Roof Leaks Need Water Restoration Services in Plantation Homes

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

After a storm, water damage can be an unfortunate reality for your attic. SERVPRO can help with post-storm cleanup and water restoration services.

How SERVPRO Helps with Water Restoration

Severe weather is one of the unfortunate realities of living in Florida. As violent as storms can sometimes be, some of the harm that weather events can cause is roof damage that allows water infiltration. Roof leaks and subsequent water damage are a specialty of our restoration team.

Board-Up and Tarping

Before the storm restoration of Plantation attics can get underway, our SERVPRO team must secure the structure and prevent continued damage. We have effective board-up and tarping services to seal over vulnerabilities in the roof and stop more water runoff and moisture penetration to the attic.

Cleaning Up the Water Damage Inside

Clearing attic water damage is the product of many approaches. Unlike traditional drying and moisture management, the added challenge of a confined space makes some of the tools in our inventory unavailable to help. Ultimately, drying is a product of several units:

• Air Movers – High-velocity blowers blast warm air at wet surfaces to promote rapid evaporative drying. 
  

• Dehumidification – Desiccant units exhaust moist air from the attic and regulate humidity for continued drying success.
  

• Mold Inhibitors – Antimicrobial products that make wet surfaces uninhabitable to active mold spores looking to colonize hosting materials. 
  

• Portable Heaters – Tools that can influence the warmth of the confined space to promote faster drying and chemical processes.
  

Repairing Your Damaged Roof

We have certified and licensed professionals to perform needed build-back services and repairs for the property. The roof is a complex system that must be constructed from the inside out when repairing. Trusses are evaluated and partially replaced when needed. Plywood and underlayment are removed, and new pieces are reset. Finally, we reinstall damaged surface materials like tin or shingles.

After a storm, water damage can be an unfortunate reality for your property. As leading restoration specialists, we can help with post-storm cleanup and water restoration services. Call SERVPRO of Plantation / Sunrise SE at (954) 710-8544.

Plantation Storms Call for Rapid Water Removal

11/14/2022 (Permalink)

Whenever water builds up outside, the chances are good that it will make its way inside. SERVPRO is available 24/7 to restore your home.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 for Storm Water Removal Services in Plantation

There is much more than high winds and flying debris to worry about whenever storms roll through the Plantation area. Whenever you have a tremendous amount of water building up outside, the chances are good that it will make its way inside. As a homeowner, you must know that your flooring, stairs, walls, and ceilings can take on water during a storm. SERVPRO is here to assist with professional stormwater removal services and restoration to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Why is stormwater removal necessary after Plantation weather events? Any stagnant water within your property creates potential hazards and costly damage to building materials and interior contents. If floodwater comes in through your ground floor, it also harbors a wealth of possible contamination like silt, natural debris, chemicals, fecal matter, and vermin.

There are Several Areas Where Moisture Could be Hiding

During a storm-related flood, water entering the home means countless areas where moisture could be hiding. Some places you may not suspect include:

• Underneath cabinets
• Behind appliances
• Under and around baseboards
• Beneath the carpeting or flooring
• Inside your furniture
• Behind walls and more

We Get to Work ASAP

Water removal services are essential should you have storm flooding on your property. SERVPRO arrives with powerful pumps, extractors, and other tools to begin pulling up standing water fast. At the same time, we set up airflow technology and dehumidifiers to restore relative humidity (RH) throughout your home. Moisture detection tools also allow us to find any areas of hidden moisture so nothing gets left behind.

In areas with localized flooding, we may dry it faster by putting containment measures up to surround the wet materials. Our IICRC-certified technicians know how to mitigate water damage best and work on restoration and cleaning so that you have peace of mind no bacteria or moisture lurks to cause further issues.

Do you need help with stormwater removal? SERVPRO of Plantation/Sunrise SE is the team to call! Reach us 24/7 by dialing (954) 710-8544 for emergency service, and we will send out our Green Fleet as soon as possible.

Cleaning Up Plantation Attics After Flood Damage and Storms

8/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers storm damage cleanup, removal after demolition, and build back projects--large and small--for Plantation properties.

Plantation Attic Flood Damage Is Serious

Intense storms can have a detrimental impact on roofing systems. When vulnerabilities exist, runoff and floodwater can find their way into attics and eventually the living spaces of your home. SERVPRO can help clean up water damage and repair the damages storms can cause your property.

Assessing Roof Damage and Immediate Needs

Before SERVPRO can address attic flood damage in Plantation homes, our professionals must assess and evaluate structural compromise to exterior elements like the roof. We can patch or use temporary tarping to stop any continued water flow into the structure, allowing restoration professionals to begin work inside the attic on cleanup, drying, and disinfection.

What Is at Risk in the Attic?

Several materials are likely to be damaged within the attic by intruding floodwater. Insulation, roof underlayment, trusses, and flooring can all be significantly damaged by prolonged moisture exposure. SERVPRO professionals must assess the condition of these items to determine where controlled demolition and build-back might be needed.

Thorough Drying Approaches

As you might expect, flood recovery hinges greatly on any effort to dry impacted structural elements. Non-porous materials and situations where attic flooding is not considered a contaminant, many drying tools get used in this confined space. Some of these include:

• Air movers
• Portable heaters
• Negative pressure machines
• Dehumidifiers
• Drying mats

Experienced Contractors to Help

Our general contractor license is an advantage of choosing SERVPRO to help restore your home after flooding. Because severe weather, floods impact so many houses, and hurricanes, having experienced building professionals on the roster makes a difference in how we approach restoration and how fast residences are returned to owners in preloss condition. We can quickly transition from cleanup to build-back, which is especially important when areas like the roof and attic are affected.

Flood damage can happen to any area of your house, but when the attic is affected, it can be a particularly challenging situation. Many depend on the experience and fast response of our SERVPRO of Plantation / Sunrise SE team to help. Call us today at (954) 280-8282.

