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Keep Business Running Smoothly by Planning for Severe Weather | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business was damaged in a storm, call SERVPRO of Westfield to get you back in action.
Proper training is a key part of running a successful business. Not only does this training prepare your employees on their first day, but it also prepares them for the future.
When you think about all the essential kinds of training your team needs, you might overlook something like storm readiness. Since disasters are capable of shutting down the workplace, this is not a topic you and your team can afford to avoid.
To keep your business safe, you’ll need to prepare your Westfield team! Use our guide to help you get started as you introduce storm preparedness in the workplace.
Know Your RiskWeather threats can come in all sorts of forms, which is why it’s so important to create a plan that prepares your team for every single one. Becoming familiar with Westfield’s most common weather conditions will be extremely helpful as you create your workplace plan.
Westfield is visited by a variety of weather hazards like thunderstorms, tornadoes and occasional flash floods. These conditions cause widespread devastation, damage property and, at times, shut down businesses for good. To keep your building safe from local weather threats, you’ll need to anticipate them.
Looking into your flood risk is never a bad idea when assessing your local weather threats. You can also benefit from tuning into a local network each day to check the forecast and having a reliable source of weather alerts.
Make a Plan to CommunicateGreat communication can go a long way when running a business. Not only does this help you create an open and safe environment, but it can also be lifesaving in the event of an unexpected disaster.
Make sure your business has a digital way to communicate inside and outside of the workplace. This can allow you to quickly address concerns and implement necessary measures, even in the middle of a storm!
Plan Your EvacuationIt can be a frightening scenario to face, but you may need to evacuate your building when severe weather is at its worst. Make sure your team is well-informed about evacuation procedures by clearly marking exits and practicing an evacuation drill often.
You should also have a safe spot the whole team can go to if a shelter-in-place order is needed. Identify interior rooms or areas with no windows that can serve as safe spaces during storms or other weather emergencies.
Disaster can be a scary topic to approach in the workplace, but it’ll pay off in the long run! Ensure your Westfield team is prepared to take on weather threats of all kinds by having a stellar plan in place.
Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO® can help you restore your losses.
Your Storm Preparedness Guide | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Westfield has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
There’s no doubt about it: It’s hot out there! During the middle of summer, we are all too familiar with heat and humidity. And that heat and humidity is the perfect recipe for storms that pack a powerful punch.
That means it’s important to make sure your house and your property are protected against storm damage this time of year. Wondering where to begin your preparations? Keep reading!
Getting Prepped for the SeasonWhen it comes to storm preparation, you may know more about the topic that you realize! Many steps for protecting your house can be easily incorporated into your daily routines—and they may actually already be a part of your regular to-do lists.
Consider your lawn routine. When you’re taking care of your yard and landscaping, you probably take a regular look at the trees. Make sure you’re trimming the trees regularly, cutting down branches that are dead or dying. When a storm pops through, it can turn those branches into projectiles quickly and easily.
You probably also inspect your house fairly often, too. When you’re performing home maintenance, say a seasonal check of the HVAC unit, make the time to check the outside of your home for places that water could leak indoors, like gaps around the windows or missing shingles on the roof.
And finally, give a close eye to the objects hanging around outside your house. You probably have a trash can out there and maybe some patio furniture. All objects that stay outside need to be strapped down or otherwise secured in some way.
Upgrading Your Home’s DefensesWhile the storm prevention strategies listed above can be done without spending extra money, you can also make some home upgrades that may give you extra peace of mind during a storm.
For one, if you have a modular building on your property, like a shed or similar structure, invest in hefty tie-downs to keep it adhered to the ground even in strong winds.
If you have many trees on your property or some that are close to your roofline, consider adding gutter guards to your gutters. These guards can keep leaves, branches and other debris out of your gutters, so that water flows effectively through them and to the ground.
Consider fortifying your windows against the wind by adding storm shutters or by upgrading your windows altogether. Every little bit of added protection can make a difference.
SERVPRO of Westfield is available 24⁄7 to effectively restore your property in the event of storm damage. We’re here when you need us!
A Fire-Free Summer BBQ Experience | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Have you had a barbeque gone wrong? Call SERVPRO of Westfield to get your space back in shape.
As summertime approaches in Houston, we eagerly anticipate the hot, sunny days and outdoor get-togethers with our family and friends.
