Rapid and Experienced Waterbury Fire Damage Cleanup and Repair

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

When a fire damages your Waterbury home, contact team SERVPRO. We will develop a custom plan to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Restorers Help Homes After Fire Damage

In Brass City alone, we are ready to help the more than 110,000 residents when fire and smoke losses impact homes and businesses. Our skilled specialists are trained to mitigate loss and protect the property as much as possible, which is valuable when considering cultural landmarks in the city like Bank Street Historic District and the Mattatuck Museum. Our prompt mobilization puts boots on the ground for:

• Smoke removal
• Odor management
• Content relocation
• Water cleanup
• Soot removal
• Reconstruction

When rapidly overcoming Waterbury fire damage, our SERVPRO team’s administration understands the value of experience and education. We dispatch knowledgeable FSRT-Certified professionals to your home following fires and smoke damage. This ensures we always take the most efficient paths with the best equipment to maximize productivity and results.

First Steps to Mitigate Fire Damage

Emergency services are a vital part of the restoration process as these are the earliest actions taken to protect the impacted property and its occupants. We follow extinguishment with focused efforts to address structural compromise, circulating soot particles, water damage, and safety concerns for responding technicians or the homeowner. These actions can often occur before the estimation, and thorough inspection insurance companies need to proceed with the complete fire damage restoration.

The Behavior of Smoke

It is necessary to acknowledge the role of smoke in damaging a residence after a fire. Several determining factors about the loss effect can ultimately impact the severity of the spread and thickness of residues combustion and subsequent aerosolized particles can leave behind. Some of the aspects that change needed cleaning processes include:

• Soot and Soil Deposits
• Smoke Turbulence
• Types of Smoke Damage
• Materials Affected

Soot Cleanup Solutions

Soot and grease deposits are a challenging obstacle for even experienced restoration professionals addressing fire damage in your home. We must focus first on pulling soils away from the surface of the underlying material to prevent marring, staining, or corrosion. Solvents and detergents can help with varying types of wet smoke, while vacuuming and chem sponges are better suited for dry smoke residues.

Are Contents and Materials Washable?

One of the considerations production managers must make is determining the salvageability of impacted materials. Washable surfaces are better protected from the direct damage that soot and smoke residues can cause without being destroyed. Typically, washable exteriors benefit from applying solvents and detergents combined with mechanical action and agitation.

Final Fire Damage Restoration Steps 

After a fire loss incident, recovering a property requires the affected materials and surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized. The hotter the fire, the greater pores in surfaces open up for smoke molecules and volatile compounds. Even with potent deodorants and counteractants, we can have the greatest impact by heating neutralizing chemicals to vapor to penetrate porous materials. Introducing unstable compounds like ozone can also be an efficient response to harsh smoke smells.

Large Loss Restoration Team

Fires can be just as destructive and damaging to larger commercial properties in the city. With venues like the Naugatuck Valley Shopping Center and Post University that could experience widespread fire loss effects, it is vital to have a trained team of professionals capable of helping fast. We have special equipment and training to be ready for a disaster of any size.

Fire damage in Waterbury properties requires immediate action. First responders can help put out the blaze, but professionals like our SERVPRO of Waterbury team can help restore and recover your home here in the Brass City. Give our rapid response team a call when you need us at (203) 757-5050.

Mitigating Waterbury Water Damage with Professional Efficiency

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can mitigate the water damage to your Waterbury home, just call us for fast service.

SERVPRO Helps to Mitigate and Restore Water Damage

Waterbury is home to more than 110,000 people, making leak and stormwater events more common than many might believe. Our growing roster of technicians and specialists focuses on effective mitigation where necessary to protect property and contents however possible. Our commitment to safeguarding your home from unnecessary harm begins with the extensive training that our professionals receive in niches like:

• WRT – Water Restoration
• CCT – Carpet Cleaning
• ASD – Applied Structural Drying
• CDS – Commercial Drying
• AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation

Because destructive standing water can spread so quickly, it is vital to begin the restoration of Waterbury water damage events as soon as possible. We have a large facility centrally located in New Haven County to accommodate disasters of all sizes, allowing our professionals to mobilize with service vehicles and appropriate equipment rapidly.

