5 Ways To Protect Your Business from Flood Damage

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

Stock water barriers such as sandbags.

Prepare For Flood Damage

When you own a business, it's important to be prepared for emergencies of all types. If you know that you live in a flood-prone area such as in Raleigh, NC, then there are some proactive steps you can take to prevent flood damage to your building.

1. Buy Flood Insurance
When you purchased your building, you were informed of the flood risk to your property. If any significant portion of your building is below the base flood elevation, it's a good idea to have flood insurance. Even if flooding isn't common in your area, it can still happen during a stronger than normal storm.

2. Be Careful with Storage
If you do have a basement below your base flood elevation, be very careful about what you store there. If there's any chance of storm damage ruining important documentation or products, find a different place to store those items.

3. Raise Electrical
From your actual electrical panels, sockets, and wiring to your HVAC system, ensure that these aren't installed in areas susceptible to flood damage. Not only does this prevent damage to those electrical components, it's safer for you and your staff. After a flood, work with a water damage restoration company to assess the safety of your building before returning to collect your belongings.

4. Landscape Wisely
Does your landscaper know how to prevent flooding by using native plants? Plants that are native to your area can help drain the soil more effectively and prevent soil erosion.

5. Stock Prevention Items
The greater the risk of frequent flooding, the more prepared you should be. Stock water barriers such as sandbags and other types of absorbent flood barriers to keep water outside. Flood gates might be beneficial for large office complexes. Backup generators keep everyone comfortable if the power goes out.
Preparing for flood damage in advance will make the process of restoring your business smoother so that you can get back to work more quickly.

4 Types of Storm Damage Solar Panels Can Handle

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Solar panel in a home in Raleigh, NC.

Solar Panels Can Handle Four Different Types of Storm Damage

If you've been considering solar cells for your home in Raleigh, NC, you may be concerned about their durability. Solar cells and panels are made primarily of a type of silicone that conducts electricity as it absorbs sunlight. They undergo extensive and rigorous testing to ensure that they can withstand damage from many potential dangers.

1. Wind
One panel damage test must be passed in the wind damage test. Many panels can withstand winds of 140 miles per hour. Oftentimes, strong winds don't damage the panels themselves; instead, the frame that holds the panels in place is damaged. Roof damage can also jeopardize panels. An emergency restoration company can assess damage to your roof and solar equipment and guide you through the process of getting your solar power back.

2. Rain
You don't need to worry about your panels during a heavy rainstorm. They are made of waterproof material that is unaffected by moisture. In fact, the rain will help clean pollen and dirt from the panels, which maintains their effectiveness.

3. Hail
Hail is one of the greatest dangers to panels. Panel damage occurs when the hail falls at a high rate or when many balls of hail strike a single panel repeatedly in the same place. Developers have controlled this by subjecting panels to hail testing. Most can withstand direct hits of up to 70 miles per hour.

4. Snow
In areas with a lot of snow, panels can still be a great source of solar power. Panels absorb heat from the sun, not just light, so the panels themselves will be warm, melting the ice and keeping your panels free from obstructions.
When considering solar power, understand that panel damage is possible. However, developers have worked diligently to create a product that can withstand extreme weather conditions and reliably provide energy to your home.

Mitigation, Restoration and Remediation Explained

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can lead to mold growth if not treated immediately.

If your company is ever in the need of the services of a flood cleanup company, you are likely to hear a few terms thrown about over and over again. Three of the most common are mitigation, restoration and remediation. To many people, these terms sound quite similar, but they do have a few shades of differences. To start with, mitigation refers to any effort to minimize the damage of something. This could be efforts such as flood prevention or storm prevention before a storm occurs, or it could also refer to efforts to lessen additional damage after a storm or a flood.

