Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Storm Damage in Cobb County
8/5/2024 (Permalink)
East Cobb Kitchen Water Damage
How SERVPRO® Can Help with Mitigation and Restoration
Storms can cause significant damage to homes and businesses, and Cobb County, Georgia, is no stranger to the wrath of Mother Nature. From thunderstorms and tornadoes to hurricanes and floods, residents and business owners often face the challenge of repairing and restoring their properties. This is where SERVPRO comes into play, offering comprehensive storm damage mitigation and restoration services to help you get back on your feet.
Understanding Storm Damage
Storm damage can be extensive and varied, affecting the structural integrity of buildings, damaging roofs, windows, and doors, and causing flooding that leads to mold and mildew growth. The aftermath can be overwhelming, with debris scattered around, electrical hazards, and potential water damage compromising the safety and functionality of your property.
Immediate Response with SERVPRO
When a storm hits, time is of the essence. SERVPRO of Cobb County is available 24/7 to provide emergency services. Their immediate response team assesses the damage, helps secure your property, and prevents further issues from arising. Here’s a breakdown of how they handle storm damage:
1. Assessment and Inspection: SERVPRO professionals conduct a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage. This involves checking for structural damage, water intrusion, and any immediate hazards that need to be addressed.
2. Board-Up and Roof Tarp Services: To protect your property from further damage, SERVPRO offers board-up services for broken windows and doors, as well as roof tarping to cover damaged roofs.
3. Water Removal and Drying: Water damage is a common consequence of storms. SERVPRO uses advanced water extraction and drying equipment to remove water and prevent mold growth.
4. Debris Removal and Cleanup: Storms often leave behind a trail of debris, including fallen trees, broken branches, and damaged building materials. SERVPRO's team efficiently removes debris and ensures your property is clean and safe.
5. Mold Remediation: If water damage is left unchecked, mold can develop within 24-48 hours. SERVPRO offers professional mold remediation services to address any mold issues promptly.
6. Restoration and Reconstruction: Beyond immediate mitigation, SERVPRO provides comprehensive restoration services to bring your property back to its pre-storm condition. This includes repairing and rebuilding damaged structures, painting, and other necessary restorations.
The SERVPRO Advantage
What sets SERVPRO apart is their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. They have a highly trained team equipped with the latest technology and equipment to handle any size disaster. Additionally, SERVPRO's local presence in Cobb County means they understand the specific challenges faced by residents and businesses in the area.
-Quick Response Time: Their local teams can respond swiftly to any emergency, minimizing damage and reducing restoration costs.
-Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the industry, SERVPRO technicians are trained to handle all aspects of storm damage restoration.
-Insurance Coordination: SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process for their clients.
Preparing for the Next Storm
While you can't prevent storms from occurring, you can take steps to prepare and minimize potential damage. Here are some tips to consider:
-Regular Maintenance: Keep your property in good condition by maintaining your roof, gutters, and drainage systems.
-Secure Outdoor Items: During a storm, loose items like patio furniture and garden tools can become dangerous projectiles. Secure them or bring them indoors.
- Create an Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for your family or business, including evacuation routes and emergency contacts.
Conclusion
Storm damage can be devastating, but with SERVPRO of Cobb County, you have a trusted partner to help you navigate the aftermath. Their comprehensive storm damage mitigation and restoration services ensure that your property is restored quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on getting your life back to normal. Don't let storm damage overwhelm you—reach out to SERVPRO and let them handle the restoration process with professionalism and care.
Spring Weather Preparations Around Your Home | SERVPRO of Marietta West
3/28/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is here to help 24-hours a day. When storms or flood waters damage your property SERVPRO can restore your home to preloss condition.
As we start to turn the corner on winter and see the first signs of spring, it can be exciting! We are looking forward to the return of the warmer temperatures and dazzling sun that spring and summer brings. With that, it is important to remember that with the spring warmup comes the return of severe thunderstorm season.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause damage all throughout your home if you aren’t prepared. Take the necessary steps to prevent damage right now so you are ready when the first storm comes to town.
Getting Ready for the Rain
Tornadoes, wind, rain and snow all kept us on our toes this winter season. Because of this wide range of winter weather, addressing your gutters is especially important this year! Clear out any blockages and leaf buildup, and inspect your gutters and downspouts for damage caused by flying debris or fallen trees.
Do a walkthrough of your property to look for other areas of damage as well. The vents leading out of your home are susceptible to damage during severe weather, so make sure they are clear and working properly. A blocked or damaged vent can be dangerous to your family and can be a fire hazard.
During the coldest and snowiest parts of the season, our outdoor faucets were also vulnerable to cracks or leaks. Check around your spigots for puddles or slow drips.
Prioritizing Your Roof
One of the common reasons for water damage following a storm is because of roof damage. A simple missing shingle or damage along your roofline can invite water into your attic. Over time, it can seep through your walls and travel virtually anywhere in your home!
As soon as you are able, get up on your roof and do a thorough inspection. Even the most inconspicuous old shingle or tiny gap can become a huge issue over time.
Getting Ready for an Emergency
We all know how quickly the weather can turn here in northern Georgia. Being prepared outside is only part of it! The early spring season is the perfect time to check your sump pump and the foundation walls in your basement. Catching malfunctions and cracks can help prevent a flooded basement during the first heavy rain.
It is also the right time to update your emergency plan and restock your emergency kit. If you used anything during the winter season, replace it and check the expiration dates on all of your products. Add some fresh batteries and take into account any new additions for members of your family, such as a new baby or a new pet born or introduced over the winter.
Finally, be sure that you have a reliable way of receiving weather alerts so you can be informed as soon as the weather starts to change.
We want you to stay safe and dry this season! However, if you do experience water or storm damage, our SERVPRO of Marietta West team is always here for you. Our emergency restoration team will clean, restore and repair your home efficiently and as quickly as possible.
Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.
How to Get Ready for a Chance of Snow | SERVPRO of Marietta West
1/24/2023 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO help when pipe freezes happen. We can make water damage from your pipe freeze "Like it never even happened."
Snowfall can be a welcome sight for many, and if you live in a snowy area, you’ve undoubtedly already prepared for a winter wonderland. Snowfall can be erratic in places like Marietta, and
when it does fall, even if it’s only an inch, we might be caught off-guard by the dangers that snow brings.
Wild blizzards might be uncommon in our area, but unexpected snowfall can happen occasionally. Even without snow, the frigid temperatures brought on by winter weather might still surprise us. Preparing for the unexpected is the best way to face this sporadic winter threat head-on.
Whether Marietta is blanketed in snow, rain or slush, being is critical to keeping you, your home and your loved ones safe.
Prepare for the Worst
An emergency kit is helpful in any catastrophe scenario, but especially in harsh winter weather. Since many of the necessities you’ll need are likely already in your home, putting together an
emergency kit is actually fairly simple.
Water, batteries, flashlights, cell phone chargers and non-perishable food are likely items you already have on hand. There are many other items you should keep on hand, depending on
your family’s specific needs, but anything that could be useful in a crisis situation will fit perfectly in your kit.
In addition to the kit you keep at home, you should store one in your vehicle. That way, if winter weather makes a surprise visit while you’re on the road, you’ll be ready.
Ready-Up Your Home
Even if no snow is anticipated this year, we are certain to experience some bitterly cold temperatures. If you’re freezing, chances are your pipes are, too, so safeguard them to avoid a
burst.
Some other essential tasks that could protect your home this winter include clearing your gutters, caulking your doors and windows, and checking for dead branches that need to be
removed. To guarantee that your chimney, roof and HVAC system are in good working order, get them examined and maintained.
The most crucial step in preparing for winter is to understand the weather in our area and keep track of local forecasts. Knowing what’s on the way will allow you to fully prepare your home.
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather notifications wherever you go so that if snow falls unexpectedly, you’ll know what to do.
If winter gets wild in Marietta, contact SERVPRO to help you weather the damage! We can rapidly be at the scene to assist you in recovering your losses.
The Winter Risks Your Property Faces | SERVPRO of Marietta West
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
If your home or business has suffered winter storm damage SERVPRO is here to help 24/7 and is faster to any size disaster!
The official first day of winter is Dec. 21 this year, but what winter looks like varies drastically based on where you live. Here in Georgia, we slip into winter almost indifferent from fall, as the temperature only drops a few degrees.
Regardless of where you live, winter has its own threats and risks that bring damage to our properties, potentially leaving our family members exposed to the elements.
The good news is that understanding the potential risks this season brings can allow you to prepare your home the right way, keeping your family safer.
Winter Around the Nation
Mild, wet, shivery and snowy are words that describe winter in the United States, especially when the country is split in half.
The upper East Coast and some parts of the Midwest experience temperature drops to extreme lows, bringing heavy snow for much of the season. However, the West Coast sees mild temperatures that cause heavier rainfall as opposed to snow.
Of course, these predictions vary depending on certain regions, but it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst possible outcome to have the most protection.
Winter Around Marietta
In Georgia, our winter season is a lighter experience than those up north, but we still face challenges like overnight freezing of our pipes and black ice appearing sporadically throughout these months.
In Marietta, we typically see a range of temperatures between 58 and 35 degrees all winter long. This is an ideal range to have fun while staying safe, but we also experience the occasional 24-hour period of sub-freezing temperatures than can wreak havoc on our properties.
Get Prepared
To prepare for the winter season, it’s important to begin by getting familiar with common winter storms. Then, ensure that you can receive weather alerts in multiple ways so you can stay updated.
You should also prepare an emergency kit before winter weather arrives. Think about adding anything your family may need for at least 72 hours of sheltering. If you already have a kit prepared, take some time to verify that everything inside is still applicable for this season.
No matter how cold winter gets, weatherproofing windows and doors can help prevent moisture from seeping inside and may lower your electricity bill. In addition, repair any minor roof damage and keep trees around your home trimmed to help improve your overall safety this winter.
While winter can be an incredible time to hang out with a warm blanket and your loved ones, take time to protect your home. And keep SERVPRO of Marietta West in your emergency contacts because we’re ready 24⁄7 to assist you.
If you experience damage in a winter storm, call or contact us. We have the experience and equipment to get your home back to normal.
Knowing These Weather Alerts Can Help You Stay Safe During Storms | SERVPRO of Marietta West
8/3/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Marietta West.
Our national weather system uses at least 42 different kinds of weather alerts, split between seven categories depending on the type of event. This is too much information for the average person to comprehend in daily life, much less when sheltering from a dangerous storm.
By knowing the meaning of warnings and advisories that could be issued, you’ll be able to make better decisions during extreme weather. In addition, you can take steps to keep your home protected from storms.
A good base of knowledge about severe weather is good to have, but more importantly, we should be aware of the risks that affect our area in Georgia most frequently.
How Alerts Are Issued
It may seem simple, but the weather alert system is actually a complex process. Scientists and meteorologists formulate predictions, but do you know how they measure the attributes of a storm? There are multiple factors that affect these predictions.
The National Weather Service handles our country’s forecasting, monitoring and issuing of warnings. The United States is divided up into six regions that are each covered by a different office, along with hundreds of sub-offices that allow for more localized coverage. We receive our coverage and alerts from the Southern Regional headquarters, which relays highly specialized information to the people of this area.
The NWS has many employees, like meteorologists and astronomers that collect data and formulate forecasts for the country. They use information from satellites, seismic meters, and even the Sun’s activity to create the most accurate predictions possible.
The Most Important Alerts to Understand
The first principle that everyone should know is the meaning of a “watch” and a “warning.” You will see these words used in almost every weather event, like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms.
A watch is when a storm is coming close to your area, and it has the potential to be dangerous for people and property. These alerts will often cover large swaths of land, in an attempt to keep everyone aware of what’s happening around them.
A warning means that danger will be here very soon, and you must take action to stay safe from it. These alerts will only cover a city or county and are highly specialized so that everyone in the path of danger can stay safe.
It’s also important to explore and recognize the weather events that happen here in Marietta most frequently. We’re no stranger to extreme storms in Georgia, and we see dangerous weather like tornadoes and thunderstorms all year long. In fact, we see over 50 inches of rainfall annually, showing us exactly how much water our homes have to battle.
Protecting Your Home During a Storm
Obviously, knowing what weather alerts mean is the best way to stay safe from severe weather. But there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the damage dealt to your home and property.
Clearing your gutters and securing your outdoor furniture are two very simple tasks you can complete before a storm arrives to help prevent flooding or destruction from debris.
It’s also a smart idea to create a safe zone inside your home with nonperishable food, water and an emergency exit plan for your family if things get worse.
When the storm is gone, be sure to take photos of all the damage, and call us at SERVPRO of Marietta West. We’re ready day or night to be there for you.
As we said before, knowing about the weather common in our region can help you be more prepared for the risks we often face. Learn the various alerts used, and keep your home well-maintained so the next storm has less chance of affecting you.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Storm Safety 101 | SERVPRO of Marietta West
6/7/2022 (Permalink)
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Marietta West right away.
Here’s what you need to know about severe weather—it’s scary and it can happen at any point. It often brings about lightning, rain and strong winds. All of these elements can cause damage to your home or you.
It’s important to note there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the United States every year, so it’s likely you will encounter storm damage to your home at some point.
Cobb County is an area that sometimes encounters severe storms or hurricane remnants coming from the coast. For example, in 2021, remnants of Hurricane Ida brought about heavy rain and significant flooding that impacted businesses, homes and apartments in the area.
The best thing you can do is prepare for these disasters before they strike. You will want to prepare an emergency kit and a communications strategy to plan for the aftermath. These actions will help you get ready for storms and reduce their impact on you and your home.
Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy
If the weather does get bad, there are a few things you need to have in place to keep everyone safe. First off, have a way for everyone in the household to communicate and receive alerts from authorities. You want to be on the lookout for any weather watches or warnings.
Second, it’s best to have multiple ways to receive alerts from authorities, including your cell phone and an NOAA weather radio, which will come in very handy.
Third, come up with a designated safe space for your family. Usually, this is a basement or bathroom where you can all hide if the weather takes a turn for the worst. You should also brainstorm a way for household members who are away to check in so everyone knows they’re safe.
Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit
When formulating an emergency kit, you need all the crucial items together in one spot. These include nonperishable food, water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, and anything else your family members might need during a storm.
The goal is to have enough supplies to last 72 hours of sheltering in place. Make sure this kit is already in the storm shelter area.
Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist
Take steps to improve your safety plan after severe weather is over. You will want to gather feedback from all household members and ask them about the effectiveness of the safety plan. This includes communications, the emergency kit and any other elements that could be improved for the next version of your storm plan.
In the aftermath of severe weather, you also want to check your property for damage and address it as quickly as possible. Keep a particularly close eye on your roof and the seals around windows and doors because these are likely to have water damage.
If you do discover damage, you know who to call! SERVPRO of Marietta West can be on the scene in a moment’s notice. All we ask is that you call as soon as possible, and we will take care of the rest, giving you peace of mind that your home will be good as new in no time.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—call (770) 428-5467 to get in touch with us today.
