Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Protecting the Outside of Your Home From Storms | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Tri-County has your back when you experience flood and water damage.
There are so many ways the outside of your home could be damaged. Wind, hail, rain, tornadoes…the list of weather threats could go on and on. The extremes your home will face will vary throughout the year, but when you are unprepared, the outcome can be a total disaster.
Your list of responsibilities and to-dos at home is likely already very long. With everyday maintenance to tackle, adding on storm prep might not sound ideal. The good news is there are some pretty simple steps you can take seasonally that will go a long way in protecting your home.
Georgia weather can be a mixed bag, and if you have lived here a while you have probably heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” Winters are typically mild, but they can bring snow and ice as well as plenty of rain and even a few severe storms. Spring and summer tend to be very active, with strong thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes and lots of rain. And with Toccoa Falls so close to most of our communities, flooding can’t be ruled out.
In order to prepare your home, the best place to start is outside. Add a few extra steps to your regular yard work days to keep your home and loved ones as safe as possible.
Seasonal PrepsTaking care of your home to prevent damage during a storm is not hard. It can actually become part of your regular routine, and the kids can even help out!
Regardless of your location, strong winds and plenty of rain will always be something you need to be prepared for. Trim the trees on your property, and keep your gutter cleared out regularly.
Pick up loose limbs and tie down anything that stays outside permanently, like your patio furniture. Taking these steps often can go a long way toward preventing broken windows from flying debris and water leaks from heavy rains.
Walk your property at least once a month and be intentional about looking for signs of deterioration. Take note of any gaps in your siding or loose shingles on your roof. Your roof is an area of your home you should become very familiar with to keep it in good shape. Check it after wind storms and give it a thorough inspection at least every four months. Replace missing shingles or broken gutters, and check for openings around the chimney and the edges of your home.
Home UpgradesYou can do a whole lot of good in preparing your home with some fairly simple, no cost steps, but there are a few upgrades you should consider for better long-term outcomes.
Adding storm shutters or even upgrading your windows to heavier materials can be a great way to protect your home when the wind picks up. Storm shutters can be closed quickly ahead of the threat, while thick glass can keep you safe from blowing objects. Gutter guards that prevent leaf buildup are another great addition to homes in our area. These are very helpful for ensuring rain has a clear path away from your roof and the rest of your home.
For disconnected buildings you have on your property, adding additional bracing can ensure things stay where they are supposed to during a windstorm. Additional tie-downs to mobile homes can also provide a lot of reassurance.
Make sure you have two ways to get weather alerts when they are issued, and teach everyone in your home where the safest place to go is during a storm. If your home is damaged, call us right away. We will start recovery fast so you can get back to living.
Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Tri-County to start restoration, 24⁄7.
When a Storm Brings Disaster | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Tri-County to restore your space in no time!
Severe weather can catch you off-guard, even when you have had time to prepare for it. Thunderstorms can move fast and gain strength quickly, blowing into and out of your life before you even really know what has happened.
The Tri-County area may be a beautiful place to live, especially with Toccoa Falls so nearby, but we can also have some pretty extreme weather from time to time. Georgia weather in general is warm and humid, which means thunderstorms, tornadoes and torrential rainfall are possible year-round. Flash floods are a common threat, particularly when the weather gets worse during the spring and summer months.
With our constantly changing Georgia weather, we understand how important it is to be prepared for a storm. Being prepared to handle storm damage after a severe system has moved out can be just as important, too.
With a few easy steps, you can ensure your recovery starts quick and moves smoothly if you face damage when a storm brings disaster.
Immediately After the StormIn the moments after a storm has passed, stay alert and prepared for lingering thunder and lightning, heavy rains and the potential for other rounds of severe storms. Keep a weather radio or other device that can alert you to a warning at hand everywhere you go, and make sure you can get back to your shelter quickly.
As things begin to quiet down outside, start contacting you loved ones to let them know you are OK and to see who needs help. If there is no cell service, you may still be able to reach people via text. Go out if you can safely do so and physically check on those around you.
Don’t go into damaged buildings or houses, but do search for those that may need to be safely guided out of a damaged house. Clear an access path for emergency personnel in both the street and driveways as much as you are able.
Once you have made sure everyone is safe around you, start taking photos and documenting your personal damage while you call SERVPRO of Tri-County. We are right around the corner, and with 24⁄7 service, we are ready to start your restoration the moment the storm rolls out.
As More Time PassesAs time begins to pass, the extent of the damage will become clearer. It’s crucial as you move forward on your recovery to stay vigilant for other potential hazards. You need to be aware of loose debris items such as nails and boards, and continue to keep an eye on the weather. Always have two ways to receive weather alerts in case more severe weather starts to move in.
