Getting Your Home Winter Ready: Be Prepared For Winter Storms

1/12/2024 (Permalink)

Getting your home ready for winter is all about being proactive. It's about being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Hello from your friendly team at SERVPRO of Berlin/Williamstown! Today, we're talking about how to ready your home for winter. Winters can be tough, with brutal storms and icy conditions. This guide will help you prepare your property for the freezing months ahead, pointing out what you need to focus on to keep it safe.

1. Check Out Your Insulation

Good insulation is your best bet against the cold biting through your home. Check your attic, pipes, and walls to make sure they're well insulated. This will keep your house warm and prevent pipes from freezing. If in doubt, get a professional to do a check-up.

2. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof is a crucial defense line against snow and storm. Regular checks should spot any problems that can lead to leaks or more serious damage. And remember, clean and secure gutters will stop water from pooling and causing issues with flooding or ice.

3. Seal Your Windows and Doors

Cracks or gaps around windows and doors can let in the cold and ramp up your heating bills. Make sure they're properly sealed - you could use weather stripping or window insulation kits. Door draft guards can stop that chilly breeze blowing under your doors.

4. Prepare Your Heating System

Your heating system is going to be working overtime in winter, so give it a thorough inspection. Clean and maintain fireplaces, heaters and furnaces, and make sure to change filters regularly. Get a professional inspection done once a year - it's worth it for peace of mind!

5. Get An Emergency Kit Ready

Winter storms can knock out power at the most inconvenient times. Prepare an emergency kit that's easy to grab when needed. It should include flashlights, batteries, warm blankets, bottled water, and some food items that can last you a few days. It's also a good idea to throw in a first-aid kit and essential meds.

Getting your home ready for winter is all about being proactive. It's about being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. If the worst does happen, remember that we are here at SERVPRO of Berlin/Williamstown to help with any kind of restoration services. Our experts can provide advice, tips, or hands-on assistance. Here's to keeping safe, warm, and ready this winter!

Storm Communication Network: Local Resources and Apps

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

Winter storms can bring hazardous conditions, including heavy snowfall, strong winds, and power outages. The Northeast region of the United States is no stranger to these severe weather events, and being prepared is crucial for staying safe and informed. In this blog post, we will discuss the Northeast's winter storm communication network and local resources and apps that can help us stay up-to-date and informed during these weather events.

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) is your primary source of weather information during winter storms. They issue a variety of warning products, including winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories. The NWS website has an interactive map that shows the latest storm watches and warnings, enabling you to stay informed of the storm's trajectory and what you can expect in terms of weather conditions.

Local News Outlets

Local news outlets are also an essential resource for staying informed about winter storms. They typically provide up-to-date information on weather conditions, closures, and other related news. Checking in with your local television news station and radio stations in your area can help you stay informed about the storm's impact on your community.

Emergency Management Agencies

Many cities and towns have emergency management agencies that provide information regarding storm preparedness, timely updates, evacuations, and other vital information during winter storms. Residents can sign up for alerts and notifications about storms' developments, traffic and road conditions, power outages, and other public safety information. These agencies are also a great resource for any questions or concerns you may have during a winter storm.

Weather Apps

There are several weather apps that offer real-time winter storm alerts, tracking, and updates. Some of the popular apps include:

• The Weather Channel
• AccuWeather
• WeatherBug
• Dark Sky

These apps offer a wide array of features, including hour-by-hour forecasts, tracking the storm's path, radar imagery, and alerts if a storm is heading your way. They can help you stay informed of how the storm is affecting your area, whether you are at home or on the go.

Transportation Apps

Transportation apps such as Google Maps, Waze, and Transit can be important resources during a winter storm. They provide information on road conditions and traffic, helping you plan your travel routes or avoid hazardous conditions. Some of these apps can also provide notifications for public transportation changes and delays due to weather conditions.

Being prepared and informed during a winter storm is critical for staying safe and minimizing its impact on our daily lives. The Northeast's winter storm communication network is a vast network of local resources and apps that can help us stay up-to-date and informed about the storm's trajectory, weather conditions, and potential hazards. By utilizing these resources and apps, we can prepare ourselves, plan accordingly, and stay informed during a winter storm.