When Storm Disaster Strikes – We Strike Back: Weather the Storm

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Anywhere Disaster Strikes

“The SERVPRO team of Plantation was an absolute lifesaver for us! My office had a leaking pipe that we fortunately found out about early on Saturday. One call to them was all it took and they responded right away. The team was super friendly and explained everything they were doing and what we could expect cost wise. Fantastic service! I definitely would recommend them to EVERYONE!” - Obi of Plantation FL

Did you know that SERVPRO is nationwide with over 1,700 franchises to date?  Although we come in separate franchises, when disaster strikes, we have the backing of one largest teams in the USA.  The size comes with value.  Bigger projects mean more resources are needed and that is exactly what we have. 

When a major disaster strikes, our teams unite.  “Faster to Any Size Disaster” working hard to make it “Like it never even happened.”

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Disaster happens. Don't let it get worse before it gets better. 

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media for exclusive tips and tricks to keep your home safe to the dangers of mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

Bring Your Pets When You Have to Evacuate Your Home.

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Bring your pets with you when you have to evacuate your home.

Your Pets are Family

Plantation is no stranger to hurricanes or other severe storms. If harsh weather forces an evacuation, SERVPRO^® of Plantation agrees that leaving the pets behind is not an option. To make such evacuations easier, we're sharing some information from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

Be Ready before Evacuation is Necessary:

• Keep all information on tags current
• Make sure the tags are securely attached to the collar
• Microchips are good backups, and are important for animals that can't/won't wear collars
• Keep photos of yourself with each pet
• Learn which places welcome pets
• Lists of all medications and conditions
• Comfortable and secure carrier for each pet
• Secure leash or harness for each animal (when practical)
• Copies of all prescriptions

Pets Need Emergency Kits Too:

• Proof of vaccinations, veterinary records
• At least a 3-day supply of food and water for each pet
• First-aid kit
• Favorite toys and treats
• Bedding, especially if you can bring the favorites
• Anything that will ease your pet's anxiety (thunder-shirts, something that smells you)
• Enough medication for 3 or more days

SERVPRO of Plantation recommends the Red Cross website if you want to learn more.

In case of storm damage or water damage, call SERVPRO of Plantation. We're available 24/7 and are Here to Help. ^®

SERVPRO of Plantation is independently owned and operated.

Things to do for After Storm Water Damage until Help Arrives in Plantation

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plantation is here 24/7, 365 to help when water damage strikes your home.

If your home or business in Plantation has water damage, you can do some things before help arrives.

Make sure that the building or home is safe.

SERVPRO of Plantation Wants You to Remember:

• Waterlogged materials are very heavy
• Wet surfaces are slippery
• Make sure electrical power is off before you handle devices
• Make sure you are standing on dry area before you turn on the electric power

SERVPRO of Plantation suggests that you:

• Remove excess water with mops and/or towels
• Wipe water from wood furniture or other items
• Remove wet cushions. Prop them upright to dry
• Hang up rugs to dry
• Place foil or blocks between furniture and wet carpeting
• Turn on dehumidifiers or air-conditioning if it is safe
• Move colored items from wet carpeting
• Move artwork to a safe, dry place
• Move loose items from the floor or counters
• Start drying items ASAP
• Remember that mold starts growing within 24 hours
• Stay away from rooms that have sagging ceilings.

Links:

www.fema.gov 

Hurricane Preparedness Has No Off Season: Types of Storm Damage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can be massive. So can the damage.

Types of Storm Damage

Hurricane Damage can be expected in various forms, from extreme winds, flash flooding caused by heavy long-standing rains, and tornadoes.  Its important that you anticipate this type of damage and are doing the very best to prevent potential damage. 

Unfortunately, some damage is inevitable, so its important to know what you’re dealing with so you know how to prepare to handle the aftermath as well. Below we list a few of them.

Extreme Winds

The extreme winds of a hurricane can range from 74 mph in a minimal storm to greater than 155 mph in a higher ranked storm.

Wind is one of the earth’s many from of erosion and when it’s strong enough, it can cause much of the heavy damage on your property’s structure during a storm. Heavy winds can uproot trees and tear down power lines causing power loss or even more structural damage to whatever is around the area, even your vehicle. The storm also doesn’t have to be in the immediate area either.  Feeder bans can create strong winds that can cause damage long before or even long after the actual storm’s landfall. Often this is actual wind speed combined with the movement speed of the storm.  The speed of the storm can determine how long the storm will be over the area.

Slow moving Storms: Heavy Rains

Heavy rains during hurricanes and slow-moving storms can cause quick major flooding that can affect your property’s structure.  Because bands can expand past the immediate area of the storm, these rains and floods can affect hundreds of miles if homes.

When a hurricane or heavy storm hits it’s very possible for 5 to 10 inches of rapid rain to fall.  Intense flooding can occur in various types of storms, not just including high ranking hurricanes.  This paired with the previously mentioned winds, can cause even more damage.

Other Environmental Factors: Storm Surge

Storm surge occurs when water levels rise rapidly from shores onto land as the eye of a hurricane or storm makes land fall.  The larger the storm, the worse the storm surge occurs.

A combination of the winds and heavy rain mentioned before work together to move water from any surrounding bodies of water onto the shore and the land. This adds to the flooding.

In strong storms, this rising water can move very quickly.  Tons of moving water can come in from the coastline and this can also depend on the direction the storm is going. If the storm approaches perpendicular to the coastline, the surge can be even stronger.

Tides also play a role in this, as higher tides can cause more of an issue.  King tides are examples of seasonal high tides that could add to this issue.  To learn more about King Tides, check out our sister franchise’s informational blog!

Tornado Catastrophic Damage

Hurricanes and Tropical cyclones also can trigger tornadoes and lightning. Each storm can have a unique pattern of frequencies and occurrences that determine how the tornadoes within form.  It can be very different from one storm to the next.

Tornadoes spawned from hurricanes are more likely during an intense hurricane or one that is intensifying at or near landfall.

Source: The Weather Channel

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 if you suffer from any hurricane damage or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

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Steps To Protect Your Property During A Hurricane

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricanes are powerful

A hurricane emergency can strike at any time, especially in the Ft. Lauderdale area.

Unfortunately, hurricanes and tropical storms are a regular part of life on the coast

For homeowners that means being prepared and protecting your home and property from storm related damage.

