Three Steps to Storm-Proofing Your House

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

House in Houston Ready for the Storm

When you leave your home unprotected, you leave your family's safety up to chance. Here are three ways to prepare your home for a storm and keep your family safe.

1. Clean Landscaping

Even small branches can become projectiles in a powerful storm. To best protect your home, remove all dead or dying tree limbs. Cut back any trees that hang over your home or any power lines. If a limb were to break off during a storm, it could do considerable damage to your home and cause you to lose power.
Additionally, ensure that your gutters and storm drains are clean and free from debris. A blocked storm drain could mean that your home could quickly become overrun with flood water and turn into a flooded building.

2. Install Shutters

If even one of your windows breaks in a storm, you could find yourself in trouble. Install sturdy shutters on all of your windows to prevent them from getting broken and letting the weather inside. Steady rain coming through a broken window could cause a tremendous amount of water damage in a short period. Furthermore, if the flood water is high enough, a broken window will let the water into the house. If a flood makes its way inside, you'll need to call storm damage repair specialists to handle the clean-up.

3. Stop Flood Water From Entering

Before a big storm hits, evaluate your home and identify potential risks. Install a sump pump or sandbags in front of your entrances to control the water. If you have cracks or breaks in your foundation, contact a specialist to have them repaired. It can also be helpful to grade your lawn away from your home, so the floods have a more difficult time reaching the house.
Storms can be stressful, but taking the time to protect your home before one hits can help take a weight off your shoulders.

Give us a call for us to check your home for storm readiness 281-463-9800.

Why should you call SERVPRO after a flood

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has over 55 years of experience in restoring flood damaged homes and businesses working to make it look "Like it never even happened," from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team are trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters.

Our crew has extensive training in restoring homes. We are here to assist you in the event of flood water entering your home or business during this active storm season.

SERVPRO of Memorial West/Bear Creek trained restoration professionals can recognize what can be saved and what must be disposed of. They are trained in the proper cleaning requirements for specific materials. Even minor flood waters have the potential to cause major damages to a structure and if not treated quickly, the dangers of mold will become a concern as well.

If you have any damages that are caused by recent storm damages call SERVPRO of Memorial West/Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800

Taking On Storms With Technology

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

These days, it is important to be ready for a storm and disaster can strike at a moment’s notice! Technology works hard to help us become aware of danger with more time to prepare before it hits! Technology can also be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during or after to stay informed of the situation and in communication with others. From common technology you already use on a day-to-day basis to taking a few extra steps to prepare. Below are a few things that will help you be ready in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Store Information Online

There are many places to store important information securely online. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer a free way to store different types of files, from a Word document to images of important documents. Ready.gov suggests saving an electronic version of insurance policies, identification documents, medical records, and information on your pets, if necessary.

Follow the News

Stay informed by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on Twitter for the most up-to-date information in a disaster situation. You can also alert first responders if a rescue is needed through Twitter.

Mark Yourself Safe

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in site to list yourself as safe or find family and friends in situations where communication is difficult to establish. Facebook also has a feature called Safety Check that is activated after natural disasters or a crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you’re located in the affected area at that time.

Get in Touch

Make sure your contact information is up to date in your phone and e-mail for communication with family, friends, business contacts, and others whom you may need to get in contact with before, during, or after a disaster.

Charge Up

Keep a portable charger in your car and home in case of an emergency. You may need to recharge this from time to time, but you can also buy solar-powered chargers as well. Get an Emergency READY Profile® SERVPRO® of Bear Creek is proud to offer Emergency READY Profiles® (ERP) for free at ready.SERVPRO.com to help prepares you, your property, or your business for an emergency. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile® for your property or business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your property or business. Put help in the palm of your hand with the Ready Plan App.  Get in touch with SERVPRO® of Bear Creek today for more information on developing an ERP for your property or business!

Call us, SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800.

4 Steps To Prepare for a Storm

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

4 Steps To Prepare For a Storm

If you are expecting a storm in Houston, TX, then it is a good idea to prepare both your home and your family for an emergency. Flood water could affect your safety and cause damage to your house as well. Keep the following tips in mind when you are anticipating severe weather.

