Tips for Storm Safety

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

Summer is a time for outdoor fun, but summer can also mean storm season in many areas. Storms can be unpredictable and cause a lot of damage. These tips can help you stay safe when mother nature brings her worst.

1. Track the major storms: Hurricanes are some of the worst storms. With heavy wind and catastrophic flooding, hurricanes can be dangerous and devastating. Even if the storm is far from where you are, you should follow its track and have a plan to see if you need to take the necessary action to avoid it.
2. Storm-proof your home or business. Check the grading around your property to help reduce flooding when possible. Check all doors including garage and bay doors to ensure that they are in good working order and inspect windows for loose panes or old caulking.
3. Talk with your insurance carrier. Are you up to date on your policy if anything were to happen during and after a storm?
4. Unplug outlets before the storm hits. Check to see if there is anything electrical that should be unplugged before a storm to prevent damage from an electrical surge.
5. Use a surge protector.  Surge protectors are an easy and cheap way to protect equipment in your home against power surges that could happen at any time.
6. Label your electrical panel. Making your electrical panel easy to navigate is a smart way for quick access when needed.
7. Install a generator. A generator can reduce the impact of a storm by keeping the electricity on. Make sure it’s well-maintained and ready to start when the power goes out.  
8. Be careful with lightning. Lighting strikes around 300 million volts and about 30,000 amps. If lightning is predicted stay inside and in a safe area.  
9. Check for damage after a storm.  When it’s safe, take a walk around your property to ensure no damage has been created by the recent storm. Look over all areas including in the yard for possible downed powerlines.
10. Do not attempt to fix your electricity on your own.  Report power outages to the power company and contact a licensed electrician to check/repair any damage to your wiring or business equipment.

Hail Storms in Michigan

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

Hail in Howell, MI

Back in June, hail storms affected several homes in Howell, Michigan and the surrounding areas.

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell cleaned up the aftermath. From roofs to basements, we were there saving customers from this summers' storms. 

From Up Above to Down Below: SERVPRO Helps With Tree-Induced Storm Damage

9/14/2023 (Permalink)

When storms come through, they can leave a lot of damage in their wake. Trees are especially vulnerable to high winds and flooding, and can often fall onto homes and other structures. SERVPRO is experienced in helping people recover after tree-induced storm damage. From above the roof, to below the foundation, SERVPRO has the expertise to get your home back to its pre-storm condition quickly and safely. Contact us to learn more about how SERVPRO can help you with tree-induced storm damage.

Prepping For Storms

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

Here's a photo from a local home that was not prepared prior to a storm.

Fall in Michigan is a beautiful time of year. Prior to our long winters we all get excited with the mild temperatures and changing trees. Fall time can also bring storms as the weather changes. From strong windstorms, thunderstorms and tornadoes, these storms can cause a lot of destruction. It's important to be prepared for these storms. While mother nature is difficult to predict, here are a few helpful tips: 

• Trim any dead or rotting branches near the home or any vehicles. 
• Know how to shut off the power to your home as well as gas and water shut off if needed. 
• Tie down or bring anything inside that can blow around or cause destruction. For example, trash cans, patio furniture, children's outdoor toys. 
• Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting. If you lose power your food will stay cooler, longer. 

Flooding

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a local Livingston County home which was flooded by one of our Michigan Storms this past summer after the sump pump malfunctioned.

Basement and crawlspace flood from sump pump failure is a common issue in Michigan. If you live in any area prone to flooding or if you lose power during a storm, you need a sump pump to protect your home from the damages of standing water. Flood waters can destroy the structural integrity of the home and can create an environment for mold and mildew to thrive. 

If you experience flooding SERVPRO will complete an inspection of the damages and the extraction process will begin. The amount of standing water determines the type of extraction process our crews will use. We use power submersible pumps, truck mounted extraction systems and industrial strength wet/dry vacuums to quickly remove hundreds of gallons of water from your property. 

Seasonal Storm

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a Brighton residents living room. A tree had fallen through the roof and came right into their living space.