What to Do to Prepare for Severe Weather | SERVPRO of Marietta West
4/22/2022 (Permalink)
If you have damage to your home due to a storm, we are the team to help at SERVPRO of Marietta West
Severe weather of any kind is a frightening thing. Serious rain, lightning strikes, hail and heavy wind all make an environment that is not simply frightening, but is also rather dangerous. Because of all the harm that severe weather can bring, anyone who may be caught in its path is wise to prepare.
If severe weather becomes possible in your neighborhood, it is important to act quickly to make sure you are ready. While we can’t fully predict the weather and definitely can’t control it, there are some key ways that you can lessen the impact it is likely to have.
Below, we have our top tips for severe weather preparation you should note to keep yourself and your household safer.
How to Prepare if Severe Weather Is Possible
Make sure to have a reliable source for weather alerts
Staying informed is so important when it comes to severe weather, especially when conditions could change on short notice. It is important to be certain you have multiple ways to get weather alerts (typically a cell phone and an NOAA weather radio) so you can stay informed about changing conditions and have a backup method in case you lose cell service.
Have an emergency kit packed
If there is a severe storm in the area, you and your family members may need to shelter in a safe space until the event passes. To make this a comfortable experience and ensure no one needs to exit the designated safety area, it is wise to pack a storm emergency kit with necessities such as flashlights, water, prepackaged foods and anything else you may need to stay comfortable.
Prevent damage to your home
Storm damage can cause serious problems around the house, and while it can never be fully prevented, you can lessen its likelihood. Trimming back tree branches, tying down objects that are likely to become projectiles in heavy winds and clearing out your gutters are all smart steps to take to lessen the likelihood of experiencing damage due to severe weather around your home.
“If you have damage to your home due to a storm, we are the team to help, call SERVPRO of Marietta West at (770) 428-5467 or Get in touch with us at any hour to learn more about our storm damage restoration or to get a quick response.”
Flooding and the Elements That Cause It | SERVPRO of Marietta West
4/11/2022 (Permalink)
Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Marietta West has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.
Flooding, which is actually the most common natural disaster in the world, affects each and every state in the nation and leads to more casualties than hurricanes, tornadoes or lightning. The effects are often deadly and certainly destructive, as a flood can affect anywhere from a single home to entire communities.
There are just a few types of flooding and causes behind them. Most commonly, there are three types of flooding and four causes.
3 Types of Natural Flooding
Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Excess water can take items, big or small, with it.
River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction.
Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.
The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding
Heavy rainfall. Storms with excessive rainfall, or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period can cause flash floods or river flooding. Urban areas are more at risk for rain floods, because the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt means there’s a lack of soil to soak up all that water.
Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause water levels to rise in waves, which can invade coastal communities and wreak havoc. In 2021, Hurricane Ida took its toll on Marietta, with multiple inches of rain that resulted in significant flooding. Many homes and buildings were ruined by the flooding. In fact, Cobb Emergency Management received over 250 reports of building damage. The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a Disaster Declaration for Cobb County to provide assistance to those affected by the flooding.
Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Levees and dams fail when cracks occur or excess pressure overtakes the dam’s ability to contain the surge of water behind it.
Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the country where heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, and when they start to melt, they cause rivers of water to flow through area communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.
Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of Marietta West has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.
Call us at (770) 428-5467 or learn more about our services at www.SERVPRO.com
How Does Rain Cause Water Damage to a Home? | SERVPRO of Marietta West
3/18/2022 (Permalink)
If your home or business has suffered storm or flood damage, call SERVPRO of Marietta West at 770-428-5467 for storm cleanup and restoration services.
Sustaining water damage to your Marietta or Kennesaw home does not always look like flooding or burst pipes. In fact, a good bit of household water damage is simply caused by rain working its way into small nooks and crannies—and with spring showers up ahead, it is important that you do what you can to protect your home from this sneaky damage.
While there is no way to be completely certain that water damage will not be cause for concern, there are some ways that homeowners can take action in order to lessen the likelihood. Below, we will look at the ways in which rain can cause water damage so that you can do your best to prevent it in your own home.
The Ways That Rain Is Likely to Cause Water Damage
| By Seeping Into Small Vulnerabilities | While houses are built to stand up to the elements, over time, areas that were once watertight may need some reinforcement in order to continue to keep out moisture. The seals around exterior doors and windows can wear out with time, which can make them vulnerable to water damage as water slowly works its way in. Fortunately, adding weather stripping is an easy and inexpensive way to stop damage of this type in its tracks.
| By Taking Advantage of Roofing Damage | Though roofs are intended to last for several decades, they do need maintenance and repair at times. Missing shingles, loose flashing or unsealed seams can make your roof prone to rain damage, but keeping an eye out for and quickly repairing any issues can quickly take care of this.
| By seeping into Your Home Via Clogs | Cleaning your gutters regularly is a must-do for general house maintenance, and it also can prevent water damage as well. When water becomes clogged in your gutters, it can then begin to seep into the foundation of your home or the roofline, causing unseen damage in these areas. To prevent this from happening, making sure water can drain away from the home easily is key.
*If your Marietta or Kennesaw home has been damaged due to a pipe leak, toilet overflow or any other type of water damage (residential or commercial) , SERVPRO of Marietta West is the team that can make any type of water damage “Like it never even happened.” We are here 24/7 to handle any size water damage issues—contact us at (770) 428-5467 today for immediate service or visit www.SERVPROmariettawest.com to learn more.
A Look at U.S. Spring Weather | SERVPRO of Marietta West
3/10/2022 (Permalink)
Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of Marietta West is a click away if you experience any damage.
Because of its size, the United States contains perhaps one of the most diverse climates of any country in the world. Seasonal weather patterns are not the same throughout the nation, resulting in a wide range of weather threats across the country.
Let’s take a broad brush to what each of the different regions of the U.S. might be able to anticipate, including here in Georgia, as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses clash over the country.
Flooding and water damage often occur during the spring months in the Pacific Northwest due to heavy rains. It’s likely that melting and runoff from spring snowfall at higher elevations may create its own problems as well.
Winters in the Upper Midwest and Northeast are the longest and coldest. Even into late spring and early summer, residents from Maine to the Dakotas may expect frigid temperatures, blizzards and plenty of snow.
People and property in the Southwest and southern West Coast may be at risk from extreme heat waves as spring rolls in. And in the South Pacific, which includes Hawaii, there is a possibility of tectonic activity-caused tsunamis.
When conditions are dry and windy in the central United States, essentially from Iowa down to Texas, wildfires are also on the radar and can spread swiftly in the right conditions. This region in the middle of the country is also susceptible to severe and highly destructive spring storms as the region contains what is known as Tornado Alley because of its high risk of tornadoes.
Severe weather events, from thunderstorms and tornadoes on land to early-season hurricanes near the coast, may be expected throughout the Southeast, including here in Georgia (as you may already be well aware of). While storms don’t happen constantly throughout the spring season in the state of Georgia, when they do occur, they tend to be quite severe.
* Regardless of where you are in the United States, even though your risk might be different than relatives or friends in other states, you are surely still at risk for severe weather and you can never be too prepared for harsh weather conditions. If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO of Marietta West at(770) 428-5467 for fast, expert recovery or visit www.SERVPROmariettawest.com for more information on storm restoration and cleanup services.
Making Sure Your Have a Storm Safety Plan in Place | SERVPRO of Marietta West
1/5/2022 (Permalink)
If your home is damaged by storm or flood event in Marietta or Kennesaw, call SERVPRO of Marietta West for immediate help cleaning up.
Preparing for severe weather can be a frightening thing, but it is something that everyone is wise to do for their household. Most parts of the United States carry a severe weather risk, and while summer is when the majority of storms occur, it is becoming more and more common to need to be prepared for severe weather year-round.
Severe storms can often move through without incident, but it is important to be on alert any time they are around. Despite meteorological advancements, the weather can still be unpredictable and take a turn for the worse with little warning.
Fortunately, with a storm safety plan, you can significantly lessen the risk that is posed to you and your family in the event of a severe weather incident.
Considerations for a Storm Safety Plan
| Find a Reliable Way to Get Alerts | When the alert system is working as intended, you should be notified on your phone about severe weather. However, with an issue as serious as this, it is important to have a backup as well. An NOAA weather radio is a great way to ensure you can receive alerts even if your phone battery is dead or the cell phone networks are working unreliably.
| Be Sure You Have a Designated Safe Space | It is important to get to safety when severe weather becomes a threat, so designate a safe space in your home for household members to utilize. Ideally, this space would be a basement or crawlspace, but an interior bathroom or closet on the ground floor can also work. It is a good idea to store your emergency kit in this space as well, so you have access to everything you may need while the storm is nearby.
| Know the Difference Between Watches and Warnings | It is important to understand your specific risks during any severe weather event, which is why it is vital to remember the difference between watches and warnings. A “watch” means that conditions are favorable for a weather event, but one is not currently happening. When a “warning” is issued, that means to get to shelter immediately, as there is an incident of the event in the area.
*If your home gets damaged due to a storm or flood, you can count on SERVPRO of Marietta West to make your water damaged issues, “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at (770) 428-5467 or visit www.SERVPROmariettawest.com to learn more about our restoration processes and about our damage response services.
Have You Considered Buying a Storm Generator for Your Home? | SERVPRO of Marietta West
12/16/2021 (Permalink)
Having a secondary source of electricity, like a generator, can come in handy during extended power outages. Alway be prepared for severe weather!
Thunderstorms are rather unpredictable, but there is one thing to be certain about with them: They will always occur—and when they do, the chance of a power outage is quite high. In fact, in recent years, the occurrence of power outages related to weather has increased nearly 70% according to the nonprofit Climate Central. Because of this level of frequency, more people are considering buying storm generators than ever before.
However, a storm generator is not something to buy on a whim. There are a multitude of options, fuel types and price brackets to choose from, and it is important to do your research to find the right model for your household. Below, we have some helpful things to consider if you are thinking about buying a storm generator.
What to Consider When Buying a Storm Generator
- Determine What You Need it For - Storm generators are an example of a product you can spend as much as you would like to on. There are expensive, permanent models that can power your whole home, as well as more affordable, portable models that may power one appliance or a few outlets. If you are considering a generator, determine what your household would actually “need” to power in an emergency to give you an idea of the type to pursue.
- Make Sure You Have a Safe Place to Run It - The majority of storm generators are powered with diesel or gasoline, which means that they put off fumes when they are in use. Never use a generator inside your home, as it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have a place at least 20 feet away from any doors or windows to place your generator when it is in use.
- Know the Wattage of Your Necessary Items - If you want a generator for keeping your fridge and microwave operational, that will carry much different power requirements than one that is simply used to charge phones. Make sure you know the wattage of the items you will want to use so you can purchase a generator that is powerful enough to be of use.
*If you sustain damage to your home or business during severe weather or storm events, you can depend on SERVPRO of Marietta West. Get in touch today at(770) 428-5467 or visit www.SERVPROmariettawest.com to learn about our residential and commercial storm restoration and cleanup services.
Be Ready for Surprise Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Marietta West
12/1/2021 (Permalink)
If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Marietta West for fast, restorative solutions.
Metro Atlanta isn’t exactly Alaska. We don’t see winter coming in the same way, and we don’t anticipate long periods of an iced-over Marietta. But as we’ve seen in recent years, it only takes one good freeze to cause a heck of a lot of trouble.
So as we look to the very near future, toward the prospect of another winter, let’s look at the things you can do to best be ready in the event of a winter storm that could otherwise disrupt or endanger your life.
Protect Your Family
If an extreme weather event hits our area, you’re going to be glad you have an emergency action plan on which your family can rely. This will give you a detailed game plan for communicating, evacuating and meeting up again. Preparing your vehicle for safe, reliable operation during winter is part of this preparation as well. Make sure your engine, battery, fluids and tires are all ready for the coming months, so you can drive safely in freezing rain or ice if it comes to it. Stock and check your emergency kits, both in the car and in the house, to make sure you’ll have the water, food, medication and other supplies you might need in a difficult moment.
Protect Your Home
Frozen pipes can be a real drip, or rather a flood, in your home. Nose-diving temperatures can cause water to freeze and expand in your plumbing, so when it gets bitter cold, let those faucets drip to relieve some pressure and keep things from freezing up. Check your HVAC system now, too, before it hits the worst fights of the winter season. Regular maintenance can keep it running healthily and keep you cozy. Consider the state of your attic’s insulation and window seals as well, to increase energy efficiency and keep cold air out of the house. If you use a wood furnace or fireplace, clean it well and keep extra wood nearby in case of a shut-in scenario.
Protect Your Pets
Your furry friends may have some extra fuzz for the winter, but they’re not made for bitter cold. Let them come in with you and enjoy some warm air and comfort. If you do have livestock or horses, keep them stocked up on water (replace it often in freezing temperatures) and ensure safe shelter from the elements. Extreme weather is possible in our area, so always let weather apps and local news keep you updated when nasty weather is on the horizon.
*If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Marietta West for fast, restorative solutions.
How Would You Rank Your Severe Weather Readiness? | SERVPRO of Marietta West
11/2/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help when storm damage happens. We can make storm damage "Like it never even happened."
Unfortunately, severe weather is a fact of life. While there is no way to prevent severe storms from impacting you, getting ready for them is a fantastic way to mitigate the damage they can cause to your family and your home. Understanding how to prepare and react to severe weather is one of the best things you can do to keep your family safe.
Severe storms can have a major impact on those in their path, both emotionally and financially, and should always be regarded with caution. Take our quiz below to see where you rank in terms of severe weather readiness and learn how you can be more prepared.
What Is Your Severe Weather Readiness Rank?
| Do you know the difference between watches and warnings? | Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe, so it is a must that you understand the information that local officials distribute. Knowing the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and warning can help you take the appropriate actions to prepare.
| Do you have a weather radio? | Having a reliable way to receive information is a must, especially in the event of a power outage or cell phone network failure. An NOAA weather radio, either hand-powered or battery-powered, can help you stay looped in to all important updates.
| Do you have an emergency kit? | Power outages are extremely common during severe storm events, so having an emergency kit that is stocked with flashlights, batteries, and nonperishable food and water is a must to keep everyone comfortable until the lights come back on.
| Do you have a designated safe area in your home? | Being sure that everyone knows where to go in the event of a storm is a must. Make sure you have picked out the safest area of your home to designate for this. A basement is best, but if your home does not have one, choose a bathroom or other area in the interior of the home that has no windows.
*If your Marietta or Kennesaw home sustains damage due to severe weather, you can count on SERVPRO of Marietta West in the aftermath. You can contact us at (770) 428-5467 at any time or visit www.SERVPROmarietttawest.com to learn why we are the go-to choice for storm restoration services.