The Objectives of Emergency Services 

Few disasters require the immediate action that water leaks and flooding can need. To best provide needed attention and mitigating action to a household impacted by burst pipes or intruding water damage, there are several emergency services to help. With a combination of our contractor license and highly trained specialists, we streamline restoration and repair objectives with the first actions taken by our responding team. These might include:

• Utility Repairs
• Content Relocation
• Controlled Demolition
• Water Extraction

Effective Water Removal Services 

Removing standing water from a household requires several tools from our stock. Extractors and pumps available to our technicians are suited to several distinct situations, including challenging areas to reach, confined spaces, and other obstacles in home restoration. Surface water removal typically occurs with a combination of wet vacuums and submersible pumps, the size of the unit depending on the depth of the damage present.

Starting Widespread Drying Solutions

Depending on the size of a water damage restoration need, hundreds of drying tools could be necessary. We have axial and centrifugal air movers that directly introduce warm airflow across wet surfaces. Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the environment and keep humidity levels within acceptable parameters. We also use portable heaters that influence the temperature for faster and even drying.

Principles of Efficient Drying

SERVPRO technicians must balance several aspects to provide the most efficient pathway to a dry residence after water damage. These principles are manipulated individually with specific tools like air movers, dehumidifiers, portable heaters, and other evaporative drying equipment. To provide the most thorough and direct drying practices, SERVPRO professionals must focus on these three factors:

• Airflow –  is the measure of direct air movement over moist surfaces or through open areas of a structure.
• Temperature – this principle determines the rate at which molecules and particles move and chemically react.
• Humidity – this is the measure of current moisture in the environment and consideration for water content to influence the atmosphere through practices like evaporative drying.

"Like it never even happened."

Whether it is the homes for the thousands of residents in Waterbury or more extensive facilities like Saint Mary's Hospital, we understand the urgency of mitigation and restoration for our customers. We appreciate the need to get back to normal as fast as possible, and we prioritize a swift response with our knowledgeable staff.

Waterbury water damage events overwhelm households and businesses rapidly. Our professionals remain ready to respond to these emergencies 24 hours a day at our warehouse facility. We are a trusted name for mitigation and restoration services after water and flood loss effects. Give our SERVPRO of Waterbury team a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Removing Waterbury Mold Damage Promptly

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home or business in Waterbury affected by mold damage? Contact our experienced team to remediate your home. We are available 24/7.

Our Remediators Provide Fast Mold Damage Recovery

Mold is an issue that many New Haven County homes experience in their lifetime. Because humidity is a continual concern for the more than 110,000 residents of the city, we have a growing crew of AMRT-Certified technicians versed and experienced with the latest remediation trends, products, and equipment to restore and clean your damaged property effectively. Remediation services we provide encompass many objectives, including:

• Colony removal
• Deodorization
• Content cleaning
• Moisture removal
• Structural repairs

Waterbury mold damage should often be approached with more urgency than many homeowners show, as the destructive tendency of these colonies is not universally known. Our accredited professionals mobilize fast with cleaning products, drying equipment, and antimicrobial solutions to overcome actively spreading organisms and protect your home from worsening conditions.

The Likelihood of Mold

Humidity is a common concern for much of New Haven County, and those positioned along the Naugatuck River have an even more significant moisture threat than most. When this moisture goes unchecked and unchallenged for as little as 48 hours, naturally occurring mold spores can seat on suitable hosting materials and begin to colonize.

Removing Moisture Concerns 

Moisture removal is one of the earliest priorities for our responding team, as this is the trigger for active colonies. We work to manage moisture through drying, ventilation, and dehumidification to eliminate favorable conditions to support microbial growth.

How Does Mold Damage Removal Occur? 