To avoid dangerous circumstances and potential fires, it is essential to put grilling safety first. Are in the know about grilling safety basics? Our SERVPRO of Westfield team fills you in on the essentials below.
Optimal Grill SetupWhen it comes to grilling safety, the first thing to do is find a safe location for your grill. Ensure it is placed outside, away from enclosed spaces like garages or roof overhangs. It’s important to have enough ventilation, and you should try to keep the grill away from anything that could catch fire.
Always keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your home or exposed deck. Additionally, find a space that is free of kids and animals to put everyone’s safety first.
Propane grill owners should know to always carefully check the gas lines for leaks and ensure secure connections. If you are using a charcoal grill, inspect it for any ash buildup, dents or cracks. Addressing any issues with leaking lines or cracked surfaces is crucial to prevent hazardous fire situations.
Stay Alert While Handling FlamesIt’s important to pay attention while grilling and to have a water source, such as a spray bottle, near you in case you need to put out a small flame. Having a hose or fire extinguisher handy is crucial for bigger fire emergencies.
Remember to shut off the gas after cooking or seal the vents on a charcoal grill to prevent the supply of oxygen from continuing. After you’re done grilling, throw away ash and embers in a metal can to prevent potential fire threats. Make sure the grill has completely cooled down before you leave your grill unattended.
Have a Splendid, Safe SummerWe wish you summer filled with delightful moments and safety. However, if a fire does break out during your BBQ, SERVPRO of Westfield is here, ready to provide professional fire damage restoration services.
SERVPRO of Westfield is here 24⁄7 to help during your fire emergency and provide professional restoration services.
Key Steps After a Water Damage Disaster Strikes | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Westfield right away.
Water is a part of our everyday lives. You likely use water several dozen times each day, even if you don’t think about it often. While most of the water we come into contact with is well-controlled, it can be quite powerful. When a water disaster, like a flood or leak, strikes, it can quickly wreak havoc.
There are many things you can to protect your home from water damage, but you can’t prevent every instance. When a water disaster occurs, rest assured that you have a qualified water damage restoration team in your own backyard.
Act SwiftlyWhen you spot a leak or your basement is flooded, there’s no time to pause and consider the situation. Prompt action is a necessity.
You’ll first want to take steps to protect yourself and your family. First, try to find the source of the water. Shut it off, if possible, and turn off the electricity around the water as well. This will help lower the risk of damage to your electrical system or life-threatening injuries to yourself.
Avoid walking through or touching the standing water, since it can conceal dangerous electrical hazards or other dangers. Once you’re certain your family is safe, give our team a call.
The Restoration ProcessWhen the phone rings on our end, the first step will be to take ask you a series of questions about what damage you’re facing. Once we know the facts, we’ll ask you to take a series of photos that accurately capture the water damage and can later be used for your insurance claims process. From there, we’ll formulate a strategy for handling the damage.
When we arrive on your property, we’ll start using industry-leading drying equipment to completely remove all water from your house—even the water not visible to the naked eye. We’ll also remove soft materials and other valuables in your house before we start the process of restoring the structure and your belongings.
With years of experience in the restoration industry, our team of SERVPRO® experts is equipped to handle water damage of any size and shape. That includes a variety of water damage situations, such as those involving floodwaters and even biohazards.
Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.
When Storm Damage Hits Your Home | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Westfield to restore your space in no time!
Severe storms can be unpredictable. Even when you have time to prepare for one, it can come in faster and stronger than predicted and leave behind more damage than you ever thought possible.
Texas weather brings plenty of severe threats, especially when the temperature begins to rise in the spring and the summer. Severe thunderstorms, flooding rain and even the remnants of coastal storms have affected Westfield and the surrounding neighborhoods.
We know that our warm climate means being prepared for severe weather in order to mitigate as much damage as possible, but it is also crucial to understand how to respond when storm damage hits your home in order to make your recovery process as smooth as possible.
Immediately After the StormIn the moments just after a storm has hit, it is important to continue to stay aware of lingering threats such as lightning, heavy rain or hail. You also need to be prepared for the potential of more severe weather. Keep a weather radio handy, and make sure you can safely get back to your shelter if another warning is issued.
As things continue to quiet down, spend some time reaching out to those you love to ensure their safety and let them know of your own. If cell service isn’t available, texting may still work. If you can safely leave your shelter, go and check on those around you.
