’ll also give you valuable time to prepare your home and keep it, and everyone living inside it, safe.  

Call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378!

SERVPRO Saves Homes After Storm Damage

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

We Can Reduce Flood Damage in Your Home

You were not expecting your home to flood from last night’s thunderstorm, but it did, and water is now standing in your basement. Flood waters contain contaminants like chemicals, raw sewage, and dead animals, which is why you should never hesitate to call in the professionals. Our techs set goals to make your home clean and safe after storm waters enter your house. Whenever it is possible, our crews can restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Plus, they strive to preserve many of the contents inside your home.

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia flood damage teams are highly trained and come ready to get to work when they arrive. The first step the team takes on is stopping the flow of water from entering your basement. Hopefully, that has already occurred. Next, they start extracting the water with various pieces of equipment such as a truck-mounted or portable extractor, wands and pumps that can remove water from the structure fast. The type of machinery we employ depends on the amount of water inside affected areas.

Many flooding situations may require the need for our teams to remove items from the house. When we do remove contents, our technicians keep an inventory of every item during the pack-out stage. Typically, clothing, furniture, and paper documents are sitting in several inches of contaminated water. Our crew can remove and clean all salvageable items with industrial cleaning products. Plus, they can use EPA-registered antimicrobial sprays to sanitize your items before bringing them back inside your home. Ultrasonic cleaning can also restore possessions that our customers believed were lost.

Drying the area is also an essential process during restoration. Our team can use air scrubbers to clean the air. Plus, they can utilize air movers and axial fans to enhance drying. In all cases, we use dehumidifiers to absorb water vapor. Heaters may also be put in place to target specific areas.

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia flood damage restoration services are fast and can help. We are available 24/7 to assist you in your time of need. If a flood ever occurs in your home, call us at (334) 371-7378 right away.

Signs of Storm Damage to Your Home

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

After a storm rolls through, it is important to inspect your house for damage the storm may have caused. Listed below are areas you should be looking at.

1. Roof: Look for shingles that have discoloration, tearing, or even holes in them. These can all be signs that your roof has been damaged. Another sign is if there are leaks in your roof or your ceiling.
2. Gutters: After a hail storm, looking for dents or dings can also give you a better picture of what the storm did to the rest of your home. Your gutters can also give you insight to whether you have roof damage. Check to see if there are granules from the asphalt shingles in your gutter.
3. Windows: Look at each of the windows on your homes and note any signs of shattered or broken window and frame damage. This is especially important after a hail storm or a strong wind storm.
4. Exterior: Not only is it important to look at the siding of your home to check for damage, it is also important that you check all appliances. Inspect your AC/HVAC unit as well as items such as an outdoor grill.

After your inspection, if you notice any signs of storm damage follow up by checking the area for signs of mold, mildew, pests or other secondary damage. Our team is able to put an emergency roof tarp to prevent any further damage. Call SERVPRO and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

High Winds Can Be Powerful

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

What are damaging winds? 

Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage.  Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different processes.  Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft.  Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.

Straight-line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with rotation, and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds.

A downdraft is a small-scale column of air that rapidly sinks toward the ground.

A macroburst is an outward burst of strong winds at or near the surface with horizontal dimensions larger than 4 km (2.5 mi) and occurs when a strong downdraft reaches the surface. To visualize this process, imagine the way water comes out of a faucet and hits the bottom of a sink. The column of water is the downdraft and the outward spray at the bottom of the sink is the macroburst. Macroburst winds may begin over a smaller area and then spread out over a wider area, sometimes producing damage similar to a tornado. Although usually associated with thunderstorms, macrobursts can occur with showers too weak to produce thunder.

Source: www.nssl.noaa.gov

Clogged Drains Can Cause Flood Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Our Flood Water Removal Technicians Will Help You Handle the Storm Flood Damage in Your Property.

Floodwater can cause lasting damage when it gets into your property. It rots wood paneling, stains furniture, and causes mold infestation. However, if you engage with SERVPRO technicians immediately after the storm, we can work quickly to get your property back to its former glory.

How much does flood damage restoration cost?

