Rain Damage. The most common type of storm damage. For many homeowners who do not get that much rain, such as us in California, you do not know for certain if your home is watertight. Once the water gets through any opening or crack, it can do a lot of damage, which can get worse very quickly. Many homeowners call us SERVPRO of Sunland / Tujunga, when it rains because we handle the situation very quickly.
Wind Damage. Following rain damage, wind damage can do some serious damage to your home. Many storms come with heavy winds, enough to rip roofing off or damage it, pick up debris and have them land on your home damaging it or breaking windows.
Hail Damage. While incredibly uncommon for many California homeowners, it may happen in some areas around the San Fernando Valley area. Larger sized hail can do tremendous damage to your roof which will cascade to further damage afterwards.
Flood Damage. Not incredibly likely in the immediate San Fernando Valley area, however a small flood may still cause a lot of damages to your home.
Fire Damage. This might seem counterintuitive, however storms may down power lines, which in return may cause fires, which may spread and damage your home.
Exterior Property Damage. Anything you may have outside may get damaged during a storm. Stronger storms may cause significant damage to the side of your home.
Window Damage. Your home is durable to some light winds; however, windows are not nearly as strong. Windows are the only barrier between the inside of your home and the outside.
When there is a Storm approaching, rest assured SERVPRO of Sunland / Tujunga has you covered. Our phone lines are open 24 / 7 and are ready for any sized disaster. Be sure to give us a Call (818)-951-6780!
Watch your surroundings after a storm. Take pictures for your insurance claim. Contact your insurance agent and file a claim. Prevent further damage after a storm. Stay calm and stay organized. Emotional Damage of Disasters. It is incredibly upsetting but remember that it is only temporary, and it will be fixed.
What we at SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga can do for you?
First step is call us, our line is open 24/7 at (818)-951-6780. Our expert and understanding office technicians will ask you a few questions, after which we will be sent out to assist you. Remember, in some cases, doing it yourself is not the safest move. Never do it yourself when it involves deploying a temporary tarp over your roof, if it was damaged during a storm. Let our expert personnel who are specifically trained for situations like this handle it for you, with ease. Once the tarp is in place, to mitigate damages done to the home or business, we move our attention to performing preventative measures to the areas that would be affected by the damages caused by the storm. With our top of the line machines, we are able to quickly and effectively dry out areas without needing to do invasive work to the home or business if not necessary.
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland/Tujunga, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Sunland/Tujunga.
SERVPRO ofSunland/Tujunga 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 Sunland/Tujunga ,we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams https://www.SERVPROsunlandtujunga.com/ that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Need help with professional water damage restoration? Contact our friendly and certified team of experts at your local SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga, is here to help in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm wreaking havoc in your life. Available 24/7 for emergencies day or night, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga will mobilize quickly and be on-site within an hour to deal with your water damage disaster. We are also trained and certified to prevent mold infestations that can often follow residential or commercial water damage.
Need help with professional water damage restoration or mold removal? Contact our friendly and certified team of experts at your local SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga (818) 951-6780.
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland / Tujunga 9616, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Sunland / Tujunga 9616.
SERVPRO ofSunland / Tujunga 9616 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 Sunland / Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams https://www.SERVPROsunlandtujunga.com/water-damage-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (818) 951-6780
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland / Tujunga 9616, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Sunland / Tujunga 9616.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga 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 Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 2,000 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams https://www.SERVPROsunlandtujunga.com/emergency-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (818) 951-6780
Sunland/Tujunga 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland/Tujunga, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Sunland/Tujunga.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga 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 Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Call SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga for any of your storm damages.
Following a Flood, How to File an Insurance Claim
It’s never enjoyable to be on the wrong end of a flood at home. At the very least, these incidents are annoying, take up a lot of your time and cause some stress. In more serious situations, floods can cause extensive damage and may even destroy portions of your home and possessions. As soon as flooding occurs in your home, you should contact your insurance company and make a flood claim. This will get the ball rolling on providing the cleanup and financial assistance you need.
Get Information Together
Regardless of the size of the flood, if there is any damage, you should file an insurance claim. Before you call your insurance representative, gather relevant documentation and information. These include:
Insurance company name
Policy number
Your contact information (This is important because you may not be at your home during and after the incident, so you need to provide the agent with a phone number where you can be reached anytime.)
Make Note of the Damage
Your insurance company will need evidence that the flood in your home damaged property and possessions. First, start by taking photographs of anything and everything the flood-damaged. This includes walls, floors, furniture, books, electronics and any parts of the home’s structure. Your flood claim should also include items that you may have lost in the flood. Keep in mind, the insurance company will likely only replace the items if you document value and date of purchase.