There are steps you can and should take ahead of time to prepare for hurricane season, which generally extends from the end of August through October and sometimes beyond, but there may be times when you have less warning and you may need to move quickly to protect your home. 

Here are a few steps you can take during a hurricane emergency:

• Guard against wind damage – Strong winds are one of the biggest threats posed by hurricanes and they can do a considerable amount of damage to your home. You should always be sure your gutters are clear and make any needed structural repairs.
  
  Aside from that, you can guard against wind damage by using safety measures such as roof straps, head and foot bolts on doors and window covers or storm shutters. Also, put caulking around windows and doors and check your drains and sump pumps to avoid water damage.
  
  You’ll also want to protect any attached structures like porches, decks and carports to be sure they’re stable and take in any outdoor furniture to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile.
  
  
• Check your landscaping – It’s not just your house itself that can be damaged during a hurricane. Make sure there are no loose tree branches and tie down any shrubs that might get pulled up so they can’t be blown through windows or walls.
  
  If you have a gravel driveway or walks, you might also want to consider changing to shredded bark, which is much less destructive when blown.
  
  
• Review your insurance – It’s too late to change your coverage during a hurricane emergency, but you’ll want to review the insurance you have so you know where you stand. That way you won’t face any surprises when it comes time to file a claim.
  
  
• Take photos – Having a thorough record of the current status of your home before the storm hits will be invaluable when you need to file an insurance claim.
  
  Keeping a comprehensive set of photos of your home, inside and out, will help with taking inventory, something that most insurance companies require.

Of course, it’s not always possible to avoid damage during a hurricane emergency, but if you do face repairs and restoration you don’t have to go it alone.

One of the most important steps you can take to protect your property is to consult with a professional restoration company

The professionals will be able to assess your damage and help to get your home back to normal as quickly and smoothly as possible.

As a part of the Plantation Florida Community, SERVPRO is keenly aware of the potential dangers of a hurricane emergency and our technicians are ready to respond to your call immediately.

With thorough training and state-of-the-art equipment, we’re prepared to handle any of your water mitigation and restoration needs.

We’ll even help you file your insurance claim because we know how complicated and difficult that process can be.

When a hurricane emergency strikes, you can rely on SERVPRO to get you back on your feet in no time. We can make rebuilding after a storm a lot less stressful for you and your family because we treat your home as if it were our own.

For directions.

SERVPRO of Plantation Will Outwit Storm Damage

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plantation is Here To Help when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO® of Plantation is local, so we know just how common storms are in this area. We also know that even the best prepared residential and commercial properties can end up with water damage or structural damage from lightning, high winds, heavy rainfall, and even hail.

When something happens, call us at 954-280-8282. We are available 24/7, even on holidays. We are also available online. SERVPRO of Plantation prides itself on being Faster to any size disaster because

• Speed matters
• No disaster is small to those who live with it

If there is water damage, there will be mold, but the water causes enough damage alone that professionals need to start assessment and control/repair right away.

SERVPRO technicians are trained in the use of the latest equipment and restoration techniques. We also work with your insurance company so you can take care of your families and employees.

When fire and water take control of your life,

we help you take it back.

SERVPRO of  Plantation is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/choosedates.jsp?statefips=12%2CFLORIDA

http://www.myflorida.com/search_results.html?q=weather#gsc.tab=0&gsc.q=storms

Tips for Standing Water in Plantation

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plantation is ready to help you when property disaster strikes.

A flood doesn’t end once the storm stops. We still have to deal with all that standing water. The flood water can take up to 11 days to disappear. It’s not time to go fishing.

If you have to evacuate your office, do not go back until you have been told it is safe.

Be careful driving in Plantation.  Remember to “Go around. Don’t Drown!” The water may still be too deep for safe travel.

Floods are not natural swimming pools

• Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the storm water leftovers
• Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick  
• Don’t drink the water
• Water conducts electricity.  Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock

Flood waters vs. Animals in Plantation:

• Snakes and other animals may get into your building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up
• Some animals might find your office a cozy place to live
• If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/floods 

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html

Preparing for Storms and Water Damage in Plantation

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

When storms cause water damage, SERVPRO of Plantation will be there to help remediate the destruction to your home or office.

When storms are headed our way, we may not think the worse outcome could happen. While storms can be beautiful, they can turn deadly in just moments. Being prepared will help minimize harm to people and bring less damage to your property. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a storm, let SERVPRO of Plantation turn your chaos back to normal.

A few ways to prepare for a storm with strong winds are:

• Have a flashlight readily available in case of a power outage
• Board up windows and doors ahead of time, if possible
• Secure loose items
• Have an emergency kit ready including non-perishable foods and water
• Make a plan ahead of time so your family will know what to do

Your local meteorologists will monitor the weather conditions in your area keeping you informed on what type of storm is happening. A storm Watch indicates they are watching for formations of specific types (flooding, severe thunderstorms, hail, tornadoes, etc.)  A storm Warning means there are property and life-threatening conditions occurring so you should take precautions.

Once the storm has passed in Plantation, please continue to be careful walking in your home as there could be loose debris, and compromised structures, etc. Wear boots, and gloves to help protect yourself but above all call the professionals at SERVPRO of Plantation to make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plantation is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2015/05/07/fema-severe-weather-approaches-prepare-stay-informed-and-make-plan

2019 Hurricane Prep Tips

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Prep is Key

Even with Hurricane Dorian just passing by the South Florida area, 2019's hurricane season isn't in the clear yet. Florida residents should have their hurricane prep ready for any disaster.

SERVPRO of Plantation is here to help with these 2019 hurricane ready preparation tips.

2019 Hurricane Prep tips:

• Make sure to have a plan for evacuation or any other situation that may be likely to happen during a storm.  For example, flooding etc.
• Cash is king whenever electricity is out, so make sure you keep some money in your possession as some banks can be closed for days until power is restored.
• Invest in a battery powered or hand crank radio to stay up-to-date on what's going on in your area.
• If you can't stay with friends or family outside of evacuation zones, be aware of your nearest hurricane shelter, and overnight kennels for your furry friends.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank and any gas cans ahead of time.
• Before a storm hits be sure you've stocked up on clean drinking water or bottled water- one gallon per person per day for no less than three days.
• Fill large freezer bags with water and freeze them with your freezer turned to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, you'll have blocks of ice to preserve things in the fridge and coolers.
• Consider boarding up your house and going out of town until officials in your area say it's safe to return.

