Understanding and Addressing Storm Damage

7/31/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can wreak havoc on your property, causing a range of issues from wind damage and flooding to roof leaks and structural harm. Addressing storm damage quickly is crucial to minimize long-term impacts and ensure your property’s safety and integrity.

After a storm, inspect your property for visible damage and take necessary safety precautions. Water damage, such as leaks or standing water, should be addressed immediately to prevent mold growth and further structural issues. Wind damage might require repairs to roofs, windows, and siding.

SERVPRO's professional storm damage restoration services can help manage cleanup and repairs effectively. They provide expertise in assessing damage, removing debris, and restoring your property to its pre-storm condition.

For comprehensive storm damage restoration, trust SERVPRO of Northwest San Antonio experts to handle the recovery process efficiently and thoroughly, ensuring your property is safe and secure. Contact us (210) 521-3313 today!

Preparing for Storm Season: Essential Tips

7/26/2024 (Permalink)

Storm season can bring severe weather conditions. Here’s how to prepare and protect your property:

1. Inspect and Repair: Check your roof, windows, and doors for any damage and repair them.
2. Clear Debris: Remove any debris from your yard that could become projectiles during a storm.
3. Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, and medical supplies.
4. Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates and follow local authorities' instructions.

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help with storm damage restoration, ensuring your property is quickly restored to its pre-storm condition.

National Preparedness Month

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

Every September, National Preparedness Month is recognized.  This year's campaign theme is “The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family”.    As the month is winding down, it is important to us at SERVPRO of Sugar Land that it is essential to stay prepared for disasters as we see hurricanes start to pick up.    

Take this time to create a plan and know what to do in case of an emergency.  Mother Nature has created multiple large disasters around the Sugar Land area.  It is important to keep your emergency contact list up-to-date and have alternative communication methods set up in case traditional means are affected. For more information about staying prepared, visit www.ready.gov/september.  Expect the unexpected and remember it is never too early to be prepared.  Keep in mind that disasters can strike when you least expect them.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always prepared, to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Tips to Prevent Storm Damages

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

Mother Nature has the ability to cause extensive and expensive damage to your home or business as some of us may have experienced from last year's winter storms back in February.

Here are a few tips to prevent storm damage to your property

• CLEAN THE GUTTERS down sprouts can be clogged by dead leaves or branches.  Consider cleaning the gutters twice a year.
• Inspect your roofs – give the roof a good look for any loose or missing shingles. If there are damages spotted it is encouraged to get this addressed and fixed immediately.  Taking immediate action will help prevent further damage such as future water or mold damage.
• Check the trees on your property – tree decay, soil erosion, heavy rains, and windstorm can cause a tree to fall.  By keeping an eye out for these signs and helping pruning trees can avoid possible future damage.

Let SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio keep your home or business safe from storm and water damage. Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.  Give our team a call!

Tornado Facts

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike when you least expect it. SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help!

Tornadoes are arguably nature’s most violent storms.  Generated from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes generally appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the cloud base to the ground.  With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds.  Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long.

Unlike hurricanes, which typically develop over water and occur mostly in coastal locations, tornadoes form over land, posing hazards and risks for all fifty states.  Additionally, tornadoes can develop so quickly that advance warning is not always possible.  While tornadoes are often visible, heavy rain or low-hanging clouds can obscure their funnel-like formation.  A cloud of debris, however, can usually indicate tornado location even if a funnel is not visible. 

Keep in mind that disasters can strike when you least expect them.  For additional tornado information visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.   SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always prepared, to help make it "Like it never even happened."  Our team is always here to help our community. 

Hurricane Preparedness Week

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared and add SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio as an emergency contact. Our team is always here to help our community when disaster strikes!