Fill Out the Necessary Forms
Your insurance company will ask you to fill out a Proof of Loss document. Make sure you do this as quickly after the flood as possible.
A flood claim is an essential part of your recovery and cleanup process following an incident of this magnitude. You don’t have to handle the aftermath of this disaster on your own. It will go more smoothly if you understand the claims process.
In any event of a storm, contact SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga.
Cleaning Up After a Storm
Storm loss emergencies can have disastrous effects on your home or commercial property, making it vital to not only secure restoration professionals but also a team of qualified contractors that can help with repairs and reconstruction. Our SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga team can help in both of these areas with a full-service approach ranging from assessment and mitigation to restoration and rebuilding. We can make it "Like it never even happened."
Structural Damages Caused by Storms
Our area has been known to suffer some severe weather situations rolling off the ocean. While some of these systems have been large enough to cover the entire state at once, they can also arrive with a violent force that can damage roofs, siding, windows, and more. High winds can knock down trees and smaller structures, and these situations can also have a damaging effect on the main house. Our professionals can help with temporary construction solutions like roof tarping and board up that prevent flood water penetration and seal up unnatural openings to the outside.
How SERVPRO Contends with Flooding in Your House
Flooding is one of the unfortunate side effects of brutal weather conditions, and our fast response in these situations can help to remove standing water from affected areas. With powerful extractors and drying tools, we can eliminate surface water concerns and work on removal from flooring and wall systems with tools such as:
Carpet wands
Weighted extractors
Wet vacuums
If your property has suffered from any type of water or storm damage, please contact our office at 818-951-6780 to get on our schedule to eliminate further damage!
Coping with Power OutagesSudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, especially when they last a long time. If a power outage is 2 hours or less, don’t be concerned about losing your perishable foods. For prolonged power outages, though, there are steps you can take to minimize food loss and to keep all members of your household as comfortable as possible. Energy Conservation Recommendations
Turn off lights and computers when not in use.
Wash clothes in cold water if possible; wash only full loads and clean the dryer's lint trap after each use.
When using a dishwasher, wash full loads and use the light cycle. If possible, use the rinse only cycle and turn off the high temperature rinse option. When the regular wash cycle is done, just open the dishwasher door to allow the dishes to air dry.
Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights
While blackouts are not fun, if you are prepared, they can be a lot less stressful for the family. If you have pets, children, anyone with disabilities, senior citizens, or anyone else who may have special needs staying in your home, make sure you have supplies, medicine, and comfort items that will help them cope through the blackout time also.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a plan in place in order to be prepared for storm damage to your home or business?
Wouldn’t it be great to have a plan of action for saving valuable time in getting the ball rolling with clean up and restoration, rather than running around trying to gather necessary items, such as:
Insurance information
Walk-through photos from Before the damage
Facilities details, such as shut off valve locations, priority areas, and contact information
Supplemental power (Do you have it? Will you need it?)
Identifying the chain-of-command to authorize the cleanup and restoration work to begin
And, what if designing this plan was at no cost?
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga has this plan. It is the Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). We have everything you need to be prepared. And being prepared is key to peace of mind and reducing business interruption following a disaster.
We have helped other local businesses, such as the Salvation Army recover from storm damage to their office.
Call SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga at 818-951-6780 today, to get your Emergency Ready Profile set up scheduled.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and use specialized equipment to restore your property to its original pre-storm condition.
We understand the importance of arriving quickly when severe weather has compromised the structural integrity of your home or business. 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 and time required to restore your property.
When storm damage occurs, our technicians act quickly to reduce these damaging effects. That begins with effective extraction and drying efforts, which get double checked and verified through the use of sophisticated equipment.
We’re faster to any size disaster when storms strike!
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (818) 951-6780
As a restoration company that has been proudly serving the Sunland/Tujunga area for many years, we always strive to give our customers a thorough and detail-oriented restoration approach. When situations like flooding occur, we can protect affected contents and materials within that house by allowing our contents department to identify which of your belongings, furniture, and other affected materials can benefit from focused attention and relocation.
The affected contents cannot often remain in their original positions, and can continue to impact these items negatively. Instead, our SERVPRO professionals can safely pack up these items into production trailers that arrive with our Green Fleet and work to relocate them to our facility. There, these items can get better protected while also receiving specific attention to thoroughly clean, deodorize, and disinfect them.