It's 2019.  Let's Face it, We Need Our Devices..

• Charge all of your devices and make sure that you have a couple of spare batteries for your mobile devices.  Businesses and home offices have backup batteries for their computers and other large appliances so they can save their work or even contact emergency services if the need be after their electricity goes out.
• Having an abundance of flash lights or lanterns in the home isn't a bad idea. Obviously, this means to make sure you have them charged or you have a steady stock of batteries so your devices last a long while after the storm.
• Unplug TVs, computers, and appliances before the storm to avoid damages to electronics.

Hurricane prep is the most important skill for a south Florida family. Your hurricane preparation should be complete well before a storm hits.  The American Red Cross has a complete hurricane preparation checklist available here.  SERVPRO of Plantation hopes you have a safe and damage-free storm season, but should disaster strike, SERVPRO of Plantation will arrive "Faster to Any Disaster" and make it "Like it Never Even Happened."

You've got the support, always here to help. Don't let it get worse before it gets better. 

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media for exclusive tips and tricks to keep your home safe to the dangers of mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

Rising Water Tips for "Sunny" South Florida

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Rising Water Cause for Concern

Florida’s hurricane season is one of the largest causes of flooding in South Florida, but if you are a Florida resident, you surely know that it doesn’t have to be hurricane season for water to be rising in your streets.

As a peninsula, average thunderstorms can bring lots of rain and downpour leading to rising waters in local communities like Davie, Cooper City and Ft. Lauderdale.  Some other areas like Coral Springs and Boca Raton have better suited streets that handle the rising waters well.  But no matter where you live in “Sunny” South Florida, you’ve had your fair share of driving through and having your home surrounded by rising waters.

Here are some general tips about the do’s and don’ts when dealing with rising water situations wherever you are.

After the Flood:

• Try to get out excess water in the area, whether it be on your floors or on your upholstery, try drying the area with a mop or with a towel to blot the wet spots or areas.
• Turn on fans and the air conditioner (if they are unaffected by the water or moisture) to get the air flowing.
• Gather your items, whether it be in your car or your home, get your items off the floor and to higher areas within home or vehicle.  If that isn’t possible, get them out to somewhere safe and dry.
• If it is within your home, place something that is water resistant between the item and the floor.  Aluminum or wood works well in this situation, especially for furniture.

Do not do:

• Don’t leave your belongings to soak in the rising water. Rising water can be contaminated or dangerous. Materials like leather or paper will definitely become damaged beyond repair if left alone in the moisture.
• Books, papers, documents and anything cardboard will definitely rot if left soaking in water.
• Do not use standard home appliances if wet and don’t try to use a regular vacuum cleaner to pick up anything. Leave this to the professionals.
• Don’t turn on anything that could shake your environment. When flooding occurs, many aspects of your home may be structurally unsafe, so leave pieces of your home like your ceiling fan, OFF!
• If you feel your home or vehicle is unsafe because of the rising water damage, do not stay there.

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Don't let it get worse before it gets better. 

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media for exclusive tips and tricks to keep your home safe to the dangers of mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

Don't Be Afraid of Dorian - Be READY for it.

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

When the Storm Rains Down, we’ve got you covered.

Dorian is the first named storm of the season that looks like it will impact Florida.  Although we don’t know what route it will take, it is always a great idea to be prepared for not only the before, but also for the after.

We’ve put some tips together to help you prepare for this year’s hurricane season.  They come in the form of videos and articles that really dive into what to do before, during and after the storm.  We’re also here as a resource for both knowledge and for services to help you recover after the disaster.  We hope Dorian doesn’t bring the harsh weather to us, but we’d rather you be a warrior in times of peace than a gardener in the times of war.

From Water Damage due to flooding after Dorian arrives, to the mold damage that may occur due to potential moisture soaking into your home, we will arrive faster to any disaster.  Fire damage is also an important consideration during these types of events because many things can cause fires.  Lighting strikes to down power lines, there is always potential for danger.  If your home is affected by a fire, we’ll be at your service to bring things back to normal the best that we can.  Dorian doesn’t scare us, and we want you to be prepared and ready, so it doesn’t scare you either!

The link below will take you to our website where you can watch several video’s that address key aspects of getting prepared including insurance review, how to put a hurricane kit together, an evacuation zones. We also provide articles that give you power in the form of knowledge to face this foe of a storm now formally known as Dorian.

Catch our latest storm preparedness videos here.

View our articles about storm preparedness and other mold, fire or water damage topics here.

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Don't let it get worse before it gets better.

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media for exclusive tips and tricks to keep your home safe to the dangers of mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

2019 Hurricane Prep Tips for Your Coral Ridge Home

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane season is stirring up a storm.  As we are already getting hit with rains all the way from Wilton Manors to even the Ft. Lauderdale area, 2019 hurricane preparation should be top priority for all Florida residents. If the weather leaves your home going "Ft. Lauderdale south" for a lack of a better pun, you shouldn't waste time in reaching out to SERVPRO of Plantation. We're always ready to rescue you during your hurricane troubles. 

Every year people's lives are affected by these major storms.  (Look back at 2018)

Even more so, here are some 2019 hurricane preparation tips.

2019 Hurricane preparation tips:

• Fill your car's gas tank and any extra gas cans ahead of time.  If you live near water dense areas like Ft. Lauderdale Beach, things may go South very quickly and you may find yourself needing to quickly evacuate.  In which case,  you'd definitely need a full tank of gas.
• Having a few camping lanterns will come in handy in the event of any power failures.  Not everywhere has underground power lines like the Weston area.
• Fill large freezer bags with water and freeze them with your freezer turned to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, you'll have blocks of ice to preserve things in the fridge and coolers.
• Before a storm hits be sure you've stocked up on clean drinking water or bottled water- one gallon per person per day for no less than three days.
• Invest in a battery powered or hand crank radio to stay up-to-date on what's going on in your area.
• Be sure to withdraw cash from your bank account before the storm as some banks can be closed for days until power is restored.
• Unplug TVs, computers, and appliances before the storm to avoid damages to electronics.
• If you can't stay with friends or family outside of evacuation zones, be aware of your nearest hurricane shelter, and overnight kennels for your furry friends.  Check your city's main website for details on shelter locations.  For example: Ft. Lauderdale
• Consider boarding up your house and going out of town until officials in your area say it's safe to return.

