What's the restoration process after a water damage disaster strikes?
Extract any existing standing water. Our industry leading equipment allows us to handle any amounts of standing water following any water damage situation. Removing the water allows us to move into the drying process and further sort out materials and contents.
Determine restorability. The next step is to evaluate if the contents that were affected and the structure as a whole can be decontaminated and restored or should be removed and replaced.
Remove selective materials. After a game plan is drawn up we will remove unsalvageable materials. We will also open up assemblies like floors, walks, and ceilings to access pockets of saturation and perform necessary drying services.
Clean salvageable materials. After extracting the water and determining restorability, we will then work to clean all salvageable contents. This can be any contents that were involved with the water damage and we then work hard to decontaminate and restore the materials to pre loss condition.
Whether after a high wind, storm, or other structural disaster, boarding up damaged property is a burden that no one should ever have to go through? especially if it is your property that has been damaged. Boarding up damaged property incorrectly could cause secondary damages, such as moisture or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. The process of boarding up after an unexpected storm damage can also be as dangerous as the damage itself. Your local SERVPRO franchise professionals at SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan can board up the damaged property and mitigate and remediate the original damage, providing you with peace of mind while helping make it "Like it never even happened."
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by authorized government-alerting authorities. These alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety, such as extreme weather warnings, local emergencies requiring evacuation or immediate action, missing persons alerts in your area, or Presidential Alerts during a national event. A WEA can be sent to your phone when you may be in harm's way, without having to download an app or subscribe to a service. A WEA will look like a text message. It will typically show the type of alert including the time it was issued and from what agency + any action(s) you should take. If you experience any type of property damage after a storm give SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan a call at 989-705-2400. For more information, visit ctia.org/wea.
Gaylord recently suffered catastrophic damage from an EF-3 tornado that had winds that reached up to 150 mph. Both residential neighborhoods and businesses suffered serious damage that will change lives forever. The following morning SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan was ready to respond with all hands on deck in order to help those in need. SERVPRO has been busy with both commercial and residential emergency board up and tarp up services. These services are imperative as they limit any extensive secondary damages to your home or business after they have been left exposed to any environmental factors. If anyone you know has experienced any sort of damage from the recent tornado and needs any emergency cleanup or restoration services, our disaster recovery team is ready to respond! Give us a call at 989-705-2400 to find out how we can help you. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan's thoughts and prayers continue to go out to everyone in the Gaylord community.
We are here to help with any of your post-flood cleanup needs!
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, according to Ready.gov. Failing to evacuate a flooded area or entering flood waters can often lead to serious injury or possibly even death. Floods cause billions of dollars worth of residential and commercial property damage each year. Since floods can damage any property in almost any area, it is crucial to learn how floods form, the various types of floods there are, and how they can affect your property.
Flash floods are fast-moving waters that sweep everything in their path. They are caused by heavy rainfall or rapid snow thaw. Flash floods usually cover a relatively small area and occur with little to no notice, generally less than six hours. The rapid water torrents can move large objects like cars, rocks, and trees.
Coastal floods are caused by strong winds or storms that move towards a coast during high tide. When powerful waves breach the coast's dune the area is usually flooded. Coastal regions with fewer defenses and lower elevations are the most affected. The best time to repair a breach is during low tide.
River floods are characterized by gradual riverbank overflows caused by extensive rainfall over an extended period of time. The areas covered by river floods depend on the size of the river and the amount of precipitation.
Urban floods occur when the drainage system in a city or town fails to absorb the water from heavy rain. The lack of natural drainage in an urban area can also contribute to flooding. Water flows out into the street, making driving very dangerous. Although water levels can be just a few inches deep, urban floods can cause significant structural damage.
Pluvial floods form in flat areas where the terrain cannot absorb the rainwater, causing puddles and ponds to form. Pluvial flooding is similar to urban flooding, but mainly in rural areas. The agricultural activities and properties in areas where pluvial floods have occurred can also be seriously affected.
Flooding can cause severe damage to residential and commercial properties, but there are many ways to prepare and prevent it! If your residential or commercial property suffers from flood damage, give us a call at 989-705-2400 to help you out in your time of need!
Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. However, flash floods can occur within minutes and sometimes without any sign of rain at all. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind.
If you have access to sandbags or other materials, use them to protect your home from flood waters if you have sufficient time to do so.
Have a professional install check-valves in your plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your electric circuit, breakers, or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home. Be safe!
Give us a call at 989-705-2400 if you experience any kind of flood damage!
If you have a generator on hand for power outages during storm damages, follow the safety tips below provided by the American Red Cross!
Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.
To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.
Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO can't be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside of sleeping areas to provide early warnings.
We are here 24/7/365 to help with any of your water or storm damage cleanup and restoration needs!