May 1st-7th marks National Preparedness Hurricane week.  Those located along the coast are not the only ones prone to experience significant impact from a hurricane.  Threats from a hurricane may vary widely depending on where you live but it is important that citizens are prepared for hurricane season, which begins June 1st.   These plans should include having a clear plan of knowing what to do before the storm hits and who to contact after a hurricane strikes.   Steps to consider:

Determine the cause the hurricane may cause

Develop an evacuation plan

Assemble or replenish supplies

Strengthen your home

Write out a complete plan

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is ready with the proper equipment and trained professionals to restore the aftermath caused by a hurricane.  Remember to give us a call at SERVPRO of San Antonio - (210) 653-4651. Our team truly cares for our community and we are always here to help when disaster strikes!

Lightning Truths and Myths

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help!

It's important that we know our facts about the weather patterns to prepare for any future emergencies.  Learn the common myths and facts about lightning during spring!
 

Myth: If it's not raining, then there is no danger from lightning. 
Fact: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.  This is especially true in the western United States where thunderstorms sometimes produce very little rain. 

Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car protect you from being struck by lightning. 
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires proved no protection from lightning.  The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.  Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside. 

Myth: "Heat lightning" occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat. 
Fact: "Heat lightning" is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. 

To find out more information about the myths and the facts about lightning go to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. 

Dealing with lightning damages can be very overwhelming to deal with alone.  Give the team of professionals here at SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call!

Types of Flooding

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help no matter how big or small the damage is.

Flooding can occur at any time of the year, especially around the coastal region of Texas.  However, did you know that there are different types of floods?   There are several kinds of floods, and SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio feels it is important to educate our customers, so they can make informed decisions on how to handle the situation. 

Flash floods- most dangerous kind of flood, combining nearly

River flood – Occurs when a river overflows its banks.  A common cause for this is tropical systems (hurricanes, tropical storms, etc.) or an abundance amount of rain.

Coastal flooding – this is the result of strong onshore winds pushing on water from the ocean or bay.  These can be classified as storm surges and may greatly affect homes along the coast.

Urban flooding – floods are due to the lack of drainage in an urban area. 

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here for any of your weather-related remediation needs, give our team of trained professionals a call!

Preparing for Rain

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help when rain or storm disaster strikes!

When it rains, it pours.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  More rain continues to fall this week around the San Antonio area.  Is your home or business secure from the rainfall?  Here are a few tips to help prepare to help avoid potential rainwater intruding into your home use these precautions:

• Weatherstrip windows and doors when rain is in the forecast
• Regularly inspect and maintain your gutters
• Check for holes, leaks, and rust on your roof
• Check your downspouts
• Have trees trimmed

Follow your local news source for up-to-date information on weather situations and pay close attention to their warnings. SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here for you! Give us a call for your storm damage needs!

Rain vs. Flood Damage

6/22/2021 (Permalink)

We are dedicated to helping our community when disaster strikes!

Do you understand the difference between rain damage and flood damage?

Rain damage is caused by falling water. A leaky roof or window can cause rain to intrude into your home. Gutters and downspouts can also be a big contributing factor to rain damage. It is very important to clean your gutters and downspouts to keep the rain away from your walls and windows.

Flood damage is caused by rising water. Improper grading, failing drainage, or rising creek water are all examples of how flood damage can occur in your home. Flood damage can also cause cracks to your foundation allowing excess water to intrude into your home.

If you or anyone you know experiences either rain damage or flood damage, contact SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio!  Our team is dedicated to helping you!  Do not hesitate to give our experts a call when disaster strikes! We want to help you restore your home “Like it never even happened.

Understanding Thunderstorms

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

We are ready to help you restore any storm damage needs. SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help!

