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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Storm Damage to your business? Choose SERVPRO.

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (941) 747-2333 

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial storm or water damage emergencies. Regardless of your property type or size, we will respond quickly to clean the property and manage the restoration project through to its completion. Learn more about our training and certifications.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will respond immediately to the storm or flood event affecting your commercial property, regardless of the size or scope of the damage. We are part of a national network of over 1960 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large scale events and disasters.

Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (941) 747-2333

 

How To Care For Your Items Damaged From A Storm

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

As a resident of the wonderful state of Florida, you’re no stranger to severe weather. Storm warnings are as common as mosquitoes. Severe weather has the potential to cause hard rains, hurricanes, and flooding. While many of us know the proper procedures on how to keep safe during a storm, many may not know how to keep their property safe after a storm. Your furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings shouldn’t be lost because of some bad weather. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is here to help. Give us a call at (941) 747-2333.

Restore vs Replace?

Many people choose to simply replace their items after they have been damaged in a storm. This is an easy decision, but not always the most economical. At SERVPRO, we have a more restorative mentality when it comes to damaged items.  We test your items to see if they can be restored back to their original condition pre-water damage. This way, you preserve your precious keepsakes without breaking the bank!

How to deal with electronics after a storm

After a storm, you will likely have a variety of issues with your electronics at home. This can include everything from your television and home computer to your smaller appliances like DVD players or gaming consoles. The one thing that all of these items have in common is that they are a serious hazard.

We strongly recommend that you do not attempt to operate or turn on any electrical device which has been damaged by water. Even if you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Once our trained SERVPRO professionals have had a chance to look over the damage to your electronics, they will take prompt action. We start by cleaning the exterior of electronic devices to help stop further corrosion and damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

What about paper?

Water damage is extremely frustrating to deal with, especially when it comes to your paper materials like legal documents or photographs. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-water damage condition, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. We act with extreme caution to ensure that the document isn’t destroyed through a variety of specialized methods.

Ready to restore your items after a storm? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

Tackle Storm Damage with SERVPRO!

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

When a storm hits, violent winds, hail, snow, and rain are a given. Finding experienced professionals who will respond quickly and protect your property from storm damage, however, is not. Storm damage is becoming more common in Florida, and destroying homes all over the state. As people scramble to save their homes and property, they put their lives on the line.

Instead of taking such a huge risk, why not leave things to the professionals?

When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

SERVPRO’s Response to Storm Damage

After you give us a call, the first thing that we do is work with you to learn exactly what happened to your property. The scope of the damage is assessed by a SERVPRO professional on sight, and this information is then used to determine how to best remove storm damage and bring your property back to pre-disaster condition.

Every one of our professionals are IIRC-certified, and has gone on to take months’ work of training and courses to solidify their skill. And, unlike some emergency response services, SERVPRO staff is continually educated to keep them up to date on the best way to save your property.

Where Can We Help?

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is a locally owned and operated business. Many of the people who will come to help you in your time of crisis may just be your neighbors! We are proud to be an active member of the Lakewood Ranch community and want to do our part to make our community the best it can be. The following communities are our first priority:

  • Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • Palmetto, FL
  • Parrish, FL
  • Ellenton, FL
  • Memphis, FL
  • Samoset, FL
  • Waterbury, FL
  • Myakka City, FL

Ready to get professional storm damage help? Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.

Tackle Storm Damage with SERVPRO

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage can take many forms. Violent winds, hail, snow, and rain are to be expected. This weather can be so aggressive that experienced professionals can be hard to come by. This just makes things worse, as storm damage becomes more common and people scramble to save their homes and property. When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

Why Call SERVPRO for Storm Damage

The most common issue which you may experience in a storm is water damage. Because this problem can increase in severity really quickly, it’s important to contact professionals as soon as you can. Our crew of trained professionals have all the equipment needed to restore your property. We’re so good, it’s as if storm damage never even happened!

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 747-2333.

How SERVPRO handles Storm Damage

After you give us a call, the first thing that we do is work with you to learn exactly what happened to your property. The scope of the damage is assessed by a SERVPRO professional on sight, and this information is then used to determine how to best remove storm damage and bring your property back to pre-disaster condition.

In the case of water issues, this means water extraction, followed by drying and dehumidification. All restorable items and structures which have been damaged are then cleaned and sanitized. Finally, we close everything off with our restoration process. This process includes:

  • Minor/major repairs
  • Replacing drywall
  • Installing new carpet
  • Etc

To get a more in-depth look at our restoration process, check out our short guide.

