Recent Storm Damage Posts
Battling September Storms: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage
9/7/2023 (Permalink)
Storm in Wisconsin
September in South Kenosha County, Wisconsin, brings with it the beauty of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, but it also signals the start of a potentially stormy season. As the climate in southeastern Wisconsin transitions from summer to fall, the risk of severe storms increases. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even the occasional tornado can wreak havoc on homes, causing water damage that can be costly and stressful to repair. Coincidentally, September is National Preparedness Month, making it the perfect time to not only enjoy the changing seasons but also ensure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature may bring. In this blog post, we'll explore how to prepare for and mitigate storm-related water damage during this transitional time of year while keeping National Preparedness Month in mind.
Understanding the South Kenosha County Climate
Before we delve into preparing for storms, let's take a moment to understand the unique climate of South Kenosha County in September. The weather in this region is marked by several factors that contribute to the increased likelihood of storms and water damage:
Transitioning Seasons: September marks the transition from summer to fall, a time when the warm, moist air of summer clashes with cooler, drier air masses. This collision can lead to sudden and severe weather events.
Lake Effect: The proximity to Lake Michigan means that South Kenosha County is susceptible to lake-effect storms. These storms can bring heavy precipitation and strong winds.
Tornado Risk: South Wisconsin occasionally experiences tornadoes in September. While they are relatively rare, it's essential to be prepared for the possibility.
Preparing for Storms
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and alerts. Modern technology allows us to receive timely information about approaching storms, giving us ample time to prepare.
Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Be ready for power outages.
Secure Outdoor Items: Strong winds can turn outdoor furniture and debris into projectiles. Secure or bring inside anything that could become dangerous in high winds.
Trim Trees and Branches: Prune trees and trim branches near your home. Overhanging branches can fall during storms, causing damage.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water from overflowing and seeping into your home's foundation.
Inspect Your Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. A well-maintained roof is your first line of defense against water intrusion.
Mitigating Water Damage
Even with the best preparations, storm-related water damage can still occur. Here's what you can do to mitigate the damage:
Act Quickly: If water infiltrates your home, act fast. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause. Start by removing standing water and drying affected areas.
Contact SERVPRO: For severe water damage, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO of South Kenosha County. Our trained professionals can assess the extent of the damage and begin the cleanup and restoration process promptly.
Document the Damage: Take photos or videos of the damage for insurance purposes. This will help with your claim.
Safety First: Be cautious when dealing with water damage, especially if the water is contaminated. Wear protective gear and turn off the electricity if it's safe to do so.
Conclusion
September is not only a time of changing seasons but also National Preparedness Month, reminding us of the importance of being ready for the unexpected. As South Kenosha County residents, it's crucial to be prepared for potential storms that can bring water damage to your home. By staying informed, taking preventative measures, and knowing how to respond in case of damage, you can protect your property and loved ones during this transitional time of year. If water damage strikes, SERVPRO of South Kenosha County is here to help you restore your home to its pre-storm condition, ensuring a smooth recovery process while keeping the spirit of preparedness alive throughout September.
Wisconsin Storms 9/11
9/12/2022 (Permalink)
Photo taken by the Caledonia PD of a flooded ditch showcasing the amount of rainfall
Yesterday rainfall records were broken. Our neighbors just to the north in Racine received a large amount of rain causing roadways, ditches, and basements alike to flood. Approximate rainfall amounts go as follows: Milwaukee 4.5” – Racine 8” – Kenosha 3” – East Troy 6”. As of today, many SE Wisconsinites are waking up with water in their basement. We have reports of up to 6” of standing water in basements.
So, what do you do if you woke up this morning or noticed last nigh that water was filling your basement? The first steps are to make safety a priority. Never step into a flooded basement where water may be in contact with electrical outlets, cords, or appliances. The water could be electrified and could be deadly if you step foot into. Although it may be tempting to begin to grab a bucket or a shop vac and begin removing the water, exercise caution before doing so, if at all.