Your hurricane preparation should be complete well before a storm hits. Hurricane preparation is the most important skill for a south Florida family.

The American Red Cross has a complete hurricane preparation checklist available here.  SERVPRO of Plantation hopes you have a safe and damage-free storm season, but should disaster strike, SERVPRO of Plantation will arrive "faster to any disaster" and make it "like it never happened."

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Don't let it get worse before it gets better. 

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media for exclusive tips and tricks to keep your home safe to the dangers of mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile 2018!

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

Is your business ready for disaster? We here at SERVPRO of Plantation have always emphasized how important it is to have disaster plans in place for your home or business, but did you know that we have an app that can make disaster mitigation easier for you and your business? Meet the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile! With your ERP in place, you have the disaster advantage of:

• A free assessment of your facility.
• A Profile Document with information that would be critical to quick response in an emergency.
• A guide to prepare you and help you get back in your building faster after a disaster.
• Establishes SERVPRO of Plantation as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the line of command at your building/business to begin restoration work ASAP.
• Provides facility details, identifies priority areas, and priority contacts for our team to use.

How to get a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile:

• STEP 1: Visit SERVPRO.com/ready. Register for an account using your email address as your username and choose a password.
• STEP 2: Choose SERVPRO of Plantation as your preferred SERVPRO Franchise Representative to contact in the event your home or business experiences water, fire, mold or other type of damage.
• STEP 3: Begin creating ERPs for all of your properties.
• STEP 4: Download the SERVPRO Ready Plan Application on your iPhone, tablet, Android or Blackberry device from the respective App Store.
• STEP 5: Launch the Ready Plan App and sign in using the same username and password from STEP 1.

After that, go through and add information, play around a little and get to know the app before you really need it.

With your SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile in place, our teams can arrive faster to your disaster. SERVPRO of Plantation can make it "Like it never even happened."

Post-Hurricane Mold: Aftermath of Florence

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

The 2018 hurricane season brought some surprises! 

After a storm, your top concern, after you and your family's safety and well being, is damage done to your property. Flooding, leaky roofs, and busted pipes all account for water damage that can turn into a mold problem quickly. Mold issues after a big storm are not uncommon, even if you weren't aware of any moisture in your home.

If you were unable to catch the water before the formation of post-hurricane mold, or are worried post-hurricane mold may have formed anyway, call us!

But lets go over some basics.

Loss of power

Air conditioning units:

Air conditioning keeps our homes cool and less humid than the outside, but when the power fails, so does your AC's ability to remove moisture from the air. The busiest part of hurricane season is also the hottest and most humid. In a matter of hours your entire home can become even hotter than outside temperatures. This warm, muggy climate is the perfect breeding ground for microbes like mold.

Refrigerators and freezers:

If you lost power during the storm, there are a few things to look out for that indicate a moisture issue. Refrigerators and freezers often fail during hurricanes. Although keeping the doors closed sometimes helps keep the contents cool, when the power is out for several days, the food will start to get warm and condensate, causing moisture to form (like water on a cold glass). This moisture will leak and puddle, and can even seep into nearby walls.

What now?

We will be with you every step of the way to have a third party check for mold while we work with insurance, and get the mold remediated. Even well after the storm, SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North has your back with recovery.

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

2018 Hurricane Preparation Tips and Tricks

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

With the height of hurricane season looming, 2018 hurricane preparation should be top priority for all Florida residents. SERVPRO Plantation is here to help with these 2018 hurricane preparation tips.

2018 Hurricane preparation tips:

• Fill your vehicle's gas tank and any gas cans ahead of time.
• Having a few camping lanterns will come in handy in the event of any power failures.
• Before a storm hits be sure you've stocked up on clean drinking water or bottled water- one gallon per person per day for no less than three days.
• Invest in a battery powered or hand crank radio to stay up-to-date on what's going on in your area.
• Fill large freezer bags with water and freeze them with your freezer turned to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, you'll have blocks of ice to preserve things in the fridge and coolers.
• Be sure to withdraw cash from your bank account before the storm as some banks can be closed for days until power is restored.
• Unplug TVs, computers, and appliances before the storm to avoid damages to electronics.
• If you can't stay with friends or family outside of evacuation zones, be aware of your nearest hurricane shelter, and overnight kennels for your furry friends.
• Consider boarding up your house and going out of town until officials in your area say it's safe to return.

Your hurricane preparation should be complete well before a storm hits. Hurricane preparation is the most important skill for a south Florida family. The American Red Cross has a complete hurricane preparation checklist available here.  SERVPRO Plantation hopes you have a safe and damage-free storm season, but should disaster strike, SERVPRO Plantation will arrive "faster to your disaster" and make it "like it never happened."

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

Types of Hurricane Damage : SERVPRO Plantation

9/19/2018 (Permalink)

Types of Hurricane Damage to Expect During and After the Storm

There are a couple types of hurricane damage you can expect whenever you're anticipating one of these powerful storms.  Below we list a few of them.

Winds

The winds of a hurricane range from 74 mph (65 knots) in a minimal storm to greater than 155 mph (136 knots) in a catastrophic one.

Wind is responsible for much of the structural hurricane damage. High winds uproot trees and tear down power lines. The maximum winds from fast moving and powerful storms may remain high, even when the storm is well inland. Often this is actual wind speed combined with the speed of the storm.

Rainfall-Induced Flooding

The heavy rains associated with a tropical weather system are responsible not only for major flooding in areas where the storm initially strikes, but also can affect areas hundreds of miles from where the storm originally made landfall.