The Meaning of Restoration

A flood cleanup company in Meredith College, NC, will engage in many restoration efforts. This is usually associated with repairs after the damage has already happened. The repairs could be fairly minor such as a paint touch-up, or they could be as extensive as rebuilding walls. A restoration company often works on the following materials:

• Drywall
  
• Insulation
  
• Flooring
  
• Furniture
  
• Carpeting
  
• Ceilings
  
  

Restoration really means any program to bring something back to its original condition after it has received damage. A certified restoration services company will have extensive training in ways to restore items after damage from water or a storm. A professional franchise will employ many technicians that provide expertise in challenging situations.

The Meaning of Remediation

While this sounds suspiciously similar to the word restoration, it does hold a few nuances. It generally refers to the remedying of a situation that has gone bad. This, of course, could refer to the damage caused by a storm or a fire. Remediation is the art of improving a situation and returning something to its original state. It might include such techniques as cleaning and sanitizing, removing odors and drying out moist areas.
A flood cleanup company will use these terms in many different situations. It will also know the best techniques to return a company to good condition again after a storm or some other disaster.

Keeping Office Workers Safe and Productive During a Snow Storm

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

A massive snowstorm has the potential to cause severe workplace disruptions.

Maintaining Office Workers' Safety and Productivity During a Snowstorm

A massive snowstorm has the potential to cause severe workplace disruptions. Thankfully, technological advances have enabled offices to keep running even during inclement weather. During these times, always instruct workers to remain at home, where they can be both safe and productive.

Emergency Snow Kits

It's recommended that someone still arrive on-site in Lake Wheeler, NC, to watch for damage caused by intense freezing, such as a pipe burst. As soon as you identify a problem, contact a building repair specialist to repair the issue.
Those tasked with observing offices need winter weather emergency supplies stashed in their cars. Every vehicle needs:

• Jumper cables
  
• Flashlights
  
• Bottled water
  
• Sand
  
• Warm clothes
  
• Non-perishable snacks
  
  

These items can help assure safety even under the most perilous situations. Before hitting the road during a snowstorm, make sure your tank is full and your phone is fully charged. These simple measures can make a world of difference.

Emergency Snow Warnings

The longer it takes to inform employees that they should remain in place, the greater the chance they will head out and fall into danger. Here are some tips for spreading the word as fast as possible.
Official storm warnings are generally issued between 12 and 24 hours before an imminent weather event. Tune into radio broadcasts and television stations with coverage that you trust and know will interrupt pre-scheduled programming. Create presets for The Weather Channel or your local weather station so you can quickly access the information you need. Install weather apps on your phone and turn on push notifications.
Have a list of everyone who works in your office. Make sure their phone numbers and email addresses are up-to-date and get in touch with them immediately after receiving news of impending winter weather.
Employees need to remain safe during a snowstorm, but they may still be able to work from home even under the snowiest conditions. With safety being the priority, early notification remains key.

5 Types of Storm Shutters To Protect Your Home

1/20/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your home by installing storm shutters.

Protect Your Home With Storm Shutters

Keeping your home safe during a storm is dictated by the environment where you live. If you live in an area where storms with high winds are a regular occurrence, this may include installing storm shutters.

There are several types of window treatment available. Which is right for you may depend on a variety of factors:

• Permanence
  
• Appearance
  
• Function
  
• Degree of protection
  
• Price
  
  

Accordion Panels

These protective barriers are attached to your home permanently. They consist of hinged panels made of metal or polycarbonate. When a storm threatens, you'll have to unfold them from their boxes at the side of your windows and then lock them into place. These panels are moderately priced and are considered an affordable option.

Bahama Awnings

These permanent window coverings are best in locations where it is hot and clear. They provide shade during sunny days and protection from debris when there are high winds. They're available at a wide range of prices, from affordable to higher-end.

Colonial Panels

These permanent panels are designed to be attractive and protective. They are on the higher end, pricewise, but come in a wide variety of designs, materials, textures, and colors. When a storm threatens, you unlatch them from their position by the windows and bolt them into place.