Once your belongings arrive at our facility, our SERVPRO team can get to work on the cleaning and deodorization process, as many of these items can fall victim to mud, debris, and potential contaminants floodwater brings into your property. There are multiple approaches to addressing odor concerns from the use of our hydroxyl generator to our ozone chamber to effectively remove the harsh odor from multiple possessions and pieces of furniture simultaneously.
We can tag these items and safely store them within our warehouse as restoration work continues in your home. This area of our facility is climate and temperature controlled, ensuring that no harm befalls these items until they are ready to get returned to your restored property. Once our IICRC-Certified restoration specialists have brought your home back to preloss condition, our contents department can bring the recovered items back to your property to get returned to their original positions.
While many people can appreciate our desire to go above and beyond for our customers, many do not fully understand the lengths that our team goes to ensure that we protect your possessions during a disaster. No matter when flooding occurs, our SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga team can get there quickly to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at 818-951-6780
After a long and hectic 2020 hurricane season, it is evident that technology and our advanced methods used for tracking and watching storms
If we look back to the late 1800’s before such instrumentation and methods were established, thousands of people would be left injured or killed because storms would arrive with little to no warning. Fortunately, we no longer live in the 1800’s but in order to truly appreciate where we are today, we must understand where we started.
The History of Hurricane Forecasting
In 1873, the first hurricane warning service was established in Cuba by a man named Father Benito Vines. He created a network of observation sites, allowing him to develop the first method to forecast tropical cyclone movement based off cloud patterns that would progress prior to hurricanes. While there were still flaws in his methods, he established a foundation that would only grow stronger.
A few years later after the hurricane of 1875, the U.S. created a warning flag system which entailed a pair of red flags with black rectangles in the center to be hoisted up in areas where hurricane warnings were in effect.
Fast forward to 1905, we begin implementing the use of radio from ships. This initiative provided significantly more information about the storm to those tracking the hurricanes. In 1909 the first report from a hurricane was received over radio and by 1935 we had received around 21,000 reports a year and it did not stop there. As the amount of data received continued to grow, so did our methods of acquiring it. In 1935 we sent out our first manned aircraft to gather data on hurricanes. This initial aircraft reconnaissance never penetrated the storm, however in 1943 Colonel Joseph Duckworth flew a single-engine plane into a category 1 storm after a bet. Since then, military weather reconnaissance plane missions became routine in order to gather meteorological data. These missions, along with the technological advances brought about post WWII with radar, provided us with a modern forecasting system and allowed us to forecast and issue hurricane advisories one day into the future.
The nest big technological advancement was in 1960 when NASA launched its TRIOS satellite, transmitting both visible light and infrared photographs. These images revealed the presence of storms throughout the ocean, greatly improving forecasters’ situational awareness. After satellite surveillance grew to be a regular method of storm discovery, hurricane hunter aircrafts only flew into storm areas which were spotted first by satellite imagery.
Over the next few decades, technological methods and innovations were in constant battle, propelling our methods to where we are today. In 2020, the government tracks the intensity, size and structure of tropical cyclones, storm surges, rainfall and tornadoes associated with tropical cyclones, using Satellites, reconnaissance aircrafts, ships, buoys, radar, and other land-based platforms. Through these advancements we can detect and track from the moment the storm forms to the moment it makes landfall, supplying ample information far in advance to allow for proper preparations to be made, ensuring our safety and well-being.
Power outages are more common than many residents and business owners like to believe. Though we live in the 21stcentury where technology and infrastructure are advanced, power loss is still very prevalent. In fact, there are a few different types of power outages that can occur.
Blackouts
Likely to be the most familiar term, this form of power outage usually covers a vast area of total power loss. The duration of this outage can vary from a few minutes to even weeks.
Brownouts
Brownouts are not as severe in power loss as a blackout can be. A drop in voltage is what characterizes a brownout, with power usually quickly returning.
Permanent Fault
These outages are caused by a fault in power line, like a shorted circuit. Permanent faults are far more detrimental in power loss than blackouts are, as power is unable to return until the fault is cleared.
Intentional Power Outage
These outages are scheduled by power companies and vendors alike when they are working on or near power lines. To ensure the safety of their employees and surrounding area, power is temporarily disabled for a short period of time.
The possibilities of any of these power outages increase during California's storm season.
Falling tree limbs, flying debris, or lightning can all lead to power loss. Due to the frequency of storms in Sunland/Tujunga and the unpredictability of their severity, it is important to know the course of action to take when faced with power loss.