Your next step would be to stabilize your basement and remove the water. This is where SERVPRO of South Kenosha County is able to help. You most likely need a professional restoration company to come and extract the water and set industrial grade dehumidifiers to begin the dryout process. This is the first steps to prevent further damage and mold growth. Here at SERVPRO of South Kenosha County we are equipped and ready with industrial grade dehumidifiers and air movers along with IICRC Certified Techs to professionally dry out your structure. We are all about DIY projects but unfortunately this isn’t one to try to do it yourself. If your structure isn’t dried out completely and professionally you are susceptible to microbial growth which is another dangerous health concern.
Ultimately, we want to help you get your home or business back up and running. We specialize in making it “Like it never even happened” to any water, fire, mold, biohazard, etc damage to your property. Don’t hesitate to give a professional restoration company a call. SERVPRO of South Kenosha County is here to help!
2022 Storms and storm preparedness
8/3/2022 (Permalink)
Pictured is a basement which is flooded due to the Missouri storms
About 1 week ago torrential rains dropped a record breaking 9.07 inches of rain throughout the greater St. Louis area, as recorded by the St. Louis-Lambert International Airport. Approximately 8.64 inches of rain were recorded between midnight at 8am on the 26th of July. This caused an activation of SERVPRO’s Storm Team.
With SERVPRO Franchises stretching the country anytime torrential rains, hurricanes, large scale floods, etc. decide to plague the country SERVPRO is always ready to respond. SERVPRO of South Kenosha has proudly served as a part of the Storm Team. We dispatched a crew the following day of the St. Louis metro area storms to begin work immediately. We encountered basements with contents floating in water. We encountered large losses and small losses alike. With our work coming to an end this week. I believe our team deserves a special shoutout for recognition of being ready to drop everything on moment’s notice and help a community in need. Special thanks go out to Shawn, Robert, Leon, and Jay for traveling and working to mitigate the thousands of dollars caused by floods from the storm. Also, a special shout out to our office staff for helping manage the leads and things on the back end
Along with the St. Louis storms that caused flooding, another state in our great country also experienced devastating flooding. Last week Kentucky was hit with devastating floods with the total fatality count being at 37 souls at this time currently with hundreds of people still unaccounted for. Our condolences go out to all the families experiencing a loss because of this catastrophe. Although we have a previous blog mentioning tips on storm preparedness, I think the most important thing to remember in a time like this is having an emergency plan is a top priority for your home or business. Although there are many different variables that come in to play during emergency situations, having a general plan in place for your family and business are key to ensure some level of organization during chaos that is a storm event. Consider discussing an evacuation route, a rendezvous in case of separation, creating and updating an emergency preparedness kit. All can be crucial for survival.
Check out our 8 tips on how you can prepare NOW for a storm here.
Types of Flood Water Contaminants
6/8/2022 (Permalink)
What Type Of Water Is Flooding In Your Home
While all types of floods are capable of inflicting massive amounts of water damage on your property, some are just inherently more dangerous than others. Floods are classified according to one of three categories, depending on which types of contaminants are present in the water. Read on to see which type of water is flooding your home.
- Category 1: Clean Water Floods
Much like the name implies, Category 1 floods are characterized by an absence of contaminants. It is possible for these types of floods to transform into more dangerous varieties if outside contaminants are introduced to the water. Clean water floods are typically caused by:
- Supply line bursts
- Leaky pipes
- Rainwater or snow melt
- Category 2: Gray Water Floods
Category 2 floods do contain mild amounts of contamination, but not enough to be considered a biohazard. If left untreated for 48 hours, a Category 2 flood can quickly become a Category 3. Gray water floods are usually a result of:
- Sump pump failures
- Malfunctioning household appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines
- Broken aquariums
- Category 3: Black Water Floods
Category 3 floods are the most dangerous types of floods. They're categorized by the presence of human/animal fecal matter, raw sewage, dangerous chemicals, and other types of biohazards. These floods are extremely dangerous and can inflict massive amounts of water damage, so you should never attempt to remediate them on your own. They're often caused by:
- Toilet back flow
- Sewage overflow
- Rising groundwater
- Overflowing banks from rivers or streams
It's important to take all types of water damage seriously, but you need to be especially careful of damage caused by black water floods. If not treated properly, the situation will only get worse. It's best to contact flood remediation experts if your property has been affected by Category 3 flooding.