Typically, you don’t think of floods or basement water damages in the middle of winter. SERVPRO is here to let you know they do exist and happen more than you think. After snow storms with large accumulating amounts of snow, when the snow melts flooding will occur after quick changes in temperature. The temperature change can cause snow to melt and could potentially flood your basement. Basement flooding during the winter is mostly caused by melting snow entering the home because of faulty gutters, cracks in foundations, and improper or blocked runoff.
To illustrate this, ten inches of snow can melt into one inch of water and it is already in and soil. The heavier the snowfall, the more snowmelt. A quick temperature change can cause a significant amount of water on the soil around your home. If the water cannot flow away from your home’s foundation, it can ultimately enter your home and cause water damages or secondary mold damages if left untreated.
Snowmelt flooding can damage the floors, walls, furniture and personal items in your basement. It also introduces moisture and water in your basement which could lead to secondary mold damages.
Snowmelt Safety Tips:
Shovel snow away from your home when safe to do so.
Keep snow and ice buildup off and away from drainage areas.
Inspect basement walls for cracks.
Check your roof for ice and snow buildup.
Clear snow from your roof to prevent buildups if it accumulates.
This could also help you avoid ice dams.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts.
For any of your water damage or storm damage needs, SERVPRO is here to help 24/7/365!
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan hopes that you are all safe and sound with the high winds we have been experiencing in Northern Michigan. We wanted to take a moment to provide some tips for any wind storm damages.
Do's:
Vacate the premises in the event of major roof damage – Safety should be your primary concern!
Avoid electrical hazards. Stay away from electrical lines that may have fallen.
Initial roof assessment should be done from the ground as damage is not always visible.
Contact the utility company to ensure lines are de-energized.
If you suspect damage to your shingles or structure, contact SERVPRO immediately.
Dont's:
Don’t enter rooms where overhead damage may be a safety hazard.
Don’t attempt to install a tarp during a storm.
Don’t climb on roof. Roof may have unseen structural damage.
Don’t walk on tarped surfaces.
Don’t climb on roofs that may be wet or icy.
Do not use a metal ladder near power lines or in close proximity to energized electrical equipment.
Don’t attempt to remove debris from roof.
Call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan with any of your storm damage needs at 989-705-2400!
Here at SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan, we pride our selves on being proactive during any storm situation. Emergency contact lists that include friends, family, and neighbors are key to prepping for any storm disaster. Believe it or not another great tool is Facebook. Facebook's Crisis Response lets people affected by crises tell friends and family they're safe, find or offer help, and get the latest news and information during the storm situation. At SERVPRO we know you can never plan for a disaster, but also want you to know that you can prepare for one. Many may know how to mark themselves safe on the app after a crisis, but did you know that you can REQUEST updates, too? Follow this link to learn more on how to do so!
Storms and inclement weather can be devastating for any homeowner or business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. You can never plan for a disaster like this but you can prepare for it. That's why we want you to know that we are here to help!
As a leader in water damage restoration, we know fast and timely mitigation is the key to limiting business interruption and interruption of your comfortable everyday life. SERVPRO’s highly trained and professional team can provide trained crews faster to any size disaster and can be on-site within a few hours to help reduce the future damage that water can cause. We have the right equipment, procedures, and training to help ensure the structure is dry the first time, saving you time and money.
Our Storm Damage Work Products:
Containment of damaged area to reduce in-flow of water.
Shrink-wrapping of structures to control inflow of mixture.
Water Extraction – to remove excess water from a structure.
Moisture Mapping – to determine impacted areas of a structure.
Selective Demolition – to remove wet building materials that cannot be economically dried in place.
Containment – to assure potential contaminants do not spread.
Evaporation Enhancement – to remove moisture content from building materials.
Dehumidification – to remove excess water vapor from the structures’ environments.
Temperature Control – to assist in dehumidification and to prevent the onset of mold growth.
Post-Drying Cleaning – to remove any potential contaminants from dried building materials.
When disaster strikes, so do we! Our team members are available 24/7 to respond to your call.
Severe storm damage can lead to flooded basements and homes. The water damage that occurs when your home floods often come with odors and mold growth that continue to seep into your residence long after the water has subsided. We want to help you take care of it right away to eliminate any potential of secondary damages! You can take care to eliminate odors and preserve the safety of your dwelling with the following measures:
Air Things Out
Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate in your residence. This should help dissipate any lingering smells that remain and will also facilitate drying of the affected areas.
Dry the Wet Areas
You may install dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. Removing moisture from porous and absorbent surfaces such as carpet and upholstery can greatly reduce the chance of foul aromas remaining after the flood and can mitigate the appearance of mold.