Ready to tackle storm damage? Call us at (941) 747-2333.

Understanding Storms in Florida

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are 10 different common storm types? Each with unique causes and unique damage.

SERVPRO knows how important the safety of a house is, especially when a storm hits. This blog is meant to provide basic information about different types of storms - and hurricanes in particular - and their damaging effects.

The 10 most common storms are:

  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Flooding
  • Snow storm
  • Hail storm
  • Thunderstorm
  • Lightning storm
  • Tropical storms
  • Ice storms
  • Derecho storms

On the Florida Gulf Coast, it’s safe to say that we won’t be expecting ice or snow storms any time soon. Derecho storms are unlikely too. These monster storms are so vast that they are actually composed of multiple storms that cross 240 miles and can reach speeds of over 58 miles per hour. They are as rare as they are big.

The Gulf Coast is more likely to experience a hurricane or tropical storm, even a tornado. Hurricanes can be strong enough that their effects can be felt far inland as strongly as they are felt on the coast. (Hurricane Sandy impacted 24 states)

Because life on the coast comes with obvious risks thanks to the likelihood of a hurricane, it’s very to be familiar with how hurricanes cause damage.

These are the common causes of storm damage from hurricanes:

One: Storm Surge

Storm surge affects the coast most directly. This weather event happens because wind pushes more and more excess water toward the shore with nowhere for it to go. Eventually, all that water piles up far higher than the predicted tide level. Then it shoves onto the shore and even inland. Storm surge is powerful enough to damage buildings, roads, and other structures.

Two: Floods

Hurricanes cause floods in two main ways: rainfall and storm surge. Both have the ability to cause floods to happen across a wide geographical area. Rainfall from hurricanes can spread farther than 100 miles from where the hurricane landed. A tropical storm does not even have to be classified as a hurricane to cause destructive and widespread rain and floods.

Three: Wind

Hurricane wind can reach speeds anywhere between 74-155 miles per hour. This wind is powerful, fast and destructive. Hurricane winds can knock down power lines and trees, carry debris far and wide, and even cause a domino effect of damage. Roofs can be lifted from homes.

Storm damage can spread wide, especially on the coast. There are several precautions that you can take to prevent storm damage, such as adding weather resistant features to your home. Every home, office, and vehicle should include an emergency preparedness kit.

Cleaning up in the aftermath of a storm can be overwhelming and dangerous. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, for help from the leading experts in storm damage restoration.

We're highly trained storm damage specialists!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Extreme weather has a high potential of causing damage to your property. A storm can involve anything from violent winds and rain, to hair or snow. What does this mean for you? Storm damage! Broken windows, caved-in ceilings, and flooded homes are all major issues victims face. Although this can be scary (and expensive), SERVPRO professionals have the qualifications to stop storm damage in its tracks. Here’s how we do it.

Who Fixes Your Storm Damage Issue?

SERVPRO professionals are some of the most highly trained property damage restoration experts in the country. Our staff is skilled in the arts of fire damage restoration, mold damage restoration, storm damage restoration, and much more. So, when you call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, you know that we’ll get the job done.

We scale our resources to the size of any disaster event, and we’re fast to respond. What does this mean for you? Less storm damage, and more money saved!

How are SERVPRO Professionals Trained?

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the foundation of all SERVPRO professionals’ training. The IICRC is a major international certification organization. Inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries use its standards as a baseline for quality, premium work.

At SERVPRO, we use IICRC training, but raise the bar of quality with our own employee certification training. This is a self-paced program which covers Crew Training, Fire Restoration, Water Restoration, Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, and much more. All of these skills have one goal behind them: make sure that victims of storm damage and other disasters are able to return to a normal life.

Learn more about our repair and restoration techniques here.

Tackle Storm Damage the SERVPRO Way

Experienced professionals can be hard to come by during a storm, as storm damage becomes more common and people scramble to save their homes and property. When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for. Get the help you need now.

Storm damage doesn't have to be stressful.

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

A storm generally involves violent winds, hail, and snow. Sometimes, there can be a storm without violent winds, but that is when the rain, hail, or snow are violent enough to be considered a storm. Any extreme weather has the potential to cause damage to property, but storm damage is a unique issue.