As Michigan residents, we all know we can experience all four seasons in just one day. Whether were hit with 50 mph windstorms, four feet of snow, torrential rains, or a tornado- SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is prepared to help you! 

Frozen pipes, down trees, or a flooded basement. Storms can create a very scary time for Michigan residents, but remember, SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even when the largest storms hit, we have the availability to bring in crews from different SERVPRO locations, allowing us to properly serve our community, quickly and safely. 

Let us be your real-life hero! If you are affected by storm damage, call SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell today: 810-220-3711 

Extent of Water Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a home that experienced a major water loss.

When a homeowner deals with a water loss, its often a surprise to the customer the extent of damage that is caused. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell will come to the home, evaluate the damage, and begin the dry out process and repairs. Our crews often must remove dry wall due to damaged installation, we might have to remove flooring, furniture, essentially anything that is affect by the water. 

It’s important to have SERVPRO to come out to evaluate the home to find how much the water spread, and what needs to be done to properly get your home back to normal! Our production leaders have top of the line equipment, to test areas that are wet, and they can see what has been affected. Our SERVPRO crews are educated and trained to know how to handle each home depending on the job.

Frozen Pipe Damage

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Michigan is known for our harsh winters with extreme temperature drops in the months of January, and February. This means homeowners are susceptible to frozen pipes. Water expands when it freezes- putting additional pressure on the pipes, which can ultimately cause them to burst. Pipes that freeze are those that exposed to extreme cold, such as exterior spigots, water sprinkler lines, and water supply lines in unheated areas. Basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages often have exterior pipe lines as well. To aid in freeing pipes make sure to keep your home to at least 55 degrees or warmer and leave interior doors open to increase air flow into the cooler areas of the home. Also, if you leave your home during these months make sure a trusted neighbor or friend is watching over your home! 

Tree Damage

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a tree that fell on a local home. Our crews were able to help with the cleanup and repairs of the roof and home!

The trees in our yard not only provide shade and privacy, but they are also good for the environment! However, we often underestimate how tall or heavy they are until they fall during a storm.  Falling trees during bad weather can result in downed power lines and costly damage to homes, fences, and outbuildings.  That is why we remind homeowners to have any dead or damaged branches or diseased trees removed. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can help you avoid this danger by coming out to your home to remove any branches or limbs that could be a potential danger when high winds occur. 

Have you recently had a branch or limb fall causing damage to your home or garage? Remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Michigan Rain and Floods

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of flooding after a Michigan storm.

SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  At any time during a storm our customers struggle with sump pump failure. We have customers that face wind damage which can effect their home. 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 Livingston County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Storm Damage

5/28/2019 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of a customers storm damage!

Storms in Michigan can cause a lot of damage. Flooded basements, ice damns, down power lines and more. One major risk during a storm are the trees in our yards.  We often underestimate how tall or heavy they are until they fall during a storm.  Falling trees during bad weather can result in down power lines and costly damage to homes, fences and outbuildings.  It's important to inform homeowners that have any dead or damaged branches or diseased trees to remove them. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can help you avoid this danger by coming out to your home remove any branches or limbs that could be a potential danger when high winds occur. 

Have you recently had a branch or limb fall causing damage to your home or garage? Remember SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Ice Damage

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a photo of an ice dam created from an ice storm.

Michigan winters can often put our homes at risk for severe damage. With the freezing cold temperatures, inches of snow, and high winds, preparing your home is a must! Homeowners could experience an ice dam. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on a roof and prevents melting snow/ice (water) from draining off the roof. With nowhere else to go, and with freezing at night and melting during the day, the water will eventually back up behind the dam. Ultimately the water will leak into the home causing severe damage to roof shingles, ceilings, walls, insulation, and more. If damage from an ice dam goes unnoticed in an attic, there is also a potential for mold/mildew to form. SERVPRO of Brighton/Howell can effectively mitigate the resulting damages from both the water and mold.