Don’t go into buildings that have been damaged, but instead clear out any debris you can for people to safely exit damaged buildings. Clear debris out of the road as you are able as well in order to allow for emergency personnel to safely navigate their way in.
Once you have ensured that everyone around you is safe, begin documenting your personal damage and call SERVPRO of Westfield. Not only are we locally owned and operated right around the corner from you, but we are available day and night so we can start your recovery right away.
As More Time PassesAs time clears and the dust begins to settle, the depth of the work required will become clear. Don’t let your guard down, though. Stay vigilant of your surroundings as you watch for nails, loose boards and additional severe weather. Wear protective clothing and keep something that can alert you of weather warnings nearby.
Start taking steps to prevent any additional damage, including sealing up your home from the elements. This will be our team’s first priority when they reach your property. We can tarp your roof or seal broken windows, as well as remove any standing water and start drying out anything that may have gotten wet. We will make it our goal to save as much of your property as possible.
At SERVPRO®, we work directly with your insurance company so that your claim process is as smooth as the rest of your recovery. As the full extent of what has happened to your home becomes evident, you may need to seek a temporary place to stay while work proceeds.
Throughout the whole process, the calmer you can stay, the easier things will be. This is challenging, as living through a storm is scary and seeing your home damaged can be utterly devastating. But with a team of professionals working at your home around the clock, you can rest assured that life will be as it should be in no time.
If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24⁄7 when you need us.
When Rain Invades Your Home | SERVPRO of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Westfield on the case!
Oh, the sweet sound of rain pitter pattering on the roof. Rain can be a refreshing gift that leaves the world feeling calm and new. It brings new life to the green world outside and creates a kind of peace on a hot day.
When rain is needed, it is certainly great, but rain can also come in fast and furious, creating widespread issues. Heavy rain can quickly leave roads covered with water and yards full of mud, all while challenging gutter systems. When rain gets heavy, it often comes with other threats, too, like high winds that can serve to drive flooding.
SERVPRO of Westfield wants to help you keep your home safe and ensure you are always prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings. We are also always right around the corner, ready to dry your home out when things do get intense.
Hazards of Intense RainFlooding has always been an issue in Harris County. A major flooding event happens at least every two years. There has been a lot of investments in protecting our towns from floods, but we know we still can’t control what Mother Nature is going to do.
While flooding is a consistent threat, there are a lot of other ways severe weather affects our part of Texas. Strong thunderstorms, tornadoes and high winds are year-round possibilities. When rain picks up, we know that roads will be covered and flash floods could sweep away anything in their path.
With so many potential hazards from severe weather, we know that staying prepared is crucial for staying safe. When severe weather is predicted, keep a close eye on local news reports and start putting your emergency plans into action.
Staying SafeSafety should always be your priority when it comes to preparing your home. If you are on the road when a storm is predicted, find a safe place to shelter or head home if you can. Avoid low-lying areas or any roads that are known to flood.
At home, bring inside anything you can and park your car in a safe place. Move things that can’t be replaced from your basement or lower level, and put important paperwork in a watertight container. If water starts coming in while you are there, stay on an upper level until the threat is passed. Flood water moves fast, and the drier you can stay the safer you will stay. Cut the power to your home if you can safely do so.
Future Prevention StrategiesIf your home has taken on floodwaters, give us a call as soon as you can safely do so. We can start your recovery 24⁄7, and the faster we are able to dry things out, the less damage you will have. While we are working through your recovery, we will also help you make some decisions about strengthening your home ahead of another storm.
Bring in a professional to add grading to your yard. Slopes and organic material can ensure water runs away from your home and is absorbed quickly, even when the rain is heavy. You might also consider a sump pump for your basement or underneath your home. Sump pumps force water away from the structure of your home and can go a long way in preventing a basement flood.
With a professional restoration crew right around the corner, you can rest a little easier knowing we are always here for you. Our professionals have the training and the equipment to put your home back together fast—and help you keep it safe in the future.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
Keeping Every Evening Fire-Safe | SERVPRO® of Westfield
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of Westfield has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.
It might not feel like it yet, but fall is just around the corner. A break in the heat and lower humidity will be a true blessing while we get our pumpkin decorations out and look forward to crunching in the few leaves that will start to fall.