What to do if you’ve been hit by a storm

You should always prioritize your safety! Is it safe to stay in your home? There might be some electrical hazards from cut wires or damaged property which can be an issue. In the case of water damage from a storm, don’t use your household appliances or other electricity until professionals arrive.

Experienced professionals can be hard to come by during a storm, as storm damage becomes more common and people scramble to save their homes and property. When a storm strikes, call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch. Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, we get you the resources you need quickly before a single storm destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

What does SERVPRO do about storm damage?

Being a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is always close by and ready to respond to disaster events. Our water and storm damage specialists work hard to get your property back to pre-storm conditions as fast as possible. We do this by using advanced equipment and drying techniques which have been staples of the trade for years.

Every one of our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. In the event of major storm damage, it is a relief to get IICRC certified men and women on the ground as soon as possible. What’s more, we document everything that we do so that you can rest easy. It doesn’t matter how complex the job seems- our professionals have the know-how to save your property.

Preparing For Storms, SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

The words "SERVPRO Hurricane Preparedness" are shown over a green hurricane logo and a stormy sea and sky Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Hurricane Season - Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch


While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. According to the National Weather Service the primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm's winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.


Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.
Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.


Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.
Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone's strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion, and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.


SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch 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 Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of franchises across the country.
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Storm Damage Response In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch

5/25/2021 (Permalink)

A downed tree is shown with the words storm damage with a question mark SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

As many homeowners in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch are aware, there are many challenges to face when a serious storm hits. Seeking safety, inspecting damage, and reviewing insurance coverage are only a few steps on the list.


Mold can arrive in a flood's wake, as moisture left behind has a way of lingering and serving as the perfect setting for growth.


Here are a few pointers to help you prevent mold growth after flood damage.


1. Inspect the Area

Addressing a flood-damaged home can easily become a tremendous task. Depending on the severity of the storm and subsequent destruction, you may have many spots in the house to repair. When looking over your house after the storm's aftermath, make sure to comb over all the hidden corners for mold. Flooding can bring moisture that may hang around and cause mold to grow.

2. Get to Cleaning


Because the cleanup process depends on the seriousness of the storm's effects on your home, it is important to catch all places that have become damaged by a flood. Drywall, carpets, and other permeable materials may need to be replaced. A professional can also help you get a clearer picture of the state of your home, as mold removal might be another task on the list.

3. Keep Places Dry


After the long string of events that consist of relocating to safer areas, inspecting the damage, and going through the process of cleanup, you might assume the work is over. Although this is true for the most part, mold growth can occur long after the storm. By maintaining a clean, dry living space, you can reduce your chances of this fungal nuisance.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.


As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration. 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.


We Have the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms


When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.


From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.

Storms In Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch Can Leave Behind Serious Water Damage

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

A man is shown squeezing water out of a towel and into a bucket If you have water damage call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

When storms roll through Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch there can be significant water damage left behind. Understanding water damage is important to protect your home or business.
When you find yourself in a water damage situation, it is important to understand the differences in the water that could be involved.

There are three classifications for this water: clean, gray and black, and having a better understanding of these differences will help you understand how to better handle the situation.

Regardless of the type of water involved, there will always be a cleanup and restoration process that follows. The most important part of the cleanup, however, is to remove all of the moisture and damp items quickly, so that mold does not have a chance to flourish in a mold-growth ideal environment.

Clean Water


Much like the name states, “clean” water is, well, clean. And it is not likely the type that will pose an immediate threat to your health. This water is free of contaminants and can come from:

Broken water lines


Malfunctioning appliances


Toilet holding tanks


Snow melt and rainwater


This is the easiest type of water damage to work with, as there will be fewer microbes living in the water, but after only 48 hours and contact with building surfaces, clean water can move up to category two, which is gray water.

Gray Water


The cleanup and restoration process with gray water becomes a bit more involved and serious. This water could very well have the potential to pose a health risk, due to it containing chemical or biological contamination. This slight contamination in gray water means that the water would need to be thoroughly treated before being safe for consumption.

Gray water is water from dishwashers, aquariums, showers, etc. The 48-hour exposure rule for mold growth also applies here as well, as gray water will become black water if not quickly treated.

Black Water


The most serious and dangerous water is black water, and it is considered to be highly contaminated by harmful chemicals and biological matter. This would include floodwaters containing soil and any sewage water.

Sewage contains microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more—many of which are extremely harmful to humans.

Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

Cholera


Typhoid


Hepatitis


Gastroenteritis-type illnesses


A good rule is to remember that, when it comes to floods, all water involved should be assumed to be black water since it will have picked up contaminants along its path.

These three floodwater classifications are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), an organization that certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our technicians have all studied and familiarized themselves with the IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services.

After The Storm Has Passed

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Storms in Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch

It can all start with a weather alert on your phone. Then you can see the weather changing quickly. You seek shelter and then you hear a loud continuous rumble. The sound that has been described as a jet or a passing train. When the threat has passed and everyone is ok, you can breathe a sigh of relief, but did your home fair as well?

After the tornado has passed

According to the National Weather Service after the storm you should assess the damage. They suggest after the threat for tornadoes has ended, check to see if your property has been damaged. When walking through storm damage, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and sturdy shoes. Contact local authorities if you see power lines down. Stay out of damaged buildings. Be aware of insurance scammers if your property has been damaged.


The best place to start this inspection is the structural integrity of your home. A small tornado can have the power to knock a house off of its foundation, or collapse a load bearing wall or roof, which needs to be repaired before other work can start.

Next, it is time to address the concerns with your home's primary systems. These include the electrical, gas, plumbing, and even air conditioning.

All of these systems are what make our homes more comfortable to live in, and they all require specialized expertise to be properly restored. Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.


When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,800 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.


From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.


SERVPRO East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.


Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

Springtime Storms And Tornadoes

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Springtime is not too far off. That means storms and tornadoes are even more likely.


Springtime weather is unpredictable, you should always be prepared for the chance of severe thunderstorms that lead to the perfect conditions for a tornado touchdown.


April and May traditionally have the highest occurrences of tornadoes at 30% and 24% respectively, which means we are currently in the height of tornado season throughout the United States. Read on as we explore some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared for the worst possible scenario.

Conditions That Can Cause a Tornado


Roughly 1,200 tornadoes occur in the U.S. each year, and they are a result of thunderstorms, especially those known as “supercells.”

A tornado will be born when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

If you are looking for the signature funnel cloud, you will not see it at first because it is transparent until it picks up water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or dust and debris.

A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster have been observed. Hail and intense winds of over 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

Tornadoes typically occur during the late afternoon, but it is vital to remember that they can occur anytime and anywhere.

What You Should Do for a Tornado Warning


Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and tornado warning is important. A watch is issued when the conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a warning is issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

If you are in the path of a warned tornado, it is imperative that you take action to find safe shelter immediately.

Shelter options include:

Underground options like a basement or storm shelter.


The lowest part of your home, in an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.


If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building. Mobile homes and trailers are not a safe option.
If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.
It is a good idea to always have flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries in your home tornado shelter.

When a tornado occurs while you are driving, NEVER attempt to outrun it. Also, when you are sheltering in your home, items like couch cushions, mattresses or blankets will provide further protection to your head and neck.

Tornadoes can create havoc on the areas where they touch down. While meteorologists and weather services can provide some advanced warning to potential threats, tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch is ready to get cleanup and restoration of your property underway. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch (941) 727-2333.

Strong Storms And Damaging Winds

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Severe storms can bring a number of concerns, but damaging winds are always a threat. These winds can come with little to no notice, and they can be problematic because they can have long-term structural impacts.

Understanding Damaging Winds

Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area can be at risk from damaging winds, but there are some structures that are especially at risk. Mobile homes, even those that have been anchored, could sustain serious damage with wind gusts over 80 mph.

While many think damaging winds are a result of a tornado or hurricane, those are not the only times when they may come into play. Winds exceeding 50–60 mph are traditionally considered damaging winds and can be produced by a strong thunderstorm. You will commonly hear damaging winds referred to as “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage from tornado damage.

The damage from these winds can be especially destructive, as they can cause any objects not anchored to become projectiles. Windows and the roof can take the brunt of this damage, and if the damage is extensive, it can result in water damage to the home as the outside elements come indoors through the damaged windows and roof.

How to Protect Your Property

Below are some ways to be proactive in protecting your property from damaging winds. The “Two R’s” are a good place to begin, reinforce and remove.

  • Have a professional reinforce your garage door.
  • Safely store or anchor loose objects on your property that could become projectiles. This includes trash cans, grills and outdoor furniture.
  • Dying or dead large trees and limbs need to be removed by a professional so that they don’t blow over onto the home.