1. Inventory the items that absolutely call for a power source
Medical devices, appliances or other necessities powered by electricity may require you to keep a generator on hand. If you must use a generator be sure to do so at a safe distance from your house and those surrounding you.
2. Unplug appliances that are not needed and keep them close
During long periods of power loss there may be electrical surges that can harm your appliance. Keeping appliances closed is as important to avoiding damage as it is unplugging them. Power loss in the California heat can tempt anyone to grab cold items from the fridge or even bask in the cold air the freezer can provide. Not giving in to this temptation means saving yourself from spoiled goods later on.
3. Conserve energy and gas
Aside from checking for local updates and alerts on power restoration, conserve your phone’s battery. This goes for gas as well. Saving on your car’s gas will help in the case there is an emergency that requires you to evacuate to a safer area.
Storms, Flood or any kind of damage. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga.
Sometimes a storm can bring some serious water damage, even a flood. Are you prepared for a flood? Most people aren’t, so here are a few tips to be storm and flood ready!
Water (A 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day.)
Food (3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.)
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First Aid Kit
Medications (7 – day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Establishing an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) to make sure you're ready for whatever happens.
No matter where you live, it is important to be informed and prepared for any natural disaster that may occur. Natural disasters often strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of destruction and devastation. Though Mother Nature's disasters are often unpredictable, there are steps you can take to ensure you are prepared.
Contact SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga to establish an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for your property. SERVPRO's ERP serves as a quick reference document, detailing important building and contact information for your property in the event of an emergency. The ERP is an ideal supplement to any existing preparedness plan, or may be used as a standalone document. Knowing what to do and who to call in advance is the key to timely mitigation, and can minimize the effects of any weather-related disaster, water, or fire damage to your business.
When disaster strikes, make sure you have experienced professionals on the line. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga will be ready to help make your property damage "Like it never even happened."
Keep and eye out for storm warnings whether it is nice out or not. A thunderstorm can roll in at anytime.
When a severe thunderstorm is imminent, the National Weather Service issues two types of alerts to the public: Watches and Warnings.
What's the difference?
Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared!
Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action!
Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
Severe storms can cause serious damage to your home and property. If you experience damage related to wind or water from a severe thunderstorm call us, we’re here to help: 818-951-6780.
There might be damage after a severe thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga for any storm damage needs!
Thunderstorms are defined as storms that produce thunder and lightning. Severe thunderstorms may also produce:
Rain
High winds
Sleet or snow
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.
Have you experienced unexpected water or property damage from a storm? We’re here to help. Call us – 818-951-6780
If you have any questions about storm preparation or have any storm damage that you would like to address, we are here for you.
Dealing with the fallout of COVID-19 has been a perpetual battle for all of us. Homeowners in the L.A. area are stuck inside and many are wondering what to do with all of their newfound free time. Well, this might be the perfect time to start thinking about preparing your home for the upcoming storm season.
In California, the storm season will officially begin on September 1st and will go into May. These seasonal forecasts are important to pay attention to, as the exact dates tend to vary slightly from year to year. Whether or not we have a bad storm season this year, it is important to prepare. Plus, the next few months almost guarantee heavy rainfall. The following are some important tips to keep in mind:
Check your home for leaks, particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms
Make sure all gutters are clear
Ensure that appliances and electrical equipment are stored in a water-free area
Take note of your home’s drainage efficiency
Get your roof inspected
Be on the watch for mold growth
Check air vents for any leakage
Make sure all doors and windows are properly sealed
While coronavirus is on the forefront of our minds, it can be easy to lose track of time. However, storm season will be here before we know it, so the time to prepare is now. If you have any questions about storm preparation or have any storm damage that you would like to address, we are here for you.
Our crew is prepared for all commercial sized buildings, from businesses to congregations just as in the picture above.
We know that your church is your congregation’s shelter, helping shield them from the storms of life. But if life’s literal storms damage your place of worship – or if your cleaning needs go beyond the reach of your staff – call SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga. WE ARE HERE to help!
We are often called to clean carpets in church sanctuaries and also clean ducts. But there is no stain too small and no storm damage is too big for SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga. Our professionals have the training, experience and equipment to restore and clean churches quickly, helping make it “Like it never even happened.” When life’s storms roll in, leave the building restoration to us so you can continue restoring lives.
If you happen to have damage in your church We would be happy to help and serve you. Give us a call today!
At SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga we take all the necessary steps during a storm to try and salvage what we can for the customer.
Preparing for a storm can be intmidating, let us give you some tips to make the process a lot easier for you.
Before The Storm:
Build an emergency supply kit and make a family communication plan.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
Postpone outdoor activities.