Deodorize Your Home
There are natural and inexpensive methods that you can utilize to expedite the deodorizing process in your house. Baking soda sprinkled into carpets or other absorbent surfaces can be vacuumed up, greatly with getting rid of foul odors. On less porous surfaces, vinegar applied liberally can aid in combating persistent smells.
Keep an Eye Out for Mold
As with any area that has had prolonged exposure to moisture, mold growth can be a threat that, if not addressed immediately, poses a potentially recurrent problem that can present itself throughout the life span of your residence. It is imperative that proper steps are taken to ensure that mold and spores do not have the opportunity to spread in your home.
Be Aware of Contaminants
Sewage loss can lead to your home being contaminated by sewage contents when flood water finds its way past your threshold. This can leave behind an overpowering smell even after the moisture has been removed due to the bacteria in the water. These smells often cannot be removed by household cleaners and require the services of a professional flood restoration company.
Why Choose SERVPRO?
We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.
The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give us a call at 989-705-2400 and leave the restoration to us.
Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There is never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day, or night.
Why Choose SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan?
We are Faster to Any Size Disaster: Floods and storms do not wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists: As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Highly Trained Water Damage Restoration Technicians
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters: In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,800 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
When resulting flood waters from storms enter your home or business, it can cause "standing water". Standing water is a pool of water that does not flow. This stagnant water can be a dangerous thing if it is not handled correctly, and surely a difficult task to handle if you do not have the appropriate resources. Standing water should be dealt with right away, and we are here to help with just that. The cleanup process of standing basement water can sometimes take up to 10 or 11 days to completely disappear unless it is mitigated immediately.
Here are some protective measures to take into consideration when dealing with standing basement water:
Stay Away from Standing Water
Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the standing water leftovers.
Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and other parasites.
Standing water can lead to secondary mold damages.
Standing water can leave a musty odor behind in your home if not addressed immediately.
Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick.
Wash your hands after contact with standing water.
Do not drink the water.
Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock.
Standing Water vs. Animals:
Snakes and other animals may get into your home or building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up.
Mosquitoes can breed and grow in standing water.
Some animals might find your home or business a cozy place to live.
If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets.
If you find yourself dealing with standing water of any kind, we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Accumulating snowfall is expected through this evening, bringing a widespread several inches of snow to Northern Michigan. Additional lake effect snow and high winds are expected. With this winter weather advisory in effect, don't forget SERVPRO is here to help with damages from cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice storms and freezing rain. Cold weather and winter storms can cause significant damage with little warning. Stay safe everyone.
Make sure to call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan for any of your winter storm damage needs! We provide emergency restoration and services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Living in Northern Michigan provides a lot of outdoor fun, but when blizzards and extremely cold weather strikes, it can cause serious and extreme property damage issues to your home. Here are some tips provided to help you prepare your home prior, during and after a winter storm. Below are helpful tips to educate and properly prepare homeowners for extreme winter weather in Northern Michigan.
Winter Weather Preparation:
Stock up: Purchase in advance all the necessary tools to clear sidewalks and driveways, uncover your car and keep all passageways clear. Stock up on snow shovels, a snow blower with gas and salt or sand to pre-treat the driveway and sidewalks, all items that will help you keep snow and slush at bay.
Create an emergency kit: Items to assemble for your kit include a First Aid kit, battery-powered radio, water, flashlights and lanterns, fresh batteries, blankets to keep warm if the power goes out, a manual can opener and a three-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable canned food. Keep your cellphone charged up in case of an emergency.
Insulation central: Take steps to make sure your home is properly insulated, including:
Insulate walls and attics to conserve heat and energy.
Insulate pipes, especially those near exterior walls of your home, to prevent freezing.
Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows to protect against drafting air. This will help prevent cold air from getting in and your furnace from working even harder.
Install storm windows or use plastic sheeting to cover windows.
Use all-weather caulk to seal around window frames, doorframes and other openings on the exterior of your home.
Close currents and blinds to help retain the heat in your home.
Close doors to unused rooms to retain heat in the center of your home.
Generate power: If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages due to severe winter weather, consider purchasing a generator. But remember NEVER to operate a generator indoors, as the engine exhaust contains potentially fatal carbon monoxide.
Be Cautious: Change the air filter in your furnace to avoid the system from working even harder when temperatures decline. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the house.
Heat it up: If you have a wood burning fireplace or heat source, stock up on firewood. Always be sure the flue is open to allow gases and potentially harmful fumes to escape.
Winterize your vehicle: Put on snow tires or chains (where allowed) and make sure your brakes are in good working condition. Try to keep your gas tank more than half full to prevent gas lines from freezing. If you park your vehicle outside, you may want to keep a lock deicer handy as well.