Don’t rely on advanced notice for a high wind situation. Not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning. But being proactive with some of these action items can prepare you for just these situations.

Also, if you are building a new home or renovating an older home, be sure your walls, windows and doors meet the building code for your area.

If your home has been hit by damaging winds and resulting water damage, the highly trained specialists at SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch are here to help with the cleanup and restoration of your home. Call us today (941) 747-2333.

A Quick Response Is Important When Dealing With Storm Damage

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can cause significant damage to your property. Fallen trees, for example, can cause serious issues for your home. Call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333 if you have storm damage. Falling trees are a common occurrence during these powerful storms. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency.


Here are 5 steps to take for emergency tree removal:


* Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms. Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.


* In the event a tree does fall on your property, first make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.


* Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are call the police and the power company.


* Call your insurance company and if you can safely do so take pictures.

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.


As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, we have highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration. 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.


We Have the Resources to Handle Floods and Storms


When storms hit East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch, 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.


From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.


SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch 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 

Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333

It's Important To Understand Storm Damage

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

A lightning bolt is shown striking a house SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch knows how important the safety of a home is, especially during a storm. (941) 747-2333

Residents of coastal towns are more familiar than most with storms and their damaging effects. But did you know there are 4 common types of storms?

Each has unique causes and each causes its own kind of damage.


SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch knows how important the safety of a home is, especially during a storm. This blog is meant to educate readers about different types of storms - hurricanes in particular - and their damaging effects.


The 4 most common storms are:
Hurricanes


Tornadoes


Thunderstorms


Tropical storms


The Florida Gulf Coast is much more likely to experience a hurricane or tropical storm, or even a tornado. Hurricanes can be so strong that their effects can be felt far inland as strongly as they are on the coast. (Hurricane Sandy impacted 24 states.)


Life on the coast comes with obvious risks because of the likelihood of a hurricane, so it’s of the utmost importance to be familiar with how hurricanes cause damage.


So what are the common causes of hurricane damage?

First, there’s storm surge.
Storm surge affects the coast directly. This happens because wind pushes more and more water toward the shore with nowhere to go. Eventually, all that excess water piles up higher than the predicted tide level and shoves onto the shore and even inland. Storm surge is so powerful that it damages buildings, roads, and other structures.


Second, there are floods.


Hurricanes cause floods in two ways: storm surge and rainfall. Both can cause floods to happen across a widespread geographical area. Rainfall from hurricanes can spread farther than 100 miles from where the hurricane landed. A tropical storm doesn’t even have to be classified as a hurricane to cause widespread and destructive flooding.

Third, there’s the wind.


Hurricane wind can be as fast as anywhere between 74-155 miles per hour. This wind is fast, powerful, and destructive. Wind can knock down trees and powerlines, carry debris far and wide, and cause a domino effect of damage. Roofs can even be lifted from homes. And sometimes winds from hurricanes form separate tornadoes.
Storm damage can be far reaching and devastating, especially on the coast. There are many precautions that you can take to protect from and prevent storm damage, like adding weather-resistant features to your home. Every home, office, and vehicle should also have an emergency preparedness kit.


SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch will be prepared to respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.   We are backed by a national system of over 1700 franchises who are ready to bring in additional resources to assist in the clean-up and restoration of your home or business in Lakewood Ranch.

Storm Damage Doesn't Have To Be A Stressful Experience

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

There are very few natural disasters that can cause such extensive havoc as tornado damage in Bradenton. Homeowners reel from the aftermath of a twister or severe storm. Even relatively small storms can cause major damage to your house or mobile home, and many people are often left wondering where to begin or what they should do following one of these storms.


For SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch Can Provide Emergency Tornado Damage Services


SERVPRO suggests the following article may help you keep safe while getting your life back in order. Severe weather patterns are becoming the norm on the west coast of Florida; it is time to be prepared.


Safety Is Paramount


First things first, your safety has to be the paramount concern when evaluating the extent of damage or even before you attempt to start the recovery and clean up. Maintain contact with your local officials for safety procedures and shelter. The Red Cross may be an option. Get your home inspected by a trained professional from SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch.

This assessment will determine if your home is structurally sound to enter, and will evaluate whether there are electrical concerns, gas leaks, or even large amounts of standing water that would prevent the safe evaluation of your home. If any of these conditions exist, they must be dealt with, possibly also at a municipal level.