Rolling Shutters

These are attached permanently to your home and are available in many attractive designs. They provide a wide range of functions and can be operated mechanically. They are considered to be some of the most effective storm closures and tend to be among the most expensive.

Storm Panels

These purely functional panels are often made of aluminum, polycarbonate, or steel. They are only put up when there's a threat of a hurricane or high wind speeds. For installation, a steel channel must be bolted around the frames of doors and windows. These storm shutters tend to be some of the most affordable; only plywood is less expensive.

If you aren't sure which panels are best for Fuquay-Varina, NC, contact a home restoration professional with experience in high winds for recommendations. It may save you a lot of grief in the future.

How To Prepare Your Business for a Flood: 3 Helpful Hints

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your computer files backed up on an external hard drive

Prepare Your Business For a Flood

When flooding threatens your Garner, NC, commercial building, you may worry about what kind of damage it might cause and what impact such an event would have on your investment. Floods can cause a variety of problems, from shorting out electrical systems to damaging inventory and office equipment. While this type of destruction can be costly, there are a few strategies you can use to prepare your business for a flood.

1. Have a Flood Disaster Plan in Place

Being prepared can keep your employees and customers safe from black water and other safety threats during a flood. Have an evacuation plan in place and post it throughout the building. Discuss flood evacuation with your employees so they can act quickly and get out of the building safely during an unexpected water disaster. You may want to have your building inspected to ensure there are enough exits for the number of people your building can hold.

2. Back Up Your Business’ Data

If you keep some of your records on paper and stored in your building, it is wise to have them transferred to a digital format and stored on the cloud. Not only does this give you easy access to information when you need it in the future, it can protect valuable data from suffering flood damage. If you own a medical business, transferring patient files and other information to a secure data storage system can be especially important when your building is at risk for flooding.

3. Have a Flood Mitigation Company on Call

Trying to find a flood damage and mitigation company during a flood may take days, during which you may lose business. Being prepared beforehand by finding a service that suits your needs can help you save time and get help right away if a flood should affect your building.

Flooding can be a worrisome issue for you as a Garner, NC, business owner. However, being prepared can help you act confidently during a disaster and when it comes to keeping your employees, customers and building safe.

Preparing for Bad Weather

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Invest in backup generators to keep critical devices running.

Business owners control many things, but weather isn’t one of them. Be it a snow storm, heavy rain or flooding, sooner or later, bad weather is bound to cause an inevitable hiccup in your business. Are you ready? The time to prepare is not when the forecast predicts a hurricane. Check out these ways to prepare your business for bad weather in Garner, NC, long before it shows up.

Create a Bad Weather Plan

Surprisingly, while business owners make a written plan for many things, weather isn’t always one of the. But bad weather can create a perfect storm of issues, from pipe burst issues to logistical problems. Before those worst cases scenarios become realities, come up with a plan for how to operate in bad weather. It should cover

• Who will communicate with employees in a weather crisis
  
• Evacuation or shelter in place plans
  
• What the overall business weather policy is
  Form Evacuation Plans
  
  

There are times when weather poses immediate danger. One example is if a snow storm leads to a fallen tree or debris that damages part of your facility. Having a plan for leaving the building is ideal for such scenarios. Outline the route employees should take to safety and appropriate maps to ensure everyone knows how to get out.

Protect Your Building

After your employees, protecting your building is the next priority. Invest in backup generators to keep critical devices running and safe while you’re out of the office for bad weather. If flooding is expected, gather sandbags for doors and windows and consider moving furniture and electrical equipment to higher levels to prevent water damage.

Whether your business is devastated or merely derailed by a snow storm or other bad weather depends a lot on how well you prepare. Use these tips as a starting point for facing bad weather and storm damage with ease.

Saving Your Stuff After a Flood

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Items damaged by floodwaters in Lake Johnson, NC.