The cost of storm flood damage to property varies from case to case, depending on its intensity. When looking for restoration services near you, it is essential to note that the cheapest option is not the best. Quality matters, and you need to rely on the professionals to do an excellent flood damage remediation and restoration job.

At SERVPRO, our pricing system is straightforward and guarantees every client a friendly price. We have a team of certified price-estimators who follow a standardized process of assessing the restoration cost.

What should I do after my home floods?

•   Follow the authority’s instructions.
•   Keep off from any electrical cords and switch off the main electricity supply.
•   Keep your kids from moving flood water.
•   Avoid consuming foodstuffs that came into contact with the water.

Can you remove the mud on my driveway?

Our technicians have access to top of the line equipment and tools for effective cleaning. Since flood water can carry dirt and debris to your doorstep and into your property, we can use a diesel-powered power washer to clean the mud on your driveway and sidewalk. However, the equipment's pressure might not be sufficient to break the bound of the dirt. Therefore, we can add detergent to enhance the cleaning power of the machine.

How long does the drying process take?

The drying process in water cleanup and restoration can take several days. With the help of our advanced equipment and tools, we can dry your property thoroughly. We can place several axial air movers in the affected area to facilitate drying. The equipment removes moisture in affected surfaces and turns it into airborne water vapor. We remove the water vapor from the air using your home’s HVAC system and low grain dehumidifiers. The dehumidifier converts water vapor into liquid and extracts it from the property.

If flood damage occurs in your property, act fast. The longer the contaminated water stands in your property, the more damage it can cause. Call SERVPRO today and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

How SERVPRO Handles Storms

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Storms have become stronger and more severe over the years.  However, thanks to the technology available today we know a storm is coming and we prepare the best we can and it still isn’t enough. Neighborhoods, cities, towns and even states are displaced by storms.  

When a storm event occurs all resources are stretched to the breaking point including shelter, food, and water. These are just the basics of necessities that are hard to take care immediately following a devastated storm. We at SERVPRO have teams all over the country who are called Storm Teams. These Storm Teams have the equipment, manpower and knowledge to hit the ground running to help clean up and restore after a disaster. 

Our corporate office does a great job of dispatching our Storm Teams to the right place so that we can help communities get back on their feet. SERVPRO works with the people, insurance companies and authorities to get the area back to normal as quickly as possible. 

When you see the next storm headed to a city rest assured SERVPRO is ready to respond where we are needed.

Recovering After a Tornado

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are a terrifying, often devastating, weather event. They can turn houses into dust, and flip lives upside down. Living through a tornado can be traumatizing, and sometimes the aftermath is just as bad. Parts of your home may be destroyed, and the idea of fixing it can be overwhelming. Recovering from a tornado could be a huge task, depending on how bad the damage was. However, there are steps to take toward recovery and people ready to help along the way. There are steps that should be taken right after the storm passes, and other steps to take down the road when it is time for repairs and cleaning.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

The first step is to stay in your safe place until the storm has completely passed. If you are able, try and wait until you get the all clear from local officials. After the storm, check yourself and those with you for any injuries. If someone is hurt, the next step is seeking out first aid. After everyone has been checked and is okay, you should see how bad the damage to your house is. Make sure to watch out for anything that is unstable and likely to fall. If you go outside, look out for any downed power lines. They can be life threatening, so if you see downed power lines stay inside.

Protect Your Property

After you make sure yourself and your loved ones are protected, start protecting your property. You can make temporary repairs in order to prevent further damage. Many insurance companies will reimburse you for the cost, so make sure to keep receipts just in case. In addition to temporary repairs, living expenses may also be reimbursable. If your house is damaged to the point of you having to stay in a hotel, keep the receipts. Your policy may pay you back for the cost of it. Make sure to make a list of anything that was damaged, and don’t throw out damaged belongings. An adjuster will need to assess them for value if your policy covers replacing them. You should also inspect all utility lines and appliances. Any damage could lead to a gas leak or electric shortage. Damaged electric wires may also cause a fire. You may even have to turn off the main valve in order to prevent more harm to your house. Once these steps have been taken, contact your insurance company. From there, they can work with you to see what your policy covers. Most of the time, they will hire services to come out and repair damages.