How to Practice Good Lightning Safety During Thunderstorms | SERVPRO of Marietta West
9/2/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West can restore your storm damaged property to preloss condition and make storm damage "Like it never even happened."
When it comes to practicing good weather safety, understanding the threats associated with thunderstorms are a must. Because thunderstorms are so common in Marietta and Kennesaw, the likelihood that one will become a threat to your household is high—and without understanding how to keep yourself and your family safe, you can open yourself up to many unfavorable outcomes during severe weather.
One of the major threats that a thunderstorm poses is lightning. Because lightning is actually what causes thunder to rumble, it is present in every single thunderstorm that threatens an area. Understanding how to practice good lightning safety is vital to making sure you are not at risk of being struck, which can lead to injury and death.
Tips for Proper Lightning Safety During Thunderstorms
- Seek Shelter Even if the Storm is Not Actively Near Your Area - Lightning is a powerful force,and as such, it has an incredible range where it can strike. Lightning has been known to strike up to three miles from a storm’s center, which is why it is important to seek shelter earlier than you may think you need to. The fact that you are not actively under a storm cloud does not mean that lightning is not a threat.
- Know Your Options for What Is & Is Not Safe - While being in your home is the safest option if a thunderstorm is nearby, if one catches you off-guard, it is not always an option. If you need to seek shelter in a pinch and cannot get to a building or structure, a car would be the next safest option. Never seek shelter under a tree or other tall object as you could be injured if it is struck.
- Wait Until the Threat has Fully Passed to Resume Activities - Because lightning can strike so far from a storm’s center, that also means that after the storm has rolled through your area, it may not be safe to immediately rush back outside. Wait until the storm has fully left your area before exposing yourself to the open air again, as lightning can strike in all directions around a storm.
*If your home is damaged due to a storm or water, SERVPRO of Marietta West can help! Contact us at (770) 428-5467 at any hour to learn more about our extensive restoration services.
Take Precautions Against Summer Storms | SERVPRO of Marietta West
8/24/2021 (Permalink)
If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Marietta West is on the line, ready to make things right.
It’s summer in Marietta, and that means lots of activities are planned. The long, warm days call for plenty of fun in the sun—maybe you’re heading to The Battery to root for the bravos, or headed for a hike up to the Kennesaw Mountain overlook. But whatever you’ve got planned, it would be a good idea to pack an umbrella.
In spite of the sunnier weather (or more truly, because of it), Marietta summers are actually more likely to host thunderstorms than other periods. Our average number of rainfall days peaks in summer, as the sticky Georgia moisture combines with warmer air to produce these summer storms.
Be Storm-Alert
Storms can pop up in a moment during the summer. If an alert is issued for a potentially troublesome storm, pay careful attention. An NOAA Weather radio can be very helpful as well, because it’s weather-focused, always updating and it can stay on if you lose power.
If flooding is possible, you may need to reschedule your day’s plans or be ready to cancel any outdoor activities out of caution. And scan the area around your house, because you may need to tie down or move some things that could get carried off or blown over.
Preparing for a storm obviously isn’t as fun as watching Ronald Acuña whack baseballs, but it can be the difference in a ruined day and a devastating accident. Storms are the root of a number of fatalities every year, and a little extra preparation or care could prevent the vast majority of them.
Be Storm-Safe
Play it safe and stay indoors during a storm. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, so hunker down until there have been no claps of thunder for at least 30 minutes. Then you’ll know the storm has moved safely on and you can go back outside.
Lightning can cause problems indoors too—don’t shower or bathe during a storm, and avoid standing or sitting by windows in case of a lightning strike at home.
Hopefully, you already have an emergency kit stocked at home, but make sure it’s updated, and you might want to prepare a mobile kit to keep in the car as well, just in case you have to evacuate quickly.
If flooding does occur, stay on high ground and keep away from the waters at all costs. Floodwater presents a plethora of dangers, from the physical (carrying off cars and washing away roads) to the electrical (carrying currents from downed power lines) and even to chemical dangers.
*There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of Marietta West, we’re ready to make things right again.
Weather Disasters Are Causing More Damage and Happening More Often | SERVPRO of Marietta West
7/8/2021 (Permalink)
When storms do damage to your home or business, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Marietta West to start the restoration process.
It was as though 2020’s penchant for punishment couldn’t be quelled: Not only did the year bring a devastating worldwide pandemic and an extended national quarantine, it also reached new heights when it came to extreme weather. In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year for which we have data.
When a weather event reaches a damage total of one billion dollars, it is officially classified as a disaster. 2020 saw a record-high of 22 of these events.
That total doesn’t even touch the host of other storms that caused issues but didn’t reach official disaster status—there were so many storms in the Atlantic, for example, that the National Weather Service depleted its list of names and had to break out the Greek alphabet for only the second time just to be able to give them all names.
One of those Greek storms was October’s Hurricane Zeta, which left a wide swath of damage and power outages in north Georgia.
Not Just Hurricanes
When you imagine financially devastating storms, you may think hurricanes first, and often that holds true. But the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes: Almost two-thirds of the officially classified disasters were associated with storms.
These storms can cause issues that reach well beyond their region of occurrence. In August, a rare derecho formed from a storm system in Nebraska, ravaging over 10 million acres of corn fields, endangering half the state’s crop—that’s over 11% of the entire country’s corn.
Not Just 2020
We can hope 2020 was just an extreme example, but it seems as though it was only a high achiever over a recent average. There were $136 billion in damages caused by weather events in 2018 and 2019, and 2017 set a cost record with $300 billion in repairs. In fact, every year dating back to 2011 has seen at least eight billion-dollar disasters.
*If your storm precautions should become insufficient in an extreme weather situation, remember that SERVPRO is always standing by with 24⁄7 emergency support. Call us at (770) 428-5467 or click here for a customer contact request form. When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right.
Must Have Items for Your Storm Emergency Kit | SERVPRO of Marietta West
5/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help when disaster strikes. Call us 24/7 and we can make your storm damage "Like it never even happened."
In Marietta and Kennesaw, we are no strangers to severe weather. Weather events like severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and even tornadoes typically see an uptick during warmer months. Often the spring and summer months are filled with weather ranging from light rain to severe storms, and the regularity with which these occur can lead to complacency.
However, it is important to remember that preparedness is a must—any severe storm has the potential to cause damage, and if you are prepared, you will be far more equipped to handle anything that happens. Storms can develop at a moment's notice so it is very important to pay attention to local weather reports and stay aware of local weather conditions.
One of the best ways you can help your household be more prepared is through building a severe weather emergency kit. Having everything you and your family might need in one convenient place is a great way to ensure that you will be ready for whatever severe weather comes your way.
While there are many things you may want to include depending on your family’s needs, there are a few must-have items that any household can benefit from.
The Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Storm Emergency Kit
A NOAA Weather Radio
When the weather turns severe, the power will often go out and cell phones will suffer from poor reception, which can be deadly when you are relying on these things for updates about rapidly changing weather conditions. Getting an NOAA weather radio is a great way to ensure that you can get vital updates no matter what. If you choose a battery-powered model, be sure you pack extra batteries in your kit as well.
Flashlights and Batteries
If the power goes out it may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can actually be quite dangerous if you have no light source at all. Pack one flashlight per person in your emergency kit, along with lanterns for communal spaces, and be sure you pack plenty of batteries so you can replenish your light supply.
Food and Sealed Water Bottles
If the power is out for an extended period of time, it can be impossible to cook for homes that do not have a gas stove. Be sure your emergency kit contains some protein-rich food such as meal replacement bars or canned soups, and pack one gallon of water per person per day. It is recommended that you have enough food and water for three days at minimum.
*If your Marietta or Kennesaw home or business is in need of help to recovering from a storm disaster, you can count on SERVPRO of Marietta West! Call us today at (770) 428-5467 or to learn more or report non-emergency damages to us 24/7 click here.
Tornado Safety - Before, During & After The Storm
5/19/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help cleanup and restore storm damage 24-hours a day. Let us make your storm damage "Like it never even happened."
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help your family recover after a tornado, flooding, or any other type of storm damage. Our goal is to make the process of restoring your home after storm damage, as easy and pain-free as possible. We work with property insurance providers every day to restore our customer's property. We are preferred service providers for most major insurance companies and can help navigate you through filing an insurance claim should you choose to do so. Our team of storm cleanup and restoration specialists are available 24/7 and can be on-site to extract storm water and start the mitigation process, in as little as two hours.
Tornadoes are the cause of some of mother nature's most powerful and damaging storm events. Tornadoes are known for their iconic funnel shape that are made up of violently rotating columns of air. Wind speeds can exceed 200 mph and tornadoes can form just about anywhere at just about anytime of the year. April and May are typically the most active months in Georgia for tornado activity. On average, North Georgia experiences about six days a year where tornadoes occur, and around nineteen days a year with severe damaging winds.
Tornadoes are not to be trifled with and can cause major damage to homes and businesses in the Metro Atlanta area. Being prepared for weather events like tornadoes, floods, or even hurricanes and tropical storms is crucial to safely enduring catastrophic weather events. That's why SERVPRO of Marietta West has put together the following safety tips for Georgia's tornado season.
Be Prepared for Tornado Season in Georgia
- Get to know the area you live in and it’s tornado history. Weather history is a great indicator of how frequently tornadoes affect a given area.
- Be familiar with tornado warning signs and listen to local weather reports predicting weather conditions conducive to tornadic activity. Typical signs include rotating funnel-shaped clouds, flying debris, or the sound of a freight train.
- Pay attention to and be familiar with early warning systems like sirens and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). You can listen to emergency alerts and weather advisories using NOAA Weather Radio.
- Have a plan that identifies a safe place to shelter during a tornado and practice this plan several times throughout the year. If possible seek shelter in a safe space built using FEMA criteria or built to ICC 500 Standards. Small interior room that has no windows on the ground level or in a basement.
- Prepare for a long-term stay at home or sheltering in place by having emergency supplies including potable drinking water, non-perishable foods, medical supplies and some common cleaning and sanitary supplies.
Safety Tips - During a Tornado
- Seek shelter immediately by going to a safe location, preferably the one you previously outlined in your Weather Emergency Plan. As stated above, if possible seek shelter in a safe space built using FEMA criteria or built to ICC 500 Standards. Small interior room that has no windows on the ground level or in a basement.
- Monitor and pay attention to local alert systems, EAS, and/or the NOAA Weather Radio for emergency information and instructions.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building for shelter, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with whatever is available like coats or blankets.
Safety After a Tornado
- Stay away from fallen power lines and broken utility lines.
- Pay attention to the EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for weather updates and relief efforts.
- During the clean-up process where thick soled shoes or work boots, long pants, work gloves and appropriate face covering or mask if you plan on cleaning up damage or clearing debris.
If your home is damaged by a tornado or experience a flood loss, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Marietta West for help. We will extract storm water from your carpet, crawlspace and/or basement. Our team of storm restoration specialists will secure your property with our tarp and boardup services if the structure has been compromised. SERVPRO restoration technicians will mitigate storm damage and quickly and safely dry and restore your property to preloss condition. Call us at (770) 428-5467 for emergency storm cleanup and restoration services or visit www.SERVPROmariettawest.com/storm-flooding-restoration for more information.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is the premier storm restoration company in the Kennesaw or Marietta area. We offer industry leading customer service while adhering to strict industry standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We are locally owned and operated but have the backing and support of 1,800 franchises, the nation’s largest network of restoration professionals. That means that no matter where you live, there is a SERVPRO nearby that is ready to help make your water or storm damage claim “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of Marietta West Customer Testimonials
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Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous | SERVPRO of Marietta West
5/7/2021 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Marietta West if you experience any storm or water damage. We are here to help 24/7!
This time of year, we typically start to experience the result of warm air meeting cold air, which can bring intense bouts of rain, but in particular, thunderstorms. Some storms may pass through with little to no impact, but others leave behind a trail of destruction. The high winds, lightning, pouring rain, flooding, hail and other issues are just a few ways that these storms can become dangerous very quickly.
A thunderstorm is defined as a storm that has thunder and is accompanied by lightning. For it to be classified as a severe thunderstorm, it has hail that is one inch or larger in diameter and brings straight-line winds of at least 58 miles per hour or more.
Here we will look at some of the ways that thunderstorms can become particularly dangerous to both people and property so that you can prepare and protect what is most important to you the next time one comes through Marietta.
- Lightning Strikes - Lightning is commonly considered the most dangerous elements of a thunderstorm, having recently been reported of being responsible for around 300 injuries every year.. Beyond the injuries to people, lightning can cause damage to homes and businesses, particularly in starting house fires or felling trees that are already at risk of falling and causing damage to property. One important thing to remember is that lightning comes by default with every storm so it can be dangerous even if you don’t see it yet.
- Hail Damage - Hail is known to cause damage to just about everything it touches. If hail comes with a severe thunderstorm, the one inch (or larger) hail can can produce unparalleled damage to uncovered cars, roofs, sidings of houses, and especially people and pets if they are not adequately protected by shelter. The speed at which hail falls makes it an especially painful and powerful force.
- Flash Flooding - Even for those not in a formally identified floodplain, flash flooding can still be present and bring with it serious problems. Flash floods can occur at any time, particularly when there is heavy rainfall. If storm drains are clogged and back up or if small roadside ditches become filled with water, roadways can quickly turn into life-threatening scenarios in the event of heavy rain. If there is a flooded roadway, drivers should use all caution and not attempt to cross it. This is a situation where damage to a vehicle is highly likely to occur, and can even carry a car away with the tide.
Being as prepared as possible for a thunderstorm is best, but is not a way to guarantee damage will not happen to homes or commercial buildings. If you have damage to a recent storm, you can count on us to help. Contact us today to learn more about our storm restoration processes.
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
SERVPRO of Marietta West is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of the Marietta community. We are also part of a national network of 1,700 with special Disaster Recover Teams that can respond with additional resources during catastrophic storms and major events. We are proud to serve Marietta, Fair Oaks, Smyrna and Kennesaw.
Storm Damage in Marietta Georgia
An immediate response is critical to minimize storm damage, and can reduce cleaning and restoration costs. If you find standing water in your home or your basement floods, toilet overflows, or sewage backs up; A quick response by our certified technicians, like those found as SERVPRO of Marietta West, can halt damages in there tracks and prevent invasive demolition and other time consuming and costly actions. Our highly trained technicians are well versed in property damage restoration for both residential and commercial structures. Rest assured our teams are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property to preloss condition.
*If your home or business has suffered storm or water damage please call SERVPRO of Marietta West at (770) 428-5467
SERVPRO of Marietta West Helps Restore Homes & Businesses in Texas
3/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help 24/7. No matter what type of water damage you face, SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."