Give us a call at 262-332-7044. We are always here to help!
Preparing For Fall Storms
11/4/2021 (Permalink)
Getting your home ready for cooler temperatures and stormy weather for fall is wise, whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or both. Weather may be unpredictable during the fall in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but you won’t have to worry about it if you start to prepare now. Here at SERVPRO of South Kenosha County, we have some preparation suggestions for you to consider:
- Remove dead leaves and debris form your gutters and drainpipes. This will prevent clogging during the wet weather. Drain all outdoor faucets ahead of freezing weather as soon as possible.
- While late summer is not the time to heavily prune trees and bushes, it is a good time to remove any branches that are dead or look like they could become dangerous during a fall storm. If you have a tree that you think may be dead or dying, contact an arborist to come and look at it. If it is dead and near your home, you will want to have it removed before anything happens during a storm.
- Examine all your windows and doors for cracks. If you find any, have them sealed so that you can stay warm and save energy this winter. You’ll be saving both time and money!
- A roof inspection ahead of cold weather will tell you if your roof needs any attention before any fall storms. Loose shingles can be replaced more easily when its warm and dry outside. If you have siding on your home, look it over for any loose sections; fall storms bring wind that can create problems.
- Make sure your entry walkways are in good shape with out any buckling or crumbling. When the surround ground is wet it can compromise cement, causing it to crack and split.
If you need help with preparing your home for storm season, you can give us a call. We have the experience and skills needed to take care of your property to keep them safe. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too! 262-332-7044.
Prepare for a Storm NOW
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
There are eight simple things that you can do NOW to prepare your home and help reduce the potential damage caused by severe storms.
- Maintain your yard and balcony. Store away items that could blow around if strong winds occur.
- Clean your gutters, down spouts and drains to prevent blockages.
- Trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home.
- Fix any damage to your roof.
- Check to make sure your insurance policy is current and adequate.
- Make a Home Emergency Plan for your family that outlines what you would do in an emergency.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials incase you lose power or need to leave home in an emergency.
- Listen to your local radio station and other media for weather warnings.
Hail Storm
8/3/2021 (Permalink)
A roof with hail damage
Even the smallest hailstorm can cause significant damage. The impact from hail can cause denting, cracking, and breaking of a multitude of surfaces. If a home is older or poorly maintained, the damage from a hailstorm may be more severe. Hail can cause damage to both the interior of your home and the exterior of your home, as well as any exterior attachments.
Exterior Damage – The roof takes most of the hit and depending on the material of the roof it could crack, split, peel, chip, or dent. In some cases, windows could break, and if there is a skylight there is a higher risk of them breaking too. Aluminum and wood siding may be dented by side-swept hail. Vinyl siding has an increased risk of breaking under heavy hail impact.
Interior Damage – Depending on the condition of the structure, hail could melt and cause damage to the interior. If you start to see dripping or dark spots in the ceiling drywall, you should look up in the attic to check the insulation to make sure its not wet and causing more damage. Then you should look around in your attic and find the location where the water is coming in, so you can tell a roofing contractor. If the hail breaks any windows or skylights, rain and hail can get inside and cause significant damage.
Exterior Attachments – Hail can cause damage to air conditioning units, satellite dishes, antennas, and other attachments on the outside of a home.
If your home sustains interior water damage from a hailstorm, rapid response and drying is important. Give the professionals at SERVPRO South Kenosha a call anytime.
SERVPRO Storm Response
6/7/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Storm Response
The team here at SERVPRO of South Kenosha is ready for whatever happens, no matter the time, night or day. When it comes to fire and water damage, our professionals work endlessly to make sure our customers are happy and that we walk them through each step of the cleaning process.
We are Highly Trained Storm Damage Specialists
As leaders in the storm and water damage industry, we have advanced training and expertise, not to mention a tremendous amount of hands on experience. We use this training and experience to quickly dry your home and restore it back to pre-storm condition.
We are Quick to Any Size Disaster
When a storm hits your home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.