Clean Up and Repair

SERVPRO has an incredibly fast response time when it comes to disasters. We have equipment and personnel ranging across 1,700 franchises. Our experience and training will allow us to restore your property quickly and efficiently. In addition, we will document the entire process.

What to Do When a Storm Impacts Your Business

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

When you know that a storm is likely to impact your business, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, focusing on storm preparedness before a disaster occurs can help to keep yourself, your staff and your property safe.

1. Document the Building’s State Before the Storm

When a building is damaged, it’s often important for property management to provide the business’ insurance company with documentation of the destruction. However, it may also be beneficial to have photographs of your property prior to the incident. By showing an insurance adjuster what the business looked like before it sustained damage, you can help to ensure your claim is accurate.

2. Establish a Line of Communication

Storms can come on suddenly, and in the event that the property needs to be evacuated, it’s useful to know how to contact all employees in a timely manner. As part of your storm preparedness plan, you may consider asking all staff members to provide you with a way to reach them quickly before a disaster. Since you may not be present in the building when an emergency occurs, it can also be wise to create a list of tasks that the last person to exit should perform. An example might include making sure all doors and windows are closed.

3. Inspect the Property

Inspecting the structure before a storm can help you prevent damage, because leaks or malfunctioning equipment may worsen any problems that do occur. An inspection will also allow you to observe any openings in the building, which can happen when roof shingles are cracked or missing. This may let rain get inside more easily. If you see signs of a problem, you should contact emergency restoration services to prevent additional issues.

As a property manager, storm preparedness can be an important element of your job. Documenting the building before a disaster, establishing a line of communication and inspecting the structure can help you to prepare your business for any situation.

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to help get things back to "Like it never even happened."

Prepare for Power Outages Now!

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Power Outages

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:

• Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
• Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATM's, banks, and other services.
• Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
• Prevent the use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia today at (334) 371-7378 to start the preparation process!

Not All Storm Damage is Equal

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

During storm season in the Greenville/Troy/Andalusia area we see a wide range of storm types. We see heavy rains, flooding, tornadoes and then wrapping all of those into one hurricane! Any one of these storm types could easily cause damage to your home or business. These damages can keep us from feeling like our home is complete or keeping us from running a business that contributes to our livelihood. No matter what your scenario, it is important to know the different damages that a storm can cause. 

Wind Damage Storm damage sometimes includes severe wind damage. Roof damage in this situation may range from a missing roof due to strong winds that may loosen flashing. This can cause your roof shingles to be removed from your home or business causing leaks. Even a subtle roof leak can produce damp, moldy conditions. A SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia restoration expert can help property owners address storm damage and roof damage more effectively. 

Flooding Damage Heavy rains in the Greenville/Troy/Andalusia area can cause flooding all around the Butler, Crenshaw, Pike, and Covington County areas. Flooding may disrupt municipal water systems which call for experts to assess groundwater and evaluate the condition of pipes following flood damage. Our SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia team can assist in your cleanup process after flood damage has occurred. 

 Lighting Damage When a storm occurs, many times it brings the loud sounds of thunder which mean lighting is striking. Your home or business may have objects attached to the building that can attract a lightning strike that can cause a fire. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of roughly 30,000 kelvins (53,540 degrees Fahrenheit). Lightning strikes, or discharges of massive charges of static electricity, cause about 2% of all fires. If this occurs in your home or business, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia has the team to help handle the restoration of both the fire and smoke damage.

Storm Damage Tips from SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Tips 

• Listen to the radio for advisories
• Do not venture outside until it’s declared safe 
• Stay away from downed power lines, standing water, and metal objects near downed wires
• Watch out for snakes and wild animals 
• If you smell gas, turn gas off at the meter 
• Avoid using candles or open flames indoors
• Operate generators outside
• Be careful when entering or leaving buildings with structural damage. It is best to avoid entering until the damage has been assessed 
• Once things have been properly assessed, make sure you have plenty of pictures of storm damage to your property 
• Contact SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia to come out for board up and get started on water mitigation. 
• SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia will work with you and your insurance to get your property back to pre loss condition

Call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378!