Remember the 30/30 Lighting Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lighting, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lighting strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
Remember, rubbed-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lighting. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.
Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
Always be alert and vigilant when government issued storm warnings are present. At SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga we are always prepared for a storm.
A severe storm can change everything in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t always have to be a tornado or hurricane to cause destruction on your home or office, and poor restoration can leave you with an unhealthy home for your family. As challenging as recovery can be, you can take comfort in the fact that many have gone through similar experiences. This makes finding the direction you need a little easier. If you know what to expect and learn all you can before a storm hits, you’ll be more prepared to restore things to normal as quickly as possible.
Stay Safe
Before inspecting the damage to your home keep safety in mind:
Watch out for hazards such as broken glass and exposed nails.
Always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and alert the police and utility company.
When inspecting your home at night, use a flashlight instead of a candle (or anything with an open flame). This will alleviate the risk of a fire or explosion from a damaged gas line.
If you do smell gas—or suspect a leak—shut off the main gas line, open the windows, and immediately go outside. Notify the gas company and the proper authorities of the situation and don’t return until they’ve deemed your home to be safe.
Review and Assess the Damage
Your roof is the most susceptible to costly damage. If a tree limb or other heavy debris fell on your roof during a storm, your home might have structural damage, so be cautious. Common signs of roof damage are:
Holes in the roof
Split seams
Missing shingles
Bruises or dented asphalt shingles
Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
Leaks in your roof or ceiling
Dents on vents, gutters, or flashing
Windows and doors are vulnerable to wind damage and flying debris. Inspect your windows for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Watch out for shards of glass, and be sure to board up broken windows until they can be fixed.
Look for damage to siding, paint, bricks and other exterior surfaces of your home. Also check outdoor appliances, like air conditioning units. You’re looking for dings, dents, cracks, splitting, holes, breaks chipping and discoloration.
As safely as you can, secure yourself and remove debris from roof, gutters and make sure downspouts are intact to continue to divert water away from your property.
If there was extended power outages and you have a sump pump, you may have standing water in your basement.
Do not step in standing water without first making sure power is turned off to avoid risk of electrocution
Re-engage sump pump to discharge water from the area or call a plumber if the pump is damaged.
Avoid Additional Damage
You may need a board-up service to secure your property so don’t wait. SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga can be there day or night for emergency service.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider will instruct you on the next steps to take in making a claim and provide you with a claim number and a list of local emergency service providers, like the experts at SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga that will help you restore your home as quickly as possible.
Choose the Right Contractor
It’s important to hire a professional and trustworthy contractor to help you recover your home and restore your lives. Poor or incomplete restoration will leave you with an unhealthy home for your family. Any time there is water damage involved, mold can begin growing immediately as well. It’s critical to address and remedy this as soon as possible to avoid additional damage and health risk. At SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga we have seen it all when it comes to Storm Damage. Whatever your situation is, we will start the process of restoring your lives by giving you a free quote and time estimate on the storm damage repairs required.
Flood damage can be devastating, but there are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage!
Many homeowners in the community recently learned how unexpected disasters can be. When heavy storms hit we received more than 100 calls from customers concerned about flood damage. Because flooding isn’t something that occurs on a regular basis, many of our customers were confused about the steps they should take. Fortunately, we can provide some insight.
Get to higher ground. The first thing you’ll want to do is get to higher ground. For starters, floodwaters can have contaminants, which can cause health concerns. Flooding can also create safety hazards, so affected areas should be avoided.
Address the flooding source (if possible). You’ll want to prevent as much of the flooding as possible, so if you’re able to address the source, you should do so immediately. In many cases, this isn’t possible, so unfortunately, you’ll have to wait until the rain stops before you can take further action.
Call your local disaster restoration company. Once the flooding stops, you should begin the cleanup and mitigation process. First, you’ll want to call your local disaster restoration company like our SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga to extract water, set high-tech drying equipment, and to apply an antimicrobial spray to reduce the risk of mold growth.
Remove as much water as possible. When it comes to water damage time is not on your side. While you’re waiting for the water mitigation company from the previous step, you should start removing as much water as possible. The earlier you can get started on this, the better it is for your home and your belongings.
Flooding has affected many homes and businesses in the last year. Although most people are taken by surprise and are often unprepared, the above steps can get you on the right track. If your home does have water damage, know that our team at SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga is always available!
Flood Watch vs Flood Warning – What’s the Difference?
Stormy weather is coming, make sure you are prepared for and ready to take it on.