During and After the Storm:
Frequent shoveling: Depending on the amount of snow that falls, it is a good idea to occasionally clear a path from the front and back door or your home. In case of an emergency, you need a clear exit at all times. If a heavy amount of snow falls and your boiler or furnace has vents on the side of your home, make sure that you remove enough snow so that pipe stays clear. If it becomes covered with snow your unit will shut down.
Severe cold switch: During bouts of extreme cold temperatures, switch your heater from auto to fan on. This adjustment will constantly circulate warm air throughout the home causing the burners to run less, which will maintain a consistent warm temperature in your home and use less natural gas and/or electricity.
Prevent freezing: In areas of the home where pipes are prone to freezing, such as a bathroom on an outside wall or basement, turn the faucet on slightly to allow a trickle of water. Moving water will keep the pipes from freezing. Keep the cabinet doors to pipes open so warm air can reach them.
Frozen pipes: If pipes freeze, remove any insulation and wrap towels around the pipes to absorb moisture during the thawing process. Do not use a blowtorch to thaw frozen pipes, slow thawing works best to prevent them from bursting.
Keep an eye on the weather channel or a weather app in preparing for the cold weather. If you have suffered any storm damage to your home or business in Northern Michigan, we can help. At SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan we perform emergency board ups, tarping and water mitigation from frozen pipes.
Call 989-705-2400 today!
Has The Cold Weather Done Damage to Your Home In Northern Michigan?
If you live in Northern Michigan, you know that our winter weather can cause serious damage to your home or business if you don't take precautions.
If you have suffered property damage to your home or business due to a snow storm and cleanup and restoration services are needed, it is important to call a professional to assess the damage.
Do you have Insurance Coverage?
Depending on what type of damage is suffered to your home from the snow storm, you could have insurance coverage, though the coverages and limits vary depending on your policy. You will be responsible for your deductible.
Make sure to document the damage to your home or business. Make sure to take a lot of photos and be sure to hang on to any receipts and documents related to appliances and maintenance work you completed prior to the storm. Make sure to reach out to a specialist such as a restoration company to help restore your home or business and assess the damage.
Winter Storm Damage
Winter storms rip through Northern Michigan every year, and areas that don’t get hit with snow often deal with ice storms and freezing rain. When you’re dealing with blizzards, lake effect storms and snow squalls, damage to your home and business can include roof and structural damage from heavy snow as well as damage to fascia, exterior pipes and siding. These wintry storms often come with high winds, which can exacerbate damage by causing shingles to break loose. These storms can wreak havoc on utility lines.
Ice dams can also be formed due to the winter storms and freezing weather. These can be easy to miss, but are important to be aware of because they can quickly lead to leaks and then to mold and structural damage.
Contact a Professional
If your home or business has property damage due to a winter storm, it is important to repair the structure quickly. Don't take the repairs into your own hands. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan works very closely with many insurance companies throughout Northern Michigan. We can help from emergency board ups and tarping, to handling water cleanup and mitigation from frozen pipes and more.
During extremely cold weather or snowstorms, staying safe and warm can be a challenge. As Michiganders, we know that winter brings freezing temperatures, power failures, and icy roads. To keep you and your family safe, you need to prepare your home for Michigan’s longest season.
Prepare Your Home:
Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
Insulate walls and attic.
Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.
By preparing your home before a storm, it could help prevent or lessen the damage. In Michigan, we never know what type of weather we will get, so it is always important to be prepared and safe rather than sorry. For these long winter months, having a plan can protect your home against storm damage.
Before the Storm Hits:
The CDC highly suggests listening and watching weather forecasts regularly to keep updated on the storm. It is also recommended to have an emergency supply kit which includes emergency food and water supply. Even though we cannot always predict how bad a winter storm can be, sometimes watching/listening to a forecast can give you several days to prepare.
Here To Help:
Cold weather and winter storms can cause significant damage with little warning resulting from cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice storms and freezing rain. Regardless of the type of storm, our team can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our team at SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan can respond quickly with additional resources.
No matter the winter storm damage, our team is ready 24/7 to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Have Heavy Rain Storms in Northern Michigan Caused Damage to Your Home?
Although in Northern Michigan we don't suffer anywhere near the damage that hurricanes and tornadoes cause, there always remains the possibility that significant damage to your home or business can occur from heavy rain and windstorms.
Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals
If having experienced a heavy rain or wind storm that has caused severe damage, boarding up your damaged property quickly is essential. This should be done in a timely manner as it can help to prevent any secondary damages from occurring. If it is done incorrectly or not at all, it could result in further damages which could include water damage or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. Let us be of assistance and leave the work to the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan. With our 24 Hour Emergency Service, we can board up your damaged property and help with any resulting damages. If you have any water or structural damage caused by heavy rain or wind storms, SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is there to help.