Storms occur with sometimes, little to no warning, in which case can make it difficult to plan how to prepare. Stay ahead and get prepared now; this can help you get ready for any future storms that may be brewing this spring.   Understanding these definitions from the National Weather Service can help prep you on who to plan for your preparedness:

What is a Severe Thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm that produces a tornado, winds of at least 58 mph (50 knots), and/or hail at least ¾" in diameter. Structural wind damage may imply the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm. A thunderstorm wind equal to or greater than 40 mph (35 knots) and/or hail of at least ½" is defined as approaching severe.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

This is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. The size of the watch can vary depending on the weather situation. They are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. They are normally issued well in advance of the actual occurrence of severe weather. During the watch, people should review safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

This is issued when either a severe thunderstorm is indicated by the WSR-88D radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail 3/4 inch or larger in diameter and/or winds equal to or exceed 58 miles an hour; therefore, people in the affected area should seek safe shelter immediately. Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes with little or no advance warning. Lightning frequency is not a criterion for issuing a severe thunderstorm warning. They are usually issued for a duration of one hour. They can be issued without a Severe Thunderstorm Watch being already in effect.

When storms hit San Antonio, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.  Give SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call to help your storm damage needs (210) 653-4651

Be Prepared with SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio when a Storm Strikes!

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Whenever you need SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio, we are always here to help. Give our team a call (210) 653-4651!

Storms do not wait for a convent time to strike or check our schedules. Storms often come at the most inconvenient time. This is why SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here for you 24 hours, 7 days a week!  Our team does not pass up the opportunity to help out our community during emergency storm situations.

Whether the storm is a spring thunderstorm or a major flood, our trained professionals are ready for action! It is extremely important to take immediate action when disaster strikes, to prevent additional damage to the property.

When storms hit the San Antonio area we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1.700 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.  If you have any questions regarding potential water or storm damage in your home, give our trusted train professionals a call (210) 653-4651! 

Flood Safety Tips

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help you when disaster strikes!

Floods are the most common hazards in the United States.  Whether you live and work on a coastline, along city streets, in a basin, near a river, or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. 

What FEMA suggests you can do now:

• Have qualified professionals to evaluate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps a prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

What FEMA suggests when a flood is imminent:

• Move essential or unreplaceable items to an upper floor, when possible
• Turn off utilities at the main switches if instructed to do so
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water

If a flood does strike your business or home, give SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call.  Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming and daunting task.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has the tools and equipment to help you during a traumatic time. 

Source: Floodsmart.gov and fema.gov

National Preparedness Month

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

September is known as National Preparedness Month at SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio to help bring awareness to our local communities.  This awareness event is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the 2020 theme is "Disasters don't wait.  Make your plan today."  This program encourages everyone to take advantage of the information provided by FEMA because advanced planning is critical in dealing with and recovering from unexpected disasters, such as flooding and hurricanes.  

Take this time to create a plan and know what to do in case of an emergency.  Mother Nature has created multiple large disasters around the San Antonio area.  It is important to keep your emergency contact list up-to-date and have alternative communication methods set up in case traditional means are affected. If you would like more information about staying prepared, visit www.ready.gov/september.  Expect the unexpected and remember it is never too early to be prepared.  Keep in mind that disasters can strike when you least expect it.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always prepared, to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Tropical Storm Preparation

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

There is no stopping a tropical storm, but there are measures you can take to be prepared for one.  Between the months of June through November, we cast a close eye on the gulf to observe potential disturbances over the seas.  There are times when a storm forms over a body of water and fails to become anything after a few days, but then there are the ones that form and become what could potentially be trouble ashore.   When the storm hits tropical storm status, it can pack sustaining winds to about 73mph causing heavy rain, power outages, or serious harm.  

What you should know about tropical storms and how to prepare for them?

A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph.  Evacuation is not likely during a tropical storm, but there could potentially be a small chance that an order is given.  If there is, be familiar with an evacuation route. 

It’s always a good idea to take have some cash handy.  The ATM could potentially be useless if the power goes out.  A good rule of thumb is to have enough to feed and/or provide your family for two weeks. 

Keep a device that will allow you to stay updated with the local news about the weather conditions.  By having some batteries at hand, this could help electronics running in case the power goes out.  

After the storm has passed by, be sure that the area is clear before going out. Be careful and watch for any downed power lines.  If you are to see any, report this for safety reasons.  

