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Weather Alerts Could Save Your Life During a Disaster | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
7/12/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett.
Our national weather system uses at least 42 different kinds of weather alerts, split between seven categories depending on the type of event. This is too much information for the average person to comprehend in daily life, much less if they’re sheltering from a dangerous storm.
By knowing the meaning of warnings and advisories that could be issued, you’ll be able to make better decisions during extreme weather. In addition, you can take steps to keep your home protected from storms.
A good base of knowledge about severe weather is good to have, but more importantly, we should be aware of the risks that affect our area most frequently.
How Alerts Are IssuedMost people aren’t aware of how alerts are issued. It begins with the weather forecast, a prediction about future weather patterns. However, multiple factors affect these forecasts, and a lot of data is gathered to measure the severity and characteristics of a storm.
The National Weather Service is our country’s primary organization for all forecasting and issuing potential warnings. Across our nation, there are six offices and hundreds of sub-offices that cover almost the entire landmass. Here in Michigan, we’re covered by the Central Region headquarters, which watches most of the northern USA.
The NWS employs multiple types of personnel to observe and analyze geographical, wind patterns and many other kinds of data. The types of instruments used to collect data will vary based on the kind of weather event, but they always focus on providing accurate forecasts for all Americans.
The Most Important Alerts to UnderstandThe first thing that everyone should know about severe weather is the meaning of a “watch” and a “warning.” These words are frequently used in all kinds of storms, some being tornadoes, flooding and thunderstorms.
A watch will cover large regions, like multiple counties or even states. These alerts are indicating that storms are moving your way, and could become dangerous in the coming hours.
A warning is typically only used to cover singular cities or counties, although hurricanes can bring warnings for entire coastlines. These are signs that danger is coming very soon, and you should take steps to be prepared for disaster.
You should be aware of the weather that we see here frequently, as this will allow you to prepare for the most common disasters. In Michigan, East Lansing specifically, we see more than 60 inches of snowfall and only have about 170 sunny days per year, so we see storms almost every other day.
Protecting Your Home During a StormBesides knowing your emergency alerts, you can make efforts to prepare your home and mitigate potential damage to your property from weather events.
Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture is a great place to start. Outdoor furniture is often lifted up by powerful winds and then thrown into the home’s walls, roof or windows.
When the storm is gone, you should take plenty of photos or videos of the damage that your home has suffered. Afterward, give us at SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett a call. We’re always ready to jump into action and help you get back on your feet.
Learn the weather most common in your area, and pay attention to weather alerts so you can be prepared for the dangers ahead.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Do You Know The Signs Of Water Damage In Your Bathroom?
7/11/2022 (Permalink)
If you have water damage in your home or business, contact SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett today!
The signs of water damage can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. And your bathroom is one of the places it’s most likely to hide. It’s important to find water damage in your home early because it can spread and
worsen over time. If it’s stopped early and repaired, then you can avoid making bigger,
more costly repairs in the future.
Your home is your family’s biggest investment, so protecting it is vital. You can do that by regularly looking for signs of leaks around your home. Learning what you should be looking for in your bathroom is a good place to start.
Signs You Could See
Here’s what you might see if you have a potential water issue in one of your home’s bathrooms:
Evidence of mold or mildew. Both mold and mildew can flourish in wet environments. Your bathroom might have black spots on your walls, shower curtain, around your tub or
shower, or underneath your bathroom cabinets.
Wet spots on your walls or around the tub. If you see water spots or stains on your walls, it’s a sign that there could be a leak behind them. If you notice that, then it might be time to check your pipes for leaks and other issues. You’ll want to correct those and then repair any damage to protect your home.
Damage to the flooring or paint. Bubbling, peeling paint, buckling wood floors or cracked damaged tiles can all be possible signs of water damage. Again, you’ll want to fix these issues and repair any damage they’ve caused to ensure your home hasn’t been compromised by mold or water damage.
Wet spots on your ceiling. Not all signs of bathroom water damage are actually noticeable in the bathroom. Water spots and leaks from the ceiling can be signs that the plumbing in your bathroom is leaking if your ceiling issues are located directly below a bathroom. (Any ceiling leak should be investigated, though.)
If you see the signs of water damage anywhere in your home, take the time to get it evaluated and repaired correctly. It will serve you well in the long run—and possibly save you time and money.
