Mississippi Storm Damages

5/25/2024 (Permalink)

Mississippi Resident: 

Are You Covered?

Check your insurance policy and make sure you are covered for all the types of storms that affect your areas. Some insurance policies do not cover flooding and earthquakes. Fortunately hail, windstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes are typically covered by most insurances. We recommend that you check your individual policy and have a good understanding of your level of protection, and purchase additional protection if necessary.

Storms Can Cause Damage

• Hailstorms can cause great amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage
• Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage
• Ice storms produce freezing rain that coats everything in its path with a layer of glaze ice. Generally speaking, if a storm causes accumulation of more than a quarter inch on exposed surfaces, the storm can be classified as an ice storm. This type of accumulation can cause broken tree branches, power outages and other hazardous conditions.
• Lightning storms are a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates the cost of lightning damage in the $5 to $6 billion dollar per year range. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages
• Blizzards are severe winter storms that combine heavy snowfall, with high winds and freezing temperatures. The combination of cold, wind and snow damages homes, businesses and automobiles. Heavy snow can produce dangerous conditions, including roof collapse.
• Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.

SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia is ready for whatever nature throws our way! So when the disaster is over, when can come behind it and clean up the aftermath.

"Like it never even happened."

(601) 823-1100

Power Outage Tips

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Power Outage Effects

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

Survive DURING

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.

• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
• If safe, go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

Be Safe AFTER

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

via www.ready.gov

Your friends here at SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia wants you to be prepared for this hurricane season. Power outages can be costly, but hopefully these tips will help prepare and instruct you during unpredictable situations.

National Preparedness Month: Strom Prep

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

"Preparation isn't about convenience, rather the relief that you did."

During this time of year in Mississippi we not only experience a lot of heat but also rain, which includes thunderstorms. It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place. Talk with your family and create an emergency plan for thunderstorms, floods, and hurricanes. It would be beneficiary to think about an emergency shelter and evacuation plan. Below, we have a few suggestions to make sure you and your family are ready for whatever happens. 

Protect Your Electronics

Your electronics can get fried if they are not properly protected. Plug electronics into a surge protector to avoid damage during a storm. 

Prepare for Power Outages

Have battery-operated flashlights and lanterns in easy to get to places. Check on these items from time to time to make sure the batteries still work, replace them if necessary. Also, think about keeping the refrigerator and freezer doors shut to keep food from spoiling. If these food items rise above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more, they should be disregarded. Call your local power company to inform them of the outage and to get information regarding when the power should be restored. 

Stay Away from Power Lines

Do not go near power lines should they fall to the ground, they can be very hazardous. Call 911 if you see downed power lines. 

Don't Stay Outside 

If you hear thunder, it is likely that lightning is also occurring. Lightning can be dangerous, therefore, make sure to go inside when thunder occurs. 

Seek shelter

There are many different natural elements which can occur and be harmful when outside during a disaster. Therefore, during a storm, it is important to seek shelter and be safe. If you're inside, a good place to be is at the lowest level of your home. If you have a basement or storm cellar you can hang out in until the storm passes. 

Handy Emergency Kit 

Consider putting together a kit of things you may want to have on hand during a storm. Items you may want to include would be water, non-perishable food, flashlights, blankets extra batteries, a radio, and a first aid kit. 

If disaster does strike your home during a storm, your SERVPRO friends are ready to be apart of the team that pieces it back together. #SERVPROStrong 

(601) 823-1100

National Preparedness Month: Storm Evacuation Tips

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared during this hurricane season

Before an Evacuation

Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.

• Identify several places you could go in an emergency such as a friend’s home in another town or a motel. Choose destinations in different directions so that you have options during an emergency.
• If needed, identify a place to stay that will accept pets. Most public shelters allow only service animals.
• Be familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
• Always follow the instructions of local officials and remember that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.

During an Evacuation

• A list of open shelters can be found during an active disaster in your local area by downloading the FEMA app
• Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
• Take your emergency supply kit.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency now.
• If time allows:

1. Call or email the out-of-state contact in your family communications plan. Tell them where you are going.
2. Secure your home by closing and locking doors and windows.
3. Unplug electrical equipment such as radios, televisions and small appliances. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
4. Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
5. Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provides some protection such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and a hat.
6. Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

• Follow recommended evacuation routes. Do not take shortcuts; they may be blocked.
• Be alert for road hazards such as washed-out roads or bridges and downed power lines. Do not drive into flooded areas.