As you probably know, Texas and several other southern states recently experienced a historic winter storm with below freezing temperatures that caused untold amounts of damage to homes and businesses. Pipes froze after several days of freezing temperatures that were accompanied by severe ice and snow storms. Home and business owners lost both power and water services for up to a week, and without power to heat their homes and businesses, many structures suffered major damage due to pipes bursting. As the winter storm subsided and temperatures began to rise. Power was restored to homes and business, but the damage was done. Cracked and burst pipes began to thaw causing buildings to flood.
SERVPRO of Marietta West saw Texans suffering from this storm event and knew we had the skills and training to help them dry and restore their property. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Marietta West has serviced the Marietta & Kennesaw area for over seventeen years and is known for our great customer service, but typically does not “storm chase” or travel outside of North Georgia to service customers. When ownership saw reports of the amount of property damage Texas had suffered, they called an emergency meeting. This meeting consisted of our Operations Manager, Production Managers, and key SERVPRO Team members. Their goal was to develop a plan to send as much help as we could to Texas.
We were able to send three project managers, seven lead restoration technicians, and five mitigation specialists. The team drove seven service vehicles equipped with water extraction tools and an equipment trailer containing over 250 air mover and 50 dehumidifiers. Our team of storm restoration specialists worked hand in hand with SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team (DRT) to service over forty homes in just ten days. The SERVPRO’s DRT is an industry leader when it comes to recovery efforts after storm events and large losses. With over 1,700 franchises nationwide no matter where or what kind of major weather event happens, SERVPRO has restoration professionals ready to help nearby.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 770-428-5467
When you find standing water in your home...flood water levels rise, water heater bursts, toilet overflows, pipes burst, or raw sewage causes sewage damage; A quick response by our IICRC Certified technicians can halt the damages in the early stages when it is easier and more cost effective to restore, rather than requiring invasive actions like demolition, repair, and remodeling. If you have questions or would like additional information please give us a call today, or click here and one of our job file coordinators will reach out to you ASAP. We are available 24-hours 7-days a week. For more commonly asked questions on storm and water damage cleanup, you can visit our friends over at nationaldisasterrecover.org.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Storm Restoration Customer Testimonials
Dennis S. of McKinney, TX - “I couldn't be more grateful for all the hard work that Stanley and his crew have done. SERVPRO of Marietta West's technicians are knowledgeable and professional. I am over the moon happy with your services!”
Susan B. of Smyrna, GA - “This is the most efficient company I've ever used! I called and they were on site within the hour. The results were flawless. Then a short time later my 89 year old mother had a tree fall on her house during a storm, of course I made the call and again from drying out the house, tearing out sheetrock and repairs were so easy. My mother's house was clean and finished on time. I recommend this company and have sent friends to them and they had the same results as our family! Thank You to the staff of SERVPRO in Marietta West.”
Lesli of Mableton, GA - “Sean, Jose, and Tiffany were a pleasure to work with and handled every concern and multiple questions I had in a timely and professional manner. They were quick to respond to our needs. Thank you!”
Alan of Marietta, GA - “Perfect...Professional and courteous on the job. I enjoyed working with Derek and Rachel.”
*For more related Storm Restoration Blogs check out the following links: “Why More Homeowners Choose SERVPRO of Marietta West to Restore Their Storm Damage Homes”; “Marietta Homeowner Calls SERVPRO of Marietta West After Home Flood”; “SERVPRO of Marietta West Restores Homes and Businesses After Storm Damage”; “Flash Flood Home Repair and Restoration in Smyrna GA”
Why More Homeowners Choose SERVPRO of Marietta West to Restore Their Storm Damage Homes
9/25/2020 (Permalink)
When storm damage happens to your Kennesaw or Marietta home, call SERVPRO of Marietta West. We make storm damage "Like it never even happened."
There is almost always more than one way to solve a problem. Some solutions are faster or less time consuming than others. Some solutions are easier or less strenuous than others. Some solutions are more efficient or cost effective than others. Some solutions are just flat out better than others. When you problem is water damage, like a flooded basement or crawlspace, the best solution is SERVPRO of Marietta West. SERVPRO of Marietta West has been the go-to water restoration company for the Marietta, Kennesaw, and greater Atlanta area for over a decade. We have the track record and experience to make any residential or commercial water damage “Like it never even happened.”
Faster to Any Size Disaster
When it comes to water damage time can be of the essence. The longer your property is submerged or saturated with water the greater the likelihood for lasting and irreparable harm to befall your belongings and even the structure of your home or business. That is why SERVPRO of Marietta West has implemented specific service guidelines and standards when it comes to our service response time for emergency water extraction and drying restoration projects.
- 1 Hour – Within one hour of notice of loss, one of SERVPRO of Marietta West’s loss coordinators will contact you to arrange for service.
*While these guidelines are a good way to ensure that all of our customers are taken care of properly, SERVPRO of Marietta West strives for greatness and averages less than a two hour turn-around-time when responding to emergency water or fire service requests.
- 4 Hours – Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Marietta West will be on-site to start mitigation services (if necessary).
- 8 Hours – Within eight business hours, we will initiate a verbal briefing of the scope of damage and needed mitigation efforts.
SERVPRO’s Hassle Free Claims System
Part of SERVPRO of Marietta West’s goal when we take on any restoration project is to put our customer’s mind at ease and help them cope with any stress or discomfort they may be experiencing due to the water loss they’ve experienced in their home or business. With this goal in mind, our highly trained job file coordinators are well versed in both helping customers file insurance claims and scheduling “self-pay” water restoration claims. They provide customers with guidance and information on how to move forward with their drying and/or restoration project so that customers are well informed and can make the best possible educated decisions for their property. SERVPRO of Marietta West is a preferred vendor for most major insurance companies like State Farm, Farmers, Auto Owners, American Family Insurance, Metlife, and The Hartford. We have long-standing working relationships with our local agents and help homeowners file an insurance claim when applicable. If your home our business suffers fire damage call SERVPRO of Marietta West at (770) 428-5467 or click here and one of our claims specialists can contact you today.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is Locally Owned and Operated
SERVPRO of Marietta West is an industry leader and one of the most trusted names in the restoration industry. We are proud to serve Marietta, Smyrna, Big Shanty, Kennesaw, and Fair Oaks for over fifteen years. As a locally owned and operated SERVPRO restoration franchise, SERVPRO of Marietta West benefits from having both a personal connection to the Marietta and Kennesaw communities as well as having the support of the nation's largest and most trusted incorporated restoration company. This means that when a major disaster strikes SERVPRO of Marietta West has the assets, equipment, and expertise needed to take on any size disaster. We can also call in SERVPRO corporate Disaster Recovery Teams which bring to bear an amazing level of man-power and logistical support that other locally owned restoration company’s simply do not have access to or means to replicate.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is one of the most trusted names in the water restoration industry. You can take our word for it, or see what some of our customers have to say about SERVPRO of Marietta West: Google My Business Reviews, Facebook Reviews, BBB A+ Accredited Business Reviews
Looking for more information on SERVPRO of Marietta West’s Storm Mitigation & Restoration process, check out some of our related Storm Damage Restoration Blogs: “SERVPRO of Marietta West’s 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines”; “What to Expect When You Call SERVPRO of Marietta West”; “Marietta Homeowner Calls SERVPRO of Marietta West After Home Flood”; “A Look at 2020's Tropical Storms”; “Update on 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season”
Update on 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season
9/24/2020 (Permalink)
If your home or business suffers storm or flood damage, call SERVPRO of Marietta West. We make storm & flood damage "Like it never even happened."
The summer of 2020 has been a particularly active hurricane season, with eight hurricanes (two of which were major hurricane events) and more than twelve tropical storms/tropical depressions. Both major hurricane events occurred during the heart of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season falling between the month of August and September. They both also made landfall in the Gulf causing substantial damage due to high winds and storm surge. Hurricane Laura unleashed her wrath on the western coast of the gulf, primarily affecting Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. While Hurricane Sally was the first hurricane to make landfall on the Alabama coast since Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Sally mainly affected Southern Mississippi, Alabama, Northern Florida, and even caused flash flood warnings from Southwest Georgia to Northern parts of the state.
2020 Atlantic Hurricanes
- Hurricane Hanna - 7/24/20 - Tropical Storm Hanna, the precursor to Hurricane Hanna, developed from a tropical depression about 380 miles east-southeast of Port O’Connor, TX. The following day around Mid-day, Tropical Storm Hanna intensified into a category one hurricane approximately 90 miles east-northeast of Port Mansfield, TX before making landfall that same day just before midnight 15 miles north of Port Mansfield and 70 miles south of Corpus Christi, TX with sustained wind speeds of 90 mph. Hurricane Hanna was downgraded back to a tropical storm roughly 25 hours after it was upgraded to category one hurricane in an area about 30 miles northwest of McAllen, TX and would again be downgraded to a tropical depression 15 hours later in Northeastern Mexico.
- Hurricane Isaias - 7/29/20 - Tropical Storm Isaias forms from a tropical cyclone about 155 miles south of Ponce, Puerto Rico and 265 miles southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and would soon be upgraded to Hurricane Isaias in the coming days. The tropical storm reached landfall on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic on the 30th and quickly strengthened into a hurricane about 70 miles east-southeast of the Great Inagua Island. With 80 mph wind speeds Hurricane Isaias made the first landfall on North Andros Island. On August 4th, around 11:00 pm Hurricane Isaias made its second landfall near Ocean Isle Beach, NC with sustained wind speeds of 85 mph. Several hours later and about 35 miles west-southwest of Greenville, NC and 50 miles east-southeast of Raleigh, NC, Hurricane Isaias was downgraded to a tropical storm. Within 24-hours of making landfall in the US Hurricane Isaias became a post-tropical cyclone and eventually dissipated.
- Hurricane Laura - 8/21/20 - Hurricane Laura like many hurricanes began as a tropical storm. Tropical Storm Laura developed near the Leeward Isles and passed near the southwest coast of Puerto Rico and on the 22nd passed directly over the island of Hispaniola and early on the 23rd continued to develop off the west coast to Haiti with wind speed of 50 mph. That same day Tropical Storm Laura passed the southeastern coast of Cuba, gaining strength due to Cuba’s warm coastal waters. On the 25th Tropical Storm Laura continued to grow in strength and emerged a category one hurricane in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Over the course of the next day and a half Hurricane Laura grew in strength to a category four hurricane and turned north toward the western coast of Florida and northern Gulf Coast. During this time period wind speeds grew from 75 mph to 150 mph. By the 27th Hurricane Laura was quite close to the western coast of Louisiana and would make landfall near Cameron, LA with wind speed around 150 mph. On that same day wind gusts were recorded at Lake Charles Regional Airport in excess of 120 mph. Over the course of the next 10 hours Hurricane Laura would make her way northward into northern Louisiana. Hurricane Laura dropped, on average, 2-4 inches rainfall with pockets of higher amounts from Louisiana to Arkansas. Over the island of Hispaniola she dropped between five and nine inches of rain causing 35 fatalities (31 of which were in Haiti). In the US Hurricane Laura also proved deadly, claiming 22 lives (14 of those were in Louisiana).
- Hurricane Marco - 8/21/20 - Hurricane Marco developed from a tropical depression/tropical storm in the northwestern portion of the Caribbean Sea. On the 22nd Tropical Storm Marco passed through the Yucatan Straight into the Gulf of Mexico with sustained winds of 65 mph and by the 23rd it was upgraded to a hurricane. On that very same day Hurricane Marco continued moving northward but eventually weakened and was downgraded back to a tropical storm. By the 24th Tropical Storm Marco was only able to sustain 40 mph winds and would soon weaken further as it moved westward. While never actually making landfall in Florida, Hurricane/Tropical Storm Marco did drop between 3-9 inches of rain across the Florida Panhandle and when it did make landfall near the Mississippi River it caused only minor rainfall across the region.
- Hurricane Nana - 9/2/2020 - Hurricane Nana developed from a tropical depression in the Caribbean Sea with sustained winds of 60mph and was expected to move in a westward direction at about 18 mph toward South America, causing a Hurricane Watch off the coast of Belize. As the weather system weakened, it also caused Tropical Storm Warnings for Yucatan, Mexico, the northern coast of Honduras from Punta Patuca westward to the Guatemala border, for Roatan Island, the Bay Islands of Honduras, and for the Caribbean Sea coast of Guatemala.
- Hurricane Paulette - 9/12/2020 - Hurricane Paulette developed from a tropical depression in the Central Atlantic Ocean six days prior to becoming a named hurricane. On the 12th Hurricane Paulette passed directly over Bermuda and weakened over the course of the next four days to a post-tropical storm nearly 450 miles east-southeast of Cape Race Newfoundland, Canada. Paulette was the first hurricane to directly hit Bermuda since Hurricane Gonzalo in 2014. On the 22nd post-tropical storm regained strength and was reclassified as a Post-Tropical Cyclone Paulette about 445 miles east-southeast of the Azores Islands with wind speeds approaching 40 mph. At the time this blog was written, Post-Tropical Cyclone Paulette was expected to become a remnant by the end of the 23rd.
- Hurricane Sally - 9/14/2020 - Hurricane Sally developed from a tropical storm in the northern Gulf of Mexico about 130 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River with wind speeds approaching 90 mph and was a slow moving system. A Storm Surge Warning was issued for Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, and Lake Maurepas; basically the area from Port Fourchon, LA to the Alabama/Florida Boarder. Hurricane Warnings were also issued for Morgan City, LA, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and New Orleans; covering pretty much the same swath of the Gulf Coast. Tropical Storm Warnings were issued from the Alabama/Florida Border to Indian Pass Florida and Morgan City. By the 15th Hurricane Sally was about 65 miles east of the mouth of the Mississippi River with sustained winds around 85 mph and was moving northwest at around 2 mph towards the Gulf Coast. Forecasters were calling for “Historical flooding” and “extreme life-threatening flash flooding” through the following day when she was expected to make landfall. Early in the morning on the 16th, Sally made landfall with wind speed nearing 100 mph with gusts exceeding that speed. By the 17th Sally began to pick up movement speed in a northeastward direction about 50 miles southeast of Montgomery, AL but with wind speeds dying down to around 30 mph. Sally was soon downgraded to a tropical depression on the 18th as it made its way across southeastern Alabama, through central Georgia and finally that evening making its way over South Carolina. Hurricane Sally produced large amounts of rainfall across the southland dropping 8-12 inches (with higher localized amounts to the tune of 20-35 inches) throughout the central Gulf Coast west of Tallahassee, FL to Mobile Bay, AL. In central AL and central Georgia she dropped 4-8 inches with isolated amounts up to 12 inches, causing significant flash floods particularly in urban areas. She continued to drench western South Carolina to westen/central North Carolina with up to 6 inches of water with isolated areas receiving up to 9 inches of water. The last area to feel Hurricane Sally’s wrath was southeastern Virginia, which received between two and five inches of rain with isolated areas receiving up to seven inches of rain. Sally caused life threatening surf and rip currents and also spun off several tornadoes in the Florida Panhandle, southern Alabama and southwestern Georgia. Storm surge along the Alabama and Florida border to the Okaloosa/Walton County line in FL including Pensacola Bay and Choctawhatchee Bay was between four and seven ft. Other areas like Dauphin Island, Bon Secour Bay, Saint Andrew Bay, and the Walton Bay County Line received between one and four foot of storm surge.