We Have the Resources to Handle Storms and Disasters
We can access the resources and personnel of 1,700 Franchises to handle major storms and disasters. We also have access to special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country to respond to catastrophic storms and events.
Locally Owned and Operated
SERVPRO of South Kenosha is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. When you have a storm event or flooding emergency, we are in the area and ready to help.
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call SERVPRO of South Kenosha today (262) 332-7044.
Storms, the never-ending season
10/27/2020 (Permalink)
Our vans are ready to go anywhere, rain or snow.
Storms do not stop, they just come at us with a change of pace. We are getting to the point where we are switching from rain to snow. For most of us, we aren’t excited, but for some they are! Mother Nature is bringing on the colder weather, and we all know what comes with it. We are here for the good and the not so good times of winter: sledding, fires, hot coco, family time, and even frozen pipes, icy roads, and icy sidewalks. I know living in the Midwest we’ve prepared for that, but no one likes when it comes around for the first time each year.
So here we are, with our yearly reminders!
The three most common ways for pipes to freeze are quick drop in temperature, poor insulation, and or thermostats set too low. When the temperatures drop low, here is what to do for your home:
- Make sure all outside house faucets are shut off.
- Make sure you are keeping your home at a temperature no lower than 55° F
- Make sure that all attic and crawl spaces are well insulated
- Make sure you plumbing is insulated properly.
If you have a pipe that burst this winter season, SERVPRO of South Kenosha is available to help assist you at any time, 24/7. Please call us at (262) 332-7044
Are you Covered For That Loss?
8/27/2020 (Permalink)
Majority of the contents are off the ground. Homeowners awaiting SERVPRO to show up and start restoring.
WOWZERS! Those storms really hit hard last week! Storms this bad don’t come often, but when they do, we want you to be prepared!
Have you made sure your insurance policy is up to date with full coverage for your needs? Are you under insured or not insured for sump pump coverage? Did you find this out after the storm tore through this town?
As we talk with our local insurance agents, we remind our agents the importance of this coverage. We have been around the block a few too many times. Our job is to see what is happening out in the field and relay that to the insurance agents to ensure we are both taking care of our clients. Sharing experiences, job photos, and damage cost, shows them why this really is important for both of our clients. It is a team effort for all of us to be taken care of. Give the professionals the chance to make sure things are done right.
Minor things that can assist in a storm event:
- Keeping an eye out for your sump pump: during a storm, check on it every hour or so
- Do not forget about your neighbors, especially if it is their second home
- Check your gutters for clogged debris
- Move contents to a higher location to prevent secondary damage
- Consider a generator: this can be a tremendous asset if the power is out
- Have a back up battery operated sump pump that can kick in when power goes out
- Mop up standing water
- Use a wet/dry vacuum if needed
If your basement needs restoration, give us a call
262-332-7044
Cristobal is Heading Towards Wisconsin
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
*Milwaukee Journal Sentinel* Map of the path the Cristobal is going.
ARE YOU READY??
The rain is coming, and we are prepared to help the community! While we may be inundated with work, here are some things you can do to mitigate the situation by yourself until we arrive.
Here are some do's and don'ts for when the storm rolls in
Do's
- Take a deep breathe, everything will be okay
- Get the source of the loss fixed. Ensure that no more water will come in is huge, we do not want to have round 2 of flooding in the basement.
- Contact your insurance company to see if you are covered
- Remove excess water by either mopping or blotting.
- Move personal contents to higher ground (even those memorabilia items)
Don'ts
- Do not panic, we are professionals and can help restore what is possible.
- Check out our website to see how we have dried out hardwood floors, basements, etc
- Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Call us at 262-332-7044. We are open and have crews on call 24/7!
*Photo taken from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel*
We'll Get Through This Together
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
Essential workers are all working hard to keep the community safe. We forget what we have until it is gone. Remember to thank an essential worker!
When a storm comes through the Southeastern part of the state, we can all be affected. We are all in this together. The heartbreak is a ripple effect through the community, but that’s makes our community stronger. Relying on each other to bring the space we call home back to what it used to be. The experiences in these storm events sounds a lot like what we have going on right now with Coronavirus.