5 Reasons Why Driving Through Flooded Streets Is a Bad Idea

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Driving through flooded streets may seem like a harmless decision, but it can be incredibly dangerous. Floodwaters can be deceptive, and even a small amount of water can be enough to sweep your car off the road or cause significant damage to your vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why you shouldn't drive through flooded streets.

Risk of drowning

One of the most significant risks associated with driving through flooded streets is the risk of drowning. Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear, and even a few inches of water can be enough to sweep your car away. If your car becomes submerged in water, you may become trapped and unable to escape, leading to a potentially fatal outcome. Turn around, don’t drown!

Damage to your car

Driving through flooded streets can also cause significant damage to your car. Floodwaters can damage your vehicle's electrical system, engine, transmission, and other vital components, leading to costly repairs or even rendering your car unusable.

Health hazards

Floodwaters can be contaminated with various harmful substances, including sewage, chemicals, and bacteria, posing a risk to your health. Exposure to these contaminants can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

Road hazards

Flooded streets can be littered with debris, such as tree branches, rocks, and other objects, making it difficult to see the road ahead. Driving through flooded streets can increase the risk of accidents, including collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects.

Legal consequences

Driving through flooded streets is illegal in many areas, and if caught, you may face legal consequences such as fines, points on your license, or even a criminal record. It is essential to follow local laws and regulations to avoid these consequences.

Stay Safe: Why You Should Avoid Driving Through Flooded Streets

In conclusion, driving through flooded streets can be incredibly dangerous and should be avoided. The risk of drowning, damage to your car, health hazards, road hazards, and legal consequences are all compelling reasons to stay off flooded roads. It is important to follow local laws and regulations and use common sense when making decisions about driving during flood events. If you must drive, it is essential to take precautions and avoid flooded areas whenever possible. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution and stay safe.

Preparing Your Home for a Hurricane

12/9/2022 (Permalink)

How To Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Due to the location of New Jersey, NJ hurricanes do not usually hit the state straight on. However, it is not impossible, and the state has been hit over 100 times in its history. Hurricane season is a scary time of year. You may be wondering how to prepare your home for hurricane season. 

How To Prepare

The best way to prepare your home for a hurricane is to get it ready ahead of time. Even if you live in the Northeast, you should have a go bag in case of emergency. You can never be too prepared!

In addition, make sure all doors are closed and locked, especially those leading outside. If possible, tape up windows or buy plastic sheeting that can be used as temporary protection against flying debris and rain.

It’s also important to put any essential items on high shelves or in closets where they won’t get wet from flooding caused by broken pipes or heavy wind; these include medications, flashlights with extra batteries, and radios with backup power sources.

Gather Supplies

As you prepare your home for hurricane season, it's important to gather supplies that will help you weather the storm. Having adequate food and water on hand is essential, as well as flashlights, batteries (and a way to recharge them), and a first aid kit. The amount of food and water you need depends on how long your power may be out:

• For an overnight power outage: enough for two days
• For an extended outage lasting multiple days: at least three days' worth of basic needs

Make an Emergency Plan

An emergency plan should include a list of emergency contact numbers, including the numbers for your local police department, fire department, and hospital. Your plan should also include information about where you keep important papers like insurance policies and banking records. This way, you can easily access this information if you have to leave your home quickly.

You should update your plans regularly as well. If there is an event that may force evacuation or cause major damage to your area, make sure that everyone in the household knows what to do immediately upon hearing the news.

Finally, don't forget about pets! They need food and water just like people do during an emergency situation—but they can't be counted on to remember these things when they're scared or hungry! If possible, bring pets inside during a hurricane warning; otherwise bring along cages/leashes so that animals can be safely secured outdoors until after the storm passes by.

Prepare To Either Evacuate or Stay at Home.

If you decide to evacuate, make sure to have a plan in place. If you decide to stay at home, make sure that you have a plan in place.

If you are staying at home, secure your property as much as possible by boarding up windows and doors and removing anything that could become airborne during high winds (limbs, debris).