Although this may not be nearly as intense as a hurricane, be careful and prepared.  Need more information about what to do about preparing for a tropical storm?  Give our team a call! 

Tips To Prepare for a Flood

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Storms occur with sometimes, little to no warning, in which case can make it difficult to plan how to prepare.  It is common to see a storm with heavy downpours of rain causing flooding in the most protected neighborhoods.  Do you know what to do during a flood?  SERVPRO of Sugar Land has a few tips for you to follow in case an event was to happen:

• Be prepared, create an evacuation plan
• Learn and identify different evacuation routes to be able to evacuate quickly
• If public transportation is relied on, contact the local emergency management for evacuation information
• Moving water above two feet can knock you down; one foot of water can move vehicles away
• Move to higher ground if there is a chance of flash flooding
• Driving during high rainfalls can be extremely dangerous.  Stay updated by checking service announcements through the National Weather Service.

For more information about flooding, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods.  Be proactive and create an evacuation plan to keep safe. It is very important to stay updated when it comes to natural disasters.  SERVPRO of Sugar Land values our community; we are here to help when disaster strikes! 

Preparing for Rains in San Antonio

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help!

Over the last few weeks, there has been quite a bit of rainfall.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has worked on different sites due to the amount of rain that the city has seen.  Several customers have called during after-hours due to leaks caused by the excess rain.  Although these leaks are unavoidable at times, our goal is to help you be prepared before the next rainy day comes.  To help avoid potential rainwater intruding into your home use these precautions:

Regularly inspect and maintain your gutters

Check for holes, leaks, and rust on your roof

Weatherstrip windows and doors when rain is in the forecast

Check your downspouts

Have trees trimmed

When it comes to storms, SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here to help.  We are dedicated to helping our community when disaster strikes.  If you have any questions regarding potential water or storm damage in your home, give our trusted train professionals a call (210) 653-4651.

Tips to Prepare for a Flood

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Stay prepared just in case a flood happens in your community.

Storms occur with sometimes, little to no warning, in which case can make it difficult to plan how to prepare.  It is common to see a storm with heavy downpours of rain causing flooding in the most protected neighborhoods.  Do you know what to do during a flood?  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has a few tips for you to follow in case an event was to happen:

• Be prepared, create an evacuation plan
• Learn and identify different evacuation routes to be able to evacuate quickly
• If public transportation is relied on, contact the local emergency management for evacuation information
• Turn Around, Don't Drown! ® Moving water above two feet can knock you down; one foot of water can move vehicles away
• Move to higher ground if there is a chance of flash flooding
• Driving during high rainfalls can be extremely dangerous.  Stay updated by checking service announcements through the National Weather Service.

For more information about flooding, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods.  Be proactive and create an evacuation plan to keep safe. It is very important to stay updated when it comes to natural disasters.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio values our community; we are here to help when disaster strikes! 

Pipe Safety Tips

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call if you experience a ruptured pipe!

The holiday season is quickly approaching and with that comes cooler temperatures.  As the temperatures eventually drop here in Texas, consider the safety of your home and prevent disaster striking by not leaving any pipes exposed.  Here are a few tips to consider to avoid any busted pipes this holiday season:

• Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest
• Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off the water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems
• Keep heat at 55 degrees F. or higher even when you are out of town
• During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
• If you need to be away from home, drain your water system before you go
• Identify the locations of shutoff valves so that you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts

National Preparedness Month 2019

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Disaster may strike when you least expect it. Prepared, Not Scared!

September is here and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors an awareness event known as National Preparedness Month.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help bring awareness to our local communities.  The 2019 theme is "Prepared, Not Scared".  This program encourages everyone to take advantage of the information provided by FEMA because advanced planning is critical in dealing with and recovering from unexpected disasters, such as flooding and hurricanes.  