- Hurricane Teddy - 9/16/2020 - Hurricane Teddy developed from a tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean early on the morning of the 16th and later that day intensified into a category 2 hurricane. The very next day Hurricane Teddy fluctuated in strength greatly by slowing to a category 1 hurricane and then six hour later strengthening wind speeds of 140 mph resulting in a category 4 hurricane. Over the course of the next three days Hurricane Teddy fluctuated between category 4 to category 3, then back to category 4 again, before finally settling in a category 1 hurricane on the 21st. On the 23rd, Hurricane Teddy finally made landfall near Ecum Secum, Nova Scotia as a category 1 hurricane with wind speeds around 65 mph.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is an industry leader and one of the most trusted name in the restoration industry. We are proud to serve Marietta, GA, Smyrna, GA, Big Shanty, GA, Kennesaw, GA, and Fair Oaks, GA for over fifteen years. If your home or business suffers storm or flood damage call SERVPRO of Marietta West today at (770) 428-5467 or you can click here and one of our claim representatives will contact you.
If you would like more information on SERVPRO of Marietta West’s storm restoration services check out our previous Storm Restoration Before and After Photos: “Marietta Condominium Flood Cleanup”; “Tree on Roof”; “Flooded Kitchen and Entryway”; “Flooded Kitchen and Stairwell”; “Flooded Entryway to Home”; “Flooded Hallway”
*sources include:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_2020_Atlantic_hurricane_season
- https://blogs.nasa.gov/hurricanes/
-https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/
A Look at 2020's Tropical Storms
9/21/2020 (Permalink)
If your Kennesaw home/business experiences storm damage give SERVPRO of Marietta West a call. We can storm damage, "Like it never even happened."
What are tropical storms? How do we quantify and classify tropical storms? How frequently do tropical storms occur? These are some of the questions we plan to answer over the course of this blog as well as give a brief history of 2020’s tropical storms. For more information on this year's hurricane and storm season visit www.nhc.noaa.gov or www.blogs.nasa.gov.
This year's storm season has been a busy and active season for tropical storms throughout the southeastern and Gulf coast of the US. Hurricanes and tropical storms have caused extensive damage to the coastal regions which require record relief and restoration efforts. Thus far into the hurricane and storm season we have experienced over 22 named storm/hurricane events, 8 being named hurricanes. This is quite active when compared to the seasonal average of 10.1 named storms per season and average of 5.9 hurricanes (2.5 of which become major storm events, categorized as category 3 or higher).
What makes a storm a tropical storm? Tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes are typically classified based on sustained wind speed. Tropical depressions wind speeds fall between 0 and 38 mph. Tropical Storms wind speeds fall between 39 and 73 mph. Hurricane wind speeds start at 74 mph and can be deemed a major hurricane if wind speeds exceed 111 mph. Hurricanes are also classified by category number. Category one being the minimum and graduating all the way up to category five for the most intense with highest wind speeds. This system of categorization is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
2020 Atlantic Tropical Storms
- Tropical Storm Arthur - 5/19/20 - Tropical Storm Authur made landfall 190 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras, NC with peak wind speeds of 60 mph.
- Tropical Storm Bertha - 5/27/20 - Tropical Storm Bertha makes landfall about 20 miles east of Charleston, SC with peak wind speeds of 50 mph.
- Tropical Storm Cristobal - 6/2/20 - Tropical Storm Cristobal made initial landfall about 20 miles west of Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico with peak wind speeds reaching 60 mph. On June 7th Cristobal made a second landfall 50 miles south-southeast of New Orleans, LA with peak wind speeds of 50 mph before weakening to a tropical depression on June 8th about 40 mile north of Baton Rouge, LA. On June 10th Tropical Depression Cristobal became a post-tropical cyclone about 60 miles northwest of Madison, WI with winds reaching 35 mph.
- Tropical Storm Dolly - 6/23/20 - Tropical Storm Dolly develops from a subtropical depression/tropical cyclone about 370 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia and on the 24th degenerates 370 miles off the coast of Cape Race, Newfoundland.
- Tropical Storm Edouard - 7/6/20 - Tropical Storm Edouard developed from a tropical depression about 685 miles south-southwest of Cape Race, Newfoundland and reached a peak wind speed of 45 mph about 435 miles off the coast of Newfoundland then stagnated died out roughly three hours before midnight on that same day.
- Tropical Storm Fay - 7/9/20 - Tropical Storm Fay developed off the coast of NC close to the Outer Banks about 195 miles from Ocean City, MD and made landfall the next day about 10 miles north-northeast of Atlantic City, then again 90 miles south of NYC with wind speeds peaking at 50 mph before dying out 30 miles south of Albany, NY.
- Tropical Storm Gonzalo - 7/22/20 - Tropical Storm Gonzalo developed from a tropical depression about 1,290 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands, where it stagnated for several days until the 25th when it weakened into a tropical depression before it opened up into a tropical wave.
- Tropical Storm Josephine - 8/13/20 - Tropical Storm Josephine developed from a tropical depression about 975 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands and remained in the area for a few days until the 16th when it was downgraded back to a tropical depression.
- Tropical Storm Kyle - 8/14/20 - Topical Storm Kyle formed about 185 miles southeast of Atlantic City, NJ and on the 15th wind speeds peaked at 50 mph. Shortly thereafter the tropical storm transitions into a post-tropical cyclone on the morning of the 16th and would further degenerate into non-existence throughout that evening.
- Tropical Storm Omar - 9/4/20 - Tropical Storm Omar developed about 415 miles east-northeast of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds near 30 mph with varying gust above that mark. It dissipated that very same day lasting less than 24 hours.
- Tropical Storm Rene - 9/10/20 - Tropical Storm Rene developed about 800 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum wind speeds of 50 mph. At the time this blog was written, Tropical Storm Rene is expected to develop into a possible hurricane but is not expected to make landfall.
- Tropical Storm Vicky - Tropical Storm Vicky developed about 1,000 miles west-northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands with wind speeds approaching 35 mph, and at the time this blog was downgraded to a tropical depression.
If your Marietta or Kennesaw home or business suffers storm damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Marietta West. We are preferred services providers for most major insurance companies and have a longstanding and great working relationship with our local agents. In many cases we can even help you file a claim should storm damage occur to your property. SERVPRO of Marietta West is the name both homeowners and property managers have come to know and trust in the restoration industry. Don’t get left out in the cold when it comes to storm damage restoration, and call SERVPRO of Marietta West today!
SERVPRO of Marietta West 24-Hour Storm Restoration & Mitigation
*Check out some of our previous Storm Restoration Blogs: “Marietta Homeowner Calls SERVPRO of Marietta West After Home Flood”; “SERVPRO of Marietta West Restores Homes and Businesses After Storm Damage”; “Flash Flood Home Repair and Restoration in Smyrna, GA”; “Flood and Storm Damage in Marietta Georgia”; “Georgia’s Most Common Storm Damage Questions”; “When Storms or Floods Hit Marietta West, SERVPRO is Ready!”; “It Doesn’t Cost a lot to be Prepared”
Marietta Homeowner Calls SERVPRO of Marietta West After Home Flood
5/22/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help you recover after storm damage. We are available for emergency services 24/7!
If you’ve lived in the Kennesaw or Marietta area for a very long, then you are familiar with the crazy weather changes that can occur. We sometimes experience what seems like multiple seasons in as short as just a few days. You may enjoy a gorgeous sunny day out with your family, bike riding with highs in the 70’s this weekend only to wake up a few days later to a winter weather advisory forecasting snow and ice! Kennesaw and Marietta experience all types of weather, from blazing hot summers to cool Autumn nights with everything in between. Including severe thunder and lightning storms, flash flooding, tornadoes and ice storms to name just a few. With such unpredictable weather, protecting your property is on the minds of almost every homeowner.
Thankfully you will never have to face the destruction a storm may cause to your home alone. SERVPRO of Marietta West is Here to Help! We are your locally owned and operated restoration company specializing in storm damage cleanup, water extraction, smoke and fire cleanup and restoration along with a complete construction team, to put everything back together again just "Like it never even happened."
One late August evening a homeowner in Kennesaw was heading home from a long day at the office. The rain was pouring down, lightning was lighting up the sky and the wind had picked up. As she drove into her neighborhood, she noticed the tree limbs above her swaying in the wind and she thought to herself, “I really should’ve taken care of that dead tree in my backyard.”
Once inside the comforts of her home, dry from the raging storm outside, the homeowner went upstairs and couldn't believe what she found! That very tree she had put off having removed, had fallen in the storm, knocking through her roof and into her home, creating an unwanted skylight in the master bedroom and bathroom. Tree limbs and debris were everywhere and rain was rushing into her home, as the storm continued.
The homeowner acted quickly getting in contact with her insurance company and making the wise decision to call the best restoration company in the Kennesaw and Marietta area, SERVPRO of Marietta West. Upon calling SERVPRO, she was greeted by one of our professional and caring loss coordinators who was able to calm her nerves and assure her that help was on the way. Not only do we offer emergency roof tarping but our top-notch team is on call for situations just like this, any time of the day or night, 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Our team was dispatched to the home and began the cleanup and restoration process, immediately upon arrival. SERVPRO of Marietta West handled everything from start to finish for the homeowner. From sending out a tree removal company, the emergency board up and tarping, documenting every step for the insurance company and even helping the homeowner file a claim with her insurance company. At SERVPRO of Marietta West it is our goal to take a stressful and confusing time and make it as easy and seamless as possible.
Here is a short walk-through of the restoration and cleanup process for this homeowner:
SERVPRO arrived on-site equipped with everything needed to complete the job in a timely, professional and efficient manner. Getting this Kennesaw home back to preloss condition in no time. After the roof was tarped and the site was secure our technicians began the restoration and cleanup process. First removing all of the debris and then using SERVPRO’s cutting edge portable water extractor to remove all of the standing water. The hardwood floors and baseboards in the master bedroom and bathroom were saturated with water. The drywall in both rooms were affected as well.
Once all of the water was extracted our highly trained team of IICRC certified technicians began the drying and demolition process. First, our contents and moving professionals stepped in and carefully packed up, documented and processed all of the personal items affected in the rooms. Items such as books, photo albums, nightstands and a dresser were carefully packed and transported to our 10,000 square foot climate controlled, video surveilled warehouse to be cleaned and safely stored during the restoration process.
The baseboards were removed and chalk-lines were made on the drywall for precise demolition cuts, removing the bottom few inches of drywall in the affected area. Our technicians then treated any exposed wall studs with SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning products and antimicrobial treatments to prevent the growth of future mold.
Now what about the beautiful hardwood floors? At SERVPRO of Marietta West we use state-of-the-art equipment including the innovative Dri-Eaz Mat Drying System, one of the most effective and efficient pieces of floor drying equipment available. Along with the Dri-Eaz Mats for the hardwood floors, dehumidifiers and air movers were strategically placed to facilitate the drying process. Over the course of the next few days our technicians were monitoring and documenting the drying process. In the end, we were able to dry out and save the homeowners hardwood floors and when the drying process was complete the reconstruction portion of the restoration began. The roof was fully repaired, the drywall was mended, resurfaced and painted, and in no time, we were moving all of the homeowners belongings back into her home.
After everything was said and done, the homeowner had nothing but wonderful things to say about the professionalism and workmanship of a job well done. SERVPRO of Marietta West stepped in and did what we do best. Walking this homeowner through every step of the process, always Here to Help.
At SERVPRO of Marietta West we are recognized, nationwide, for our emergency response after a storm strikes. With over 50 years in the storm restoration industry you can rest assured that you are getting the best name in the business. We are the name you can trust with what is likely your largest lifetime investment, your home.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is your locally owned and operated restoration and storm professionals. We are proud to serve the Marietta, GA, Smyrna, GA, Kennesaw, GA, Fair Oaks, GA, Dobbins Air Force Base, GA, Big Shanty, GA, and the surrounding metro Kennesaw and Marietta areas. We are always just a phone call away.
*Checkout some of our other Storm Restoration Blogs: "SERVPRO of Marietta West Restores Homes and Businesses After Storm Damage"; "Flash Flood Home Repair and Restoration in Smyrna, GA"; "A Look at North Georgia's Sever Weather History"; "Flood and Storm Damage in Marietta Georgia"
SERVPRO of Marietta West Restores Homes and Businesses After Storm Damage
3/31/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is an industry leader in the storm restoration field. Give us a call today (770)428-5467!
When a storm disaster strikes, it’s time to call in the professionals that can make it “Like it never even happened.” Restoration professionals you can trust to get the job done right, the first time and stands behind their work no questions asked. You need to call SERVPRO of Marietta West, your locally owned and operated SERVPRO franchise. SERVPRO is known nationwide for its emergency support to regions ravaged by storm damage. Whether it’s tornadoes in Nashville, TN, hurricanes in Houston, TX, or wildfires in Santa Rosa, CA, SERVPRO is always here to help. SERVPRO has over 1,700 franchises nationwide, strategically placed, so that you are never more than a phone call away from the best restoration company in your area.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is no stranger to storm damage. We have helped our customers and the greater Kennesaw/Marietta community recover after major storms and isolated weather events for over seventeen years, restoring our customers' property to preloss condition and helping businesses get back up and running after storm damage. Our technicians are highly trained and certified professionals. They undergo extensive background checks, training by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC), and SERVPRO’s proprietary continued education programs, to ensure that SERVPRO of Marietta West technicians are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and experienced enough to handle any size disaster.
What To Do and What Not To Do After Storm Damage
What to do after a home flood? Mopping and blotting are good ways to remove excess standing water and saturated materials. Wood furniture can be wiped down to remove excess water, be sure to remove tabletop items like lamps and pictures, so the surface can be wiped down thoroughly. Aluminum foil or wood blocks can be placed between furniture legs and wet carpeting, and wet upholstery and cushions should be removed and propped up to allow them to air dry. Your air conditioner can be turned up to the maximum to help circulate air and help dry your property during the summer or warmer months. Painting, sculptures, and other artwork should be removed and stored in a safe, dry place. Colored rugs should be removed from wet carpeting to prevent leaching and staining. Any loose items on the floor should be gathered and stored in a safe dry place as well.
What not to do after a house flood? Do not use your household vacuum to suck up water, unless it is specifically rated to handle wet vacuuming. Electrocution and damage can result from using a household vacuum to remove water from carpets, upholstery or other saturated surfaces. TV and other household appliances are also electrocution hazards and should not be turned on. When safe, unplug or remove the power source of electronic devices that have been exposed to moisture. Wet ceilings pose both electrical and fall hazards. Do not turn on ceiling fans or lighting fixtures in rooms that have ceiling water damage and stay out of rooms with sagging ceilings. Do not leave colored items like books and magazines in contact with wet carpet, hardwoods, or other flooring, as they may stain the surface they are sitting on. Furs and other leather goods should be hung up to allow them to dry while other fabrics can be left laying flat and allowed to dry. Do not leave wet fabrics in place because mold and mildew can result.