Why Choose SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan?
We're Highly Trained and experienced Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition like it never happened. Moving forward this will also help to protect your home from further damage following a storm in Northern Michigan.
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has the capability to handle any size loss and we have access to resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We also have the ability to utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is locally owned and operated, so we are part of the communities that we service in Northern Michigan. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.
These wind types can be classified as those exceeding 50-60mph. Winds of this extremity can occur during a severe thunderstorm or strong weather system. During an especially strong thunderstorm, the winds could exceed a devastating 100mph. These extreme types of winds can blow small to large objects around and cause extensive destruction to anything that lie in their path. If necessary, follow the following tips to prepare and protect yourself from wind damage.
Find shelter. Have an established location in your home that you can take cover in. These shelter locations should be away from any windows or glass doors, preferably in the middle of your home or basement. For those who are living in mobile homes, evacuation is necessary as mobile homes are susceptible to being overturned and punctured by high winds.
Protect your property. If strong winds are near or approaching, move garbage cans, outdoor furniture, grills and any other items that could be potentially dangerous if blown over into your home or garage. Vehicles should be stored in a garage and boats should be docked or tied up securely.
Power lines. High winds have the potential to lead to fallen power lines. It is extremely important to not try to free lines or remove debris – call and report them. “Stay Away and Stay Alive.” If you witness or come across someone who may have been shocked do not try to touch them – you could also fall victim to electrocution. Call 911 and get them the right attention as quickly as possible. If for any reason a power line falls onto your car, stay inside the vehicle and do not touch any metal framing inside of your vehicle. It is important to not exit the car unless it catches on fire – if you must do so, do not step out – but rather jump out without touching any metal portions of the interior/exterior.
Driving in high speed winds. If for any reason you are driving through high speed winds, keep both hands on the wheel (wind can jerk and pull your wheel around) and immediately reduce your speed. If winds are severe enough, turn on your hazard lights, pull onto the shoulder of the road, and do not return to driving until the conditions subside.
If your home or business has experienced property damage due to high winds, make sure to call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan and get our specialists on the line. 24/7 Emergency Services and board up services are available to protect your property from further damage and to prevent any secondary damages.
It is inevitable that winter brings with it frigid temperatures and extreme cold weather which can prove to be hard on both you and your home. Here are some tips to help in preparation during the fall season in order to prepare for the winter weather in Gaylord and Cheboygan.
How to Deal with Frozen Pipes
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain.
Turn off sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
The above list are just a few tips to take into consideration when performing fall cleanup in order to prepare for the winter season. This is crucial as in Gaylord and Cheboygan there are winters with frigid temperatures which are accompanied with freezing. If these tips are utilized, they can help prevent frozen pipes and water damage throughout your home or business.
For more information on preparing and preventing damage to your property in Gaylord and Cheboygan during the winter season, please contact our office at:
Do you have Damage to your home in Northern Michigan due to a wind storm or fallen tree?
Has your home suffered damage from a significant wind storm or fallen tree? Shards of glass, tree branches and other debris can sometimes be more damaging than the wind itself. When inspecting your roof after a wind event, investigate what might have blown onto or across the roof. It is a good idea to check for damage and any punctures to your roof in order to prevent any secondary damages such as water damage due to the rain. Check gutters and downspouts as debris can easily clog them and create other headaches down the road. It is important to inspect your trees in your yard frequently and keep them trimmed to prevent dead trees and hanging limbs, as these can cause damage during wind storms. Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Dead trees can fall and be uprooted causing significant damage to outbuildings and your home.
It is important too if a tree or branch causes a puncture to your roof that you get it protected and boarded up which we can help with.
Call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan after the storm strikes your house or business in Northern Michigan! We provide 24 Hour Emergency Services.
989-705-2400
Is a winter storm on the way in Northern Michigan? How can you prepare your home?
Here in Northern Michigan, snow and winter weather can be a lot of fun, but blizzards and extremely cold weather systems can cause serious property damage issues for your home. Here are some tips to help you prepare your home prior, during and after a winter storm. Below are helpful tips to educate and properly prepare homeowners for extreme winter weather in Northern Michigan.
Winter Weather Preparation:
Stock up: Purchase in advance all the necessary tools to clear sidewalks and driveways, uncover your car and keep all passageways clear. Stock up on snow shovels, a snow blower with gas and salt or sand to pre-treat the driveway and sidewalks, all items that will help you keep snow and slush at bay.
Create an emergency kit: Items to assemble for your kit include a First Aid kit, battery-powered radio, water, flashlights and lanterns, fresh batteries, blankets to keep warm if the power goes out, a manual can opener and a three-day supply of drinking water and non-perishable canned food. Keep your cellphone charged up in case of an emergency.