After a Flood, How to Save Your Things

A flood in Lake Johnson, NC, can cause substantial property damage. Fortunately, you can salvage a good amount of your stuff with a thorough content cleaning technique:

1. Rinse
   
2. Clean
   
3. Disinfect
   
4. Dry
   
   

What follows is a method for determining what items can effectively be restored and the standard process for doing so. Before starting, you should outfit yourself with protective gear and verify it’s safe to return home.

Identifying Which Items Can Be Restored

Floodwater is likely black water, meaning it can contain sewage, toxic chemicals and microbes. For an item to be salvageable, you need to completely disinfect and dry it quickly before mold can grow.

Restoration experts say in general, items should have a hard surface and be impervious to floodwater so all the contamination remains on the surface. There are exceptions, such as clothing, but larger items, such as mattresses, might be difficult to fully remediate and dry before mold begins to grow. Other items such as wood or upholstered furniture or electronics may be able to be recovered by a professional.

Straightforward Content Cleaning Method

After identifying savable items, the first step is to rinse anything covering the item’s surface (ex. mud) to free it up for cleaning. Next, use hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner to scrub off any impurities left on the item. It’s best to use paper towels that you can simply dispose of.

To neutralize any lingering toxins or microbes, it’s critical to disinfect using a water-bleach mixture ranging from two tablespoons per gallon of water for things like dishes to a one-quarter cup per gallon for surfaces like walls and cabinets. It’s important to not use bleach on any metals. Boiling water can be used as a substitute.

Drying out items can help protect against any mold growth. It’s ideal to leave items outside in the sun to speed up the drying process. You should also have your windows open, using fans to facilitate drying.

Dealing with floodwater can be stressful. However, a standard content cleaning process can maximize the property you recover while keeping restoration manageable.

Storm Damage Versus Flooding: 3 Important Differences for Your Business

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Bass Lake, NC.

Storm Damage Versus Flooding

When your Bass Lake, NC, business suffers storm damage, you may not know how to reach out for assistance, especially when water damage is widespread. While your insurance company may be able to assist you with filing a claim, it is important to understand the difference between flood damage and the type of problems storms cause to ensure your claim is processed correctly and that necessary repairs are targeted and made so you can carry on with your business.

1. Insurance Definitions
Your insurance company may define storm damage differently from other types of water damage. This difference is usually listed in your policy, and your local representative will likely point it out when you first make your claim. The difference between storm and flood issues usually depends on the origin of the water that entered your business. For example, damage that broke a large window and allowed rainwater to enter would generally be considered storm damage, not a flood.

2. Types of Damage
Visually, issues caused by storms are usually quite different than problems caused by floods. Storms typically include high winds, dangerous lightning and torrential rains, all of which could cause considerable damage to your business. Broken windows and roofing issues are generally two main issues that occur due to storms, while flood damage is likely to be more widespread throughout your business.

3. Flooding Indicators
Flood problems can occur during a storm, such as when a nearby creek overflows its banks due to torrential rains. Floodwaters may enter your business during a powerful storm and cause widespread damage and the need for assistance from a flood remediation and restoration service. Your insurance representative can help you file a claim in this instance and decide whether the resulting damage was the cause of a flood or a storm.
When nature causes storm or flood damage to your Bass Lake, NC, business, the outcome can leave you feeling helpless. Understanding the different types of problems these events may cause might help you to recover faster.

Does Your Home Need Storm Shutters?

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Shutters are temporary protection for weak areas in different types of structures

High winds can happen anywhere. However, some areas are more prone to them than others. When strong storms hit Middle Creek, NC, a variety of storm shutters are used to protect the most vulnerable areas.

What Are Shutters?