Contents Restoration Services Overview
Storm damage can be devastating to homes and businesses and SERVPRO of Marietta West is here to help. We specialize in restoring homes and businesses’s contents damaged by storms and other water damage events. Our expertise and our “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents, to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water damage. We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
- Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
- Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to additional cleaning.
- Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if cleaned.
- Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
- Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
- Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand cleaning.
Move-Out/Pack-Out Services Overview
Homes and businesses that have been damaged by storm or other water events often require extensive restoration or cleaning. SERVPRO of Marietta West can conduct an organized, efficient, and safe move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including protecting items from potential damage, protecting contents from further on-site damage, and a quicker remodeling process. When the restoration portion of the claim is completed, SERVPRO of Marietta West will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your individual wishes and needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.
Contents Claim Inventory Services
When a storm event happens, the damage can make your stress levels go through the roof and often make you feel overwhelmed. We can help ease your stress and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate manifest of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.
Our Contents Claim Inventory Service Five Major Features:
- Pre-loss list and value of contents
- Detailed and accurate report
- Better information to settle claims quicker
- Assistance with burden of proof for claims
- Peace of mind when you need it most
Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources
We live and work in this community, and we might even be neighbors! As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Marietta West is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events in the Atlanta Metro area. We are proud to be active members in the Marietta and Kennesaw communities and want to do our part to make these communities the best they can be. We are proud to serve Marietta, GA, Smyrna, GA, Kennesaw, GA, Fair Oaks, GA, Dobbins Air Force Base, GA, and Big Shanty, GA communities.
Flash Flood Home Repair and Restoration in Smyrna GA
2/14/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here 24/7 to handle all of your emergency water restoration needs. Flash Floods? Tree on roof? Better call SERVPRO!
If you’ve lived in the North Georgia area for a few years, then you’ve probably noticed that we get the full array of weather events. Blazing hot summers, bitter cold winters and any number of weather events from tornadoes to wildfires. There’s a popular saying that applies to this winters weather, “If you don't like the weather, wait about 15 minutes.” We’ve seen weeks that start out in the mid 70’s that have flash flood warnings mid-week, and a couple of inches of snow to round out the weekend. With unpredictable weather comes unpredictable home damage like a tree falling on your roof or your basement getting flooded during a flash flood. The good news is that there is a dependable, locally owned and operated restoration company that is always on duty to answer your emergency home repair and water extraction calls...SERVPRO of Marietta West!
In Smyrna Ga, a local homeowner woke up to a flash flood warning after a rough night’s sleep due to a heavy rainstorm that lasted into the morning. After waking up and getting out of bed, they headed downstairs to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. The homeowner discovered water throughout the front half of the main-level of their home. The dining room had pools of water along the exterior walls as well as the front door entrance-way and the study. What the homeowner hadn't seen yet was the basement level. Water had penetrated the main level's sub-floor, seeping through the ceiling and into a stairwell and entertainment room. The water had a brown-red tinge to it which was a tail-tail sign of Georgia red clay. Needless to say this was not how the homeowner wanted to start their morning.
This Smyrna homeowner wisely decided to call the best restoration company in the Metro Atlanta area, SERVPRO of Marietta West. Our trained loss coordinators were able to calm the homeowners fears and ease their worries by assuring them that help was on the way, giving them clear and concise direction on what they could do until help arrives. The homeowner did not have to wait long because SERVPRO of Marietta West has an average response time of under two hours and in this case, we made it on-site within one hour.
The home was a brick two story structure with a finished basement and was built during the mid 90’s. The basement originally served as a spare guest room and additional storage space, but was converted into a movie theater room with an entertainment area several years later. The house was built on the far-side of its lot with a long steep driveway leading up to the street. The front yard also had a steep pitch to it that angled back toward the house creating almost a miniature valley that the house sat in. The house’s builder took these topographical factors into account when building the house and planning the landscaping. They made sure to build up the foundation so that there was a gentle slope way from the home to prevent water from flooding the home and also strategically place landscaping beds along the front of the house to help direct rainfall and water run-off away from the house. But with even the best laid plans, things go awry, and when it comes to home ownership anything that can go wrong, will. The rainfall was so heavy that the entire front lawn was under several feet of water and part of the driveway was submerged as well.
Once our technicians arrived on-site they immediately sprang into action. The first step was to determine that the site was safe to enter and document the loss for the homeowner’s insurance company. Luckily, this homeowner had the foresight to purchase flood coverage in addition to their standard homeowner’s insurance policy, so coverage was not an issue. SERVPRO of Marietta West’s talented loss coordinators were even able to help the homeowner file their insurance claim and took care of all the “red tape” and headaches normally associated with filing a homeowner’s insurance claim. The next step was to remove all the free standing water from both levels of the home. After the site was deemed safe and the damage had been documented, our drying specialist began extracting water from the main level of the home using truck mounted vacuum extractors and set up a sump-pump in the basement to remove more than a foot of standing water. Once the sump-pump had pumped out most of the standing water in the basement, technicians used portable extractors to remove the remaining pools of water and extract water from the sopping wet carpets.
Damage from water can occur from different sources throughout your home. Your kitchen can develop a leak in a water hose leading from a dishwasher or a kitchen pipe under the sink. Your washing machine can overflow, etc. Many people believe that the water caused by these instances is clean, but the EPA reports that “clean water” can carry unhealthy bacteria. Other causes of damage can also be caused by a leaking room, bad weather, or cracks within the foundation. Water damage is classified into four different classes for proper treatment. If you experience water damage in your Marietta, GA home, restoration experts can determine what is needed in the clean-up efforts. The classification of water damage is based on the effects of the water, the rate of evaporation, and how much moisture is absorbed by the materials in the area. For more information on all four classifications click here.
*The following is a room-by-room breakdown of how SERVPRO of Marietta West made this home owners flash flood disaster “Like it never even happened.”
Cause of Loss: The cause of loss was due to outside water coming into the home during a flash flood. Water gathered in the front yard and eventually made its way into the home via the front entrance. It penetrated the sub-floor and flooded the finished basement as well.
Front Entrance - When SERVPRO arrived on site there were several inches of water standing in the affected area, which would have to be extracted using SERVPRO’s cutting edge portable extractors and truck mounted vacuum systems. The front entrance hardwood floors and baseboards were fully saturated and 100% affected by grossly contaminated water and would have to be removed, bagged, and safely disposed of off-site. The drywall in the front entrance was also partially affected by grossly contaminated water. SERVPRO’s highly trained technicians used chalk-lines to plan-out their demolition cuts, then carefully removed the bottom three feet of drywall in the affected area. Most drywall is made of (gypsum), when it comes into contact with water it naturally absorbs the moisture and pulls it inward. This is now as the capillary action or more commonly referred to in the restoration industry as “wicking”. This means that if the bottom few inches of drywall comes in direct contact with water, mold causing moisture could be absorbed and wick several feet above the high water mark (depending on the amount of time the drywall is exposed).
Once the demolition phase was completed and all non-salvageable materials (or items that were cost prohibitive to restore) were documented and disposed of properly, SERVPRO’s restoration specialist treated the exposed wall studs and sub-floor with SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning products and antimicrobial treatments (Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution) to prevent future mold growth. A single low grain refrigerant (LRG) dehumidifier and two Phoenix AirMax air movers were strategically placed in the affected area to facilitate the drying process. Moisture is removed by moving warm dehumidified air over, across, and around materials or surfaces with high moisture content levels. The warm dry air easily absorbs moisture from the wet materials and becomes saturated with moisture. This constant movement of air creates what restoration specialists call a “drying cycle”. The cycle starts with the air being dehumidified, then blown into contact with the wet surface or material by air movers. The dehumidified air easily absorbs the moisture from the surface or material and is displaced by more dehumidified air. The newly saturated air is then either vented way or re-dried by the dehumidifier, starting the drying cycle over again. Over the course of the next few days, our drying specialist monitored and documented the drying progress for the homeowner and insurance adjuster’s records. After only four days, the front entrance was dried to IICRC S500 Standards and was ready for our construction team to make it “Like it never even happened."
During the construction phase, the drywall was mended, resurfaced, and painted with 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Regal Select Interior Paint. New hardwood floors were installed, stained, and finished on-site. The transitional area between new and old hardwoods was able to be feathered-in and perfectly matched the existing hardwood, creating a seamless transition. New baseboards were then installed and painted with Benjamin Moore Advance interior Paint. This homeowner was astonished and pleased with the way the restoration of the front entrance turned out.
Study - The study shared an adjoining wall with the front entrance and suffered the brunt of the damage to the home’s main level. Like the front entrance, the hardwood floors and baseboards in the study were 100% affected by grossly contaminated water and would have to be removed, bagged, and properly disposed of off site. The study however had over six inches of standing water that had to be extracted before our technician could start removing the hardwood floors and baseboards. Once all the standing water was extracted from the study, our contents and moving teams carefully documented and processed the personal effects in the room. Making note of damages to the personal items and determining the cost effectiveness of restoration. Items like photo albums, books, a bookshelf, a couple of high back reading chairs with matching end tables, several lamps and a heirloom coffee table were initially cleaned on site to prevent contamination of non-affected areas. Then the furniture and other contents were carefully packed and transported off-site to be further cleaned and stored off-site at our 10,000 square foot cleaning and storage facility.
With the homeowner’s belongings safely removed the demolition process could begin. Large portions of drywall were removed due to contact with grossly contaminated water. The lower three feet of drywall was carefully removed using a chalk-line and drywall oscillating cutting tool. With the wall studs and sub-floor exposed, our restoration technicians cleaned and applied antimicrobial treatments to prevent future mold growth. A single LRG dehumidifier and five centrifugal air movers were carefully placed and space throughout the study. Over the course of the next few days, our restoration specialist monitored and documented the progress of the drying process for the homeowner and insurance adjuster’s records. After only four days, the study was dried to preloss condition and was ready for our construction team.
In the study our construction team started with drywall repairs. Prepping and painting the newly installed walls with Aura Interior Paint from Benjamin Moore. The hardwood floors were then installed. Because the study was connected to the remainder of the house via the front entrance, matching the new hardwoods to the original hardwoods was not an issue. New baseboards were then installed and painted using Benjamin Moore Advance interior Paint. A final cleaning gave our construction team an opportunity to touch up any final details before our contents team moved the homeowner’s furniture and personal items back to preloss positions.
Dining Room - The dining room was also heavily affected by the flood damage and had over six inches of standing water pooling along the exterior facing walls. Water extraction was performed by our drying specialist using portable water extractors. After all the standing water had been removed our contents team processed and documented furniture and other items like fine china, a china cabinet, hanging wall art, as well as the dining room table and eight matching chairs. These items were initially clean on-site to prevent contamination of non affected areas during the moving process, and were further cleaned once they were safely unpacked for deep cleaning and storage at our state-of-the-art cleaning and storage facility. With the homeowner’s belongings safely stored off-site the demolition process could commence, starting with the removal of hardwood floors, baseboards and drywall. These materials were grossly contaminated by outside water and would have to be bagged and disposed of in accordance with Georgia Environmental Protection Division guidelines. Drywall removal was pretty extensive due to water wicking almost two feet up the walls. This required the removal of the lower four feet of drywall along the exterior walls. Behind the drywall, wet insulation was found that would also have to be removed. The exposed sub-floor and wall studs were then cleaned using SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning product and Sporicidin Disinfectant Solution was used to prevent mold from growing in the future. A single LRG dehumidifier and five centrifugal air movers were placed and monitored over the next four days while the property dried to preloss condition.
The construction team made short work of the dining room remodel following the same steps mentioned in the previous rooms. New hardwood floors were installed throughout the room and were sanded, stained, and finished on sight using Minwax flooring products. Fresh insulation and drywall were installed to replace the water damaged materials. Before the construction department’s final cleaning, all walls and baseboards were painted using high quality Benjamin Moore paint products. The home owner’s dining room set, china cabinet, and artwork were re-staged back in their original locations and the dining room looked “Like it never even happened.”
Stairwell - This hardwood stairwell connected the main level and the finished basement, starting in the front entrance and emptying out into the lower level hallway. During the flash flood event, water cascaded down the stairs like a waterfall as the front entrance filled with murky-red water. The hardwoods and baseboards came in contact with grossly contaminated water which industry professionals often refer to as “black water”. These materials had to be removed, bagged and disposed of properly, along with all of the drywall in the stairwell. Professional cleaning products and antimicrobial treatments were applied to the exposed sub-floor and wall studs to prevent mold growth from developing prior to placing drying equipment. The stairwell only required three Phoenix AirMax air movers to create an environment conducive to drying. The equipment was monitored and moved as needed over the next four day until dry readings were achieved by our technician using their Delmhorst Navigator Pro moisture meter.
Construction was pretty straight forward. New hardwood floors were installed and finished on-site. Drywall was installed and prepped for paint along with the baseboards. After a final cleaning and a few paint touch-ups the stairs look "Like it never even happened."
Lower Level Hallway - Water saturated almost all surfaces and materials in the lower level hallway. From the ceiling to the carpeted floor, everything had come in contact with grossly contaminated water. Between the stairwell that turned into a waterfall and the fully saturated flooring above, water was pouring into the lower level hallway from all directions. The carpet, drywall and baseboards throughout the lower hallway had to be removed, bagged, and disposed of properly, including ceiling tiles and ceiling grid system. The exposed structure was thoroughly cleaned and treated with an antimicrobial solution to prevent future mold growth. Three commercial grade air movers were strategically placed in the lower hallway to start the drying process and were monitored over the next four days until all materials achieved dry readings.
Not unlike the front entrance and stairway, construction was completed very quickly in the lower level hallway. A new ceiling grid was installed along with new acoustical ceiling tiles. Then the drywall was hung and prepped for paint. The homeowners choice of plush high grade carpet from Shaw Flooring was installed along with new carpet pad. All that remained was to paint the freshly installed drywall and baseboards, touch-ups and final cleaning.