From emergency cleaning and restoration to routine disinfection, we’re there for you. Contact us at any hour for a consultation or immediate assistance. Our teams are available to help you
24/7. Don’t wait to call us!
Why Select a Commercial Restoration Partner? | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
7/11/2022 (Permalink)
Choose SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett as your commercial restoration partner!
As a business, you select an accountant or bookkeeper, a security firm, and possibly even a cleaning service. And when disaster strikes, you may have a hard-hitting recovery firm in mind, such as SERVPRO.
“But how often does disaster strike?” you may ask. Making arrangements for a disaster that hasn’t happened yet may not be at the top of your to-do list.
However, you can save time, money and headaches with a little preparation. And that includes partnering with a commercial restoration firm up front, so we’re ready to leap into action with advance knowledge of your particular needs.
An Extra Layer of Clean
The first thing a day-to-day partnership with SERVPRO can offer is deeper cleaning than a regular janitorial service. Whether you have high-traffic carpets, fryer hoods or even hazardous chemicals in your building, we have the special training and licensure to meet your needs.
Plan-Ahead Disaster Preparation
In the midst of a fire or flood, wouldn’t you like a partner who’s prepared? SERVPRO can keep your vital lists in one place: insurers, contractors, even the locations of any hazardous materials in your workplace that need to be quickly moved or remediated in in case of disaster. Known as the SERVPRO READY plan, this can help us respond faster and more thoroughly when the call comes.
We Do Paperwork, Too
Another important aspect of having a ready partner is that we can help with any paperwork related to disaster recovery. SERVPRO has many years of experience dealing with insurance companies, and we can help you ensure you have the documentation you need to get your claims covered.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term disinfection service, or need help restoring your property after an emergency, your SERVPRO team is ready to help. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.
What Makes Storm-Related Flash Floods So Dangerous | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
7/11/2022 (Permalink)
If your home or business has been damaged by a storm, call SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett today!
Severe weather can be dangerous in many different ways—between lightning strikes, high wind and hail, there are countless ways that storms can cause damage. However, many people are surprised to learn that floods are the most dangerous severe weather incident of all. Floods are second only to heat when it comes to weather-related fatalities in the United States, and flash floods present the biggest risk.
Any type of flooding can be quite dangerous, but when it comes to flash floods, their sudden onset in addition to their ability to impact any area creates a deadly combination. Additionally, because any body of water can overflow during heavy rains, flash floods can impact any area—that is why we encourage people to always be aware of their risks and the top safety tips.
What Makes a Flood a Flash Flood?
A traditional flood will slowly begin to rise, while a flash flood must occur within the first six hours after a storm, but they often happen in as few as three hours. Flash floods tend to be more common in urban areas due to the possibility of blocked storm drains and drainage systems, and they can occur even in areas that are not situated low enough to be a regular flood concern.
What Are the Flash Flood Alert Guidelines?
Because flash floods can come about with little notice, if there is a storm and heavy rain in your area, you should always stay alert to local weather alerts so you have as much notice as possible in case waters near you start to rise.
Officials will issue a flash flood watch for a general area to encourage heightened concern, but if things progress to a warning, you will want to quickly take the proper precautions. If a flash flood emergency is issued, move to higher ground as quickly as you can, as these are rare and deadly conditions.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Flash Flood Risk Level?
It is important to prioritize safety for any severe weather event, but flash floods should be especially revered. Knowing the rules for safety can keep you and your family much safer if the waters suddenly begin to rise:
- If rain is heavy for an extended period, tune into official weather warning channels.
- Make sure you have a clear safety plan in place and that your family knows how to execute it.
- If you come across floodwater, never attempt to cross it by car or on foot.
- Avoid coming into contact with floodwater, as it can hide electrical currents and contaminants.
- When evacuating, have alternate routes in mind in case yours is blocked by water.
If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us.
A Few Simple Steps to Help You Prevent Home Fires | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
7/7/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.
As the temperatures continue to rise across the nation, so does our collective risk of fires. In fact, so far this year the American Red Cross has responded to over 20,000 house fires, and they can’t be everywhere at once, so this number is only a fraction of the total fires in the United States so far in 2022.
As they have since their inception, smoke detectors continue to be the most effective way to detect fires and prevent the damage or loss of life that they can cause. While everyone should have complete smoke alarm coverage, there are many other ways you can protect yourself and your home, many being simple cleaning tasks.