It is important to bring in the right team for help. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has trained, (IICRC) certified restoration technicians ready 24/7. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries.


Remember SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.


Our fast response is crucial to storm and tornado damage mitigation. Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance. (941) 747-2333

Storm Damage In Lakewood Ranch Means It's Time To Call The Pros

2/11/2020 (Permalink)


When it's a beautiful sunny day it's easy to forget how much damage a Florida storm can cause. The heavy sustained winds and the driving rain can leave behind substantial water damage. It's not just the named storms and well publicized hurricanes that can cause significant damage to your home. In 2018 there were 15 named storms, eight hurricanes, and two above Category 3.


Damage from water is often a problem after a tornado or hurricane. In addition to these problems that occur after tornado damage, the issue of water damage can cause significant destruction to homes following a storm. SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has the manpower, equipment, and experience to remove the water rapidly and to salvage as many personal possessions and structural materials as possible.

Our elite, large loss specialists, can seamlessly perform all the steps in water removal, cleanup, sanitation, and restoration to make "Like it never even happened."


The experienced professionals, tools, and equipment are in high demand.  SERVPRO of East Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch has access to the resources you need when storm damage strikes. A fast response is crucial to flooding and storm damage, because it reduces secondary damage and restoration costs.

Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we.


SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has trained, (IICRC) certified technicians.
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified.


Why Choose SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch?


We are storm and water damage specialists who get started promptly to get your property dry and back to pre-storm condition.


We're faster to any size disaster. Our fast response is crucial to storm and tornado damage mitigation. We have the equipment and manpower for any size storm. Call us 24/7 for immediate assistance. (941) 747-2333

Call Us First - SERVPRO Has Trained Technicians To Respond Quickly

1/21/2020 (Permalink)


A common occurrence during the storm season for the Bradenton community is trees falling on and damaging your property. Don’t wait until it happens. Be prepared for this type of storm emergency.

Here are some tips:


Trees that are old or diseased can easily succumb to flooding and windy storms.

Go ahead and remove hazardous trees before a storm approaches.


In the event a tree does fall on your property, first make sure everyone is okay. Leave your home if you feel unsafe inside the property.


Look to see if there are any wires or power lines hanging and if they are call the police and the power company.


Contact SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333, your local mitigations and emergency storm cleanup provider in Manatee County.

We will place a tarp on the roof if needed. We will also carry out any board up services required and cleanup any water inside the home. Boarding up parts of the home that have structural damage will help with your insurance claim and also deter any vandals while you are away from your home.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.


As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.


The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our technicians are IICRC trained and certified.

How To Recover and Restore After Sewage Damage

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

A damaged background is shown with the words Storm Damage question mark After Storm Damage, if you need help with sewage backup or just have questions please call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 747-2333.


Storms and storm damage can result in sewage backup in your home.
Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that cause serious illnesses.
A sewer backup into your home can be devastating. If the water stands for too long, it can cause extensive property damage and the effort to clean it up again can be overwhelming. If you need help with sewage backup or just have questions please call SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch  (941) 747-2333.  Generally, after a storm where black water has flooded your Lakewood Ranch, FL home, you need a professional with the right tools and knowledge to restore your property. Here are three tips to help you through the process.  1. Intervene Quickly A sewer backup has to be dealt with as soon as possible. If the sewer is backed up due to rain water from a storm, you may have to wait for the storm to clear to get assistance. Once you can get help, you need to make sure that you get to it right away. The quicker that the problem is solved and you remove the water from your home, the less damage you’ll suffer.  2. Clear Out Items Black water refers to any standing water that has been contaminated by pathogens. Naturally, flooding from the sewer is severely contaminated. Not only do you have to worry about the germs and bacteria that come with the water, but mold growth is also often common after a flood. Your safest option once the water is extracted is to remove any porous items from the home. If it can’t be cleaned, do not try to clean it.  3. Disinfect What’s Left The items you’re left with need to be disinfected. When it comes to sewer backup, you should use chlorine bleach to guarantee that everything is clean. This will kill and stop the spread of any more bacteria. The process to clean up your property after a sewer backup can be intimidating, to say the least. However, if you take it in a few simple steps, you can clean up your home to be as good as new in no time. 
Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 
SERVPRO of East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch  (941) 747-2333 making any size disaster, "Like it never even happened."