During landfall, it is not uncommon for 5-10 inches of rain to fall. If the storm is large and moving slowly, rainfall could be even more excessive. Intense flooding also can occur from tropical depressions and storms that do not reach hurricane strength.

Storm Surge

Storm surge is a rapid rise in the level of water that moves onto land as the eye of the storm makes landfall. Generally speaking, the stronger the hurricane, the greater the storm surge.

As a hurricane approaches the coast, its winds drive water toward the shore. Once the edge of the storm reaches the shallow waters of the continental shelf, water piles up. Winds of hurricane strength force the water onto shore.

At first, the water level climbs slowly, but as the eye of the storm approaches, water rises rapidly. Wave after wave hits the coast as tons of moving water hammer away at any structure on the coastline.

The surge is greater if a hurricane's track is perpendicular to the coastline, allowing the surge to build higher. The storm surge is also greater if the storm affects a bay or if it makes landfall at high tide. The greatest storm surge occurs to the right of where the eye makes landfall.

Tornadoes

Tropical cyclones also can trigger tornadoes. Each storm has a unique pattern of tornadoes whose frequency and occurrence is highly variable from one storm to the next.

Tornadoes spawned from hurricanes are more likely during an intense hurricane or one that is intensifying at or near landfall.

Source: The Weather Channel

For more storm preparation or recovery tips see our various other blog topics here.

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 if you suffer from any hurricane damage or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

7 Facts About Hurricanes you NEED to know...

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Overhead Visual of major flooding within the community due to Hurricanes

7 Facts About Hurricanes you NEED to know...

by SERVPRO Plantation

What about hurricanes causing damage to your home? And what should you do to stay safe?

As Hurricane Lane is creeping towards Hawaii - we realize more and more that these natural disasters are real and can approach even when we least expect it.  Being prepared is the best plan.

SERVPRO Plantation provides restoration services that will help to save the day after even the worst of hurricanes.  If you haven't seen our previous posts about Hurricanes, click the links below.

Hurricane Prep Tips – Ft. Lauderdale and Plantation

Hurricane Facts and Figures

1. Primary Causes of Hurricane Damage

The two main causes of hurricane damage are from high winds and flash flooding from the torrential rains.

These high speed winds can break windows and blow in garage doors. Damage in your neighborhood is inevitable because everything in nature can become a projectile in these powerful gusts.

On the other hand the torrential downpours can often cause flooding from overwhelmed gutters and downspouts, broken windows and damaged roofs, and saturated soil around and near your home.

2. Categories?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale was created in the 1970's and rates hurricanes based on their wind speed.

A larger number means a more intense hurricane: a Category 1 hurricane will inflict some damage to houses while a Category 5 will destroy a significant number of houses.

Click this link to see a visual interpretation of each category provided by the weather channel.

3. Flooding

To best prepare for storms, check to see whether you live in a flood or storm surge zone. The federal government has several websites designed to help you figure out your risk of flood hazards. You can just search your address and the database will tell you whether you’re at low, moderate, or high risk of flooding.

4. Storm Warnings vs Hurricane Warnings

Hurricane or tropical storm watches mean that weather conditions make it likely that there’s going to be a hazard. These are issued 48 hours before authorities think storm-force winds will reach the area.

A warning, on the other hand, means that the tropical storm or hurricane is expected to hit your area, and come 36 hours before the anticipated onset.

Meanwhile, an extreme wind warning means that hurricane-force winds of more than 115 miles per hour are expected within the subsequent hour, so you should take shelter somewhere stable immediately.

5. Safety is Preparedness

You and your family should have an emergency plan that includes where you will meet if you get separated during an emergency, how you’ll get in touch if your phones don’t work, where you’ll go if you need to evacuate, and how you’ll get there.

6. What about our fluffy friends?

Can you evacuate with Po? Will he fit with you in the safe room? Furthermore, will you even be able to find Po? Keep pet food in your emergency kit, and don’t forget a can opener if you need one. When the storm hits, even if you’re staying home, put your pet in a carrier in case you have to evacuate last-minute. And microchip your cat or dog so that in the event you get separated, vets and rescue personnel will be able to track you down.

7. Call SERVPRO Plantation

In the wake of a particularly bad hurricane, you may need to get in touch with emergency personnel, your electric company, your insurance agent, etc. Make sure you have numbers for hospitals, important utilities, your property insurer and your local restoration company.

A storm damage restoration company like SERVPRO Plantation will help you deal with hurricane damage quickly. With 24-hour emergency response and the tools and equipment to deal with the damage to trees, siding and flooding, they’re you’re one-stop-shop for hurricane damage.

Give us a call at (954) 280-8282 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROplantation.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Plantation

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROPlantation/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPRO_plantation/

Hurricane Facts and Figures

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

Illustration of how the Coriolis Force acts with the curvature and rotation of the Earth.

Hurricanes are a force of nature to be reckoned with. They are warm, wet cyclones- some with winds strong enough to snap branches off of trees and send debris flying. But there are some interesting facts about hurricanes even seasoned Floridians might not know. How many of these do you know?

Two hurricanes won't crash into each other to become a single storm, but will circle each other.

The Fujiwhara Effect, named after meteorologist Sakuhei Fujiwhara, describes a phenomenon where two cyclones will circle around each other as they continue on their path. If given enough time, the two storms will circle one another, gradually closing the gap, until they swirl into a single storm.

Hurricanes spin counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere, and clockwise in the southern.

The rotation of the Earth causes the spinning of ocean waters, winds, and yes, hurricanes. This force is known as the Coriolis Force or Coriolis Effect and has a huge influence over air and sea travel as well as storm formations.

Cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes are different names for the same weather phenomenon.

The globally used meteorological term for the phenomenon is "tropical cyclone." In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans, we call them hurricanes. In the Western Pacific, they are called typhoons. And in the Indian Ocean and Southern Pacific they are referred to as cyclones.

Hurricanes can’t form on the Equator because they need the Coriolis Effect to spin.

The equator is the dividing line between the northern and southern hemispheres. Because of its location, there's no Coriolis Effect to spin low pressure systems into hurricanes. No Coriolis Effect means no hurricanes.

Nearly double the amount of hurricanes happen in the northern hemisphere than in the southern.