Cleaning Your Hot ZonesWhen it comes to your house, there are certain areas that stay hotter than others because of the appliances or features of the home in that area. In Michigan, we use appliances to heat our home and water more than most, so our appliances have a higher chance of starting fires purely because they’re turned on more often.
Some of these zones include air vents, the fireplace and chimney, and especially the kitchen. It’s important that you keep these areas clear of any blockages or excessive dust to reduce the risk of a fire.
The water heater is another high-risk area in your home. The outside boiler of the device gets so hot that it can ignite clothing, cardboard and paper with relative ease. Keeping this area clear and open allows proper airflow, and keeps flammable objects away from high levels of heat.
Dusty outlets and appliances are two more common sources of fire in the home. These spots get packed with dust that needs only a small spark to become a massive problem.
Properly cleaning behind, under and inside of your appliances and vents can significantly reduce the risk of a spontaneous fire. You should also ensure that all of your devices have plenty of space to circulate air and heat as they’re designed to do.
Create a Defensible Space in Your YardWhen fires are roaring outside, your yard is the last place they hit before knocking at your door. Recently, innovative landscaping techniques have become increasingly popular, as they are designed to protect your home and give ample room for firemen to stop the flames.
Fires have become such a major problem in our country, that states like California have begun to impose defensible zone requirements for the area surrounding a home. These requirements make homeowners clear excessive shrubbery and other fire risks to help stop them from igniting the building.
These strategies have been proven to be effective in slowing wildfires, but taking a note from them and doing the same to your property is a smart idea.
Utilizing these techniques will not prevent you from planting your gorgeous flower beds and tending to your garden—it focuses on you placing the plants in strategic positions. These recommended spots are designed to spread things out enough to reduce the possibility of the flames spreading.
Maintaining your yard is also an important part of homeownership. Clearing out and removing dead plants, leaves and limbs will take fuel away from the fire and could reduce the severity if it were to happen.
Keep It Clean & Keep It SafeAlong with maintaining your hot zones and cleaning up in your yard, a thorough spring-cleaning can help reduce your risk of a fire. It’s best to schedule a time with your family in the spring or summer to work together and knock it out.
These tasks often seem to pile up and weigh you down, but giving yourself plenty of time and setting goals can help you get through them. However, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to reduce fire hazards in the home—simple tasks like dusting help with fire prevention.
If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24/7.
SERVPRO Is the Team for All Your Restoration Needs | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
7/6/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett is the team to call when your home or business has been damaged!
Needing repairs after an emergency to your home or business is never pleasant. It can also happen out of nowhere, leaving you scrambling to find a provider that can perform the necessary repairs in a timely manner.
Situations like these make having an experienced team like SERVPRO on speed-dial so crucial!
Situations like flooding or a fire can strike your East Lansing home or business without a moment’s notice. In order to receive the most optimal repair results for your property, many of
these disasters necessitate a quick response and a well-trained crew.
Our team is more than capable of repairing any damage to your property. Here are some of the
features that set SERVPRO apart from the competition:
We Have a Qualified Team of Workers
SERVPRO’s most valuable asset is our highly trained staff. They’re the ones who work with
homeowners and business owners to devise and implement a successful restoration strategy.
Our team receives initial and ongoing training to ensure that they are always up to date on the
various types of disasters that can occur in a home or business. They hold certifications as well
to equip them with knowledge in all areas of disaster, such as water restoration, fire damage
repair, mold remediation, and any other residential or commercial cleanup.
We Have the Technology to Handle Any Disaster
Complex property damage requires a complex solution! Our advanced equipment allows our crew to restore your property quickly and effectively.
Using tools like infrared cameras, extraction pumps and dehumidifiers, we are able to completely restore your home or business after any disaster.
When dealing with conditions like floods, floodwater can contain bacteria and contaminants that are unsafe for property owners to deal with on their own. When dealing with mold growth or the aftermath of water or fire damage, we can utilize advanced technologies to remove any odors or bacteria. We use tools that can control air quality and leave your property odor-free!
We’re Here for You 24/7
After an event like a leak on your property, mold can grow within 24 hours!
Situations like this require a prompt response to prevent any further damage. Our crew is available around the clock to respond to any residential or commercial disaster.