Conclusion

If you're in a hurricane warning area, it's important to prepare for the worst. Even if you don't live in an evacuation zone, you should still be prepared for the possibility of an evacuation or power outage. Gather supplies and make sure that your home is secure before the storm hits. You can also create an emergency plan with your family so there's no confusion during difficult times!

Driving on Flooded Roads: 3 Safety Tips

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

How To Stay Safe On The Roads During A Flood

Powerful storms in Williamstown, NJ, can cause localized flooding and fill roads and highways with water. Flash floods can catch you unaware and put you in danger in a matter of moments, and a flooded street can present a serious problem because the water may be deeper than it appears. Keeping a few tips in mind about how to stay safe on the roads during a flood can help prevent an emergency situation and protect you from flooding danger.

1. Avoid Driving Through Floods
When you encounter flooded roads, you may think you can navigate the water easily. However, even standing floods can cause your car’s tires to lose contact with the road and cause it to float. If it becomes caught in an undercurrent, it could carry your car away. Turning around when you come upon a flooded road and finding an alternate route can keep you safe.

2. Reduce Your Speed
During heavy storms, you may find yourself on a flooded street in a matter of minutes, especially if the area is prone to flash floods. If this occurs, you may want to reduce your speed so your car does not skid or hydroplane across the surface of the water. This can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead to a crash.

3. Obey Warning Signs
One of the most important travel tips you can follow is to obey road signs related to localized flooding. During a flood, water damage and mitigation services may be working on flooded residences and emergency workers might be in the area to repair affected streets or clogged sewer lines. Follow detour signs and directions from any personnel directing traffic in flooded areas.
Powerful storms in Williamstown, NJ, can create a flooded street and trap you in your vehicle. Keeping a few safety tips in mind as you drive through a storm can reduce the risk of flood-related danger and keep you and your passengers safe.

4 Flood Cleaning Requirements

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

It's important to wear protective gear while cleaning after a flood.

Cleaning Requirements for Flooding

While a small water issue in your Williamstown, NJ, home from a leaky pipe may be easy to clean, cleaning requirements for flooding are much more stringent. This type of water damage involves contaminated water, which means added safety precautions. It also likely involves a greater amount of water, which may lead to additional issues, such as mold growth. Before grabbing towels and the mop, it’s important to know what you are up against.

Cleaning Requirements
To properly flood clean, the following steps and procedures are recommended.

If safe to do so, use fans to enhance airflow and speed up the drying process. If outlets have been submerged, contact an electrician for an inspection.
If the humidity levels are not higher outdoors, open windows and doors for ventilation.
Prior to touching any contaminated items, wear proper safety gear, including gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof shoes, and long pants.
After your insurance provider gives the go, remove items with visible mold growth or that will not be salvageable, such as carpeting and mattresses.
Floors, countertops, sinks, stoves, and furniture that come in contact with water will need to be cleaned with a flood disinfectant.

Call in the Professionals
If the damage is significant and mold growth has spread, the cleanup process is best left to a certified water and damage restoration company. Along with having all the needed safety gear, including goggles and N-95 masks, they will have the expertise to find any hidden issues and the industrial-grade equipment to get your home dried out faster and on the restoration path. Since these companies use an array of professional cleaning methods, you may also be able to save more time than you previously thought without the worry of lingering issues.
While some water issues are simple and straightforward, flood-related issues have additional cleaning requirements to ensure safety and proper cleanup.

A Storm Damage Preparation Plan for Commercial Structures

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial Structures Storm Damage Preparation Plan

The managers and owners of commercial buildings should make a plan to prepare for storms. Many methods for protecting a property from adverse weather are long-term strategies that may not be possible to implement in the hours before a winter storm. From anticipating seasonal weather patterns to monitoring weather forecasts for Clementon, NJ, building managers and owners should take a proactive approach to storm damage prevention.

Watch the Weather

One of the easiest ways for property owners and managers to prepare for storms is to be aware of seasonal weather patterns and approaching storm systems. Here are a few of the most important types of weather events for which to look out:

• High winds
• Freezing temperatures
• Severe weather events

High winds have the potential to damage a structure and may accompany more severe weather events. Freezing temperatures may not seem as dangerous, but a frozen blockage may form in an exposed pipe and cause a pipe break that floods a structure.