Removing active mold is the primary objective of mold remediation services. There is no need or appropriate and sensible price point for removing all mold spores from the property. Eliminating all microbes is unnecessary when the cause of moisture and facilitating conditions get resolved. Strategies for removing active colonies from the property include:

• Surface Cleaning – This is among the first options that our professionals attempt with several antimicrobial and sporicidal products. We have proprietary blends that are not as abrasive to the senses as chlorines. 
• Abrasive Action – Sanding and sponge pressure cleaning are effective for materials like wood framing and semi-porous hosting elements. 
• Media Blasting – One of the more abrasive tactics to remove surface and seated mold colonies without destroying or discarding the hosting material is media blasting. Sodium bicarbonate and other media like crushed corn cobs are easy to clean from nearby surfaces and provide a direct and measurable eradication of active organisms. 
• Material Removal – We must be selective with the materials we choose to remove and discard, as this is not always the most cost-efficient method. Controlled demolition is a suitable option when other ways might not be practical or could take much longer than necessary to complete. 

What Can SERVPRO Do About Odors? 

Malodors are a common byproduct of a growing mold colony, and one of the obstacles to eliminating mold damage from the property is addressing the need for deodorization. The challenge with microbial malodors is their presence in open environments and porous materials in the affected areas. SERVPRO professionals must provide a range of deodorizing solutions, including vaporous concentrated neutralizers and larger units like air scrubbers and hydroxyl machines.

Mold Damage Repairs 

A full-service contractor saves customers time and money on the work done in a house. With mold growth, the likelihood of repairs to prevent recurrences and replace discarded materials is high. Having a contractor license allows our SERVPRO of Waterbury team to provide build-back services as needed for your property.

Despite being underrated, Waterbury mold damage can be costly and destructive. Let our experienced SERVPRO of Waterbury restoration professionals help manage this spreading threat in your residence and take the needed measures to prevent it from happening again. Give our rapid response team a call today at (203) 757-5050.

Water Mitigation of Waterbury Homes Happens Fast with SERVPRO

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury today if you need help with professional water damage restoration.

SERVPRO Uses the Latest Technology for Water Mitigation of Waterbury Homes

The most immediate challenge for SERVPRO restorers during the water mitigation of your Waterbury home after a storm is the accumulated water. Stormwater is often unsanitary and contains a lot of debris and suspended material. If not removed promptly from your property, the accumulated water can keep attacking the structural components and become a breeding ground for microbial contamination. 

SERVPRO techs use some of the industry-leading water extractors to pump out stormwater during water mitigation of your Waterbury home. The goal is to remove all the standing water from your property as quickly as possible before beginning the drying process. 

Types of Extractors and Pumps we Use for Flood Restoration 

SERVPRO restorers use different extraction equipment to remove the standing water from your property. However, the types of pump used depend on several factors, including-

• The volume of water to be removed
• The horizontal distance through which water needs to be pumped
• The vertical distance through which water needs to be pumped

If a large amount of sediment or solids are present, SERVPRO techs use a piece of equipment called a Self-priming trash pump. The pump is designed to provide a strong suction force and allows solids as large as 3” to pass through, making them ideal for removing stormwater laden with sand or mud. 

However, when a significant lift is required, such as removing water from a basement, SERVPRO techs use high-pressure or submersible electric pumps. 

Diaphragm Pumps

Unlike most other pumps that extract water from your property, the diaphragm pump fluids down to near-zero water depth. Diaphragm pumps can handle air sucked in along with the fluid and do not lose their prime during operation. 

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050; We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Water Cleanup in Waterbury Happens Fast with SERVPRO

2/8/2023 (Permalink)

Looking for a restoration company? Look no further, SERVPRO is just a call away.

SERVPRO Saves Time and Money on Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage can happen for many reasons, such as burst pipes, ceiling leaks, or plumbing issues. Regardless of the cause, it can be destructive if water cleanup in your Waterbury home does not happen quickly. SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to restore your home to its preloss condition. 

The water cleanup in your Waterbury home begins with SERVPRO techs assessing the extent of the damage. We use moisture sensors, thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and thermos-hygrometers to detect the hidden moisture in the structural component to formulate the best restoration strategy.  