Flooding can occur rapidly and can cause major damage to homes and businesses. The National Weather Service or your local weather service issues flood watches, warnings, and advisories. But what do they mean? Below are the differences between the announcements and what you need to do for each.
Flood Advisory – this is the lowest level of flood notifications. Flooding may be possible under the current weather conditions, but if a flood does occur it is usually less severe. It is best to pay attention to weather announcements and be alert to the risk of flooding.
Flood Watch – this indicates that flooding may be possible in your area within 24 to 48 hours. It means that conditions are favorable for a flood, but not guaranteed. Be ready to seek shelter because a flood watch can quickly turn into a flood warning.
Flood Warning – this means flooding is imminent or already happening in your area. Some things you should be aware of at this time include locating emergency shelters, evacuation procedures, avoid low lying areas, and stay tuned for weather updates. If officials advise evacuation, do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning – flash floods are sudden and violent. This usually occurs within six hours or less when rain is heavy or levees and dams break. Because flash flooding happens so rapidly, there may not be time to send out alerts. If you become aware of this warning, seek higher ground immediately. Even if it is not raining in your area, flash flooding can still develop when the warning is issued.
Flooding can be very dangerous and sometimes very sudden. In inclement weather, always be alert to your local weather service or the National Weather Service for updates and how to protect yourself.
Prepping your home for a flood is a very vital thing to look ahead for.
Have you ever stopped to think about what you would to do if you knew your home was going to be in a flood? Or what all you can do to help minimize damage? Stopping flood waters may not be an option, but there are steps you can take to help limit the amount of damage. Making sure you have flood insurance is a start, but you can do things within your home to minimize the amount of damage. Like:
Getting electrical cords up off the ground higher than the expected water intrusion can help with avoiding a fire and make the structure safer during the recovery process.
Putting appliances and utilities up on blocks could possibly help save them. Shutting power off to structure is also another option if you aren’t sure what the expected level of water is going to be.
Shutting off power, however, it will also shut down any sump pumps you may have running. • Shutting off gas supply to the house is another way to avoid further issues such as fire, or gas leak and will also eliminate any pilot lights.
Waterproofing your basement is another option. It can lessen the amount and speed water enters the home, possibly giving you and your family more time to respond.
Putting in gate valves in drains will help stop sewer water from backing up into the home. These should be installed on every pipe coming into the home.
Having an emergency ready kit with supplies for everyone in your house to survive on for minimum 3 days is recommended. Kit should include things like, food, water, blankets, flashlights, medication, etc.
Make sure you got paperwork for everyone in the family in case your home gets completely ruined and you must start over.
Having a plan in place for what needs to be done before a flood, can save time and gets everyone out safety quickly and efficiently. Be sure to practice this plan so everyone knows their roll. If the flood waters are slowly rising and you have more time, household items can be moved to a higher level or another location. Having a plan, of what to do in a flood situation, can save time and money.
During the worst of storms, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga is the first response team to help.
No one likes to consider the possibility of flood waters compromising their home, but the gravity of the situation is that 90% of natural disasters include flood water. While your home may not be in a known floodplain, it’s still beneficial to know proper protocol if the threat of flooding is looming ahead.
We know that flooding cannot be prevented, but it is possible for you as a homeowner to minimize the damage to your property thanks to these steps:
Talk over emergency procedures. You should be creating and discussing disaster plans and various evacuation routes with your entire family. It’s vital that everyone is familiar with these. Be sure that the shut-offs for electricity and gas are known, too. Another smart plan is to have emergency supplies at the ready.
Know your risk. You can check with your local emergency management office or use the FEMA flood map tool to learn more about the risk of flooding in your area and what precautions you should be taking.
Raise valuables. Do you have important items stored in the basement? These could include family memorabilia, tax records and other documents. If so, you’ll want to make sure you have scanned them into a hard drive or have physical copies made. Also, invest in some shelving to help keep items off the floor.
Turn off electricity. While it might seem unlikely that floodwaters will touch your electrical outlets or electrical cords, it’s very possible. And if it occurs, significant damage can occur and the risk of fire greatly increases.
Prepare appliances. Appliances such as washers and dryers can be elevated on bricks or stands to protect the internal workings from water damage in the case of a shallow flood.
Raise hazardous materials. Things like oil, paint and cleaning supplies should all be stored in elevated areas. This can help prevent dangerous spills in floodwater.
Keep propane and fuel tanks anchored. If a fuel tank tips over during a flood, the spill could become dangerous and even a fire hazard. Be sure any fuel tanks on your property are either removed or anchored securely.