Maintain Drainage

A longer-term storm preparation measure involves maintaining drainage. This can be helpful all year long, from allowing snow and ice to melt after a winter storm to keeping downspouts, drains and gutters clear for rainfall in other seasons.

Reduce Damage Risks

Property owners may want to invest in solutions for anchoring items kept outdoors such as chairs, tables or garbage cans. Any unsecured items can become flying debris that damages a property when wind speeds pick up. Storm windows might also be a worthwhile investment.

Some storm damage preparation methods involve investing in the infrastructure or maintenance of a commercial building in Clementon, NJ. Other measures require immediate action based on changing weather conditions, such as keeping under-insulated pipes from bursting during a winter storm. A plan that accounts for short- and long-term preparations can go a long way toward limiting the severity of damage to a structure.

How To Plan for Hail Damage

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

What To Do In The Event of a Hail Storm

No one wants to deal with hail damage roof repairs. Knowing what to do in the event of a hail storm and how to handle the resulting destruction is essential for achieving quick repairs and resolution.

Be Proactive, Have a Plan in Place
When hail is forecast for your area, prepare your property and possessions, take actions such as:

• Inspect your roof frequently throughout the year and make repairs to lessen the impact of a hail-damaged roof.
  
• Move your vehicles into a garage. If you don’t have access to proper coverage, place a large blanket and a tarp with grommets over it.
• Cover all sides of the vehicle and secure with bungee cords or string.
  
• Move free-standing patio furniture, plants, and decorations indoors, if possible.
  
  

Conduct Hail Damage Roof Inspections, Take Necessary Action
When the storm has subsided and everyone is safe, it is time to assess the damage. Put on closed-toe shoes and wear work gloves when walking around the area. Document all items of concern with pictures, video, and on paper.
Of note, having a video inventory of your home’s exterior, interior, and belongings before you need them will aid with any insurance claims you may make regarding hail damage repair.

Address Hail Damage Concerns, Know What To Do
Find reliable experts in hail damage roof repair in Williamstown, NJ, before you need their services. In the aftermath of a storm, you have other things on your mind, such as tending to your family and pets, navigating insurance policies, and taking care of your home. Ensure you have a plan of action in the event of an emergency. Discuss it with family members and review it annually for peace of mind.
Due to the erratic nature of hail storms, it is always good practice to check your home and property for potential damage, even if neighboring structures appear to be untouched.

3 Tips to Protect Your Business During a Power Outage

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Berlin/Williamstown is ready for when crazy storms come through causing damage to your property. Call us!

Three Ways To Keep Your Business Safe During A Power Outage

In West Berlin, NJ, storms can often pop up out of nowhere, dumping rain or even hail on the city and possibly knocking out power for long periods of time. Losing power is never fun, but a power outage can be especially devastating for a business. Planning ahead and being prepared are the best ways to help your business keep running — even if the power doesn’t. Try these tips to protect your business against a sudden loss of power.

1. Invest in Some Uninterruptible Power Sources

If the power is suddenly cut to all the computers in your business, you could potentially lose a catastrophic amount of data and work progress. Worse, cutting power to a computer without shutting down properly can corrupt or otherwise damage some files and applications. An uninterruptible power source is a relatively small and inexpensive device that attaches to a computer. If the power is cut suddenly, the UPS can power the computer for several minutes, typically just long enough to save data and shut the machine down correctly.

2. Learn How To Create a Wi-Fi Hot Spot

A power outage is usually accompanied by an internet outage, since modems and routers rely on electricity to operate. Losing internet can be particularly costly to a business, especially if you rely on cloud-based data storage. Most cell phones can be used as Wi-Fi “hot spots” that broadcast the phone’s cellular data capability to other devices, similar to a router. Learn how to turn on your phone’s hot spot option in advance and remember to keep an eye on your data plan’s limits.

3. Keep a Generator on Hand

A portable generator is an excellent way to supply power to crucial machines or systems in your business during short power interruptions. Be sure to select a generator that is capable of meeting your needs, and have a fuel supply nearby.

The storm cleanup process is difficult enough without trying to recover or recreate lost data. These tips can keep your business going in the event of a power outage.