Also called hurricane shutters or coverings, they’re temporary protection for weak areas in different types of structures. They’re primarily used to cover windows, but some may be used for other potentially vulnerable spots. Most are made from three different materials:

• Wood
  
• Polycarbonate
  
• Aluminum
  
  

How Do They Protect a Home?
High winds cause a lot of debris to be thrown around. Unless you have hurricane glass installed, broken windows are likely.
The problem isn’t really the broken window, it’s that rain now has an easy path through the building envelope, causing heavy water damage. Once this happens, you’ll need the top local water damage restoration experts to repair the damage.
Even worse is what can happen to your roof. Once heavy wind gets through your windows, it gets trapped inside the structure, creating excess pressure under your roof. It’s one of the most frequent causes of roof failure during strong storms and can mean a very lengthy repair process before your home can be made habitable again. The shutters are installed or closed immediately before the storm. Once properly installed, most take little time to close or have the panels placed in their framework.

Does Your Home Need Them?
Experts in the Middle Creek, NC, area now recommend that you either have storm shutters installed professionally or be ready to install temporary plywood yourself. Some are quite attractive and, in the case of Colonial and Bahama styles, also provide daily protection from the sun.
A cheaper route – but still a nice step up from plywood – are storm panels. They’re much stronger than wood and are the most economical form of full protection, but they do take significant time to install.
Your insurance agent will likely be glad to give you advice about the best way to protect your investment against high winds. If she can’t, she’ll be able to direct you to someone who knows all about them.

5 Essential Storm Preparation Tips

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Build an emergency supply kit

Protect Your Home And Family From Severe Weather

Preparation is key when it comes to protecting your home in Middle Creek, NC, from severe weather, floodwater, and other types of water damage. Planning ahead and making sure you're prepared before a storm hit is a key to reducing flood damage and keeping your family safe. Follow the tips below to help protect your home and family from severe weather.

1. Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan.
Craft a clear emergency response plan for your family that is easy to follow. Make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do in the case of a severe storm. Make time to regularly discuss and practice this plan, especially if your local weather channel predicts an incoming storm.

2. Pay Attention to Local Emergency Alerts.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) can provide reliable, real-time updates regarding the storm. Make sure everyone in your household signs up for this system so that you can stay updated on new developments.

3. Build an Emergency Supply Kit.
Put together an emergency response kit for your household containing valuable necessities. Suggested items to stock include, but are not limited to, batteries, bandages, non-perishable foods, blankets, a battery-powered radio, and a flashlight.

4. Protect and Waterproof Valuable Items.
Any valuable items that are unlikely to survive a flooded building need to be sealed in waterproof containers and relocated to a high shelf that's at least one foot above the floodwater level. This includes important documents, electronic devices, and other important possessions that are susceptible to water damage.

5. Trim Back Overgrown Tree Branches.
Severe winds can quickly transform overgrown tree branches into dangerous projectiles. You can help prevent tree limbs from flying in through your windows by trimming back any branches that are growing too close to your property.
Rising floodwater, dangerously high winds, and heavy rains can all inflict devastating damage on your property if you aren't prepared. Contact flood remediation experts if your home has suffered damage from a recent storm or flood.

How Does Flooding Lead to Mold Damage?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage in Bass Lake, NC

Understand The Significance Of Taking This Step

Commercial property owners in Bass Lake, NC, should focus on several problems after flooding. Can any assets be saved? How long are repairs going to take? Are any secondary issues possible? Along with getting the business back up and running, one of the priorities after a flood should be reducing the likelihood of mold growth. This should be a primary concern, and efforts should be made to secure the property immediately. By being proactive and completing appropriate remediation efforts, fungal development can be minimized. Here are three things to understand about the significance of taking this step.

1. What Immediate Impact Does Flooding Have on Property?
When standing water remains in a building, it seeps into porous materials such as grout, carpeting and drywall. These substances permit deep penetration, permitting moisture to migrate behind walls or into other rooms. The longer it sits the more contamination and saturation it can cause. Not only is it creating damp materials, but external waters harbor microbes, particularly fungus and bacteria. These beings move into the substances along with the wetness.

2. How Soon Should Owners Worry About Mold Exposure?
Fungal spores require two factors to multiply. The organisms need fluid and organic matter. Floods guarantee both of these conditions. When put together, mold growth is not only likely, but it is also swift, happening within one to two days. There is no time to delay. Proprietors should act immediately to minimize development, contacting a water and mold restoration company for thorough assessment and mitigation efforts.