One of the top priorities of our team will be to secure your home from any other damage. We can tarp roofs and seal broken windows, as well as remove any standing water. It is our goal to start your recovery quickly, so we will do what it takes to keep the elements out of your home and save as much of your belongings as possible.
SERVPRO® works hand in hand with your insurance company, which means you have one less thing to worry about. As the full extent of your damage comes to light, you may need to consider finding a place for your family to stay as the recovery proceeds.
One of the most important things you can do is to remain calm through the whole recovery. Getting through a severe storm is scary, but seeing your home damaged can be completely devastating. With a crew of professionals working to put your home back together around the clock, you can rest assured your life will be back to normal 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 Leaves All the Wrong Things Wet | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Tri-County on the case!
Is there anything better than listening to rain trickling down after a hot day and weeks of dry weather? Rain has a way of slowing everything down and making the world feel more calm, leaving everything watered and refreshed.
When rain starts to get heavy, though, it can bring a whole lot of problems with it. Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm gutter systems, yards and roads, leaving all the wrong things wet. Heavy rain often comes with other threats as well, and it can quickly create leaks in your roof or puddles in your basement.
SERVPRO of Tri-County is your neighbor, and we want to keep you safe through every storm. We are here to dry you out when you need it, but to also help you prepare for anything that Mother Nature throws at you.
Hazards of Intense RainGeorgia weather comes with a lot of changes, many of them occurring all within the same day. Year-round, we can see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash floods. In January, deadly tornadoes swept through our area, leaving behind devastation even in the cold of winter.
In the Tri-County area, we know that it is crucial to be prepared for storms and flooding. Heavy rain can lead to roads covered in water and grass that can’t keep up with absorption. When rain gets that heavy, it often comes with high winds and hail, which can leave behind even more damage and push water further into all the places it shouldn’t be.
We may not be able to control, or oftentimes even predict what Mother Nature is going to do to our communities, but we can prepare for it. Staying tuned into local news stations is incredibly important when severe weather is anticipated, as well as making sure your family knows how to communicate throughout the situation.
Staying SafeWhen it comes to getting your home and your family ready, safety should always be your top priority. If you are out on the road, find a safe place to stop and wait the storm out if you can’t make it home. Stay off of roads that are known to flood frequently, and avoid ditches or low-lying areas. At home, bring inside as much as you can or strap down anything that can’t come in. Park your car in a garage or somewhere solid and on high ground.
Inside your home, move anything from the lower levels of your home and put items you can’t replace on high shelves or in a water tight container to protect them. If water starts to come into your home while you are there, move to the highest level of your home and wait it out. Floodwater moves quickly and the longer you can stay dry, the safer you will be. If you are able, cut the power to your home or the flooded area and call us to start your recovery.
Future Prevention StrategiesThe Georgia saying of “if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes” certainly holds true for the Tri-County area, and even the most prepared home might still take on flooding when rain gets heavy and flash floods abound. While we work to put your home back together, we will also help you take some steps to bolster your home’s safety ahead of the next storm.
Bringing in a professional to take a look at your yard is a great way to set a first line of defense against water intrusion. Grading, along with organic material in your landscaping, can ensure water flows away from your house and is absorb quickly and thoroughly.
You might also consider adding a sump pump to your home if you do not already have one. Sump pumps move water away from the foundation of your home as it comes in, preventing flooding in your basement and near the structure of your home.
No matter what happens, SERVPRO® is Here to Help®. We can dry your home out fast with our 24⁄7 service and highly trained professionals. We will make sure everything is mold- and odor-free, and put your life back together faster than you could imagine.
We are here for all of your water disasters. Contact us day or night for a quick recovery.
How to Handle Strong Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Tri-County
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Tri-County has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter comes with a pretty wide variety of weather. While generally mild, we can never rule out the ice or snowstorm striking and creating a good deal of chaos around our community.
No matter what our Georgia winter brings us, when we are prepared, we can ride out any storm safely. The more we do now, the safer we can keep our home and our family all season long.
Preparing Your HomeAhead of the storm moving in, the best thing you can do is gather your supplies early in order to stay off of the roads through the majority of the event. Heavy rains, ice and snow can leave the roads slick and make driving anywhere dangerous.
If you haven’t already invested in one, get a weather radio. While this can help you year-round, winter storms commonly knock the power out. Check your other emergency supplies as well so you are ready to spend time indoors over the next few days.