The Role of Air Filtration Devices (AFDs) in Water Restoration 

There is always a risk of microbial contamination after a water damage incident. Consequently, it is important to accelerate the drying while preventing contaminants, if present, from escaping to unaffected areas of the building. 

AFDs perform a dual function during the restoration of water-damaged properties- they move and filter the air at the same time. Most ADFs that SERVPRO techs use are fitted with HEPA filters that can trap airborne contamination particles and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the filter. SERVPRO techs can control the aerosolization of contaminants while maintaining high evaporation rates with the AFDs during the drying process. 

Drying Systems During Water Damage Repairs

SERVPRO techs use two types of drying systems when restoring water damage to Waterbury homes:

• Open system: In this system, the affected area is left open to the air, and dehumidifiers are used to remove excess moisture
• Closed system: This involves enclosing the affected area in a sealed chamber, where dehumidifiers and air movers control the humidity and circulate the air. A closed system is used if restorers suspect contamination.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050; our techs are available 24/7 to answer any question you might have.

Performing Mold Remediation in Waterbury Homes

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Waterbury is here for you.

SERVPRO Can Remediate Mold Damage from Wetrooms

Bathrooms are designed to withstand wet and moist conditions. However, built-in moisture resistance can weaken over time, leading to mold on window frames and in-between tiles. Unfortunately, these issues do not resolve themselves and usually require an inspection, assessment, and remediation procedure. Thankfully, SERVPRO is a licensed remediation service that can help to return bathrooms to their pre-damaged condition. 

Our services:

• Mold inspection
• Mold removal
• Mold Remediation

Common bathroom symptoms that require mold remediation in Waterbury are microbial infestations of grout or caulking. Caulking is the rubbery seal used between tub and wall or around faucets- the sealant between a toilet and the floor is caulking. Grout, on the other hand, is the spots in-between tiles. Both of these areas have frequent exposure to moisture and are highly porous, which molds love. These materials are not always moldy due to their finish, which creates a vapor barrier. Failure to maintain these finishes annually can lead to these materials becoming hotbeds for microbial activity.

If microbes appear on the grout, there is a chance that the infestation has spread to the backing board. These areas are inspected using a moisture sensor that can help technicians to detect whether the materials behind the tiling are wet. Usually, a damp backing board means dry rot and may require a bathroom remodel. In less difficult situations, surface molds can be scrubbed off using steel wool and scouring pads. Once the surface layers are removed, the remaining grout is treated with biocide, like bleach. Following the bleaching of the area and after sufficient drying time, new grout can be applied to return the bathroom to its former luster.

What to do if there is a moderate mold infestation in the bathroom:

• Remove the shower surrounds, tile backer, and, if necessary, the bathtub or shower unit.
• Clean and dry the framing using EPA-registered anti-microbial along with drying equipment.
• Assess and address the underlying moisture problem before replacing the unit with new grout and caulk.

A moisture problem in your bathroom could cause problems in other areas of the home. Contact SERVPRO of Waterbury for mold remediation assistance at (203) 757-5050.

SERVPRO Provides Water Damage Restoration Services in Waterbury

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

For fast and efficient service call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050.

Need Commercial Water Damage Restoration in Waterbury – Call SERVPRO

Water leaks can cause a great deal of damage requiring restoration of the structure and the contents in commercial buildings in Waterbury. Your customer’s goods may be impacted, leading to late deliveries. Raw materials are damaged and must be discarded and replaced. You may have to lay off employees temporarily until everything is restored to its original condition. The longer it takes to make repairs and complete restoration, the large the impact on the bottom line.

SERVPRO understands that commercial water damage restoration in Waterbury is a high priority for our customers. That’s why we are available 24/7 and can be onsite to assess the damage, develop a plan and begin cleanup in less than four hours from your call to us. We focus on removing water from your premises and drying the contents and structure to minimize the damage caused by water and moisture. We use high-capacity water extraction equipment, dehumidifiers, and air movers.