Insulation central: Take steps to make sure your home is properly insulated, including:
Insulate walls and attics to conserve heat and energy.
Insulate pipes, especially those near exterior walls of your home, to prevent freezing.
Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows to protect against drafting air. This will help prevent cold air from getting in and your furnace from working even harder.
Install storm windows or use plastic sheeting to cover windows.
Use all-weather caulk to seal around window frames, doorframes and other openings on the exterior of your home.
Close currents and blinds to help retain the heat in your home.
Close doors to unused rooms to retain heat in the center of your home.
Generate power: If you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages due to severe winter weather, consider purchasing a generator. But remember NEVER to operate a generator indoors, as the engine exhaust contains potentially fatal carbon monoxide.
Be Cautious: Change the air filter in your furnace to avoid the system from working even harder when temperatures decline. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the house.
Heat it up: If you have a wood burning fireplace or heat source, stock up on firewood. Always be sure the flue is open to allow gases and potentially harmful fumes to escape.
Winterize your vehicle: Put on snow tires or chains (where allowed) and make sure your brakes are in good working condition. Try to keep your gas tank more than half full to prevent gas lines from freezing. If you park your vehicle outside, you may want to keep a lock deicer handy as well.
During and After the Storm:
Frequent shoveling: Depending on the amount of snow that falls, it is a good idea to occasionally clear a path from the front and back door or your home. In case of an emergency, you need a clear exit at all times. If a heavy amount of snow falls and your boiler or furnace has vents on the side of your home, make sure that you remove enough snow so that pipe stays clear. If it becomes covered with snow your unit will shut down.
Severe cold switch: During bouts of extreme cold temperatures, switch your heater from auto to fan on. This adjustment will constantly circulate warm air throughout the home causing the burners to run less, which will maintain a consistent warm temperature in your home and use less natural gas and/or electricity.
Prevent freezing: In areas of the home where pipes are prone to freezing, such as a bathroom on an outside wall or basement, turn the faucet on slightly to allow a trickle of water. Moving water will keep the pipes from freezing. Keep the cabinet doors to pipes open so warm air can reach them.
Frozen pipes: If pipes freeze, remove any insulation and wrap towels around the pipes to absorb moisture during the thawing process. Do not use a blowtorch to thaw frozen pipes, slow thawing works best to prevent them from bursting.
If you have suffered any storm damage to your home or business in Northern Michigan, we can help. At SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan we perform emergency board ups, tarping and water mitigation from frozen pipes.
Call 989-705-2400 today!
Winter Weather can Cause Property Damage to your home
In Northern Michigan our winter weather can cause serious damage to your home or business.
If you have suffered property damage to your home or business due to a snow storm and cleanup and restoration services are needed, it is important to call a professional to assess the damage.
Do you have Insurance Coverage?
Dependant upon the damage from a snow storm to your home or business, you could have insurance coverage, though the coverages and limits vary depending on your policy. You will be responsible for your deductible.
Make sure to document the damage to your home or business. Make sure to take a lot of photos and be sure to hang on to any receipts and documents related to appliances and maintenance work you completed prior to the storm. Make sure to reach out to a specialist such as a restoration company to help restore your home or business and assess the damage.
Winter Storm Damage
Winter storms rip through Michigan every year, and areas that don’t get hit with snow often deal with ice storms and freezing rain. When you’re dealing with blizzards, lake effect storms and snow squalls, damage to your home and business can include roof and structural damage from heavy snow as well as damage to fascia, exterior pipes and siding. These wintry storms often come with high winds, which can exacerbate damage by causing shingles to break loose. These storms can wreak havoc on utility lines.
Ice dams can also be formed due to the winter storms and freezing weather. These can be easy to miss, but are important to be aware of because they can quickly lead to leaks and then to mold and structural damage.
Contact a Professional
If your home or business has property damage due to a winter storm, it is important to repair the structure quickly. Don't take the repairs into your own hands. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan works very closely with many insurance companies throughout Northern Michigan.
You need to prepare for extreme weather before it comes.
Extreme cold weather can be hard on both you and your home. Here are some tips to help in preparation this fall in preparing for our winter weather to come to our area in Gaylord.
How to Deal with Frozen Pipes
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
Turn off water to outside faucets, if available, and open valves on faucets to allow them to drain
Turn off sprinkler system and blow compressed air through the lines to drain them.
These are just a few tips to take into consideration when performing fall cleanup in getting your property prepared in Gaylord for the freezing ice and snow that we are experienced with! These tips can help prevent frozen pipes and water damage throughout your home or business.