Many of us also enjoy getting outside with the family at night and gathering around the fire pit. It’s the perfect place to share stories and eat flame-kissed foods, especially when we are keeping it safe.
SERVPRO® is always available when you need us after a disaster strikes, but we also want to make sure you know how to stay safe. We want to help stop damage before it ever begins.
Tips for Starting the FireMake safety a priority from the start by keeping a few things you should do in mind:
Do find the best spot to have your fire. Choose a location that is in a clear area away from structures or debris, and don’t pile up the wood you plan to burn too close to the fire.
Do keep water close by in case of emergency. A bucket full of water can put out a spark that flies into the wrong places and stop flames from getting out of control. Sand or dirt can also smother out anything that leaves the fire area.
Do take a look at the weather. Check the forecast for any warnings, particularly about the wind. Even if there are no advisories, stand outside for a bit before starting the fire to ensure there are no strong winds. It doesn’t take much of a breeze to spread flames. Check burn bans for the area as well. Fire regulations can change rapidly, so make sure you check on them the day you plan to spend time around the fire.
Tips for While the Fire Is HotKeep your fire safe the whole evening by considering a few things you don’t want to do:
Don’t burn anything other than wood that has been treated and approved for use in a fire pit. Adding accelerants or trash to your fire can cause a dangerous situation quickly.
Don’t let anyone get too close to the fire. Put chairs around the fire a safe distance away in order to keep kids and animals away and prevent potential accidents.
Don’t make a big fire. You want to keep your fire small enough to stay contained and avoid flying embers. It only takes a single spark to start a massive blaze.
Don’t go out of eyesight of the fire until it is completely out. When you are done for the evening, pour water on your fire and stay outside until there is no trace of red, glowing embers.
Wildfire PreventionPreventing a wildfire all starts with you. Statistically, the majority of wildfires are started by human error, so always do what you can to keep things safe. Make the fire small, use the right material and never walk away from hot embers.
If you do experience a fire on your property, call us. SERVPRO is always ready to get damage taken care of quickly and put your life back together. We will get things handled so you can continue enjoying the season.
Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.
Learn Ways to Make Fire Fundamentals Fun | SERVPRO® of Westfield
6/12/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Westfield is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.
Parenting is undeniably demanding, but the sheer joy of witnessing your children evolve into responsible adults makes every challenge worthwhile. One of the most important elements in nurturing this growth begins with teaching them some key lessons, even those that may bring about a little fear.
You shouldn’t skip over the topic of fire safety with your kids just because it’s difficult to talk about or scary! This information can keep them safe during childhood and throughout their entire adult lives.
While fire safety is undeniably a serious subject to bring up with younger kids, there are methods to make the conversation more kid-friendly, allowing for a fun and memorable learning experience.
Explain the Dangers of FireBecause children learn best via experience, it’s helpful to use your own home as an example as you teach them about fire safety. Take a look around your home, highlight any potential fire hazards and explain how flames may emerge to help your kids develop a solid awareness of what they should avoid.
While discussing fire hazards in your household, mention items like matches and lighters to underscore their danger. Talking about fire hazards in a serious manner will help your kids realize that these items aren’t to be messed with and should be handed over to an adult when found.
Familiarize Them With AuthorityA firefighter decked out in full safety gear can be intimidating, even for an adult. To calm this fear in your kids, try different methods to help them put their faith in important individuals such as police officers and firefighters. There are numerous ways to assist your children overcome their anxieties, such as taking them to a local event to meet firefighters or showing them images or recordings of their courageous activities.
Teach them that firefighters are lifesavers during a fire emergency. Describe their job and stress the importance of trusting them if a fire were to break out in your home. Practice interactions with these heroes, such as shouting out for help or teaching them the proper technique to stop, drop and roll.
Make a Game Plan TogetherA fire evacuation plan is a must-have for every household! Involve your kids in creating the exit strategy to make them feel included and to establish a plan that everyone in your home can easily follow. Turn it into a fun activity by having a contest to see who can draw the emergency plan the quickest.
It can help to point out other exits your family can use just in case your original route is blocked off during a fire. Remind your kids that using the windows as a means of escape should only be done in the event of a fire by demonstrating how to do it safely.
Once you’ve drawn out the perfect plan, locate a safe meeting place outside your home that everyone can reach after evacuating. Be sure to practice your strategy a few times a year, and don’t forget to show your kids how to call 911!
Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.