In an emergency kit, you should have batteries, flashlights and plenty of first-aid supplies. If you have a fireplace, gather up wood for burning or make sure your pilot light is on and everything is working well so that you can warm the house up. Gather up blankets and sleeping bags as well. It may be time for a family indoor campout!
If things get really cold long-term, you may need to consider alternate places to stay. Check in with your loved ones before a storm strikes to make sure everyone has a way to stay safe. Warming shelters typically open around the community—keep an eye on local news stations to find a place to go and get warmed up during the day or even overnight.
Taking Care of Your Home After the StormOnce the storm has moved through the area and you can safely do so, spend some time investigating around your home to look for damage. Even if nothing has happened yet, there are a few things you will want to do to make sure it stays that way.
Give your roof a good inspection, and clear off any debris that may have piled up. If it snowed or there is any ice, make sure your gutters are clear so that it has a good pathway to move away from your home when it melts. Remove any leaves and limbs, and make sure everything is well-connected. Check for wind damage as well and correct anything you find.
Once you know your roof is in good shape, walk around the exterior of your home and make sure the rest of your gutter system looks OK. Remove debris from around your downspouts, and make sure your HVAC unit vents are not blocked. Blocked vents can create a potentially hazardous situation as it can allow carbon monoxide to build up inside your house.
How We Can HelpIf you do find damage in your home after a winter storm blows through, call us right away. We are ready to respond night or day, and as soon we take your call we will start assessing all of your needs. Our team will take a look at your entire house and make sure everything is put back to exactly how it should be.
We make it our goal to get your restoration completed completely and quickly so you can get back to enjoying everything winter has to offer.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Tri-County for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.
The Rising Financial Costs of Storms
7/26/2021 (Permalink)
When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Tri-County to start the restoration process.
To say 2020 was “action packed” is an understatement, it was a record-setting year for weather and climate disasters. Of all the years in history for which we have data, 2020 was the most financially destructive.
There were 22 official weather disasters for the year 2020. Disasters are defined as events that cause at least a billion dollars in damages.
This was one of the most active seasons for hurricanes and tropical storms. In fact, the NWS had to refer to the Greek alphabet just to name all of the storms that came our way.
Severe Storms Have a Large Impact
Hurricanes have always been known as one of nature’s most powerful storms, but we are starting to see that severe storms are bringing the same type of damages. In fact, the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes.
While 2020 brought 22 official weather disasters, 14 of these were severe thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are so common that people tend to forget the real damage they can do. In a matter of minutes, without warning, they can produce hail, strong winds or even tornadoes.
Just how quickly can thunderstorms turn into dangerous weather events? In eastern Nebraska in August 2020, there seemed to be a typical line of thunderstorms that quickly exploded into something called a derecho (think of something like a tornado, but with straight-line winds instead of swirling ones, combined with a heavy thunderstorm). This potent storm destroyed more than 10 million acres of corn fields, almost half the state’s corn crop—that’s over 11% of the entire country’s corn fields.
Here in Georgia, we see more than our fair share of thunderstorms, most of which bring really strong winds and hail! In 2020, we saw severe weather, including the remnants of Hurricane Sally, Hurricane Delta and Tropical Storm Zeta.
Costs Are Rising
Severe weather is showing to be normal, and the cost of the damages it brings is becoming quite high! 2020 was the 10th consecutive year with at least eight billion-dollar disasters.
During 2018 and 2019, there was a combined total of $136 billion in damages. And the year 2017 set the highest total on record with a total of over $300 billion.
Thunderstorms can quickly turn into more, so as a home or business owner, it’s essential to take whatever precautions are possible to minimize damage to your property.
As we all know, nothing is ever certain, and even with precautions things happen! If you still manage to get a stroke of bad luck, it’s important to know you’ve got a friend in the restoration industry whose goal it is to recover your valued items and restore your property "Like it never even happened."
When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.
Delta Flood Cleanup
4/28/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri County was called out early that morning to assist with flood recovery at over 50 government agencies, churches and local homes.
The remnants of Hurricane Delta swept through Northeast Georgia during the night of Oct 10 and 11th. It caused extensive local flooding and damage.
Since the Delta deluge that dumped over 8 inches of rain on Habersham Oct. 10-11, people have been trying to dig their way out from under the mud and debris.
Your hometown SERVPRO of Tri County has been right in the thick of recovery efforts since the first hours of the storm.
Habersham was among the hardest-hit counties in the region, sustaining over $5.25 million in damage, according to the latest estimates released by the county.