After an Evacuation

If you evacuated for the storm, check with local officials both where you’re staying and back home before you travel.

• Residents returning to disaster-affected areas after significant events should expect and prepare for disruptions to daily activities, and remember that returning home before storm debris is cleared is dangerous.
• Let friends and family know before you leave and when you arrive.
• Charge devices and consider getting back-up batteries in case power-outages continue.
• Fill up your gas tank and consider downloading a fuel app to check for outages along your route.
• Bring supplies such as water and non-perishable food for the car ride.
• Avoid downed power or utility lines; they may be live with deadly voltage. 
• Stay away and report them immediately to your power or utility company.
• Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.

www.ready.gov

Thunderstorm Facts

7/17/2022 (Permalink)

Types of Thunderstorms

It’s important to note that thunderstorms do not always produce moisture. A storm in which you see lightning and hear thunder but never feel a drop of water is known as a “dry” thunderstorm. Thunderstorms that produce hail and tornadoes are known as “supercell” storms. Storms occur either in clusters or lines; therefore, they may present as a single thunderstorm or as multiple thunderstorms hitting one after the other.

Causes

Thunderstorms are caused when moisture from the lower or mid-level part of the atmosphere mixes with warm, unstable air from the ground. Moisture and air then push upwards into the higher atmosphere to form clouds that produce thunder and lightning, as well as potential precipitation. Spring, summer and fall are most conducive to thunderstorms because the sun heats the ground and moisture is more perceptible in the air, especially in humid climates.

Thunderstorms must also be lifted to begin their formation. Some sources of lift include:

• More heat on the ground than in the air
• Changes in atmospheric conditions near mountains
• Weather front changes caused by clashing cold and hot air
• Drylines, or when moist and dry air clash
• Land or sea breezes

Any of these situations can immediately create a thunderstorm without warning, even in the middle of a clear blue day. In many cases, these storms will also be accompanied by lightning. Most will not come with hail or tornadoes, unless they occur in tornado-prone states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri.

Pop-Up Showers and the Damage They Leave Behind

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime showers can be last minute and leave a trail of storm damage behind. When the unexpected happens, we are here to help.

Summer thunderstorms can “pop up” out of nowhere. Most will be harmless and leave that pesky, humid air behind. However, others can leave downed trees, power loss, and cause flash flooding.

Our advice is to remain weather aware. Meteorologists can often predict what is coming. Unfortunately, summer showers do not always give them the advanced notice we would like. So, how do you stay prepared if you are not sure when severe weather will strike? 

1. Have multiple sources to receive weather alerts. Battery-powered radios, weather apps, and local weather stations are all fantastic assets to have on hand.
2. Watch for cumulonimbus and stratocumulus clouds. Learn what each type of cloud means and how to spot signs of potential bad weather.  
3. Secure all your belongings. High winds can turn unsecured objects into missiles. Loose items such as lawn furniture and children's toys should be stored away when not in use.
4. Keep your trees ten to fifteen feet away from the house. Seek professional help to cut down trees that are dying or appear unstable. 
5. Have an emergency kit readily available. Keep first aid items, flashlights, and batteries on hand. It is also a great idea to keep a camp stove nearby that you can use during power outages. 

Thunderstorms, also known as electrical storms or lightning storms, are characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earth's atmosphere, known as thunder. Although most thunderstorms are harmless, they can cause massive problems including floods, hail, and roof damage. More potent thunderstorm cells are capable of producing tornadoes and waterspouts.

On average, only ten percent of all severe thunderstorms reach the destructive category each year. Most of these more significant, more intense storms are damaging wind events. During these storms, the most important thing you can do is to remain calm and call a professional, (like SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia), when damage occurs. 

What will SERVPRO do?

Once we receive the call, our team dispatches immediately to head to your home. Our owner, Kyle Hutson, will assess the damage and create a restoration plan unique to your needs while keeping you posted. Whether your home is hit by lightning, the roof is caving in, or a tree is not part of your living room décor, SERVPRO is ready to make it “Like it never even happened." 