We also work closely with clients to develop innovative solutions to help maintain temporary business operations while the restoration is underway. While every situation is different, solutions such as installing vapor barriers to isolate undamaged spaces from those affected by the water allow operations to continue at reduced levels. Another is to establish holding areas for cleaned and dried contents until we can return them to the restored building. We can arrange storage facilities to hold materials and contents until the restoration is completed.

SERVPRO offers our commercial customers the following services:

• Water clean up
• Water removal services
• Emergency services caused by water damage

We also supervise a complete range of restoration services to save our customers time and reduce costs. Quickly returning to normal operations maintains continuity for your customers, suppliers, and employees.

Call SERVPRO of Waterbury for water damage restoration services. We provide service to Waterbury and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (203) 757-5050.

Safe, Effective Fire Damage Assistance in Waterbury

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

For any type of fire damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help.

Waterbury Residents Trust SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

Fire remains one of the more destructive elements of any structure. Whenever you have a fire that emerges in your Waterbury property, it can burn through many materials in a short time. In addition to charred debris, pungent smoke particles travel through the building and infiltrate rooms unaffected by direct heat or flames. Calling highly-trained fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) from SERVPRO gets the results you deserve so you can make your family home “Like it never even happened.”

Professional site clearing and debris removal are essential when handling fire damage in Waterbury. SERVPRO technicians have been through IICRC certification and know best practices for adjusting to all fire-related cleanup calls. 

• Our crew wears personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, boots, gloves, respirators, and goggles. 
• We use foot coverings when moving from the fire zone into unaffected areas of your home to limit the tracking of soils and soot.
• Containment barriers get set up to keep odorous particulates and possibly hazardous molecules from traveling. 
• All charred, unsalvageable debris is carefully handled and safely disposed of.

Detailed Contents Cleaning With SERVPRO

We work to restore rather than replace, so if we can salvage your building materials, furnishings, and personal contents – we will. Sometimes, we may pack up and move out particular contents for specialized off-site cleaning at our facilities. Linens and drapery will call for specialty care, and we have trusted vendors in the area to assist. All items salvaged and cleaned get labeled and logged, then put back into their rightful places in your home once restoration is complete.

Our Odor Control Technicians (OCT) also work diligently with ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers, specialized deodorants, and other equipment to eliminate pungent smoke odors rather than masking them. All surfaces get thoroughly cleaned and sanitized so that your family can return without lingering reminders of the fire that took place.

Don’t let the burdens of fire damage cause undue stress. Call SERVPRO of Waterbury at (203) 757-5050, and we can send our Green Fleet and crew out for assessment and cleanup as soon as possible.

Selling a Waterbury Home Is Easier with a Deep Clean

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Our Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned program gives your home a way forward by providing you ongoing safety and assuredness.

SERVPRO Experts Help Make Waterbury Homes Shine

Bringing a house to market can be one of the more stressful objectives of a lifetime, meeting dozens of expectations for potential buyers and consistently working to put your home's best foot forward. There are dozens of factors that impact this success, including a thorough cleaning of the property to ensure curb appeal and an attractive interior.

Cleaning is ultimately one of the most critical factors when persuading potential buyers. Proper cleaning can help sellers move their properties faster when the job is done correctly. This is why SERVPRO has a specific branch of restoration services dedicated explicitly to pre-sale cleaning and all the actions that fit under this heading.

Several considerations make pre-sale cleaning a wise investment. SERVPRO can ensure that our thorough deep cleaning solutions in Waterbury improve your turnaround time for a house's sale and help you get the maximum purchase offers from interested parties. A tidy and intricately cleaned property makes a vital first impression without saying a word.

Because buyers have high expectations for your home, professional cleaning is critical. We have trusted and experienced SERVPRO professionals for many of the services your property might need to get it ready for the market. We partner with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) for any repairs or build-back services a home inspection might discover you need.

A Quality Clean Improves Sale Times 

Choosing professional pre-sale cleaning from teams like SERVPRO ensure that you are increasing the value of the house on the market and encouraging interested parties to submit competitive offers. This thorough residence improvement has been proven through surveys to expedite the sale of homes and improve the final purchase amount.