Don’t let the burden of a damaged home or business stop you from getting the help you need. SERVPRO can address the damage and restore your property to its preloss condition.
Why SERVPRO Is the Right Choice for Fire Restoration | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
6/21/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett is the team you can count on!
A house fire is something that no one wants to experience, but unfortunately, they are a rather
common occurrence. Focusing on fire safety efforts and putting together a fire evacuation plan
are such important elements of keeping your family safe, but it is also important to have a plan
in place for who you will call for restoration in the aftermath.
Having a plan in place for after a fire is an important aspect of preparedness, and if you are
looking for a restoration partner for your home, we are the team you can trust. Read on to learn
more about our fire damage restoration philosophy.
We Are Here for You 24/7, 365
Even with the best fire prevention efforts in place, house fires can happen unexpectedly, but
whenever they do, we are here to help. We have an emergency response line available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, so whether a fire breaks out in the middle of the night or on a
holiday afternoon, you can count on us to respond to you quickly.
When you call us, we will immediately begin assembling a team and creating an action plan to
handle your damage quickly.
We Understand Fire Damage
Every fire is going to be different, but our expert restoration technicians have a deep understanding of what fire damage restoration takes. From addressing charring to water
damage to smoke and soot in the far reaches of the home, we fully understand everything that
makes up damage from a fire and how to address it.
We Aim to Make Things Easier
Fires are a traumatic event, no matter how mildly or majorly they impact your home—and that is
something we fully understand. That is why our goal is to make things as easy as possible for
you throughout the restoration process.
From providing move-out services if you are in need of temporary housing to working directly
with your insurance company, we can help. You can depend on us to be of assistance during each and every part of the fire restoration process.
If you need fire damage restoration, SERVPRO is the team you can count on. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.
How to Prevent Costly Damage to Your Business | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
6/17/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett is your local commercial disaster team. Contact us to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services.
Due to their significance in society, it is important to keep local businesses healthy and productive. Between maintaining a positive work environment, training employees and dealing with paperwork, business owners have enough on their plate.
The last thing a business owner wants to worry about is the potential damage natural disasters can cause.
In only the last five years, the amount of damage caused by natural disasters has slowly but steadily increased. On average, the cost of damages has reached over $150 billion per year according to the NCEI.
Flooding and severe storms are common causes of damage in places like Michigan and are expected to happen every year. With 9% of Lansing being floodplains, that area covers over 200 major businesses. When snowstorms occur and the snow melts, flooding is expected to happen.
Below is how to prevent the commonly caused damages when disaster strikes:
Water DamageAnywhere in the United States, water and flooding can be an issue. But in areas where snowfall is heavy and constant, ice presents a slightly different threat. As the ice melts and turns into water, it can cause severe damage to your commercial property.
When precipitation is heavy, the local rivers can fill up and cause flooding as well. It is important to check the areas around your business that are prone to letting water seep in. One way to reduce these effects is to landscape routes to control the flow of water and direct it away from the building structure.
Additionally, once water does get in, it is imperative to attack it right away. To see where water has affected your building, look for warping and discoloration on your walls, ceilings and even floors. Once wood begins to rot, it can become a very expensive problem in a very quick manner.
Storm DamageEven at a lower intensity, storm damage can shake trees, cause power outages and launch small debris into the air. At a higher level, storm winds can exceed 100 mph and tear trees from the ground.
Storm damage in Michigan is one of the most common causes of natural disaster damage. Recently, a tornado with 140 mph winds tore through Gaylord, devastating the city.
While the damage can be extreme and wretched, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the damage it can cause to your business and your community. Firstly, secure any loose furniture/decorations outside your business. This signage and furniture can become deadly projectiles.
Next, you should check the areas on your exterior to make sure they’re sealed and secure. Doors, windows and roofs should be inspected to reduce the chance they’ll go flying when these storms happen.
Storm-protective window covers can help prevent the damage caused in the event of an emergency.
Know Who To CallWhether it’s winter-based flooding or gale-force winds tearing through your area, it’s best to be prepared for anything and everything. Even simple actions of prevention can save money, resources and lives.
In the event that damage does occur, however, we are available 24⁄7, allowing us to promptly respond to any kind of disaster. Our expert team can identify the most beneficial restoration plan and implement it in the correct way.
If you have experienced damage to your business or want to learn more about our commercial damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 24⁄7.