The Risks Associated With Severe Winds | SERVPRO® of Westfield
6/5/2023 (Permalink)
If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Westfield your first call.
When you’re sweltering in the heat, a gentle breeze can be a saving grace. But at times, a gust of wind can catch you by surprise, and it’s not always pleasant.
Wind can be a source of immense relief or a major hazard, and it’s impossible to predict when it might come and create chaos. Knowing what to expect is the smartest way to protect yourself and your home from devastation.
Make sure you’re aware of the threats that severe winds pose, and learn how to protect your Westfield home when the wind starts to get wild.
The Different Kinds of WindThe NOAA indicates that nearly half of all severe wind emergencies occur during thunderstorms. This makes it essential to prepare for such occurrences, particularly in the upcoming months.
Thunderstorms can generate dangerous winds of up to 60 miles per hour. These conditions are powerful enough to easily pick up and hurl heavy debris around.
Straight-line winds are one type of wind that you might encounter during thunderstorms. These winds can travel at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and wreak havoc in any region, even in places that don’t receive rainfall.
Of course, you can’t talk about severe winds without mentioning tornadoes! Tornadoes can generate a multitude of hazardous winds, including straight-line winds, downdrafts, and micro- and macro-bursts.
Because Westfield is located in Tornado Alley, tornadoes are highly prevalent. Tornadoes are a dangerous natural catastrophe for our area due to their regularity, causing major damage and endangering homes and businesses.
Wind Damage and PreventionExtreme winds can cause trees to topple, debris to fly, and power lines to come down. Incredibly, winds of up to 80 miles per hour can even uproot a stationary mobile home or rip residential roofs off!
To stay in the loop during severe wind events, have a way to receive weather alerts and make sure you know how to interpret them. It’s also advisable to secure any outdoor furniture to prevent it from being carried away by strong winds.
Eliminate any trees or overhanging branches that might pose a hazard to your property and roof. Clean up any outdoor debris that may be sitting around your home to avoid giving strong winds ammunition to harm your home.
When high winds have blown over your house, inspect it thoroughly to make sure you don’t miss any damage. Start by climbing up on your roof to look for any wear and tear to prevent future water damage. If you’re left with ruins after a severe wind event, reach out to SERVPRO and we’ll restore your losses.
Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.
Where to Spot Water Damage Lurking Inside Your Home | SERVPRO® of Westfield
5/9/2023 (Permalink)
Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of Westfield to find the source.
Water damage has numerous harmful features, such as the capacity to rapidly grow and cause substantial losses. Aside from these bothersome traits, water damage has a habit of remaining concealed until it manifests itself in the form of mold, leaks and serious damage.
Recognizing where hidden water damage most commonly occurs will help you catch these sneaky concerns before they get any worse. To keep water at bay, there are a few important spots in your home you should monitor to ensure damage hasn’t found a hiding spot.
Pay attention to these important areas to avoid a sneaky water emergency:
Your roof. When’s the last time you traveled up to your Westfield roof to check for damage? If you haven’t climbed up there in a while, you might have a hidden water problem on your hands.
Water damage can also develop extremely slowly over time on your roof, so you might notice a little leak and dismiss it only for it to develop into a significant problem when the hidden leak is left unattended.
Your attic may potentially sustain water damage that originates on the roof, resulting in another unseen hazard. Sneaky leaks and an increase in moisture make your dark and dim attic a hotspot for mold growth!
In your bathroom. Water damage, especially the stealthy sort, is almost always found in the bathroom. The bathroom fixtures we use can quickly malfunction and create water concerns that can be hard to spot.
A slow drain, a leaky faucet and water puddles are all indicators of water damage in your sink. Your bathtub and toilet could present similar issues, with water spots accumulating at the base and an excess of bathroom moisture.
Bathroom water damage isn’t usually obvious right away, so you’ll have to do some digging to make sure everything is in working order. Remember to check your plumbing as well and schedule repairs as soon as they are needed
Other appliances. Household appliances are meant to make life easier, but when they malfunction, they might end up hiding a major water emergency. Water can hide deep beneath these massive machines, keeping signs of damage hidden.
While inspecting your appliances for damage, move them away from the wall to get a better look.
It can be beneficial to perform a brief check for hidden damage before using your appliances. It can also help to replace your old appliances as soon as you can so you can avoid a future water disaster.
Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!
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