Take this time to create a plan and know what to do in case of an emergency.  Mother Nature has created multiple disasters around the San Antonio area.  It is important to keep your emergency contact list up-to-date and have alternative communication methods set up in case traditional means are affected. If you would like more information about staying prepared, visit www.ready.gov/september.  It is never too early to be prepared, keep in mind that disasters can strike when you least expect it.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is dedicated to helping you when disaster strikes!   

Hurricane Season Begins

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

  Hurricanes can be very destructive.   As hurricane season begins June 1st, create a plan and communicate it with family members. These plans should include having a clear plan of knowing what to do before the storms hits and whom to contact after the hurricane strikes.

• Put together an emergency plan 

• Put together an emergency plan 

• Take action to protect your property

Tornado Tips from SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

It is important to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning to help protect you and loved ones.  

When a tornado watch is issued, this means a tornado is possible in the area.

When a tornado warning is issued, this means a tornado has been sighted and may be headed toward your area.

Tornadoes are dangerous and can be spawned by a thunderstorm or produced as a result of a hurricane.  According to the National Hurricane Center, studies show that more than half of the landfalling hurricanes produce at least one tornado.   If a tornado strikes your home or area, know what to do.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has provided a few tips to help keep our community safe!

• Wait for an all-clear announcement from the National Weather Service or local news before leaving your home, business, or shelter.
• Be very cautious and on the watch for downed utility lines.  Do not approach or touch downed utility lines. 
• Check water heater and appliances for damage.  For safety purposes, use a flashlight, not matches or candles. 
• Use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking until you are told the water supply is safe. 
• Driving may be hazardous due to debris in the streets, downed power lines, and flooding.  If flooding is a potential hazard, stay away from the rivers and streams.
• Inspect car, home, or business both inside and outside for damage.  List any damages that you can find and document the damages with pictures if possible.
• Walk through your home or business and conduct an inventory of damaged items and belongings.

Lightning Truths and Myths

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

It's important that we know our facts about the weather patterns to prepare for any future emergencies.  Learn the common myths and facts about lightning during spring!
 

Myth: If it's not raining, then there is no danger from lightning. 
Fact: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.  This is especially true in the western United States where thunderstorms sometimes produce very little rain. 

Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car protect you from being struck by lightning. 
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires proved no protection from lightning.  The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.  Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside. 

Myth: "Heat lightning" occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat. 
Fact: "Heat lightning" is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. 

To find out more information about the myths and the facts about lightning go to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov. 

Dealing with lightening damages can be very overwhelming to deal with alone.  Give the team of professionals here at SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call! (210) 653-4651. 

Winter Storm

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Does this seem like the wettest winter in Northeast San Antonio?  Temperatures are lower, more rain has fallen, and heavier winds have overtaken Sugar Land.   If we recall correctly, it has been a long time since we’ve seen these kinds of weather patterns.  While we have no control over the weather, we do have the opportunity to keep the weather from affecting our homes or business.  To help prevent weather-related damages from hurting your home or business, apply some of the following tips to protect your property:

• Keep gutters clear of leaves, sticks and other debris to help ensure it can drain properly. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the home or business
• Wrap water pipes in your crawl spaces with insulation sleeves to slow heat transfer and prevent freezing
• If you have a fireplace, keep the flue closed when you're not using it
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces 

Give SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call if you have any additional questions.  Our team is always here to help when disaster strikes!  

Keep Pipes from Freezing in San Antonio

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Temperatures are dropping, and a freeze may occur over the next few days.  With weather conditions like these, it could potentially wreak havoc on your home if you are not properly prepared. Be proactive this winter and take some precautions to help protect your home and do not let these harsh weather conditions interfere your holiday plans.  Protect pipes from freezing by allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm insider air to circulate around the pipes. Make sure all exterior pipes are properly insulated.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio values our community. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help you.  Give our team of professionals a call (210) 653-4651!

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Not all hurricanes are destructive or deadly.  But it's always a good idea to be prepared especially during prime time hurricane season. They are known as one of the most violent wind storms and should not be messed with. Know the difference between the stages of hurricanes and damages they may cause.