Your Waterbury property on the market only gets one chance to make a first impression, so whether that is the first time a possible buyer enters the house or through images they look at on the internet, you want to ensure the most attractive imagery is available. In this initial effort, you create a scenario where the buyer already knows they desire your property before negotiations start.

What Does Pre-Sale Cleaning Entail? 

Ideally, the cleaning process ahead of listing your home on the market optimizes the attention of prospective buyers. Luxury home purchasers are willing to spend a higher rate to ensure they do not have competition in affording your house. Pre-cleaning goes far beyond the traditional surface cleaning that homeowners can do. It is a targeted, direct, and intricate process to improve appearance and value.

What does pre-sale cleaning even mean? Understanding some of its essential components and focuses can show how this service goes beyond the capabilities of the everyday homeowner. Some of these include:

• Surfaces – SERVPRO can work to make your home more attractive overall to interested parties by removing dust, dirt, and staining from wall and ceiling surfaces. Smoking stains, for example, can mar several surfaces and require nicotine discoloration removal. We concentrate on all materials throughout the house with focused cleaning, spanning actions like vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and others.
• Decluttering – While some might consider clutter to look 'lived-in,' this is rarely the appearance a possible buyer is looking for when looking for a new home. You can begin decluttering yourself by downsizing what you no longer need and packing unused items to an off-site location to stage the house appropriately.
• Cleaning the Kitchen – This is an action-filled area of the house you can expect potential buyers to pay careful attention to. All surfaces must be cleaned, including cupboards and cabinets. SERVPRO can deodorize set-in cooking smells in the kitchen and help to bring out the best appearance to fixtures like the sink, lights, faucets, countertops, and appliances.
• Bathroom Cleanup - many buyers use the condition of a bathroom to gauge the health and well-being of the house overall. Your direct actions to help keep this space as clean as possible make a difference in the impression a buyer might receive. You must declutter this room from extra soaps, toothbrushes, and other accessories. Attention to detail will be critical, especially in removing embedded grime in shower tiling and even needed deodorization of the space.
• Cleaning the Bedroom – Our technicians will clean carpets, and drapes can be vacuumed and surface cleaned to provide the best appearance. Walls and fixtures throughout the bedroom will be cleaned and wiped down, especially focus-grabbing pieces in the room, like mirrors and windows. Vents and connected elements of the HVAC system can be inspected and cleaned for any buildup and dust. The bedroom will have several small areas requiring direct attention to detail, including sills, blinds, and installed flooring. Deodorization will also be an essential part of grooming in these rooms, at least a masking agent to leave a pleasant aroma in these spaces.
• Living Room Improvements – SERVPRO professionals will pay special attention to the living room area. This is often a convening point for potential buyers to discuss their thoughts on the property and the initial entry area upon visiting the house. The front door and the first peek inside the home generate critical first impressions.

Bonnet carpet cleaning improves the color and feel of even older installed carpets, and thorough surface cleaning can make the space appear freshly repainted and renovated. It will be necessary for the crew to take the time to thoroughly dust all surfaces, especially shelving and furniture that has not changed positions in more than a year. Decluttering is also a giant step in improving the living room's look, as it allows new families to imagine their furniture and possessions in these high-traffic areas.

• Additional Interior Cleaning – The outside of the home might have been enough to attract potential buyers to want to see more, but you need to impress them with all the spaces inside the house as well. While some key areas have gotten addressed, technicians like ours will pay special attention to the condition of sills, ceiling fixtures, appliances, the HVAC and furnace system, and any needed cleanup or restoration for spaces like the basement or attic. This additional recovery is particularly valuable if you feel the area can get marketed as a potential other living or entertainment space with a finishing project.
• Cleaning Up Outside – One of the most important aspects of any home sale is curb appeal. The exterior appearance of your residence is a selling point to a buyer wanting to see more of the house. Exterior restoration is a specialty of our SERVPRO professionals; from power washing the siding to cleaning up windows and gutter systems, this first impression matters the most. Our technicians help you declutter the outside of your home as well, discarding any rubbish and improving the attractiveness of detached buildings on the grounds like sheds, guest houses, and garages.
• Improving the Walkway and Entrance – from the time potential buyers first enter the property, you need this walkway to act as a red carpet leading them towards their future. The lawn should be manicured, and the doors and frames should be cleaned and bright. Our team should thoroughly clean the siding and windows. Restoration professionals can also help remove set-in dirt and grime on concrete pathways.