For more information on preparing and preventing damage to your property in Gaylord during our winter storms, please contact our office at 989-705-2400!
Damaging winds or “straight-line” winds areclassified as those exceeding 50-60mph. These can occur during a severe thunderstorm or strong weather system. During an especially strong thunderstorm, the winds could exceed a whopping 100mph. Winds can blow small to large objects around and cause extensive destruction for miles. Here is how to prepare and protect yourself from wind damage.
Find shelter. Have a location in your home that you can take cover in. This should be away from any windows or glass doors, preferably in the middle of your home or basement. Those living in mobile homes should evacuate, as these are easily overturned and punctured by high winds.
Protect your property. If you know strong winds are near, move garbage cans, outdoor furniture, grills and anything else that could be potentially dangerous if blown over into your home or garage. Try to store your vehicles in a garage and dock any boats securely.
Power lines. High winds lead to fallen power lines. Do not try to free lines or remove debris – call and report them. “Stay Away and Stay Alive.” If you see someone who may have been shocked do not try to touch them – you could also fall victim to electrocution. Call 911 and get them the right attention as quickly as possible. If a power line falls onto your car, stay inside the vehicle and do not touch any metal framing in your vehicle. Do not exit the car unless it catches on fire – if you must do so, do not step out – but jump out without touching any metal portions of the interior/exterior.
Driving in winds. Keep both hands on the wheel (wind can jerk and pull your wheel around) and immediately reduce your speed. If winds are severe enough, turn on your hazards, pull onto the shoulder of the road and stop until the conditions subside.
If your home or business has had property damage due to high winds, make sure to call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan and get us on the line. 24/7 Emergency Services and board up services are available to protect your property from further damage and secondary damages occurring.
Though we don't suffer anywhere near the damage that hurricanes and tornadoes can cause, we still suffer from heavy rain and windstorms that can cause significant damage to your home or business in Northern Michigan.
Leave the Hassle of Board-Ups to the Professionals
Boarding up your damaged property due to a storm is a burden though it needs to be done quickly to help prevent any secondary damages from occurring. If it is done incorrectly or not at all, it could cause damages such as water damage or animal intrusion, making the situation even worse. Leave the work to the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan. With our 24 Hour Emergency Service, we can board up your damaged property and help with any damage this may have caused your property such as water damage or structural damage.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (989) 705-2400
Why Choose SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan?
We're Highly Trained and experienced Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition and also to protect your home from further damage following a storm in Northern Michigan.
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
Major storms and flooding events can overwhelm many restoration companies. SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has the capabilities to handle any size loss and we have access to resources from 1,700 Franchises across the state and country and even utilize Disaster Recovery Teams for major storms and disasters.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is locally owned and operated, so we are part of the communities that we service in Northern Michigan. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help.
Wind Damage to your home from Flying Debris and falling Trees
When a significant wind storm causes debris to fly, it can make its way onto your roof. Shards of glass, tree branches and other debris can sometimes be more damaging than the wind itself. When inspecting your roof after a wind event, investigate what might have blown onto or across the roof. Also, it’s a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts as debris can easily clog them and create other headaches down the road. Keep trees trimmed and away from your roof and cleanup dead trees and hanging limbs. Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials.
It is important to if a tree or branch causes a puncture to your roof that you get it protected and boarded up which we can help with.
Call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan after the storm strikes your house or business!
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.
Why Choose SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan?
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your Northen Michigan home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your Gaylord home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Gaylord community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.
Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.
There is no disaster that hits home quite like a disaster to your property, home, or business. When you have suffered a fire, water, or mold damage, you don’t have time to waste searching for a company to fix your property. When disaster strikes, depend on SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan and their network of over 1,700 Franchises in North America. Whether the job is big or small, your local Gaylord & Cheboygan Franchise Professionals will be there to help make it “Like it never even happened” so you can get back to your home or business and on with your life. In this issue of the Restoration Newsline, you will find information on the mold mitigation and remediation process and what may take place if you are dealing with a mold loss as well as important information regarding extreme heat, and what you can do to prepare your home or property when the summer sun starts to scorch. If you’re in need of cleanup and restoration services, call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan today. 989.705.2400
Floods and storms don’t wait for normal business hours, and neither do we. You can depend on an immediate response from our highly trained technicians, who are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As water and storm damage specialists, we have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
We can scale our resources to handle any size storm or disaster. We can access resources from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is close by and ready to respond to your flood or storm damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Gaylord community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.
Significant wind events also move debris which can make its way onto your roof. Shards of glass, tree branches and other debris can sometimes be more damaging than the wind itself. When inspecting the roof after a wind event, investigate what might have blown onto or across the roof. Also, it’s a good idea to check your gutters and downspouts as debris can easily clog them and create other headaches down the road. Keep trees trimmed and away from your roof. Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials.