3. What Methods Are Used To Combat Mold?
The specialists starve out the organisms by eliminating the food supply. Dehumidifiers run to extract excess moisture. Flood cuts are taken, removing any soaked drywall that could harbor infestations. Drenched valuables are removed from the area. They may be salvaged using content cleaning efforts or, if beyond repair, discarded. Anti-microbial spray may be applied to the room, killing out any lingering spores.
There is no time to wait. If flooding impacts your establishment, locate professionals for help. They should work quickly to combat mold growth.

Responding to a Black Water Flood in Your Home: 3 Tips

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Outdoor flooding in Fuquay-Varina, NC, can cause unsanitary water to enter your home

Actions To Take After Storm Damage

When violent storms cause flooding in your Fuquay-Varina, NC, home, planning the cleanup can be daunting. The water damage may be significant, especially if outdoor floods entered any areas of your home. This type of water is usually heavily contaminated and may be dangerous for you to handle on your own. However, there are a few actions you can take as you wait for help to arrive.

1. Evacuate the Home
Contaminated floodwater is also known as black water because of the sewage and chemicals it usually contains. This type of water can cause rapid mold growth in affected areas, so you may want to move your family members to a safer location until it can be drained away. If only a few rooms are flooded, you can seal them off by shutting doors or using plywood to block them off until your flood remediation team arrives.

2. Photograph the Damage
If you can safely document any water damage with photos, these may be helpful when submitting a claim to your insurance company. Photograph building material damage, flooded appliances and ruined carpeting. If mold growth occurs soon after the flooding, document that as well. You may want to make copies of these photos for future reference, especially if you have any issues with your claim.

3. Call a Flood Damage Cleanup Service
Because of the nature of outdoor flooding, calling in a black water cleanup service can help ensure that any standing water is drained away and disposed of properly. While most porous items may not be salvageable, the cleanup technicians can advise you about how to rescue important documents, electronics and other belongings affected by the water.
Outdoor flooding in Fuquay-Varina, NC, can cause unsanitary water to enter your home and leave you with questions about cleanup options. Keeping a few tips in mind about black water damage can give you peace of mind in the aftermath of local floods.

Plan Now To Ensure Your Business Can Survive Flooding

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded buildings in Middle Creek, NC

Meteorologists are getting better at predicting floods, but erratic weather patterns continue to challenge their accuracy. From coastal areas prone to hurricanes to desert terrain threatened by flash floods, few areas are safe from the risk of flooding.
If your business in Middle Creek, NC, suffers flood damage, ensure the cleanup is done properly by hiring a professional storm remediation service. The steps you take now to plan ahead are essential, because being able to act quickly in the event of a flood can minimize damage and get you back in business faster.

Ensure Access to Documentation

Key to business recovery is making sure you can still access your business's crucial data:

• Schedule frequent backups of all business documentation and data to a secure location, such as secure cloud storage.
  
• Store paper documents in a watertight container or on an upper level, and securely store digital copies of them as well.
  
• Make sure you have regularly updated contact information for your employees, and inform them about how you will communicate in the event of flooding or storm damage.
  
  

Evaluate Your Risk and Insurance Coverage
You probably know whether your business is in a flood zone, but it’s a good idea to check FEMA flood maps for an accurate picture of the overall risk in your geographic area.
Evaluate whether your commercial property can stand up to threats posed by storms. Are doors and windows properly sealed? Should you relocate electrical components or essential equipment to a higher level? Are backup generators present?
Most commercial insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so study the provisions of your policy carefully. Consider whether you also need to purchase commercial flood insurance and, if so, be sure you thoroughly understand its coverage as well.
Do what you can now by planning ahead to ensure business continuity. Then, if flooding occurs in the future, hire a professional storm remediation service to return your business to its original condition safely, quickly and consistent with national commercial restoration standards.