Hurricane Categories 
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates a hurricane's intensity using wind speed and storm surge, which is the abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm. The scale also estimates the potential damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall.

Category 1
Sustained winds of 74-85 mph.  Dangerous winds occur and may cause some damage. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees along with some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.

Category 2
Winds of  96-110 mph.  Extremely dangerous winds and will cause extensive damage. Roofing, door and window damage to buildings; Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees, mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers.

Category 3
Devastating damage will occur. Winds of 111-129 mph. Structural damage to small residences and utility buildings; foliage blew off trees and large trees blown down; mobile homes destroyed.

Category 4
Catastrophic damage occurs. Sustained winds of 130 - 156 mph. Extensive damage to doors, windows and lower floors of shoreline houses; total roof failures on small residences; shrubs, trees, and all signs blown down; mobile homes completely destroyed.

Category 5
Catastrophic damage occurs.  Winds of 157 mph or higher.  Complete roof failure on many buildings and some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away; severe and extensive window and door damage; mobile homes destroyed.

Spring Safety Facts and Myths about Lightning

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Every year, SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio answers the call to help clean up and restore homes and businesses after spring storms have taken their toll.  After all, SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is always here in helping make disasters “Like it never even happened.” when your property suffers from storm damage.  So leave the restoration remediation of your home and business to our team.  Consider the following to protect your property during a storm:

Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lighting.  
Fact:  Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from rainfall. 

Myth: Rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car protect you from being struck
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning.  The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not toughing metal.  Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

Myth: “Heat lightning” occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat.  
Fact:  “Heat lightning” is a team used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard.

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio is here to help you.  Give our team of professionals a call (210) 653-4651!

Preparing for Spring Safety

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

Floods are the most common hazards in the United States.  Whether you live and work on a coastline, along city streets, in a basin, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. 

What FEMA suggests you can do now:

• Have qualified professionals to evaluate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible
• Install “check valves” in sewer traps a prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home
• Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.

What FEMA suggests when a flood is imminent:

• Move essential or unreplaceable items to an upper floor, when possible
• Turn off utilities at the main switches if instructed to do so
• Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water

If a flood does strike your business or home, give SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio a call.  Even minor floods have the potential to cause major damage to a structure, and the cleanup is often an overwhelming and daunting task.  SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has the tools and equipment to help you during a traumatic time. 

Source: Floodsmart.gov and fema.gov

Flooding Safety Tips

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

It is common to see a storm with heavy down pours of rain causing flooding in the most protected neighborhoods. Do you know what to do during a flood? SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio has a few tips for you to follow in case an event was to happen:

• Be prepared, create an evacuation plan
• Learn and identify different evacuation routes to be able to evacuate quickly
• If public transportation is relied on, contact the local emergency management for evacuation information
• Turn Around, Don't Drown! ® Moving water above two feet can knock you down; one foot of water can move vehicles away
• Move to higher ground if there is a chance of flash flooding
• Driving during high rain falls can be extremely dangerous. Stay update by checking service announcements through the National Weather Service.

For more information about flooding, visithttps://www.ready.gov/floods. Be proactive and create an evacuation plan to keep safe. It is very important to stay up date when it comes to natural disasters. SERVPRO of Northeast San Antonio values our community; we are here to help when disaster strikes!

Exterior Pipe Safety Tips

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

It’s the holiday season and with that comes cooler holiday temperatures.  As the temperatures occasionally drop below freezing here in Texas, consider the safety of your home and prevent disaster striking by not leaving any pipes exposed.  Here are a few tips to consider to avoid any busted pipes this holiday season:

• Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest
• Seal air leaks surrounding or near pipes
• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off water to exterior faucets and sprinkler systems
• Keep heat at 55 degrees F. or higher even when you are out of town
• During a cold spell turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night
• If you need to be away from home, drain your water system before you go
• Identify the locations of shutoff valves so that you are prepared to stop the flow of water as soon as possible when a pipe bursts