With your property's meticulous and thoughtful cleaning before you advertise on the market, you can have a much easier time selling the home at the price you want. Professional pre-cleaning services like our SERVPRO of Waterbury professionals provide a small investment in both increasing the market value of your property and turning the structure around faster. Give our experienced experts a call today to help at (203) 757-5050.

Preparing Your Property for Hurricanes and Flooding

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage after a hurricane can be extensive. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for flooding restoration services.

Hurricanes generate heavy downpours and high wind that wreak havoc in certain areas and often lead to intense flooding. You must know your flood risk should you live in a hurricane-prone region, allowing you to take the necessary steps to prepare should one strike. Knowing flood hazards and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane will be highly beneficial for any property owner.

Did you know? According to FEMA, even a single inch of water could lead to a homeowner experiencing approximately $25,000 in losses. 

Protecting your Home and Family from Flooding 

Regardless of living in a low or high-risk area, having the right insurance coverage and boosting your home’s structural integrity could save you thousands in flood damage repair costs. Several necessary steps to consider will lower your risk and help you protect your family and home should a hurricane flood occur:

• Know Your Risk Level – Many homeowners may not realize that densely populated areas are as high a risk as communities settled near waterways and dams. Knowing your property’s risk level makes it easier to identify ways to keep your home safe. FEMA has a handy flood map tool that lays out color-coded zones to tell you the likelihood of flooding in your area.
• Have Proper Insurance Coverage – Do you have flood insurance for your property? The right coverage will cover damage directly caused by flooding, minus the noted deductible. Remember that most renter and homeowner policies will not include flood insurance. Therefore, you may need to purchase your own flood insurance coverage with the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP. 
• Protect Your Home from Flooding – The more measures in place to protect your home and outbuildings, the better. Ensure the water flows away from your home and consistently clean your drains and gutters. FEMA’s website also includes handy information for keeping your home and belongings safe in the event of a flood.
• Remain Safe During and After Flooding – Preventing harm to your family and minimizing property damage comes with proper preparation. Listen to weather reports and local radio during a flood, making sure to evacuate if suggested. Whenever a flash flood warning comes out, immediately get to higher ground. After a flood, always be cautious of electrical outlets and plugs, and avoid traveling in the water. Floodwater is known for harboring contamination like oil, sewage, and dangerous debris.

Education and Preparation are Vital

The more you know about preparing your family and property if a hurricane strikes that leads to flooding, the better. In addition to cleaning your drains, downspouts, and gutters, you can also take steps to prep your property by:

• Installing water alarms or a sump pump
• Make digital backups of important documents and store originals in a secure spot
• Devise an evacuation plan for your family to include possible safe routes and shelter locations
• Put together an emergency kit you can bring with you during an evacuation (food, water, batteries, handheld radio, flashlight, etc.)

How do I Handle Water Damage to my Property After a Flood?

Once your family and any pets are safe, contact the skilled technicians at SERVPRO to handle water removal services and structural safety. We have disaster response teams in the area to help homeowners in emergency flooding situations. We arrive fast and begin assessments as soon as possible to limit the loss and get your property back to pre-flood condition. 

• Containment measures get put into place, and water extraction begins.
• We sort contents and determine salvageability of materials, disposing of debris according to local guidelines.
• In extreme demolition and reconstruction situations, we proudly partner with Connecticut Reconstruction Services (CRS) to make your property “Like it never even happened.”

Hurricane flooding and water damage are no match for our IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO of Waterbury. Call us at (203) 757-5050 to mobilize a crew to your door for emergency cleanup and restoration.