1. Inspect Your Home

If your house already has condition issues, then the water damage that comes with a storm could make things even worse. Cracks in the exterior, deteriorated window and door frames, and roof damage can all let in moisture. This can cause building materials to rot and can contribute to the growth of mold. Inspect the building and complete any necessary repairs before the storm.

2. Move Important Belongings

During a storm, you may need to prepare in advance for a flooded building. If your house has multiple floors, move what you can to a higher level. Otherwise, place items inside cabinets or on shelves. Waterproof safes or airtight containers are great options for storing paper documents or small items.

3. Prepare an Evacuation Plan

In some cases, the weather may become dangerous. Watch or listen to the news so you are aware of any changes. Have a plan in case you need to evacuate. Know where you will go and figure out multiple routes that you can take to get there.

4. Make an Emergency Kit

If you plan to stay at home for the duration of the storm, make sure to gather emergency supplies. Flood water can contaminate your water source, so stock up on bottled water as well as canned foods. Your kit should also include flashlights and batteries in case of a power outage.
Using these tips can help you get through the storm safely. However, while you may be able to prevent some damage, flood water may still find a way into your dwelling. If this happens, an emergency cleanup and restoration company can help. They can remove the water, sanitize the building and make repairs to your home.

Winter Weather Worries: Frozen Pipes

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear Creek would like to keep you aware of the possibilities of freezing conditions in Houston and the possibility of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your home, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take:

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pools and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses.
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing.
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip form the faucets that may come from exposed pipes.
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
• Wrap outside faucets.
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
• Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days.

Storm Smart and Storm Ready

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

How to BE Storm Smart & Storm Ready

Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms

• 5,000 floods or flash floods

• 1,000 tornadoes

• 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidential declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damages. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action and be an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others. 

Know Your Risk. The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless 

Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards. 

Take Action. Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place. 

Be an Example. Once you have taken action to prepare for severs weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same. 

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

• Water (one gallon per person per day)

• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

• Manual can opener

• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Clothing

• Dust masks or bandannas

• Plastic sheering, garbage bags and duct tape

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Hygiene items

• Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

• Cash

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

Contact SERVPRO of Bear Creek for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. 

What Is That Foul Odor???

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding in Houston, TX specifically the Bear Creek area, can quickly find its way inside of your commercial property or home. Rising water often leaves behind sediment, mud, belongings and contents affected by the water and water to the structure of your home or business. However, one remnant you might not have expected is the foul odor that mold growth and other factors can cause once the water has subsided. Fighting this odor can be a challenge, but knowing what causes it may help you take effective steps to eliminate it. 

1. Sewage Runoff - Severe flooding can cause a sewage loss in your neighborhood, sending sewer contents into flood water. Not only does this create contaminated water that poses a health hazard, but it can leave behind a pungent odor in your home or business even after the waters recede. Since ordinary household cleansers may not be strong enough to eliminate this smell, it is a good idea to call in a storm cleanup and deodorizing company to have your home treated. 
2. Mold  - After a flood, moisture and humidity levels can create ideal conditions for mold growth. There are several different species of mold that may take hold in your home, but one factor they all have in common is the musty, dirty smell the mycotoxins release. As mold spreads, this smell may become stronger and seep into your home’s walls, where it can be difficult to eliminate. If you encounter mold during a flood cleanup, let our storm cleanup technicians know so they can clean, deodorize and apply antimicrobial to the area to remove unpleasant odors and prevent more microbial growth. 
3. Chemicals - As flood waters move through an area, they may pick up chemicals from outlying industrial areas, flooded garages and sewers. Your walls and flooring can absorb these chemicals during the flood and retain strange or foul odors for weeks afterward. Professional restoration and deodorization can be your best defense in removing these smells and ensuring they do not return.  Mold growth and sewer smells can cause foul odors in your Houston, TX, home or business after a flood. Knowing their source can help you choose the best course of action when it comes to clearing the air and getting you back to normal.

For questions or additional information please contact SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800.

Understanding Flood Terms

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

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

Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; keep up with weather updates regarding possible flooding in your area.

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

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

If a flood does strike your home or business, give SERVPRO of Bear Creek a call. Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure when not treated quickly and properly, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming task. The SERVPRO System is prepared to handle any size disaster and help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Are You Prepared for a Winter Storm? Frozen Pipes?