Oceans in the southern hemisphere tend to have stronger winds than their northern counterparts. Because of these winds, it's less likely to create the conditions needed for hurricanes to form. Hurricanes require warm waters, storm conditions (meaning rain clouds), and gentle wind to steer and shape the tropical cyclone. With harsh winds, storms get broken up and are less likely to form south of the equator.

We hope you learned some interesting hurricane facts from this blog! Check back often this hurricane season for more facts, hurricane prep tips, and other readiness info.

Hurricane Prep Tips - Plantation

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Image courtesy of Broward County.

Hurricane season is here in South Florida and for many Plantation residents, that means being prepared for mother nature's fury. Last year, most of South Florida including Plantation was affected by Hurricane Irma. Our crew was helping Houston recover from storm damage after Hurricane Harvey when Hurricane Irma rocked South Florida. Because it had been over ten years since the last major hurricane (Hurricane Wilma, 2005), many residents in Plantation were not prepared for the resulting storm damage.

SERVPRO of Plantation is here to help with these quick hurricane prep tips:

Know your area’s evacuation protocol; when to evacuate and where to go.

Plan to stay with family or friends outside of the hurricane evacuation zone, or make plans in a hotel. While hurricane shelters are an option, not all of them are equipped to shelter people with special care requirements, or pets.

Stock up on supplies ahead of time before stores are cleared out.

When a storm is named, stores are flooded with people trying to stock up last minute. Get a few supplies every time you go grocery shopping before a storm is on the way. This not only ensures you get everything you need, but also takes away the financial strain of having to pay for it all at once.

Review your policy coverage and make any changes as soon as possible.

Most insurance companies won't let you make changes to your policy thirty days before or thirty days after a storm hits. Review your coverage at the beginning of storm season and make any changes you may need this year.

Back up important files and documents digitally, and/or in a safe location.

Water damage from hurricanes and other kinds of storm damage, like electrical or fire damage, are a huge threat to your files and other critical documents. Invest in waterproof storage for paper documents, or digitize what you can. Uploading digital files to the cloud makes it so that even if your computer fails, you still have access to those important documents.

Fix any issues that could worsen during a storm, like a leaky roof.

Last hurricane season, most of our calls at SERVPRO of Plantation were for water intrusion. Leaky roofs and windows were a huge contributor to this, and were worsened by the storm. It's also a good idea to give your property a check-up for problems you don't know are there. If you are unaware of water intrusion from a storm, it could lead to a potentially hazardous mold problem after the fact.

We here at SERVPRO of Plantation want you to stay safe this hurricane season, so be prepared. And while we hope you'll never need to call us for an emergency, if you ever need us, we'll be ready.

2017 Hurricane Season

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

The 2017 Hurricane Season was one of the busiest on record!

Hurricane Season, the time of year most likely to produce devastating storms, is finally over for this year. The 2017 Hurricane Season ran from June 1 until November 30 and yielded a whopping 18 total storms, the most powerful of which impacted the South Florida and Caribbean areas. Lets take a took at the stats for this seasons most powerful storms.

Jose-

Duration of storm: September 5 - September 26

Strength at landfall: N/A

Total deaths: 1

Cost of damage: Minimal

Ophelia-

Duration of storm: October 9 - October 16

Strength at landfall: Category 3

Total deaths: 54

Cost of damage: $71 million

Irma-

Duration of storm: August 30 - September 12

Strength at landfall: Category 5

Total deaths: 134

Cost of Damage: $66.77 billion

Harvey-

Duration of storm: August 17 - September 1

Strength at landfall: Category 4

Total deaths: 91

Cost of damage: $198.63 billion (costliest on record)

Maria-

Duration of storm: September 16 - September 30

Strength at landfall: Category 5

Total deaths: 103

Cost of damage: $103.45 billion

This year has been one of the most intense storm seasons in recorded history, but as always, we pulled together and weathered the storm. While there are still some places here in the US and the Caribbean islands trying to recover and rebuild, SERVPRO of Plantation has your back.

Post-Hurricane Mold: Aftermath of Harvey and Irma

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Post-hurricane mold is one of the biggest concerns AFTER a storm.

The 2017 hurricane season was one of the worst in years. Not only were there more than 5 storms, but over half of them were classified as a "major hurricane" ranking as a category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This hurricane season is already being called one of the costliest in history as far as damages.

After a storm, your top concern, after you and your family's safety and well being, is damage done to your property. Flooding, leaky roofs, and busted pipes all account for water damage that can turn into a mold problem quickly. Mold issues after a big storm are not uncommon, even if you weren't aware of any moisture in your home.

Loss of power

Refrigerators and freezers:

If you lost power during the storm, there are a few things to look out for that indicate a moisture issue. Refrigerators and freezers often fail during hurricanes. Although keeping the doors closed sometimes helps keep the contents cool, when the power is out for several days, the food will start to get warm and condensate, causing moisture to form (like water on a cold glass). This moisture will leak and puddle, and can even seep into nearby walls.

Air conditioning units:

Air conditioning keeps our homes cool and less humid than the outside, but when the power fails, so does your AC's ability to remove moisture from the air. The busiest part of hurricane season is also the hottest and most humid. In a matter of hours your entire home can become even hotter than outside temperatures. This warm, muggy climate is the perfect breeding ground for microbes like mold.

What now?

If you were unable to catch the water before the formation of post-hurricane mold, or are worried post-hurricane mold may have formed anyway, call SERVPRO Plantation (or for your local SERVPRO call 1-800-SERVPRO). We will be with you every step of the way to have a third party check for mold while we work with insurance, and get the mold remediated. Even well after the storm, SERVPRO Plantation has your back with recovery.

Hurricane Preparation 2017 Tips and Tricks

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

NOAA's website has the latest information on developing storms.

With the height of hurricane season looming, hurricane preparation should be top priority for all Florida residents. SERVPRO Plantation is here to help with these hurricane preparation tips.