When disaster strikes, your No. 1 priority should be keeping your family safe. By taking advance precautions and understanding evacuation procedures ahead of time, you can help protect your home from extensive water damage and protect the family from danger as well.
During unpredictable storms, we are not prepared. SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga is prepared for anything in the storms path.
It’s officially spring and that means one thing—it’s time to buckle up for whatever Mother Nature may choose to send our way.
Springtime’s arrival comes with longer days and more sunshine, but unfortunately, also comes with the threat of severe weather throughout the country. It’s dealer’s choice this time of year, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.
The changing weather is due to the unstable temperatures that can go from warm to cold even in the same day. That temperature change can result in extreme weather changes as well.
Thunderstorms are increasingly common throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.
When looking at natural catastrophe loses in 2017, severe thunderstorms were the most common and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.
These storms can bring about the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found in modern history that 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.
We may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, but fortunately, forecasters have the tools available to at least give us an idea of severe weather that could be coming. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.
Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather.
Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.
Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:
Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
It is always nerve-wracking when the weather channel warns about a large storm coming towards your city. Of course, your main concern should be the personal safety of yourself and your family. You shouldn't need to worry about your home or belongings- that can all be replaced. If a storm does occur in your hometown, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga focuses on ways to help you learn about and prepare your home for the worst.
Secure Outdoor Items
The first thing that you can do in preparation for a storm is secure all of your outdoor items. This includes outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and umbrellas, and other items like lawn mowers and grills. These items can cause damage if they are picked up by winds or swept away in a flood. Move these items indoors or in a garage or take measures to secure them in place.
Clear Out Gutters
Additionally, keep you gutters and downspouts clear. If heavy rains hit your city, it's important to create paths for water to flow away from your house. As long as the water has somewhere to go, it won’t stream into your home. Occasionally check your drainpipes for debris and clutter.
Sealing Your Home
Let's discuss sealing your home to prevent water leaks. Even if the rain water has a path away from your home, you should still take precautions. First, check the seal on your windows. The waterproof sealing around the outside of a window may need to be replaced over time. Also, check for holes in your siding. When electric or cable companies attach wires to the side of your house, they often drill small holes that can allow water to sneak through in the event of a flood or heavy rain water. Fortunately, these holes can be easily repaired using an affordable waterproof caulk. Small cracks that don’t cause problems during a normal rainfall can easily become a leak during flood conditions. Every year or so, take a walk around the outside of your home and check the foundation for any cracks or weakness that may allow water into your home.
Here at SERVPRO of Sunland Tujunga, we have noticed an increase in damaging high wind events. With changes in the jet stream, causing widespread costly property destruction. Powerful tornadoes continue to flatten entire communities in a matter of minutes. Falling trees from extreme wind events are a major cause of structural losses throughout the country on a regular basis.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga is always well prepared to respond to homes and businesses affected by wind damage. Often times, water can enter structures affected by wind, requiring our mitigation experts to quickly tarp damaged areas and start the drying process inside until repairs can begin. Experienced technicians from our franchise have also traveled out of state to assist with large-scale recovery following devastating hurricanes. Although wind storms are difficult to gauge, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga has the tools and knowledge to secure and restore properties affected by wind in our ever changing environment.
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 Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
In this picture a tree has been uprooted and came down crashing on this home. This already caused a lot of damage to the home from the outside but more importantly is what it does to the inside of the home. SERVPRO was there to help with the tree removal and tarping of the roof to keep any debris from coming into the home. SERVPRO also went into the home and did all the necessary clean up and debris removal to keep this family safe and keep the home clean and livable.
SERVPRO 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.
When you have 60 mph winds and nickel-sized hail, you should pay attention and take precautions so the damage doesn't take over your home. Here in Southern California that was the case and SERVPRO was there to help residents and commercial property owners with the damage.
Here are some Safety Tips on getting ready for a storm before it hits:
You can make your own kit. Include:
• Landline telephone that does not require power and will work in an event of a power outage
• battery operated radio with AM/FM tuning
• LED crank flashlight
• First aid kit with essential medicines and a manual, including a copy of your prescription medicines.
• Drinking water supply to last five days
• Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food and a manual can opener and some plastic utensils
• If needed, pet food and other things necessary for your pet(s)
• Towels, toilet paper, bathroom items and other sanitary items
These are just to name a few things that you should include in your kit. Every family has its own special needs and circumstances so please build your kit accordingly.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage are very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Tujunga arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 805-656-3911 Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes
Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:
Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:
Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:
Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
About SERVPRO
SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.
Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 805-656-3911
About SERVPRO
SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration.
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 Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
In this picture a tree has been uprooted and came down crashing on this home. This already caused a lot of damage to the home from the outside but more importantly is what it does to the inside of the home. SERVPRO was there to help with the tree removal and tarp of the roof to keep any debris from coming into the home. SERVPRO also went into the home and did all the necessary clean up and debris removal to keep this family safe and keep the home clean and livable.
One way or another we experience storms. Rather it be snow, rain, wind, etc, it is going to happen. When it does happen we need to be prepared. The following list is what is recommended at a minimum to be ready in the event of a storm.
Flash Light (it is possible for the power to go out during a storm)
Extra Batteries (flashlights never work when needed, having extra batteries can save you from the dark)
First Aid Kit (make sure nothing is outdated in the kit so it is possible to use the items if needed)
Cellphone (Now a days everyone has a cellphone, it is necessary to have one in case the house phone does not connection)
Canned Food (might not have food to cook, it is important to have up to date canned foods just in case for emergency purposes)
Manual Can Opener (do not just rely on an electrical can opener because the electricity can go out during a storm)
Bottled Water (water is the most important thing to have around the house)
Blanket (it is possible for the heaters at your property to stop working, make sure you have blankets around to keep you warm)
Battery Powered Weather Radio (using a radio can help you stay connected to what is happening during a storm in case your T.V does not work and you cannot connect to the weather channel)
Being prepared will help keep panic at a minimum especially in a family that has children involved. Not only will these items benefit you but it will help benefit your loved ones around as well. These items should be kept in a safe place with easy access in case of a storm emergency. Every month or so check the battery life and replace if needed. Make sure that the canned food and bottles of water are up to date and if need replacements to do it immediately during a storm season. Also remember to go over the items in the kit with your family so they are aware of everything put into the kit.
When the storm hits hard you must be prepared but sometimes its hard to know there is a leak until it actually happens. This client was really upset when they realized that their roof had leaked in some rain after a large storm had passed. That water in the attic could have led to a lot of bad situations but thankfully SERVPRO was there to dry it up and clean it out.
About SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
Storm damage prevention and treatment. There is no doubt trees can cause damage and be damaged in storms. However, appropriately placed and maintained trees can help reduce damage to structures in storms by deflecting wind, and reduce damage to trees. That is just one of the many things to prepare for when you know that a storm is brewing. Regardless, you are not alone in any disaster. Just remember to call your local SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga for help 24/7.
About SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland/Tujunga, SERVPRO is ready!
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga 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 Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Team that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (818)951-6780
This crazy Southern California weather can make a person really confused. It goes from sunny skies to cloudy heavy downpour of rain. Also, lets not forget all the thunder and lightening. We must always be prepared for anything that mother nature decides to dish out. From tarps on the roof to seals that leak around windows and doors SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga have you covered. We are always prepared for the worst case scenario.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Sunland/Tujunga, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 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 (818)951-6780
When Storms or Floods hit Sunland, SERVPRO is ready!
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Sunland/Tujunga.
SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga 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 Sunland we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
One way or another we experience storms. Rather it be snow, rain, wind, etc, it is going to happen. When it does happen we need to be prepared. The following list is what is recommended at a minimum to be ready in the event of a storm.
Flash Light (it is possible for the power to go out during a storm)
Extra Batteries (flashlights never work when needed, having extra batteries can save you from the dark)
First Aid Kit (make sure nothing is outdated in the kit so it is possible to use the items if needed)
Cellphone (Now a days everyone has a cellphone, it is necessary to have one in case the house phone does not connection)
Canned Food (might not have food to cook, it is important to have up to date canned foods just in case for emergency purposes)
Manual Can Opener (do not just rely on an electrical can opener because the electricity can go out during a storm)
Bottled Water (water is the most important thing to have around the house)
Blanket (it is possible for the heaters at your property to stop working, make sure you have blankets around to keep you warm)
Battery Powered Weather Radio (using a radio can help you stay connected to what is happening during a storm in case your T.V does not work and you cannot connect to the weather channel)
Being prepared will help keep panic at a minimum especially in a family that has children involved. Not only will these items benefit you but it will help benefit your loved ones around as well. These items should be kept in a safe place with easy access in case of a storm emergency. Every month or so check the battery life and replace if needed. Make sure that the canned food and bottles of water are up to date and if need replacements to do it immediately during a storm season. Also remember to go over the items in the kit with your family so they are aware of everything put into the kit.
24/7 Emergency Service
Tarping a Home shortly after Rain damaged it.