Theater and Entertainment Area- The area in the house that was most affected by the flash flood was the theater and entertainment area. This room happened to be the largest room in the house and coincidentally it was also the lowest point of elevation in the home. Anybody that knows anything about water and gravity, knows that when water is allowed to flow freely over an area, it will seek-out the lowest point of elevation. This is why water flows down hill and why the ancient aqueducts were able to move massive amounts of water without pumps. This house however was built in the modern age so SERVPRO of Marietta West took full advantage of our sump-pump systems and high powered vacuum extractors to remove almost two feet of water from the theater and entertainment area. Once all the standing water was removed and most of the moisture was extracted from the carpet and pad, our skilled restoration specialist removed both carpet and pad by cutting it into manageable strips, bagging it up on-site, and disposing of it property. In the theater and entertainment area there were 6 luxury theater recliners arranged in two elevated rows, a projector mounted on the ceiling, motorized projection screen on the wall, several framed classic movie posters, and an audio visual/gaming entertainment center (AV system) to organize the homeowners many digital devices. These contents were carefully evaluated for cost effective restoration and documented. Items that were deemed cost ineffective to restore or too contaminated to be cleaned were disposed of properly and under the advisement of the insurance adjuster. Along with the carpet, all of the drywall, baseboards, insulation and ceiling had to be completely removed due to grossly contaminated water that saturated these materials. In places the drywall had begun to pull away from the ceiling and large areas had visible swelling where water had pooled. Our skilled technicians carefully and safely demoed the ceiling, walls, insulation and baseboards bagging them and disposing of them properly. At this point the theater and entertainment area was pretty much “gutted” and with the structure exposed, it was time to clean and sanitize the area using SERVPRO’s professional cleaning products and techniques. All wall studs and sub-floor were treated with antimicrobial agents as a preventative measure against future mold growth. Two dehumidifiers were placed in the theater and entertainment area, one at either end of the large room. Three axial fans were used to circulate air effectively around the ceiling joists and were moved several times during monitoring visits to speed up the drying process. Along with the three axial fans eight low profile air movers were used to dry the cement sub-floor and wall studs. After four days the structure was dried to IICRC Standards and ready for the construction team.
This large room was pretty much a blank slate for the construction team to work their magic. Drywall was installed on the ceiling and walls then prepped for paint. New carpet and pad were laid and new baseboards were installed. Paint was the next item on the construction’s team punch-out list and with that step completed the room was ready for the move back. Due to the levels of contamination and the types of items that were damaged, the adjuster allotted for the homeowner to purchase all new furniture and electronic devices. So the new furniture was placed in the same arrangement as previous to the flood, and electronics like the projector, surround sound system, and several gaming consoles were reinstalled and networked with the homes AV system. With the remodel completed and electronics installed and working, a final cleaning was performed to ensure that the customer was pleased with our construction team’s handy work.
The homeowner was more than pleased with our restoration work and attention to detail. They told us that they would recommend us to anyone that experiences a water loss, that they were also impressed with our commitment to getting the job done right the first time, and our ability to work on their schedule. The homeowner was particularly impressed with our team's communication skills and punctuality. All and all, this was another successful restoration project completed by SERVPRO of Marietta West.
*If you enjoy this blog or would like learn more about SERVPRO of Marietta West check out the following links to previous Blogs and Before & After pictures:
Blog - Why Hire A Professional Water Restoration Company?
Blog - What Kennesaw Customers Can Expect When They Call SERVPRO of Marietta West
Blog - Why does your Kennesaw basement flood?
Before & After photos - “Cleanup After Sprinkler System Goes Off”
Before & After photos - “Disaster to Designer”
Before and After photos - "Bathroom Flooded by Water from Exterior of Home"
Water Damage Repair and Restoration
SERVPRO of Marietta West is your local emergency water removal and cleanup specialists that can make it "Like it never even happened." Using our state-of-the-art water extraction equipment and advanced drying techniques, SERVPRO of Marietta West will quickly and safely dry your Marietta home when flooding strikes or water leaks cause damage. If you are looking to have work done right the first time, don't hesitate and call SERVPRO of Marietta West. For over three decades, we have documented and restored customer's homes and business after water losses. Working seamlessly with insurance providers all along the way, and earning our reputation as the premier service provider in the Atlanta Metro Area. SERVPRO of Marietta West is also a preferred service provider for most major insurance companies and has a great working relationship with local insurance agents and adjusters.
If your home or business has suffered water damage, all you want is for things to go back to normal and put the whole ordeal behind you. SERVPRO of Marietta West can help by shouldering all of the heavy lifting and get your property back to preloss condition. Choose the pros that are faster to any size disaster, SERVPRO of Marietta West!
Checkout what some of our customers have to say about working with SERVPRO of Marietta West!
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
We live and work in this community too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Marietta West is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the Marietta community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
A Look at North Georgia's Sever Weather History
9/27/2019 (Permalink)
No matter where you live, with 1,700+ SERVPRO franchises nationwide your never more than a call away from making it "Like it never even happened"!
North Georgia, and particularly the Metro Atlanta area have a unique climatology. Weather events range from tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, tropical storms, and even hurricanes. That is one of the many reasons SERVPRO of Marietta West has been a community leader in storm recovery since the early 2000’s, providing our community with the much needed manpower and experience to make it “Like it never even happened”. Join us for a look at some of the reasons why North Georgia frequently experiences storm events and how you can prepare your home and loved ones for weather events.
Due to its topography and geological location, the northern part of the state is often referred to as tornado alley. The “alley” ranges from Rome, GA to Gainesville, GA then to Newnan, GA and back to Rome, GA. North Georgia’s severe weather is oftentimes fed by moisture generated in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Most of North Georgia’s severe weather occurs at the end of the winter season and continues into early spring. Another contributing factor is the elevation of the area, which in most parts is over 1,000 ft but can very wildly up to 4,784 ft (Brasstown Bald Mountain, the highest point in all of Georgia). These elevation changes can create great variances in barometric pressure which can precipitate severe weather. This can also create issues forecasting the weather, compounding the difficulty level of early storm warning systems.
Click here for a more indepth look at the contributing factors to North Georgia’s severe weather history.
It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency:
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps, and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
- Develop and test emergency communication plans.
- Assemble and maintain emergency supplies.
- Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
- Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class.
- Collect and safeguard critical documents.
- Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
You can reach SERVPRO of Marietta West 24/7 at (770) 428-5467
For more information about protecting your home during weather events check out our previous blog, “Six Tips on Protecting Your Kennesaw GA Home or Business from Winter Weather”
Flood and Storm Damage in Marietta Georgia
9/27/2019 (Permalink)
Sustained storm damage? Call SERVPRO of Marietta West. We are the storm clean-up professionals that can make it "Like it never even happened"!
SERVPRO of Marietta West specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews at SERVPRO of Marietta West 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 Cobb County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of Marietta West Today (770) 428-5467
The People, Experience, Training and Equipment to make it "Like it never even happened."
The People - With over 10,000 quality teammates nationwide, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Training - Franchise Professionals undergo extensive fire restoration training an d certification SERVPRO Industries, Inc. offers an IICRC-approved school to help ensure our training meets and exceeds accepted industry standards.
The Experience - SERVPRO is a Franchise System with over 40 years of leadership in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, commercial property managers and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon.
The Equipment - With over 5,000,000 square feet of building space, housing over 140,000 pieces of cleaning and restoration equipment, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the resources to help you take back control of your life.
Lower Recovery Cost - Save Money
Mitigation requires quick action. The faster SERVPRO of Marietta West arrives on-site to preform cleanup and restoration, the better the results - including lower claim costs.
- Emergency Mitigation Services help minimize additional property damages.
- Restoration versus replacement of contents saves heirlooms and money too.
- Restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition when possible
Georgia's Most Common Storm Damage Questions
9/27/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO's highly trained storm team at customers home restoring storm damage. Ready to make it "Like it never even happened"!
Storm damage can be a complicated subject when it comes to filing insurance claims and assessing coverage. Many people have questions about how to handle storm damage in Georgia. The good people at the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commission have some answers for commonly asked questions. If you have questions about your coverage or filing a claim, we would recommend reaching out to your insurance provider for clarification. If you have suffered any type of storm damage to your home or business you can also call SERVPRO of Marietta West and we can help you file a claim with most major insurance providers. The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commission can investigate issues and fields complaints insurance fire claims.
The following are some commonly asked questions about storm damage coverage:
- Tree Falling on Neighbor’s Property
In this scenario a tree on homeowner “A’s” property falls and damages homeowner “B’s” house and/or other property. Is homeowner “A” responsible for his neighbor, homeowner “B’s” property damage?
If the tree was not dead or dying and/or an imminent hazard before it fell, homeowner “A” is probably not liable for their neighbor’s damages. If homeowner “A” is not legally responsible for the damages their insurance company will most likely not pay for homeowner “B’s” repairs. If homeowner “A” had prior knowledge that the tree was dead, diseased, or otherwise an imminent hazard they could be held responsible or legally liable for damages and or injuries.
- Neighbor Ignores Warning of Hazardous Tree
In this scenario homeowner “A” informs homeowner “B” that a tree on homeowner “B’s” property is dead or otherwise a hazard. Homeowner “B” ignores this advice and the tree eventually falls onto homeowner “A’s” property. Who’s homeowner’s insurance policy should cover the damage?
If homeowner “B” did in fact ignore homeowner “A’s” advice and damages resulted due to homeowner “B’s” inaction, this scenario demonstrates probable negligence and homeowner “B’s” insurance might cover the damages. To obtain a quick settlement, homeowner “A” can file a claim with their own insurance company if the tree fell as a result of a covered peril and damaged property covered under the homeowner’s policy. Homeowner “A’s” insurance company will eventually collect from homeowner “B’s” carrier for the damage, including homeowner “A’s” deductible.
- Homeowner’s Tree Falls in Homeowner’s Yard
In this scenario a homeowner has a tree fall in their yard and has a company cut up and remove the tree from the yard. Will their homeowner’s insurance cover the cleanup cost?
Coverage for “debris removal” is part of many homeowner’s policies, which would cover trees as a type of debris to be disposed of assuming that the loss is determined to be covered by the insurance provider. In many cases when determining coverage, If the tree is blown over in the yard and causes no damage to a covered structure (i.e. house, fence, porch, ect) then there may be issues with coverage.
- Trees, Shrubs, and Lawn Coverage
In this scenario a homeowner goes to great lengths when it comes to landscaping and lawncare. They have some very nice trees and shrubbery on their property. Are their trees and shrubs covered by their homeowner’s policy?
Certain losses like damage or loss by fire, lightning, explosions, riots or civil unrest, aircraft, vehicles (not owned or operated by the insured or resident of the dwelling), vandalism, malicious mischief or theft, will allow for some policy coverage for trees, shrubs, plants and lawns. In most cases coverage is limited to $500 per any one tree, shrub, etc. and is not to exceed 5% of the dwelling policy limit. Damage and loss of trees or shrubs caused by wind and hail is typically not covered.
If you or someone you know has suffered storm damage in the Cobb County area, call SERVPRO of Marietta West today! We are the storm cleanup professionals you’ve been looking for. We offer transparent and upfront pricing with SERVPRO’s untouchable service warranty. Call SERVPRO of Marietta West and let us make it “Like it never even happened”!
Emergency Roof Tarping and Board-up in Kennesaw Georgia
5/24/2019 (Permalink)
If your roof looks like this, give SERVPRO of Marietta West a Call (770)428-5467!
Emergency Roof Tarping and Board-up in Kennesaw Georgia
There’s not much worst then a tree branch falling on your roof, except maybe having the tree branch fall in the middle of the night during a rainstorm and trying to deal with it by yourself. Don’t go it alone! Call your neighborhood restoration specialist at SERVPRO of Marietta West. We hope this type of event never happens to your home, but if it does know SERVPRO of Marietta West can help! We have provided homeowners with roof tarping and board-up services at all hours of the day and night.
It is very important to secure your property after a storm causes damage to your home, particularly your roof. You should have the building’s structure inspected for safety and secure the property to ensure that no further damage will happen to your property. Leaving a hole in the roof means that rain and the elements could further damage your home and its contents.
Dangers of tarping your own roof!
Fall Hazards – Damaged roofs can have structural faults or weak points due to the damage to the roof. The roof should be inspected by trained professionals for strength and structural integrity before performing repairs on it. Climbing and walking on rooftops can incredibly dangerous. Preforming work without the proper safety equipment is at best foolish and could be against the law!
Electrical Shock – Many homes and buildings have all kinds of overhead powerlines and electrical wires running to or through the roof. Combining water and electricity is never a good idea and once a roofs structure has been compromised the chances for electrocution multiply. All power lines should be treated as “live” and trained professionals should be the only people allowed to touch or even work in close proximity to them.
Inclement Weather – Chances are the reason your roof has been damaged is due to a weather-related event. From hail and high winds, to trees or other structures damaging your rooftop. Mother nature can really cause some damage! Sometimes it can be hard to tell if mother nature is done dealing damage or if she is just taking a break and has more harsh weather to dish out. Don’t be fooled into climbing up on your roof only to get caught in a thunderstorm or tornado. Wait for all storm advisories to be lifted prior to inspecting, tarping, or repairing damages.
*There are many risks involved with climbing on the roof of any structure and SERVPRO of Marietta West advised you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. Call the professionals when it comes to inspecting, tarping, and repairing your home or business’s roof. For more information about roof tarping visit our friends over at www.osha.com.
SERVPRO of Marietta West offers emergency board-up services just for this type of event. When your homes roof suffers damage in the middle of the night, call SERVPRO of Marietta West. We will come straight over, and get the roof boarded up and covered-up to protect your home from further damage.
Storm Insurance Related Questions
4/1/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West 24/7 Emergency Storm Cleanup
SERVPRO of Marietta West field hundreds of emergency water restoration calls every year from often frantic customers dealing with their first storm related insurance claim. This can be a very trying and stressful time for even the coolest headed individuals. SERVPRO has your back and can make it “Like it never even happened.” With over 1600 franchises nation wide we have the national backing to handle any size disaster.
Some of the most common questions customers ask us about their home, condo or business water damage:
- Is a water leak covered by home insurance?
- Is a leaking toilet covered by insurance?
- Is water damage from a leaking roof covered by insurance?
While we wish we could give a simple yes or no answer to these questions, there are way too many variables to issue such an overly simplified blanket answer. If you have questions about your coverage, we encourage you to contact your insurance agent. Familiarize yourself with your policy and don’t be afraid to ask your agent questions about coverage. Knowing what kind of coverage, you have will prevent you from being ill prepared when disasters happens.
SERVPRO of Marietta West prides itself on not only restoring our customers property, but also our customers peace of mind. Customers tend to have questions flying through their head causing all sorts of anxiety and stress. Having a company that you can turn to, to answer your questions and provide 24/7 service is essential.
Types of water damage that depending on coverage, may or may not be covered by your insurance policy:
- Sudden or Accidental Discharge - A window is broken allowing rain water to damage the interior of a structure.
- Sewer Backup or Water Backup - The sewer system is clogged causing sewage to flow backwards into a home or business.
- Overflow - A water shut off valve or drain fails causing water to flood a kitchen or bathroom.
- Flood - During inclement weather water levels rise such that water ingulfs street, home & business.