Use Caution When Entering Your Home After a Flood

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters can make a once-safe and secure home in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia unfit to live in and barely safe to enter. Water can hide hazards from view and make it difficult to stand or walk from one place to another. Flooding brings in foul water that is even more murky, making it even more dangerous.

Local residents who visit their homes after flood damage takes place might also notice that the smell is highly unpleasant. This smell comes mostly from the organic matter, so many homes require odor control measures after we finish restoring the structure and cleaning the contents of your house. We use highly effective but very safe methods when controlling smelly odors.

When we send out our technicians to mitigate flood damage, they arrive with the equipment needed to restore your home, as well as the necessary protective equipment to ensure their health and safety. Our gear is designed to ward off cuts and keep disease-causing pathogens off the skin. Our machinery and tools are also highly effective at performing the functions necessary to dry your home out and make it “Like it never even happened.”

As we work on your home's cleanup and restoration, we use different cleaning agents that help us remove the grime and other substances left on surfaces within your house. Any grooves or indentations in personal belongings can harbor silt and dirt, but we carefully remove it, so everything becomes clean and sanitary again. As long as your home's structure remains safe, we can carry this work out on-site, making things easier for you. By the time your family moves back in, we have gone over everything to ensure that your home becomes completely dry again and free of any silt, debris, or other filth.

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia wants our neighbors and friends to stay safe, even in horrible situations. Flood damage can cause serious harm to any kind of property. We have the skills and tools to make your home safe for you and prevent damage from spreading further. Contact us at (334) 371-7378, so we can assist you in making your house a home again.

Limit Storm Damage with a Water Tight Building

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water has a way of finding entry into a commercial building during storms and floods. Old roofs, cracked windows and faulty siding are just some of the ways moisture can infiltrate a property and cause rain damage. Too much moisture or high humidity in a building can cause structural weakness over time and promote the growth of mold. The presence of mold affects indoor air quality and can cause unpleasant odors in a building. There are many ways to address this issue by scheduling preventative maintenance, conducting regular inspections of the roofing system and fixing any leaks. Making sure your commercial building in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is sealed against moisture is a great way to protect your investment and its contents.

The Damaging Effects of Water

Water is a corrosive element and can break down wood and fabrics and damage electronics. Its presence in the form of high humidity provides a fertile ground for black mold to proliferate. During a heavy downpour, it's important that your building has all of the elements in place to keep out moisture. A building envelope, which consists of your roofing system and grade wall systems, does the following:

• Protects against the intrusion of rain, hail, snow and ice
• Funnels water away through the use of drains
• Provides weather protection and temperature control features

Rain damage poses a serious threat to the longevity of your building. In fact, floods are one of the most common disasters to impact a business. They can have devastating effects and can even cause a lengthy business disruption. Working with a storm remediation team in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, puts your company in a strong position to handle a disaster.

The best way to reduce rain damage to your building is to be prepared. Many buildings have cracks in the walls and other weaknesses that allow rain to get to areas where it doesn't belong. Shoring up these areas before a storm strikes is good business.

How to Prepare Your Business for the Windy Season

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you have worked in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, for any length of time, you are probably familiar with the possibility of hurricane damage during storm season. While you certainly hope your building won’t sustain any devastating storm damage, there are ways to minimize the potential effects of the windy season on your commercial property.

Protect Important Information

Files and paper documents are probably the most vulnerable items at risk when your building sustains flood damage. There are many important documents you don’t want to lose, including;

• Accounting and tax records
• Payroll information
• Vital business contacts
• Insurance papers
• Legal documents
  
  

To preserve your information, consider storing these documents in waterproof containers. Even better, store backup copies in a remote location so that hurricane damage doesn’t result in their irreparable loss if they cannot be salvaged during professional storm cleanup.

Have an Emergency Plan

To prepare for hurricane season, devise a plan so that everyone knows where to go when the storm hits and what their responsibilities are. Decide who is going to be in charge of duties such as turning off the utilities right before the storm arrives and taking a head count once you reach the designated safe space. Stock the safety area with enough supplies to sustain all the people in your building for a few days, just in case you get stranded there. These items include a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, shelf-stable food items, bottled water, blankets and tool kits.