SERVPRO Is the Restoration Company to Trust | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
6/14/2022 (Permalink)
No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.
SERVPRO is a full-service cleaning, restoration and construction company—and we’re here to assist you in recovering from even the most catastrophic natural or manmade disasters.
Consider the following property damage scenarios that may arise in East Lansing and how we can provide assistance:
Water DamageFlooding may occur at any moment and can do significant damage regardless of whether if it is an inch or a foot deep. Each year, flooding costs the United States around $10 billion in damages nationwide.
If you own a house or business, you almost certainly will encounter flooding over your lifetime, and SERVPRO is ready to help if it does. We’ll assist you in determining the extent of the damage, enabling you to make the best repair decisions available.
We have the technologies necessary to find and eliminate hidden moisture. Additionally, we’ll work with you to build a water damage restoration strategy that will guarantee your house is cleaned, dried, and returned to its preloss state.
Fire DamageEvery 23 seconds in the United States, a fire department responds to a fire, and property damage from fires that total roughly $8.1 billion in damages yearly. If your house or company has been damaged by fire, we will immediately begin the restoration process with our seven-step restoration technique.
This procedure begins with an estimate and damage assessment and continues through all required pre and post-repair and construction activities.
Storm DamageStorms may cause flooding and wildfires, in addition to tornadoes, hurricanes, strong winds and blizzards. The main concern in East Lansing is tornadoes. In fact, East Lansing has a substantially greater risk of tornado damage than the rest of Michigan and a higher risk than the national average.
Storm and flood damage may wreak havoc on your home’s structure and contents. Our objective is to promptly re-establish you in your newly restored property after storm damage. SERVPRO also specializes in content and document restoration with a focus on reusing materials wherever possible.
Dry cleaning, wet cleaning, foam cleaning and abrasive cleaning are all included in our cleaning services. If your property needs a more thorough cleaning, we provide move-out services so that we can quickly restore your property to its preloss state.
What Sets SERVPRO Apart?We are here to help you whenever you want assistance. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you may contact a SERVPRO specialist by dialing our 24/7 Emergency Line.
Our professionals are members of the biggest cleaning and restoration team in the country, with over 50 years of expertise. We are independently owned and run, but we are backed by a network of over 1,900 locations across the United States, so you can be certain that we will promptly restore your home or business to a “Like it never even happened” condition.
Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.
Responding to a Storm Watch vs. a Storm Warning | SERVPRO® of East Lansing/Haslett
6/9/2022 (Permalink)
If severe weather has damaged your home or business, call SERVPRO of East Lansing/Haslett today!
Any time severe weather becomes a threat, it is important to be prepared for all the possibilities
it brings. Heavy rains, strong winds, hail, flash floods and tornado threats are all common during
bouts of severe weather, and all of these things can cause damage in addition to increasing the
risk of injury or fatalities.
If severe weather is possible, staying aware of local officials’ weather updates is key, as is
knowing how to respond to them. Understanding alert systems, such as watches, warnings and
emergency sirens for your area, can help you make smart decisions about how to respond and
stay safe when the weather turns nasty.
Understanding a Severe Weather Watch vs. a Severe Weather Warning
A severe weather watch will be issued when conditions are favorable for the severe weather
event to occur. For example, a flash flood watch may be issued during periods of heavy rain, while a tornado watch may be issued when conditions look like those that are often related to tornadoes forming.
A severe weather warning is issued when the event is actively happening—so if flooding is
reported, or if a tornado is spotted on radar or on the ground, a watch would be issued for these
events.
Reacting to a Severe Weather Watch vs. a Severe Weather Warning
Because a severe weather warning means that conditions are favorable but the event is not
actively occurring, a warning being issued is your sign to stay vigilant. Tune into local broadcasts for updates and stay close to a safe area in case you quickly need to take shelter from whatever event is at hand.
When a severe weather warning is issued, that means to seek safe shelter immediately. For a
tornado, this would mean to get to your emergency shelter area. For a flood, this would mean to move immediately to higher ground.
Because time is extremely limited in these situations, it is important that you do not wait until after a watch is issued to plan what you should do—instead, have your safety plan mapped out well in advance so you can quickly take cover when and if necessary.
If you experience damage from severe weather, we are the team you can count on for restoration. We are here 24/7 to respond quickly. Contact us today.
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