Call SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan after the storm strikes your house or business!
Are you aware that during a hail storm more than just your vehicles are potentially vulnerable to damage and future repairs? When hail hits, it can damage the roof or covering of your home as well as other personal property. Although hailstorms can be destructive, the amount of damage can vary greatly. Following are some factors that affect the type and degree of damage that may be impacted by a hailstorm, as well as a guide on how to identify hail damage to different types of shingles and roofing materials.
Wind – During a hailstorm, wind direction and wind speed can vary. Changes in wind conditions can affect the location and severity of hail impacts.
Size and density – The size of the hailstones can affect the degree of damage, if any, to your property. A hailstone can be as small as a pea, or as large as a softball. Most hailstones do not have smooth edges, which can impact the type of damage they cause.
Building materials – Building materials absorb hail impacts differently. For example, hail can cause dings in aluminum siding, gutters or asphalt shingles, whereas it can crack vinyl siding or wood shakes. Alternatively, softball-sized hailstones can be dense enough and strong enough to puncture a roof. Additionally, the age and condition of a roof could affect the degree of damage.
Barriers– The position of neighboring structures and natural barriers, like tree cover, landscaping, fences or adjacent homes can reduce the ability of hail to cause damage.
What Does Hail Damage to Your Roof Look Like?
Shingles can react differently when struck by hail. As an example, hail damage to asphalt and composition shingles can look very different than hail damage to wood shingles. It is important to know the different effects of the damage to properly identify whether or not you have roof damage from hail.
Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage
Random damage with no discernable pattern.
Hail hits that are black in color.
Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.
Wood Shingles Hail Damage
Random damage with no discernable pattern.
A split in the shingle that is brown/orange in color.
A split in the shingle that has sharp corners and edges.
A split in the shingle that has little to no deterioration at the edges.
Impact marks or dents along the splits.
There are many other types of damage to shingles that can be mistaken for hail damage. For example, exposure to inclement weather and sunlight makes shingles brittle and gives them an aged appearance. This type of damage is normal wear and tear of shingles, which is sometimes misidentified as hail damage. Other types of normal wear and tear may include blistering, cracking, granule loss, flaking and algae. Manufacturing defects and mechanical imperfections in shingles can also be mistaken for hail damage.
If you believe you have sustained hail damage to your home or business, give SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan a call. We specialize in the emergency board up to take preventative damage, to fixing the damage to your roof or siding and putting your home or business back together.
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.
Why Choose SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan?
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your Northen Michigan home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond immediately with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition.
We're Faster to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your Gaylord home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We're Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands-on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
Water Damage Restoration Technician
Applied Structural Drying Technicians
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
In addition to our own resources, we can access equipment and personnel from over 1,700 Franchises across the state and country. We can even call upon strategically located Disaster Recovery Teams for catastrophic storms and major events.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a flooding or storm emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Gaylord community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.
Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.
24 Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any Size Disaster
A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Highly Trained Storm and Water Damage Restoration Specialists
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.
SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan 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 Otsego, Crawford, Antrim, Roscommon, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and surrounding Counties, 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, Hail or Flood Damage to Your Home? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Gaylord & Cheboygan at 989-705-2400
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Signs of Frostbite: Occurs when the skin and body tissue just beneath it freezes. Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose.
What to Do: Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. Seek medical help immediately.
Signs of Hypothermia: Dangerously low body temperature. Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
What to Do: If symptoms of hypothermia are detected take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, seek medical attention immediately. Get the victim to a warm location. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Seek medical help immediately.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, if you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.
Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
Stay or Go
STAY:
If stuck on the road to avoid exposure and/or rescue is likely
If a safe location is neither nearby or visible
If you do not have appropriate clothing to go outside
If you do not have the ability to call for help
GO:
If the distance to call for help is accessible.
If you have visibility and outside conditions are safe.
If you have appropriate clothing.
Once the storm has passed, if you are not already home, follow instructions from your local transportation department and emergency management agency to determine which route will be safest for you to get home. Drive with extra caution.
Dress for the Weather
If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Stranded in a Vehicle
If a blizzard traps you in the car:
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
Eat regularly and drink ample fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.
Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.
If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472)
Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.
Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
Learn From Every Storm
Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in case another storm hits.
Assess how well your supplies and family plan worked. What could you have done better?
Take a few minutes to improve your family plan and supplies before the next winter storm hits.
Talk to your neighbors and colleagues about their experiences and share tips with each other.
Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events.
Know the Difference
Winter Storm Outlook - Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
Winter Storm Watch - Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
Winter Storm Warning - Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
Preparing
How to Prepare for a Winter Storm
Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
24/7 Emergency Service
Disaster Restoration Process