It is also a good idea to make sure the outside of your building is prepared to weather the storm. Have your roof inspected before storm season begins so that you can have the repairs needed to make it stronger. Install shutters on your windows to protect them from debris blown about by high winds. Trim trees and bushes to remove any loose limbs that may get thrown against your building during a storm.

The need for flood cleanup may be inevitable after a storm. You can lower your risk of major hurricane damage, however, if you plan ahead.

Restoration Work after Storm Damage in Greenville/Troy/Andalusia

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes unexpected things happen to our homes. One of these can be a tree falling thru our roof in the middle of the night due to a storm. When this happens, our team is available 24/7 to respond.

One of the major concerns is secondary damage such as rain. If a tree falls through the roof and leaves a big opening you could be looking at a very expensive restoration project versus the initial damage. It is important to get a temporary cover on the roof or side of the house that is damaged.

It is important to have adequate manpower to extract the water immediately but also make sure that additional water does not come in. Once the water is extracted, the drying process can begin. We have large commercial desiccant dehumidifiers designed for climate control in large facilities. 

If you have any questions about Large Loss capabilities, contact SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia at (334) 371-7378 24 hours a day.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of the storm. The best way time to start is before the threat is imminent. Here's what you need to know.

Don't wait until a hurricane watch is issued, because it may already be too late to take certain precautions. Reduce property damage and get through any hurricane emergency with less stress by preparing before the season begins.

1. Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time

If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you may have to evacuate in the event of a major storm.

While you'll no doubt get instructions from the local government, it's wise to create your evacuation plan well before a disaster strikes. This way, you can know ahead of time about the nearest shelters, take your pets into account in your plan, make sure to take important papers and make a trial run.

2. Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand

When a hurricane warning is issued, people run for the stores. As much as possible, get ahead of the rush having the following on hand:

• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches (keep these dry)
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs–such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, etc.
• Prescription drugs

• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don’t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight

If you need to evacuate, you'll bring these supplies with you. As expiration dates approach (for example, food or batteries), use the items and replenish your emergency stash.

3. Take an inventory of your personal property

Creating a home inventory will help ensure that you have purchased enough insurance to replace your personal possessions. It can also speed the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes and is helpful should you need to apply for disaster aid. In the event you need to evacuate, be sure your home inventory is among the important documents you take with you.

4. Review your insurance policies

This hurricane season insurance checklist can help you to understand your coverage and whether it’s adequate to repair or rebuild your home, if necessary, and to replace your belongings

Keep in mind that your homeowners insurance covers the cost of temporary repairs for hurricane damage, as well as reasonable additional living expenses (ALE) over and above your normal living expenses if you have to relocate (such as the extra expense of getting to work or to school if your temporary home is in a different community).

However, your homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to consider looking into flood insurance. If you live by the coast, you may also need a separate policy for protection against wind and wind-blown water damage.

If you have questions about what your current policy will cover or need to augment your current coverage, contact your insurance professional.

5. Take steps to protect your home

Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles that can break windows and doors and much of the property damage associated with hurricanes occurs after the windstorm when rain enters structures through broken windows, doors and openings in the roof.

While retrofitting your home to protect against these possibilities is undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.

• Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, which is lighter and won't cause as much harm.

• Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your house and keep shrubbery trimmed.

• Install storm shutters to protect your windows from breakage. Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.

• Make sure exterior doors are hurricane proof and have at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock that is at least one-inch long.

• Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass and, during a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.

• Replace old garage doors and tracks with a door that is approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your home through an opening this large poses grave problems for the rest of your home—especially your roof.

• Seal the outside wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go through the wall. Use a high quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.

• If you live in a mobile home make sure you know how to secure it against high winds and be sure to review your mobile home insurance policy.

• If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house—and review your boat insurance policy.

6. Take steps to protect your business

Hurricanes take a toll on businesses, too so be prepared.

• Create an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). In the event of a hurricane this will help your business quickly recover.

• Keep contact information for employees, suppliers and vendors current so you can check on their well being and communicate next steps for resuming normal business operations.

• Review your business insurance policies in order to understand what's covered.