Demorest was the hardest-hit city, reporting an estimated $1.2 million in damages. Cornelia sustained approximately $635,000 in storm damage and Clarkesville estimated its cost of repairs at around $80,000. Baldwin sustained approximately $45,000 in damage. [Damage assessments were not immediately available for Alto, Mt. Airy, and Tallulah Falls.]
Habersham County Public Information Officer Carolyn McDuffie said, “This is the largest recovery on record.”
Substantial and Mobilized Resources
10/1/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is locally owned albeit part of a national franchise with substantial resources that can be called in at any time.
We live and make our living right here in Northeast Georgia. Our rural communities allow us the time to enjoy life and our neighbors.
SERVPRO of Tri-County is located in Hart County and is just a few minutes drive from Elbert, Franklin and Stephens Counties. Being right here in the neighborhood means that we can get to emergency jobs quickly and consistently.
But, sometimes the scale and challenge of jobs require more than any hometown team can provide. Storms can quickly overload any single team with numerous customers needing emergency services immediately.
Large industrial or commercial facilities can suffer smoke, fire or water damage that may require hundreds of skilled workers and thousands of pieces of specialized equipment.
To answer that need, SERVPRO has a network of over 1,700 locations thru out the United States. There are 24 locations in Georgia alone.
SERVPRO has constructed a system of mutual support from the local franchise all the way the national level. This allows trained technicians, service teams and literally tractor trailer loads of equipment to respond locally, statewide even across the United States to support communities that are in need.
Whether your home or business suffers a small fire damage, or our community is attacked storm flooding, hurricane or tornado, you rest knowing that SERVPRO is ready for any sized disaster.
Take a Proactive Approach to Protect Your Household From Storm Damage | SERVPRO® of Tri-County
9/28/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is here to provide you with a rapid response. Contact us right away if your home has any storm damage.
It is common for thunderstorms to pop up and disperse without much incident, but we want to remind people that any storm has the potential to cause damages—and all it takes is one.
We recommend a proactive approach to severe weather preparedness so you can always have the peace of mind that you have done everything possible to keep your household safer in the face of severe weather.
Keep Your Household Safe in the Face of Severe Weather
Prepare your home as much as possible. Many of the storm damages we get called in for have to do with things impacting the home, whether that be a tree branch, loose patio chair or other projectiles. Trimming trees and securing objects can go a long way in advance of a storm to keeping your household safe—and if you are concerned with comfort in the aftermath, a storm generator is a popular choice to maintain electricity.
Create a family communications plan. When your family is out and about a lot, it may be rare that you are all in the same place—making a communications plan vital for severe weather preparedness. Be sure everyone in the household knows when they should head home or when to stay put if severe weather is called for, and how to check in to let everyone else know that they are safe.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. An emergency kit is a great place to start your planning as they are so important to make sure you are never without an essential item during severe weather. Nonperishable foods, water, first aid supplies and light sources should all have a place in your kit, as well as anything your family may need for up to 72 hours. Do not forget food and water for pets, too!
Consider getting a weather radio. Though we are used to relying on our cell phones for all weather alerts, having a more analog system such as a weather radio in your emergency kit is always a good idea. Missing emergency alerts can be extremely dangerous, and if severe weather knocks out cell reception, having a backup method for receiving alerts is so important.
If your home is damaged by a storm, you can depend on us to take care of any damages. Contact us at any hour to report damage and receive a rapid response.
Historic Microburst Storm is small but dangerous
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
Hartwell Sun circle logo
Storm ravages Hart County during the night of April 6, 2017. By Michael Isom Staff writer
“The worst storm damage was out there by Cateechee (Golf Club) or out there on Bowman Highway next to the Ag Center,” said Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland The sheriff’s department started getting phone calls from Hart County residents when the storm began.
James Fulghum lives on Bowman Highway near the Agriscience Center and was awoken by the storm. “I don’t get scared that often, but I have to admit that really scared me,” said Fulghum.
Lynne Adams had a similar experience at her Ross Road home. “I have lived in this house nearly 30 years, and haven’t, until now, heard a hailstorm like this here,” she said. “I seriously thought the windows might break.”
According to Ed Hoy, supervisor of system operations with Hart EMC, over 1,500 members were without power at the height of the storm.
The biggest concentration of incidents were reported in the Liberty Hill and Sardis areas. “Enough praise cannot be given to the (Hart County) Fire Department and the volunteers and the (Hart County) Road Department. They were actually the hands-on chain saws, tractors, and whatever was needed to get the job done,” Cleveland said. “It was just amazing the amount of huge trees in the road. We aren’t talking about one tree. We are talking about multiple trees.”