Similar to the situation we are in now, the community is coming together and is stronger than ever. People are supporting local businesses, recognizing first responders and, thanking all the people who are working the front line.
SERVPRO of South Kenosha County wants to take the time during this wild event to say THANK YOU to our first responders and essential workers, keeping our communities and country safe.
Are your Gutters Prepped for the Rain?
10/15/2019 (Permalink)
Fall Chores- Make it fun, enjoy with your family!
It’s Fall Y’all!! Down here the leaves are slowly starting to change and fall off as we get into the colder days. We all know that Fall is extremely beautiful, but they leave such a mess behind! Not only do I have to rake the yard, but also break out the ladder to clean my gutters?! I know how much of a pain it can be, BUT it is extremely crucial in order to avoid damage to your home or roof.
I know when people tell you to clean your gutters, you roll your eyes and say that you’ll get around to it. Very common. This one to two-hour project has never been fun, BUT it could save you potentially thousands of dollars if it were to collapse and ruin your roof.
We all know that gutters are intended to collect rain and bring that away from the foundation. If there are too many leaves clogging up the line, it could cause overflow or other damage to your property. You don’t want to stress your roof with all that pressure. Plus, with the amount of rain we have got in Southeastern Wisconsin, the ground is very saturated. With there being no where for the water to go, it may try to seep into the basement or crawl space.
SO… When you see the rain coming off the gutters instead of going down it, it’s a settle reminder to break out to ladder and check on those gutters!
If you do seem to have some water damage in your home, give SERVPRO of South Kenosha County a call to come out and moisture map to see where that water is located.
Happy Fall! Enjoy those Fall activities!
Give us a call, (262) 332-7077
HMMM… WHAT TO DO NEXT AFTER A LOSS
10/1/2019 (Permalink)
Rain, Rain, Go Away. In Southeastern Wisconsin we have received so much rain and have had so many mini storm events within our communities. BUT….
Does anyone else like to be organized like me!? I love having things planned out, so I feel ahead of the game. Nothing is worse than already feeling behind the 8-ball due to having an unexpected loss. Well today I’m going to give you some insight and share the process when you call us in. This helps give you, as a homeowner or business owner, a better understanding of the different phases we work through as we make progress.
Phase I: Initial inspection: Scope of work is generated. Conversation with all parties involved will be updated on what will need to happen in order to restore your property back to preloss condition. Once approved by the homeowner/business-owner, initial documents must be signed. If you are filing an insurance claim the necessary approvals will need to be approved by your insurance carrier and then documented before mitigation can start. If you are not going through insurance, 50% down is required before mitigation can start. An agreed upon price will be discussed before down payment is required.
Phase II: Once approvals have been approved, the mitigation process will start. Based off the scope of work, services can include demolition, cleaning, pack-out, dumpster rental, pod rental, etc. Necessary drying equipment will be placed and monitored to ensure that the structure has met the recommended drying goals. Once drying goals have been met and the structure is dry, mitigation is complete. At this time any and all equipment will be removed from the property. Final documentation will need to be signed for the mitigation portion of this loss.
Phase III: At this time, you may select a contractor of your choice to repair your property back to preloss condition. If you are inquiring to have SERVPRO of South Kenosha County do any repair work, an inspection and estimate will need to be scheduled, written, and submitted to all parties involved. No repairs will start until an agreed upon price is established with all parties. Once a contract is written and signed, 50% down payment will be collected before repairs can begin.
Rain, Rain Go Away
7/2/2018 (Permalink)
Keep an eye out, you don't want this to be you!
SERVPRO of South Kenosha County has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding. We can respond in a timely manner with highly trained technicians who employ specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home or business back to pre-storm condition. We all know the Fox River is rising and rain storms are not our friend in Southern Wisconsin when the water is this high. With heavy amounts of rain water be sure to watch those sump pumps in the basement. We run into the issue of them over-working themselves. KEEP AN EYE OUT.
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today 262-332-7044
When Storms or Floods hit Kenosha, SERVPRO is ready!
12/5/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of South Kenosha County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.
Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.
Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Kensoha, 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 [[Click to your disaster recovery page]] that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 262-332-7044
24/7 Emergency Service