For more information please check out this article. https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane

Stay Alert During Hurricane Season

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Our team here at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia have taken the time to research and bring you ways to stay alert during this hurricane season. These hurricane can bring in numerous losses. Being aware of what is going on may not keep you from having a loss but to be better prepared when it happens. 

• Have a storm radio on hand so that you can still listen to updates even if electricity and the cell towers go down.

Sign up for text alerts to be updated regularly on your phone. 

Many communities have text/email systems in place that will alert you of emergency situations, including severe weather like hurricanes. Do an internet search of your town, city, and county with the word “alerts” to find out if these measures are available in your area.

• If you're a student, your college or university likely has an alert system you can sign up for.
• Some communities will send out severe weather warnings even if you don’t sign up for them. For instance, governments can use Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) to push notifications to WEA-enabled devices and they may update you on emergency weather conditions. But it’s always a good idea to sign up and make sure you’re covered.

Use an app or website to constantly monitor the storm's progress. 

With a weather app or website that has radar, you can watch the storm's progress in real time as it approaches. Plus, you should get weather service alerts for your area, as long as you allow the app or website to use your location.

• For instance, you can look at the projected path of the storm at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nhc_storms.shtml.
• Keep in mind that cell towers may go down as the storm gets closer.

What to do in the Event of a Thunderstorm

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia has been involved in emergency storm assistance for many years now and during that time has actively worked with local insurance companies and emergency management teams to assist people in extremely difficult and dangerous situations.  With severe weather season fast approaching our area, it is important to be reminded of some basic safety tips in order to stay prepared and alert during our ever changing weather patterns.

From the Alabama Division of Emergency Management:

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”

• Before a thunderstorm arrives, know the key warning signs:  dark clouds, lightning, and thunder
• Get informed with a weather radio or by watching the news
• Have an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights, battery operated weather radio, first aid kit, food and water, and essential medicines
• Stay inside and sheltered.  If outside, move indoors or into a vehicle.  Get out of water immediately. If trapped outside, make yourself as small as possible in a low lying area
• Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after the storm has passed before going outside

In addition, in order to be prepared for a tornado:

• Have a family tornado plan in place and practice a family tornado drill
• Watch for weather signs like dark greenish skies, large hail, dark low clouds and load roaring sounds
• Put as many walls and floors between you and the tornado as possible
• Flying debris is the greatest danger during a tornado
• If in a mobile home – GET OUT!  Find a neighbor, underground shelter, or permanent structure for safety

As a trusted leader in emergency response for our area, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia is committed to helping our community be prepared for weather emergencies.  As a 24 hour emergency response partner, SERVPRO is dedicated to providing immediate and professional services to you and your family should the need arise during this severe weather season.

Water Conditions Facing a Storm

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

When you think storm damage, your mind immediately goes to torn roofs, downed power lines, and trees littering across street corners. SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia sees a whole other side. Flooding occurs more often in storm damage than almost any other type of debris. When our team was in Nebraska  they cleaned up category 1, 2, and 3 storm flood waters. Here are the differences between the three types of water damage:

• Category 1- water that does not pose much of a threat to humans and classified as "Clean Water.” Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.
• Category 2- water that contains a significant amount of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to, known as "grey water.” Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
• Category 3- Known as "black water" and is extremely unsanitary. This category includes water from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water

Call SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia today, so we can make your water, flood, or storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

We Can Help You After the Storm.

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

There’s a scary feeling that hits when you hear your local sirens going off, and you realize the storms are headed your way. You take the necessary precautions, but sometimes the eye of the storm has a mind of it’s own. When the clouds have cleared and you have a mess on your hands, call us at SERVPRO® of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia! We understand that storm damage can be overwhelming and seem impossible, but our crew of professionally trained individuals are always ready! Our 1-4-8 rule will get us to you even sooner. Within:

• One hour from a notice of loss, we will have a SERVPRO professional contact you.
• Four hours of loss a SERVPRO professional will be on site to start mitigation, if necessary.
• Eight business hours after a loss, we will have a verbal briefing of the scope communicated to you.