Excerpts from the Hartwell Sun Newspaper, April 13th, 2017
Thankfully, there were no storm related injuries reported.
Literally, hundreds of trees were knocked down in a straight-line wind shear that damaged over 100 home and businesses.
Storms like this are becoming more frequent this decade and their damage can be severe.
Emergency crews from SERVPRO of Tri-County & SERVPRO of the Mountains were on the scene early that morning assisting people with water removal, debris cleanup and property restoration.
What is a Microburst Storm?
8/25/2020 (Permalink)
Micro burst storms come and go at random, SERVPRO is Here to Help
The National Weather Service defines a microburst as a localized column of sinking air (downdraft) within a thunderstorm and is usually less than or equal to 2.5 miles in diameter.
Microbursts can cause extensive damage at the surface, and in some instances, can be life-threatening. There are two primary types of microbursts: 1) wet microbursts and 2) dry microbursts. Wet microbursts are accompanied by significant precipitation and are common in the Southeast during the summer months.
During the past few years, Northeast Georgia has experienced an increase of annual rainfall. This has contributed to the more frequent occurrence of late day or nighttime thunder cells and storms.
Because these storms are so small and manifest so quickly, they can often be overlooked by local or national news reports. Yet the damage to homes and businesses while localized can be very severe.
Wind speeds in microbursts can reach up to 100 mph, or even higher, which is equivalent to an EF-1 tornado! Winds this high can cause major damage to homes and other structures and level hundreds of trees. It is very important that you take Severe Thunderstorm Warnings just as seriously as Tornado Warnings!
Be sure to take shelter to protect your family and loved ones. But, after the storm has passed, you can call SERVPRO to help repair whatever might have been damaged.
Because each SERVPRO is individually owned and locally operated, we are typically just a few minutes away from where these events occur.
Whatever is needed to clean, dry, repair or restore a damaged structure can be coordinated thru your local SERVPRO team.
We remain “Here to Help.”
You Should Prepare for Safety Before the Weather Is Forecast | SERVPRO® of Tri-County
6/11/2020 (Permalink)
When storm activity caused damage to your home, SERVPRO of Tri-County will respond quickly to assist in any repairs.
Thunderstorms, flooding and other types of severe weather can be very frightening and can inflict serious trauma to anything in its path. While many fly over without notice during warmer seasons, every event has the potential to sharply increase and cause severe damage so, everyone should plan ahead and make preparations then stay alert when the weather is forecast.
Measures you can take but are not limited to; dedicated flashlights in staged areas, having a panic room or shelter ready(i.e. the more comfortable the shelter is the more likely you are to go before danger arrives), if you do not have a shelter..knowing the safest place to take cover in your home is essential, noting areas without windows or exterior walls, subscribing to weather monitoring providers.
Following weather notifications will give you access to clear and direct information from local weather professionals. Weather changes quickly so staying connected and knowing the alerts are very important. If an alert says, “SEVERE WEATHER WATCH” you should know that means conditions could develop into a severe event and it is recommended to stay tuned into weather alerts for updates, any lingering preparations should be made. If the alert says, “SEVERE WEATHER WARNING” means the storm has been confirmed and you should immediately seek shelter.
There are innumerable reasons to have an emergency kit however, severe weather is usually what drives people to own one. If you are purchasing a pre made kit or assembling one of your own be sure to include everything to treat traumas and stay comfortably if it takes a while for help to arrive. Flashlights, water, food, and Obtaining a weather radio are recommended. Store this kit in your shelter or safe area and protect it from damage or intrusion.
If your home has been impacted by storm damage, we are here for you. You can contact us 24⁄7 to get a quick response to your home’s damages.
Storm season
4/17/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County is Here to Help after the storm.
As early storm season falls upon us, many as myself prepare for the untimely and not so friendly visit of dangerous weather. While home owners sweep out webs and dust from storm shelters, replace batteries in flashlights and smoke detectors. SERVPRO techs will be strategically positioning response vehicles, equipment and PPE. Trained and ready, when bad weather hits and while the community emerges from safety to assess damage and check on loved ones. SERVPRO techs will be lacing up boots and getting ready respond to homes and businesses in need.
If your home or business experiences a loss/damage caused by a recent storm, or you need any of our core cleaning and sanitization services, give us a call at 706-245-7109. We are here and ready to serve.
When Storms or Floods hit Northeast Georgia, SERVPRO is ready!
7/5/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Tri-County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Northeast Georgia, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster.
We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 706-245-7109
24/7 Emergency Service