Hurricane preparation tips:

• Before a storm hits make sure you've stocked up on clean drinking water or bottled water- one gallon per person per day for no less than three days.
• Fill large freezer bags with water and freeze them with your freezer turned to its coldest setting. If the power goes out, you'll have blocks of ice to preserve things in the fridge and coolers.
• Invest in a battery powered or hand crank radio to stay up-to-date on what's going on in your area.
• Fill your vehicle's gas tank and any gas cans ahead of time.
• Having a few camping lanterns will come in handy in the event of any power failures.
• Unplug TVs, computers, and appliances before the storm to avoid damages to electronics.
• Consider boarding up your house and going out of town until officials in your area say it's safe to return.
• If you can't stay with friends or family outside of evacuation zones, be aware of your nearest hurricane shelter, and overnight kennels for your furry friends.
• Be sure to withdraw cash from your bank account before the storm as some banks can be closed for days until power is restored.

Hurricane preparation is the most important skill for a south Florida family. The American Red Cross has a complete hurricane preparation checklist available here. Your hurricane preparation should be complete well before a storm hits. SERVPRO Plantation hopes you have a safe and damage-free storm season, but should disaster strike, SERVPRO Plantation will arrive "faster to your disaster" and make it "like it never happened."

Lightning Safety and Education

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

Lightning is supersonic!

Lightning strikes the Earth approximately 100 times every second. At up to one billion volts, it is one of the most powerful forces of nature. Due to the high amount of thunder storms, Florida is sometimes called the lightning capital of the world. It's important for everyone living here in South Florida, or even just visiting, to know some basic lightning safety.

What is lightning?

Let's start by looking at what causes lightning. Lightning is caused when negatively charged air particles in the clouds shoot out to meet positively charged trees, lightning rods, ground, etc. The positively charged ground reaches back up to meet up with the negative air particles. When the positive and negative charges meet, the electricity in the air causes it to heat up to 30,000 kelvins (over 53,000 degrees Fahrenheit!). The surface of the sun, in comparison, is only 6,000 kelvins (a little over 10,000 Fahrenheit). The air heats up faster than the speed of sound, creating the crackling SNAP! of thunder. That's the sound of air breaking the sound barrier!

Lightning Safety Tips:

• When lightning is in the area, seek shelter right away- indoors is the safest place for you
• Consider installing a lightning protection system for your home- they are relatively inexpensive and can protect your electronics from lightning strikes
• If there is no lightning protection system, stay away from corded electronics as they can carry the dangerous current for miles
• Only fully-covered metal-framed cars are safe in a thunderstorm- convertibles, motorcycles, and fiberglass-based cars are not safe!
• Stay out from under trees since lighting can still hurt you even if it's not a direct hit

Lightning Fun Facts:

• Lightning strikes have a 10-30% mortality rate
• There's a 1 in 3000 chance you will be struck by lightning in your lifetime
• Lightning often strikes the same place twice- in fact, someone that has been struck once already is more likely to be struck again!
• Lightning can strike 10-15 miles away from the thunderstorm under clear skies- these are called "bolts from the blue"
• Wearing metal has no bearing on whether or not lightning strikes you
• Lightning strikes 30 million different places on the ground in the US every year

SERVPRO Helping Houston

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North and SERVPRO Plantation helping Houston!

Last month, the largest storm to make landfall in Texas in over 50 years dumped over 2 feet of water on Houston over the course of 3 days. Hurricane Harvey, a category four on the Saffir-Simpson scale, rained more in one hour over the city than the area typically gets during the entire month of August. This record amount of rainfall left homes severely damaged or completely washed away.

After the rain stopped, Texans got to work picking up the pieces of their homes and businesses to get things back to normal. During this time, local SERVPRO teams were so over-encumbered they called in other SERVPRO teams from all over the country to aid in clean-up and restoration. SERVPRO Plantation was one of hundreds of teams who responded to the call.

We loaded up two UHaul trucks (that UHaul rented to us at a great discount!), an RV, and a few SERVPRO vans and caravaned through three states from Fort Lauderdale to Houston. Over the weeks that followed, we helped many families get their lives back to normal by drying hardwood floors, cleaning carpets, and ripping out soggy drywall.

SERVPRO Plantation is proud to be part of the Storm Response Team helping Houston recover from the storm. Faster to any size disaster, SERVPRO Plantation will make it "Like it never even happened."

Anything Can Happen, Let Us Help

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

Living in South Florida we experience a lot of heavy rains and, unfortunately, hurricanes. Hurricanes mean a lot of water. A lot of water can lead to water damage. If water damage sticks around for too long it can cause major issues within the home. SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North professionals are here to help immediately after a storm passes through, making sure the storm doesn’t ruin your home any further. Hurricane season lasts until November 31^st so make sure to be prepared and have SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North on speed dial (954-733-1006) if anything should go wrong.

Survive The Storm

7/21/2016 (Permalink)

As you may know, hurricane season has already started and it will be sticking around until the end of November. This unpredictable season can affect your travel plans or just a quiet and simple summer at home. If you plan on traveling during hurricane season and are concerned about the weather believe it or not....there’s an app for that. The American Red Cross Association, who we are a proud sponsor of, created an app called Hurricane by American Red Cross to monitor hurricane conditions in your local area, throughout the storm track, and let others know you are safe even if the power is out. The app also allows you to monitor the weather of the destination desired. This is a great app. We recommend to download it and use it throughout the year. 

Also, if you haven't done so already, building a hurricane survival kit is essential during this time of year. Especially if you decide to stay home and weather out the storm. Here are some essential items to start a Hurricane Survival Kit: 

·         Water (one gallon per person, per day)

·    None  perishable food 

·         Flashlights and batteries 

·         First Aid Kit

·         Battery powered radio 

·         Insect repellant

·         Moist towelettes 

·        Manuel can opener 

·         Change of clothes

·         Toiletries

The list can go on, but these are some essentials that would make surviving a disastrous hurricane a lot easier. 

Whether its water damage, fire damage, mold damage or even biohazard remediation, small scale or a large loss, you can rely on SERVPRO of Plantation's qualified Mold,  Fire and water damage specialists to give you peace of mind knowing we'll arrive faster to your disaster and make it "Like it never even happened". Call us anytime at 954-733-1006

Have a safe and happy rest of the summer!