SERVPRO is here to help when the storm damages your home. As always, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Preparing for the Storm

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Storms are dangerous forces of nature that can be brutal, unpredictable, and strike without warning. Because they wreak such serious havoc, it’s important to take measures in keeping your home safe from potential storm damage.

So what can you do to be prepared? For starters, perform a full inspection of your home and its surrounding premises. You can do this personally or professionally. Check for leaks in your roof or windows, and make sure all exterior doors and windows are fitted correctly. Any cracks or gaps can lead to big problems during storms, so it’s important to fix up any you may find right away.

Next, check the condition of your shutters and rain gutters. Make sure they are sturdy and tight. If any are loose, get them fixed and tightened right away. Loose shutters and gutters can become dangerous in a storm because they are unstable and in some cases they can rip away from your house and blow around as debris. The same goes for any unstable large trees or loose tree limbs. Consider trimming back trees with any unhealthy looking branches that could be torn off in a storm.

If your home is older and has a drainage ditch in front of the property, inspect the area around it. Remove debris, dirt, and anything else that could obstruct the flow of water. This will prevent any blockage and clogging that could cause flooding.

Finally, have an emergency plan in place for your family to help ensure their safety in the event of a storm.

When a storm does hit, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia has your back. We’ll take care of any emergency repairs or restorations your home may need. Give us a call at (334) 371-7378.

Preparing for Summer Storms

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

The summer weather is coming in fast this year, with heat waves, summer storms, and flooding right around the corner. It's always a good idea to keep your family safe by having an emergency preparedness kit just in case. Our friends at the American Red Cross suggest these items for your kit. Of course all items should be personalized to fit your family's needs.

Include:

• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
• non-latex gloves
• assortment of adhesive bandages
• antibiotic ointment
• sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
• absorbent compress dressings
• tweezers
• scissors
• adhesive cloth tape
• aspirin packets (81 mg each)
• first aid instruction booklet
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Hurricane Preparedness

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

It may seem early, but hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and also ends November 30. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business. For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Be Prepared!

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Be prepared to weather the storm with the FEMA App. This app allows you to get National Weather Service alerts for up to five locations to keep you informed on-the-go. It also has information on what to do before, during, and after different disasters. In the midst of an emergency, the app can give you directions to open shelters nearby, help you locate someone to talk to at a Disaster Recovery Center, and let you share images of damage and recovery efforts to help first responders and emergency managers. This app is available to download for free for iOS and Android at the Apple Store and on Google Play.

We are always here to help in case of emergency 24/7 365 - yes even holidays! 

Storm Damage at School

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

What does it mean to feel proud?

Is pride only something that makes you feel good inside, your heart soaring, swelling with an emotion that just has to bubble up and flow over so those around us can see?

I think so!

At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia everything we do gives us a certain amount of pride, but it is those special things we do, certain tasks, jobs, that jolts our pride up another level or two.

This is one of those times.

Don’t get me wrong, we love helping everyone in our Community.

There is no job too small or too large to lessen the pride we feel after we have finished restoring your home or business...Giving you peace of mind.

We give you our very best each and every time.

But this last week we had the opportunity to help restore the very bedrock of a Community…A school.

A school houses a Community’s most precious gift…Our children.

They are our future. 
The ones that grow to one day take our place in society and help the next generation learn and succeed, so they in turn, can replace themselves and carry on a love for our home town.

When a storm brought water and destruction to one of our own schools last week, SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia didn’t hesitate to help restore a building that houses our children for seven to eight hours a day.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO responded immediately and used advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitored and documented the drying process to verify the School was dried properly and thoroughly.

“Like it never even happened.”

So proud? Yes!

We can sleep in peace knowing that our children won't have to suffer through a disaster any more than they had to.

Our children ARE our Community!

American Red Cross Weather Tips

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

TORNADOES Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.

2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.

3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.

4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.

5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.

3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.

4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.

5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.

2. Stay away from floodwaters.

3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

4. Keep children out of the water.

5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO is ready!

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO ofGreenville/Troy/Andalusia 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.

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 Greenville/Troy/Andalusia, 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!

Tropical Storm Season

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Our Crew heading out to a storm damage.