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

As a cross country winter storm rolls in this coming weekend and temperatures drop in Houston, TX, will you be prepared?

 Now is an excellent time to learn more about how to avoid frozen pipes, and the subsequent water damage that can occur if those pipes expand and burst. Though frozen pipes are a common occurrence, they are highly preventable.

SERVPRO of Bear Creek offers the following tips for preventing frozen pipes and mitigating potential damage that they can cause.

• Insulate all exposed pipes in your home. Especially where they may be unheated, such as the basement, attic, garage, crawl space and under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Keep the temperature the same during the day and at night. You can prevent a costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst by temporarily suspending the use of lower temperatures in the evening
• Close any inside valves that supply water outdoors and open the outside valve to properly drain excess water that may be in the pipes
• In drastically cold temperatures, let your faucet trickle. While you may be concerned about wasting water, running water is less likely to freeze
• Remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. Keep outside valves open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing it to break
• If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees F.

Found a Frozen Pipe? Thaw It Out:

• If you turn on a faucet and only a few drips come out, suspect a frozen pipe. Typically, frozen pipes are found along exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Make sure the faucet remains on while treating the pipes, as the flowing water will help to melt the ice within the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad, an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame device
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.

Should you experience a loss resulting from water damage, turn off the water supply as soon as possible, and call SERVPRO of Bear Creek immediately. The longer you wait to call the greater the chance of mold growth and unrecoverable property. SERVPRO of Bear Creek professionals have the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects that water damage can have.

Visit www.SERVPRObearcreek.com for more information on water damage restoration.

Three D's of Flood Cleanup

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

What are the cleaning requirements after a flood? You hear that flood water is contaminated, full of pathogens that are harmful to your family. How do you know what you need to throw away and what you can sanitize? Remember the three D’s of flood cleanup: Dispose, Disinfect and Dry. Here is a brief guide for each.

Dispose

Follow local guidelines in Houston, TX / Harris County for waste disposal. If garbage service is not yet running, you can bury contaminated food about four feet deep to keep the odor away. You should however dispose of the following items:

• Throw away any food, even canned or sealed, that has been in contact with flood water
• Throw away food from your fridge if power has been off for more than 2 hours
• Don’t use and garden produce that remain after a flood
• Discard dishes with cracks, as well as any plastic or wooden kitchen items
• Submerged drywall may need to be replaced
• Dispose of carpet padding

Disinfect

Depending on what materials need to be cleaned, the cleaning requirements will vary. For most disinfecting, use one cup of bleach to one gallon of water.

• Use bleach mixture and spray structural materials and personal items that were contaminated, rinse with clean water and dry
• Disinfect kitchenware and appliances by using hot soapy water, scrubbing to remove solids, then rinsing with disinfected water. Make sure appliances are unplugged before taking them apart and wiping them down. Allow them to dry completely before reassembling

Dry

Without a proper drying technique, your flood disinfectant effort isn’t complete.

Flood remediation professionals have powerful equipment to help accelerate the drying process and ensure that it is thorough. You should start the drying process right away to help prevent permanent damage or the development of mold.

• If power is back on, turn on fans and air conditioner unit to assist with drying until help arrives.
• Hang rugs and remove cushions to put them in a better area for drying
• Remove carpet and dry outdoors after cleaning

Trained restoration professionals can recognize what can be saved and what must be disposed of. They are trained in the proper cleaning requirements for specific materials.

Visit SERVPRO of Bear Creek or call (281) 463-9800 for additional information on storm damage.

When a Winter Storm Hits

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

We're Faster to Any Size Disaster

When a storm hits your home or business in Bear Creek, you need help immediately. Our 24 hour emergency response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

As a leader in storm and water damage restoration, SERVPRO of Bear Creek has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home back to its pre-storm condition. Our restoration process puts an emphasis on scientific drying techniques, progress monitoring and documentation.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician
• Applied Structural Drying Technicians

Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. On the other hand, SERVPRO of Bear Creek can access resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.

When the Storm hits, call SERVPRO

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane Harvey, 2017

If a flood or hurricane strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800. Even minor floods and damages have the potential to cause major damages to a structure and if not treated quickly, the dangers of mold will become a concern as well.

