Storm preparedness list!

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Prepare before the storm strikes!

Are you prepared for an unexpected storm event? If not, this blog is for you! During the unpredictable weather in the month of June, we hear about rain storms but sometimes don’t imagine how intense they can truly be. It is always a good idea to plan ahead, just in case a true rainstorm unexpectedly strikes.

Firstly, make a plan. Create an evacuation plan for you, your family, and any pets. Choose a meeting place outside of your home, in case you are forced to evacuate.

Secondly, create an emergency kit to fill your household's needs. Make sure you add essentials like water, canned foods, a first aid kit, essential medication, etc. Remember to limit your emergency kit to items that are truly essential to you and your household.

Lastly, this will be crucial for preparedness, stay informed! Listen to the emergency weather alerts. Register to receive emergency alerts. Listen to your local officials when they urge you to take shelter in place or evacuate.

We hope these tips were helpful. We encourage you to research the resources that are made available to you in your community. As always, your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington franchise is here to help make it “Like it never even happened!”

Storm damage preparedness tips

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

We are always here to help!

With upcoming storms headed in our direction, we thought we should share a few preparedness tips. Storms can be catastrophic to your home if not properly prepared. Inches of down pouring rain can leave major damage to your home. Be certain to clean your drains of debris. Cleaning your outdoor drain will give water an exit route away from your home. Also, check your gutters and remove debris if necessary. Remember that water needs a clear pathway away from your home.

Stay safe as we expect a few inches of rain in some areas nearby. Always remember that your local SERVPRO is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.” We are an emergency service, which means we are available 24/7. Save our contact number. (301)933-2425

Do you know your insurance coverage and limits?

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

Always remember that your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is here to help!

Did you know that unless you have flood insurance, in most cases, insurance companies do not cover water intrusion? Why do you ask? Well, insurance companies see water intrusion as negligence by the homeowner; the homeowner is responsible for clearing the outdoor drains and making sure that tree roots do not overgrow. Another similar scenario is foundation leaks, this is considered wear & tear and insurance companies do not typically cover damages caused by foundation leaks.

With this week's storms hitting our community as hard as they have, we want to advise you to know your insurance coverage. Understand your coverages. Perform proper maintenance to your property to help prevent wear and tear. Be sure to clear out your gutters and make certain that water has spouts leading away from your home. Clean out your drains. Consider waterproofing services, if necessary. Keep an eye out for the roots of nearby trees. Last but not least, keep your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington’s number handy, we are able to help by giving you a FREE water loss assessment of damages. Always remember that we are always here to help!

When a storm strikes, we are prepared to help!

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington, your local storm damage restoration experts!

All severe thunderstorms have lightning but did you know that they can also include hail, winds, and tornadoes? The word tornado is as terrifying as it sounds, and the best thing you can do, if you hear a severe storm warning, is being prepared. If you weren't able to evacuate on time it will be helpful to have the items on this emergency supply kit list, see below.

• Water (one gallon per person)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Hygiene items
• Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account information
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

After the storm, give us a call. We will use our experience to get you back to your pre-property damage condition as quickly as possible. Always remember that SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is your local storm damage restoration expert provider who is always here to help.

Can ice dams cause water intrusion?

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Ice dams can cause water intrusion!

Have you ever seen an ice dam? They look like an icy layer or several layers of ice. An ice dam begins to form when there is a combination of the indoor heat seeping through the roof and there is snow on the roof. Ice dams may cause water seepage inside your home if not removed from your gutters on time. We recommend checking your roof whenever there is a snow storm, make certain to remove any ice that may clog your gutters. If you happen to have water seepage give us a call, we are always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm water awareness from SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington.

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage? SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is here to help!

During spring we see lots of flash storms. Flash storms leave catastrophic damage in their path. Rain water is considered, what we in the restoration industry, call category three water. Category three water is considered black water, which has the potential to cause health concerns such as respiratory problems. When a home is contaminated by black water, we recommend that you leave the home until it has been properly decontaminated. Our duty is to properly clean and restore your home and belongings. We believe in restoring instead of replacing. Trust that your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington will take care of your home and get you back to its prior to loss condition as soon as possible.            

Snow storm tips from your SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington.

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Protect your property from winter storm damage.

Winter weather is here! It is time to dust off and take out those snow shovels, it looks like we will be needing them today. Although snow is a beautiful thing to see, it can cause damage to your home. Your SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is here to help with a few pointers on how to keep your home safe from damage due to a snow storm.

1. Remove snow from basement stairwells and window wells, melting snow can lead to water damage and moisture intrusion.
2. Drip all faucets in your home continually during severe cold, including kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as shower and tub faucets, to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
3. Use extreme caution with electric space heaters, keeping them at least a few feet away from anything flammable.
4. If you experience a power failure, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns instead of candles whenever possible.
5. Keep garage doors closed if there are any water supply lines in the garage.

Remember your SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Team

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Storm Team

Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a major Hurricane at Category 4 strength on August 25 causing widespread devastating flooding and wind destruction along the Texas and Louisiana coast. After making landfall, the storm’s track continued through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, causing heavy rains and additional flooding.

Flooding occurred across Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur in Texas. Rainfall totals exceeded 50 inches in Houston.

SERVPRO has mobilized and deployed the Storm Team, and luckily our franchise was chosen to visit Houston TX and help the residents with the beginning stages of their home clean up.

SERVPRO of Poolesville/Clarksburg/Damascus crew members, Luis, Harry, and Thomas, led by our owner Max, made it down to Texas in record time, and did an amazing job. We are so proud to have them be a part of the SERVPRO Storm Team.

Our thoughts and well wishes go out to any one has been affected by Hurricane Harvey. If you would like to help, please consider these options:

Donate money: The best way to help Texans affected by disasters is to donate money to charitable agencies that are experienced in disaster relief. Before giving money to an organization, do your research!

Donate blood: Blood banks have been urging people to donate since demand for blood is rising. Find your local Red Cross and donate!

Open your home: You can offer to provide free accommodations to hurricane evacuees through Airbnb. The service is waiving all fees until Sept. 25. 

Adopt a pet: If you’re thinking about adopting a dog or a cat, this could be a great time. Animal welfare organizations in Texas, Florida and around the country are likely to take in pets that have lost their owners. Check with your local animal shelter and adopt!