One of the most complex parts of our jobs is witnessing disastrous events with homes. We may see it every day but watching someone's home get torn apart never gets easier. Our team's work ethic, compassion, and desire to make a difference is our driving force behind assisting our community in their time of need. #communitysupport

(601) 823-1100

Post Storm Damage

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can cause extensive damage to your home or business. When the initial shock of the storm begins to fade, it’s hard to meet with reality on what to do next. How do I rebuild?  Where do I go from here? These are questions every homeowner faces after dealing with a major storm damage.

American Red Cross has some tips to help in that process.

Rebuilding

• Secure double entry doors at the top and the bottom.
• Strengthen existing garage doors to improve the wind resistance, particularly double- wide garage doors.
• Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or one-half inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on the awnings.
• Select trees that are not as subject to uprooting to replace damaged ones. A gardening or landscaping professional can give you excellent advice.
• Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trash cans that is away from stairs and exits to prevent them from being moved by high winds and becoming missiles.

Ask a Pro to:

• Ensure roof sheathing is properly installed.
• Ensure end gables are securely fastened to the rest of the roof.
• Fasten the roof to the walls with hurricane straps.
• Elevate your home if it is near the coast and subject to flooding from storm surge.

SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia has not only the equipment to restore your home, but the professional hands to go along with it. Call today! (601) 823-1100

Residential Storm Damage Tips

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

For specific questions we don't cover in our blog, please call our office where our team can help. We have you covered.

The scary fact is storms are out of our control. So when a severe storm happens, our first response is to protect  ourselves and our family. But when the chaos is over, who is going to save your home from the damage it took? That's when we get called. Our SERVPRO technicians prepare for storm damages when we see the radar. This allows us to be ready for any disaster, whether it be from a hail storm or a hurricane. 

Here’s What You Can Do:

1. Do Not Get Overwhelmed. You aren't having to do this on your own. We work with you and your insurance adjuster.                                
2. Take pictures immediately. You want as much documentation as possible for your insurance company and adjusters.                             
3. Extract any standing water.  This is usually when we get called because a professional water mitigation company can handle this without causing further damage.                                                 
4. Keep air circulating! This will speed up the drying process.                                                 
5. Clean with a good disinfectant for essential items until professionals.                                                                   
6. Remove any wet drywall, though diy isn't recommended.                                                                                                             
7. Remove any downed trees if possible.                                                                               
8. Assess roofing for any damage.                                                                     
9. Check for leaks.                                                                                                                
10.  Replace any broken windows.                          

Storm damage can be upsetting, but we want to help limit your stress. We are your simple solution for big (or small) residential storm damages. And as always, we are here to help 24/7. Give us a call with all your emergency restoration needs:

(601)823-1100

#StormAftermathTips

Storm Damages in Mississippi

7/31/2021 (Permalink)

Mississippi Resident: 

Are You Covered?

Check your insurance policy and make sure you are covered for all the types of storms that affect your areas. Some insurance policies do not cover flooding and earthquakes. Fortunately hail, windstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes are typically covered by most insurances. We recommend that you check your individual policy and have a good understanding of your level of protection, and purchase additional protection if necessary.

Storms Can Cause Damage

• Hailstorms can cause great amount of damage to the exterior of your home or property. Common types of damage caused by hail are: roof damage, siding damage, shingle damage, window damage and automobile damage
• Thunderstorms can produce many types of damaging weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding and more. The biggest contributors to damaged property are likely hail and wind, which can cause many types of exterior property damage
• Ice storms produce freezing rain that coats everything in its path with a layer of glaze ice. Generally speaking, if a storm causes accumulation of more than a quarter inch on exposed surfaces, the storm can be classified as an ice storm. This type of accumulation can cause broken tree branches, power outages and other hazardous conditions.
• Lightning storms are a major cause of storm damage in many areas around the country. The National Lightning Safety Institute estimates the cost of lightning damage in the $5 to $6 billion dollar per year range. Lightning that hits trees and the ground is a common cause of wildfires, structure fires, property damage and power outages
• Blizzards are severe winter storms that combine heavy snowfall, with high winds and freezing temperatures. The combination of cold, wind and snow damages homes, businesses and automobiles. Heavy snow can produce dangerous conditions, including roof collapse.
• Floods are typically the result of heavy rain and water that rises faster than storm drains can handle. Flash floods driven by quick, violent bursts of rain can flood homes, basements and businesses, causing serious damage to both interiors and exteriors. Flooding is a very dangerous storm phenomenon that results in numerous deaths and extensive property damage each year.

SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia is ready for whatever nature throws our way! So when the disaster is over, when can come behind it and clean up the aftermath.

"Like it never even happened."

(601) 823-1100

Spring Storms — Are You Prepared?

4/3/2021 (Permalink)

April showers may bring May flowers, but SERVPRO wants to be sure you have the tips to be prepared for the spring storms ahead.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

This is true, but unfortunately showers can also bring severe weather threats such as hail, high winds, tornadoes and lightning. According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms cause more than $1 billion in property damage each year. Without proper home preparation and maintenance upkeep, the damage could be very costly if severe weather came through. In Mississippi, the weather changes one day to the next. Below are some helpful tips to prevent spring storms from damaging your home.

 Spring Storm Tips:

1.  Clean the gutters. Cleaning out any leaves or debris that may have accumulated in the gutters will help prevent water damage. Check to make sure the downspout directs water away from the foundation, and add extensions if necessary to keep the water away from your house. It’s also a good plan to install gutter guards. These will protect your gutters from clogging and ensure that water does not accumulate on the roof.

2.  Maintain roof maintenance. Replace roof shingles that are cracked or loose. This will help prevent damage from roof leaks.

3.  Check the caulking. It is important to check caulking for decay around doors, windows, corner boards, and joints, and re-caulk where needed. Be sure the seals are tight to improve insulation and prevent water damage.

4.  Look around the yard. Trim your trees and remove dead or loose branches to prevent them from becoming projectiles during a storm.

5.  Prepare your patio before a storm. When a storm is approaching, be sure to move all patio furniture, trash cans and any other loose outside items to your shed or garage – these could become flying projectiles.

Severe Storm Facts and Prep

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Don't Let Storms Blindside You

Severe weather can be quite scary for us because it is out of our control and can happen at any time, and anywhere. Although we cannot control the weather, we can indeed control how to prepare for it.

Get the Statistics
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 percent of all presidential declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. That can be pretty alarming. So now knowing this information, what should you do? Become weather-ready!

Be Aware 

Being aware is the most important step in becoming weather-ready. What do we mean? 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 the Next Step- Action! 

• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally, especially during hurricane season
• Have more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts
• Create a communication plan for your home or business
• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center
• Put together or purchase an emergency kit
• Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place

Don't Be Silent 

Once you have taken action to prepare for severe 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.

SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia (601)823-1100

via weather.gov

Hurricane Season Tips

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Stay informed!

Hurricane Season is Here

Hurricane season starts on June 1st in Mississippi with our main threat being water and wind damage. Hurricanes are one of the most dramatic, damaging and life altering events that can occur in our state.

SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia wants to make sure you are prepare for this storm season.

Here are some tips:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”
• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

According to msema.org, prepare a three to five-day disaster kid that should contain:

1. Flashlight and battery-powered radio with additional batteries.
2. Canned and non-perishable food.
3. Bottled water.
4. Toiletry items.
5. Pet food and pet supplies.
6. Medicine and prescription medication.
7. Copies of important family papers and documents.

Hurricane Florence Cleanup and Restoration

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

Disaster Recovery Team Response

We are dispatching today! Hurricane Florence has caused some major flooding and wind destruction, and SERVPRO of Brookhaven, McComb & Columbia is responding. In addition to the local Franchises that are located in the areas likely to be affected, SERVPRO has a national network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country and designated Disaster Recovery Teams ready to mobilize if more resources are needed.

North Carolina rivers including the Neuse, Trent, and Cape Fear is reported to remain above and near record flood stage through the end of the week, exacerbating the flooding problems already felt through this past weekend.

Last night’s update said the storm continues to produce "heavy and locally excessive rainfall" across parts of the Carolinas and Virginia. Catastrophic and historic river flooding will continue for days across portions of the Carolinas. By the storm's end, up to 40 inches will fall in southeastern North Carolina and the northeastern tip of South Carolina. Other parts of the Carolinas will be left with up to 20 inches of rain.

Hurricane damage can be devastating over a widespread area, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the extent of the damage, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic events like Hurricane Florence, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

via: National Weather Service