Why you should call SERVPRO

SERVPRO has over forty years of experience on restoring flood damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters. 

Floods can strike anywhere

• The principle causes of floods in the eastern united states are hurricanes and major storms
• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snow melt and rainstorms. 
• Underpasses can be extremely dangerous during a flash flood especially at night.

If you have any damages that are caused by storm damages call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800

Facts on Hurricanes

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

With hurricane season coming soon, not only being prepared for the season but having general knowledge of hurricanes can help in your preparation. Here are a few facts on hurricanes.

Hurricanes usually form in highly tropical areas where a high amount of water evaporates into the air.  The heated moist air is then twisted in the atmosphere and becomes a hurricane. Where the storm forms determines what kind of storm it is.  For example, storms made in the Atlantic or northeast Pacific are called hurricanes while storms made in the northwest Pacific (near Japan) are called typhoons. 

The strength of the storm is effected by where you are in relation to the storm and whether the storm is over a land mass. For example, the winds of the storm are normally faster around the eye of the storm.  Once a hurricane reaches a large land mass (such as North America) the storm slowly becomes weaker. 

If you have storm damage, SERVPRO of Bear Creek has professional technicians ready 24/7 to respond to any disaster. 

Storm and Floods

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

With hurricane season here your safety is essential, here are some tips from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) on preparing for this hurricane season. 

Before the flood

• Have qualified professionals elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding.
• Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.

During the flood

• Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing on water. 
• Do not walk through the moving water as you could be carried away.

After the flood

• Listen for news reports to learn if water supply is clean to drink.
• Avoid flood waters as it may contain harmful chemicals.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

If your home is affected by a hurricane or flood, call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463 9800

Storm damage remediation

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO OF BEAR CREEK IS READY TO ANSWER THE CALL 24/7

On the call 24/7:

Mother Nature can strike at any time and leave devastation in its wake which is why it is extremely important to be faster to the job, the lesser the damage, less money out of your pocket!

Resources to handle a storm event:

Receiving storm and flood damage is a very stressful time. Our crews here at SERVPRO of Bear Creek understand that and are all veterans of storm events from not only responding to the Houston area, but from responding to events out of state as well! And with this experience comes the know-how and understanding of getting the job done “Like it never even happened.”

Have storm or flood damage? Don’t wait, call SERVPRO

Call SERVPRO for flood emergencies

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

If a flood or hurricane strikes your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800. Even minor floods and damages have the potential to cause major damages to a structure and if not treated quickly, the dangers of mold will become a concern as well.

Why you should call SERVPRO

SERVPRO has over forty years of experience on restoring flood damaged homes and businesses from coast to coast. SERVPROS' Disasters Recovery Team is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and flood waters. 

Floods can strike anywhere

• The principle causes of floods in the eastern united states are hurricanes and major storms
• The principle causes of floods in the western United States are snow melt and rainstorms. 
• Underpasses can be extremely dangerous during a flash flood especially at night.

If you have any damages that are caused by storm damages call SERVPRO of Bear Creek at (281) 463-9800

Basic flood facts

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

Floods can be as small as six inches but can grow to over ten feet high and can be caused from a number of reasons. Here are a few facts on floods.

Extreme and quick floods are classified as flash floods and have been known to carry water up to twenty feet high and can be caused by both man made and natural reasons such as a break of a dam, landslide or overflowing waterways. Tropical storms can also be a cause of natural flooding such as a tsunami or cyclone. 

Fast moving water can be much stronger than most people think. For example, water over two feet can be strong enough to push an entire school bus away in its current. Floods have been known to destroy businesses and people with their strong currents.

If a flood is prepared to come into your town or area take all safety precautions to stay safe.  Seek higher ground immediately.

Hurricane season preparation

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

With summer season coming soon, hurricane season comes hand in hand with it. Besides keeping up with the news here are some tips on how to prepare for a hurricane or major storm.

If you live near a coast, know the proper evacuation route and be prepared for it when hurricane season starts. If you are in a safe area, have the proper supplies ready such as a generator, first aid, batteries and flashlights. Board up sensitive areas such as windows or shutters. Have a stash of food ready for each member in the household. When the storm itself starts in your area, stay away from windows (even if they are boarded up).

If your home or area is affected by storm damage SERVPRO is ready to respond.