- Insurance Covered Storm Related Water Damage - This would be determined on a case by case basis and depend on the insured’s coverage
SERVPRO of Marietta West is a leader in the water restoration industry and is a preferred service provider for most major insurance providers. This means that SERVPRO has pre-negotiated pricing, rates and terms of service with your insurance provider on a national level. Providing both cost savings for insurance companies and their customers. It also means that you will receive the same high level of service from highly trained restoration professional no matter where you live!
Give SERVPRO of Marietta West a call today!(770) 428-5467
Floods Can Happen Anywhere
2/18/2019 (Permalink)
Call the clean up team that is faster to any size disaster! - SERVPRO of Marietta West (770428-5467
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA list the most common flood hazards in the United States as:
- Flash Flooding
- River Flooding
- Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
- Burn Scars/Debris Flows (caused by wildfires)
- Ice/Debris Jams
- Snow melt
- Dry Wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
- Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesn't mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the U.S., and commercial flood claims average more than $75,000 (NFIP).
When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO of Marietta West can help. We can help you prepare ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile(ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Marietta West professionals are ready to help make it "Like it never even happened."
Generator Safety
9/28/2018 (Permalink)
If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below from 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 in rain or 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.
- Open doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although carbon monoxide 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 carbon monoxide. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
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 Marietta West is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Marietta community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
24/7 Emergency Storm and Fire Cleanup and Restoration (770) 428-5467
Severe Weather Safety
9/28/2018 (Permalink)
Severe weather can happen any time, anywhere. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:
- 10,000 severe thunderstorms
- 5,000 floods or flash floods
- 1,300 tornadoes
- 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes
Approximately 98 percent of all presidential declared disasters are weather-related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. Knowing your risk of severe weather, taking action, and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.
Know Your Risk.
The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you, your business, and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio, and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts. Severe weather comes in many forms, and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
Take Action.
Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.
Be an Example.
Once you have taken action to prepare for severe weather, share your story with co-workers and family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. Your preparedness story will inspire others to do the same.
Contact SERVPRO of Marietta West for more readiness tips and tools, including SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster.
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 Marietta West is close by and ready to respond to storm and disaster events. We are proud to be an active member of the Marietta community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
SERVPRO of Marietta West can help you be “Ready for whatever happens!”
If A Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?
9/28/2018 (Permalink)
It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
- Develop and test emergency communication plans.
- Assemble or update emergency supplies
- Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
- Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
- Collect an safeguard critical documents.
- Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources
- Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
- Make property improvement to reduce potential injury and property damage.
Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property.
Locally Owned Company with National Resources
As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Marietta West is strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. When a major fire or disaster event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.
We are proud to serve our local communities:
How Storms Damage the Roof of Your Business in Smyrna GA
5/25/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West is here after any size storm to make your home or business "like it never even happened"
The roof of your commercial facility or business is important. A well-maintained roof promotes energy efficiency and protects the building from the elements. When the roof withstands damage, the integrity of the building is affected. If a storm damages your roof, SERVPRO of Marietta West is the company to call for cleanup and restoration.
Surveying Your Roof After a Major Storm
Commercial and residential property owners should have their roof inspected after major storms. High winds as well as heavy rains and hailstones can damage a roof in many ways. They can cause shingles to blow off individually or in full patches. Tree limbs can fall onto the roof to leave a hole in the structure. We do not advise you to climb onto the top of the building on your own because of the high elevation and steep incline of most roofs. If you believe that your property has been damaged by a storm, you should contact a professional for an assessment.
What We Can Do to Recover and Restore Your Property
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility ensures we are always up to date on the best techniques to get your home or business back in shape after a storm. Regular IICRC industry certifications, means we have the knowledge as well as the equipment to restore your property. We clean the damage the storm left behind, and this includes on the interior or exterior of your building.
Severe weather is unfortunately common in the North Georgia area, and it can cause significant damage in a very short period of time. SERVPRO of Marietta West is available to respond to requests immediately after a major storm. We can begin the restoration and cleanup process quickly so that you can more easily move past the current issue and protect your property.
What To Do During a Flood Event in Kennesaw, GA
4/9/2018 (Permalink)
Storms and inclement weather can bring wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding that can devastate any business in a matter of minutes
Flood waters won't stop SERVPRO of Marietta West
Rains are coming...
Spring showers can often lead to flooding conditions in North Alabama. These tips will help reduce the impact spring floods that my happen on your property.
Watch for Pooling Water
Look for places around your property where water pools, and channel it away from buildings. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and they are directing water as intended.
Maintain Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, check to be sure it is operational before water starts rising. Consider a back-up generator to ensure your pump works when you need it most. Contact your insurance agent to add coverage in case your sump pump fails.
Raise Storage Goods
Use shelving and/or pallets to keep storage items off the floor to reduce the impact of small floods. In many situations, raising boxes just a few inches will be enough to keep storage goods above the water line.
Cut Power if Necessary
As rising water approaches the level of electrical outlets, you risk having a live current flow through all the water. Cut the power if you can safely do so without standing in water. Otherwise, evacuate and contact an electrician to cut the power before you go back in for recovery.
Keep Storm Drains Clear
If you see water pooling around a storm drain, the drain may be clogged with debris. Clearing the debris will help keep the water flowing away from your neighborhood.
Be Aware on the Road
Be careful when driving during spring storms, especially when you hear flash flood warnings. Never drive into fully submerged roadway. The water surface will be at the same level as the pavement you can see. This view can deceive you into thinking the water is shallow because you cannot see how the road dips under the surface.
Act Fast
When a flood happens, you need to act fast to dry out any wet items, particularly structural materials like walls and flooring. Call SERVPRO® of Marietta West (770) 428-5467 to extract water and mitigate any mold growth. Our franchise professionals have the training and experience to make flood damage “Like it never even happened.”
Understanding Water Types
2/23/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West "Like it never even happened." (770) 428-5467
When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup.
There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source; rainwater is also considered clean. The term gray water is used to classify slightly contaminated water. Clean water becomes gray water when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals.
Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive.
Damage from Clean Water
- Shut off the wate source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribuion panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow more even drying.
- Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place.
- Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors as they may cause staining.
- Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Damage from Contaminated Water
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items.
- Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas.
- Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
- Do not use household fans to dry the structure;air flow could spread contaminants.
- Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.
When Storms or Floods Hit Marietta, SERVPRO is Ready!
9/29/2017 (Permalink)
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Marietta Georgia.
SERVPRO of Marietta West 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 Marietta, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (770) 428-5467
Source: www.SERVPROportcharlotte.com/
Emergency Board Up - Smyrna Georgia
9/29/2017 (Permalink)
We will be there in your time of need...day or night!
Board-ups - In some cases it may be important to secure openings to your home or structure using sturdy, durable materials designed to protect it from both weather intrusion and intrusion by outsiders. SERVPRO of Marietta West Professionals can and will perform the board-up themselves.
Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your family and your home. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care.
SERVPRO of Marietta West provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Smyrna. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.
- 24-Hour Emergency Service
- Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
- Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
- A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
- Locally Owned and Operated
- Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment
24/7 Emergency Service:
Call SERVPRO of Marietta West
- (770) 428-5467 -
Be Aware & Be Prepared - Marietta GA
9/29/2017 (Permalink)
When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO of Marietta West helps you take it back.
The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency or disaster. While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies.
Be Disaster Aware - Take Action to Prepare
The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community. Review the following questions to learn if your family and home is prepared.
Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?
Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?
Practice the Emergency Plan
Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?
Review Insurance Coverage
Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?
Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?
Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software? If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster.
After any disaster, SERVPRO of Marietta West is there to make it "Like it never even happened."
Call Our Marietta West Location
Our Technicians are Equipped to Remediate Your Flood Damage In Kennesaw GA
8/2/2017 (Permalink)
After you and your family are safe, call SERVPRO of Marietta West to remove the standing water and prevent mold damage. We are ready to help.
Always contact local authorities when you are in immediate danger or need help when it comes to your safety. There are a variety of state and local agencies primed to respond to flooding situations throughout the state. Your family is not alone; help may be closer than you think.
During a flood, make sure that you avoid contact with flood waters. Contamination levels of flood waters may include raw sewage or other toxic substances that cause significant health issues for you and your family. Follow a few simple guidelines for avoiding extensive flood damage in your Kennesaw area home.
If you become stranded on your property during a flood and use a generator for energy, remember that generators produce toxic vapors called carbon monoxide. These vapors are extremely dangerous for you and your family, resulting in death if not handled correctly.
Never allow your children or their pets to play in flood waters. Several chemicals and diseases exist which heighten the risk of exposure and sickness to small children. If one does become exposed and experiences flu-like symptoms, report this to first responders, immediate medical attention for your loved ones is important.
When it is deemed safe by local authorities to return to your home, make sure to contact a quality restoration company, like SERVPRO to provide you with the services you need to get things under control as quickly and efficiently as possible.
SERVPRO of Marietta West offers a variety of services to remove flood waters quickly and help prevent mold growth that happens due to extensive exposure. Mold can cause severe health issues that you want to avoid, get the help you need within 48-hours to prevent these problems and other issues in your home.
SERVPRO technicians utilize a variety of techniques, including IICRC training and EPA guidelines to help return your indoor environment to a healthy, safe one that you and your family can enjoy. Take this opportunity to talk to professional technicians about possible improvements and address any concerns you may have for future events.
SERVPRO of Marietta West can help, call today for access to a variety of specialty procedures that help return your home, its contents and any personal belongings to a quality pre-damage condition. (770) 428-5467
Source: http://www.SERVPROsouthnashville.com/
Preparing for a Flood
5/25/2017 (Permalink)
Call the clean up team that is "Faster to any size Disaster" - SERVPRO of Marietta West - (770) 428-5467
Flooding Can happen fast in many environmets. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.
- Water - 3+ day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food - 3+ day supply of non-parisable, easy-to=prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra Batteries
- First Aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation/personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, deed/lease to home, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra Cash
- Emergency blanket
- Map(s) of the area
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, caries, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Extra set of car keys and house kes
- Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear
- Insect repelient and sunscreen
- Camera or photos of damage
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), "Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding." NOAA lists the most common flood hazzards in the United States as:
Flash Flooding
River Flooding
Storm Surge and Coastal
Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
Burn Scars/Debris Flows (caused by wildfires)
Ice/Debris Jams
Snowmelt
Dry Wash (caused by heavy rainfall in dry areas)
Dam Breaks/Levee Failure
Just because you haven't experienced a flood doesnt mean you won't in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States.
When catastrophic water damage happens to you SERVPRO of Marietta West can help. We can help you prepare ahead of the time with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in your home as soon as possible.
SERVPRO of Marietta West is ready to help make it "Like it never even happened." -(770) 428-5467-
March is Red Cross Month
2/23/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Marietta West proudly supports the American Red Cross
Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross is a charitable organization that relies on donations and volunteers to carry out their mission. Whether it is disaster relie, blood donations, military family support, or training and certification in CPR, lifeguards, first aid and more, tthe Red Cross is commited to helping those who need it most. The American Red Cross is part of the Global Red Cross Network, the world's largest volunteer network found in 187 countries, accourding to redcross.org.
Every year March is declared Red Cross Month by the President of the United States. The American Red Cross celebrates by honoring the "everyday heroes" who support and carry out the mission of the Red Cross by donating, giving blood, taking a class or volunteering.
SERPVO began partnership with the American Red Cross in 2013, and became an offical Disaster Responder partner in 2016. The Disaster Responder program provides families and individuals immediate support, comfort and assistance when a disaster, such as a house fire, happens to them. Disaster Responders also help communities prepare for disasters ahead of time by participating in preparedness activities such as the Smoke Alarm Installation Campaign. To learn more about the American Red Cross, or about how you can get involved, visit redcross.org
It Doesn't Cost a lot to be Prepared
10/17/2016 (Permalink)
Your preparedness kit should last you at least three days.
It is no secret that many families and individuals are looking to cut back on spending. But with the frequency of disasters, both natural and man-made, can you afford no to be prepared? Preparedness doesn't have to cost an arm ad a leg. Here are a few tips:
- Make a Plan. Work with your family and neighbors to make an emergency plan for the types of disasters that affect your area. Make sure everyone in your family understands where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. You can download Family Emergency Plan templates www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
- Update Contact Information. Having accurate records for family, friends and neighbors will help you stay in contact and possibly help those in need. Make sure updated contact information is posted in visible places throughout your house and workplace.
- Check Your Policy. Review your insurance policy annually and make any necessary changes - renters, too! When disaster strikes, you want to know that your coverage will get you back on your feet.
- Make Ready List. You may not need all of the items in ready-made preparedness kits. Choose the essentials that fit your needs and budget. Don't forget to keep supplies at work and in your car. Sample ready lists can be found at www.ready.gov/document/familysupply-list
- Plan your Purchases. You can save money by thinking ahead. Don't buy preparedness items just before the storm when they're expensive and supplies will be in high demand. Buy items at the end of the season when you can get good deals.
- Make Sure it Keeps. Store water in safe, containers. you Don't need to buy expensive bottled water, just make sure your water containers are disinfected and airtight
- Trade a Night Out. Trade one night out to fund your 72-hour kit. Taking a family of four to the movies can cost upwards of $80. Just one night staying in could fund your ready kit.
*The best tip: Start now. Take small steps toward preparedness and before you know it, you will be ready.
FEMA Emergency Supply List
10/17/2016 (Permalink)
Through its "Ready Campaign", the Federal Emergency Management Agency educates and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies/natural disasters. The "Ready Campaign" asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.
All Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Following is a listing of some basic items that every emergency supply kit should include. However, it is important that individuals review this list and consider where they live and the unique needs of their family in order to create an emergency supply kit that will meet these needs. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smaller portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheets and duct tape to secure shelter-in-place
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
Additional Items to Consider adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula ad diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper- When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of reular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Do you have a plan?
10/17/2016 (Permalink)
Storm Team ready to tackle a job.
How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, hurricane, or flood often depends on the emergency planning done today. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are basic measures business owners and managers can take to begin preparing. A commitment to being planning today will help support your employees, customers, the community, local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival.
- Develop a Business Continuity Plan - Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.
- Review Insurance Coverage - Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover
- Prepare Your Emergency Plan - Your employees and co-workers are your business' most valuable asset. Communication is central before, during and after a disaster. Include emergency information is newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.
- Practice the Emergency Plan - Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, customers and visitors effectively can save lives. If you business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a small strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.
- Secure Your Facility and Equipment - Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.
- Improve Cyber Security - Protecting your data and information systems may require specialized expertise, but even the smallest business can be better prepared. Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date. Don't open e-mails from unknown sources. Use hard-to-guess passwords. Protect your computer from intruders by using firewalls. Back up your computer data and download security protection updates known as patches regularly.
When Storms or Floods hit Marietta West, SERVPRO is ready!
8/29/2016 (Permalink)
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Marietta West.
SERVPRO of Marietta West 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 Marietta West, 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. With SERVPRO of Marietta West you and rest easy that we can make it like it never happened no matter what size the job!
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (770) 428-5467