Today, June 21, 2017, Tropical Storm Cindy is raking havoc on the Southeast with a large amount of rain embedded within its tentacles. It is an early storm for us and most of us won’t be ready to take it on.

It’s a good time to talk about the importance of Tropical Storm and Hurricane preparedness.

Did you know that twenty-nine Tropical Storms have caused chaos in Alabama in the last sixteen years? In one shape or other, a Tropical Depression, Storm or Hurricane has harmed our State and affected the people who live here. It is important to pay attention and be prepared for the next one…And the next.

At SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia we have seen firsthand the concern and dread that faces those that have weathered the storm, yet are faced with damage to manage each time we are called in to help restore businesses and residential homes. The only thing to lesson that mental load is to be resilient and have your “Plan of Action” in place before the storm.

Step One:        Listen to the weather forecast. If a Storm is out in the Gulf, be alert.

Step Two:        Call your insurance company and make sure your home or business is covered for storm/wind damage and/or flooding.

Step Three:      If your home or business is near a waterway, use sandbags to help protect your home from rising water.

Step Four:        Board or tape up your windows.

Step Five:        If you are faced with a small Tropical Depression or Storm and are not in a flood zone, wait it out, but make sure you have enough non-perishable food and water on hand.

Step Six:          Buy a generator in case of Electricity loss.

Step Seven:     Have emergency numbers stored in your phone.

Step Eight:       If you are faced with a Hurricane, no matter the size, have a plan already in place of where you will be staying until it passes.

Step Nine:        Make sure your vehicle has a full tank, and you have cash on hand.

Step Ten:         If you have pets, make sure they are part of your plans.

Step Eleven:    Above all else, keep your family, friends and yourself safe.

You can find more helpful hints on NOAA.com.

If you need us, call us and we’ll be on our way.

Luverne Alabama In Storm Crosshairs

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

Luverne Alabama Tornado

SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia Storm Response Team sprang into action after an EF0 Tornado tore through the City of Luverne on Monday, April 3, 2017, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

When you call, we are there.

April is a beautiful month for Alabama. The sun shines, flowers bloom, grass grows and new life begins from a slow Spring rain, adding color and character to our landscape.

But with this, weather systems form and occasionally disrupt the beauty with damaging storms.

It happens every Spring.

And we should always be prepared.

It is important to us at SERVPRO that our neighbors, friends and families pay close attention to Weather Alerts and local Weather personnel during peak tornado season.

Let me go over a few important factors to remember.

According to the National Climatic Data Center

1. We live in “Dixie Alley”. (The term "Dixie Alley" was coined by NSSFC director Allen Pearson after witnessing a tornado outbreak which included more than 9 long-track, violent tornadoes and killed 121 on February 21, 1971)
2. Alabama is second only to Kansas in F5 Tornadoes.
3. Alabama has suffered more fatalities than any other State except Texas and Mississippi.
4. Alabama has two Tornado seasons. Spring and November-December.   

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that we pay attention to an Alabama approaching Storm.

Important tips to Remember. 

1. Be alert for changing weather conditions.
2. Listen to TV, Radio and local authorities.
3. Own a weather radio for up to the minute warnings.

What to look for:

1. Low, or layered clouds that appear to be moving in opposite directions or rotating.
2. Sudden dark sky. (often w/ an orange or green glow)
3. A loud continuous roar/approaching train (sound) 

Be prepared to take cover immediately.

1. Have a pre-planned shelter to go to if you live in a Mobile Home.
2. Go to a storm shelter, basement or the most interior room in your home, away from any outside walls or windows.
3. If you are driving a car do not try to outrun a tornado. Find the nearest building and shelter in the lowest level. If you cannot find a building, lay flat in a ditch. (Be aware of any flooding or flying debris)

After the storm has passed:

1. Make sure everyone is okay.
2. Check for any damage to your home or property.
3. Call 911 or your local Police if you see downed power lines.

We at SERVPRO of Greenville/Troy/Andalusia understand how frustrating it can be to go through a Southern spring storm that leaves behind its wake a devastating amount of water and storm damage to your home or business.

Therefore, we stand “At the Ready”!

“Like it never even happened”.