Let us lend a Hand

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties specialize in Storm or Flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to pre-storm condition, "Like it never even happened."

FASTER RESPONSE

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important.  A faster response lessens the damage, limits further damage and reduces the restoration cost. We also can offer content cleani8n and storage if needed.

RESOURCES TO HANDLE FLOODS & STORMS

When storms hit our area we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster.  We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1650 franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

If you are faced with storm or flood damage, call us today!

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties  

(540) 731-3080

FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER!

Lightening Safety

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

• All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.  However, people can remain safe, as long as they follow some simple guidelines when thunderstorms are in the forecast.
• Lightning will often strike outside the area of heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles from any rainfall.  A lot of the lightning deaths that occur happen either before the storm before any rain has arrived, or after the storm has appeared to have passed and the rain has ended.
• If you can hear the thunder, you are in danger.  Do not be fooled by the clear blue skies.  If you can hear the thunder, that means that lightning is close enough to pose as an immediate threat.
• Lightning leaves many of its victims with permanent disabilities.  While only about 10% of lightning victims die, many of the survivors are left with intense pain, neurological disabilities, depressions, and other health problems that stick with them for the rest of their lives.

Visit www.weather.gov/lightning to learn about how you can stay safe during a thunder and lightning storm.

Children and Storms

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

When preparing for a major storm don't forget to make sure children know the plan and what to do and when. For some kids a bad thunderstorm is enough to keep them up at night so a major storm may cause major fear in little ones. A good idea is to explain to them what is happening with the weather and what the impact is expected to be. The adults should make sure to have plans in place and supplies for the storm depending on how major the storm is planned to be. It would be a great idea to go over this with children so they feel safe and they know what to do. If they are old enough maybe give them a small responsibility like being in charge of their flashlight. The main goal is everyone feels confident and safe in the plan and getting through the storm. 

Storm Prep

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

While the spring season is known for the potential to experience severe weather, the threat exists throughout the summer months as well. In fact, the potential for severe weather even increases in some areas. Hurricane season in the Atlantic begins June 1st and runs through November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15th also ending November 30th.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Build an emergency supply kit and develop a communication plan. • Unplug any electronic equipment before the storm arrives. • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage. • If you are outdoors, get inside a building, home or hard top vehicle (not a convertible). • Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.

 DURING THE STORM • Use your battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials. • Avoid contact with corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use. • Unplug appliances and other electrical items, such as computers. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage. • Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. • Avoid contact with plumbing. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. • Stay away from windows and doors.

AFTER THE STORM • Never drive through a flooded roadway. • Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk. • Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. While it may be difficult to prepare for the unpredictable, there are steps you can take now to help ensure you are ready when disaster strikes. One way to prepare your home or business for any type of disaster, is to establish an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). Contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to learn more about the ERP and how it can help you. Consider the following tips when preparing for an approaching storm.

Storm Fires

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

We are no stranger to thunder and lightning storms here in Virginia, but the harsh danger that lurks behind them is unknown to many of us.

Local U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning (www.iii.org)

These fires can cause a lot of damage and can put the lives of your family in danger.

The use of lightning rods as well as the accompanying protection system are designed to protect a home or building from a direct strike of lightning, as well as a lightning-initiated fire.  These systems work by intercepting the lightning strike and providing it with a conductive path for the harmful electrical discharge to flow through directly into the ground.  For more information on lightning rods and lightning protection systems, you can visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-rods .

If your home is not equipped with a lightning-protection system, here are tips on how you can stay safe inside your home throughout a lightning storm provided by weather.gov.  

• Stick to your cellular and cordless phones.  Do not use any phones that are connected by a cord!
• Do not touch electrical equipment throughout the storm.  This can include computers, TVs, or cords, however, you CAN use remote controls safely.
• Avoid plumbing as much as possible.  Do not wash your hands, take a shower, or wash your dishes throughout the storm
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls
• Protect your pets!  Dog houses are not a safe shelter during there storms, and dogs that are chained to trees or on a metal runner are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes
• Protect your property!  Lightning will generate electric surges that can damage electronic equipment even from some distance from the actual strike.  Typical surge protectors will not protect your equipment from a strike of lightning.  Do not unplug equipment during a thunderstorm, for there is a risk you could be struck!

HVAC Cleanings are Important and Here's Why !

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Like anything else that remains stationary in a business, your Air Ducts and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems get dirty over time.  And as these systems gather large amounts of dust and particles, the quality of air is affected.  While many people are more apt to notice the quality of air in their homes, many overlook the importance of keeping these systems clean in their businesses.  

Benefits of Cleaning your Air Ducts or HVAC Systems:

Energy Savings

The U.S. Department of Energy reported that 25-40% of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted due to contaminants in the systems.  The contaminants cause the system to have to work harder to keep up with the temperature you desire.  When your HVAC systems are cleaned properly, they do not need to use as much energy and, therefore, are more cost-effective.

Indoor Air Quality

With the weather warming up, allergies are in full swing.  Pollen and dust are running rampant through the air, and it is not hard for those particles to find their way through an opening door and straight into your business.  Pollutants such as dander, dust, chemicals, and even pollen are all pulled into HVAC and Air Duct systems and re-circulated an average of 5-7 times a day.  Over time these particles start to accumulate in the ductwork and cause a build-up of contaminants.  No one wants to feel uncomfortable in their work environment, and the quality of air due to a dirty HVAC or Air Duct system can do just that for an individual.  

Keeping up with cleaning out your Air Duct and HVAC systems will not only improve the quality of your work environment, but it will also save on your business's energy costs in the long run.  

Call SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties at 540-389-3753 to set up your Air Duct or HVAC cleaning appointment today!

Storm Damage Help

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.  Our teams are trained and qualified to assist you in any disaster.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the New River Valley & Pulaski, 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties

Make Sure You Have a Flooding Evacuation Plan in Place

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

In the event of a flood, do you know your evacuation routes?  How about a place to stay if you must evacuate?  Do you have pets and can they stay with you?  These are all questions we ask in the moment of crisis when we realize we must evacuate due to flooding.

The safest way to survive a flood is to evacuate the area if you are advised to leave. To ensure that you will be able to act quickly, you need to plan ahead.

Know your community’s local flood evacuation plan and identify several escape routes for your location if roads are blocked. 

If you will evacuate by car, keep your car fueled and in good condition when there is a flood risk. Keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car.

If you need to relocate for an extended period of time, identify a place away from home now where you could go if you had to leave. Consider family or friends who live outside of the local area.

If you expect to go to a shelter after evacuating, download the American Red Cross Shelter Finder app. This app displays open American Red Cross shelters and provides the capacity and current population of each shelter.

Planning ahead will take some of the stress off in the event of an emergency evacuation.  And remember -TURN AROUND DON'T DROWN - never drive through flood waters.

Thunder, Lightning, and Flash Floods, OH MY!

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

According to Ready.gov lighting is the leading cause of both injury and death from all weather-related hazards.  Majority of victims of a lightning strike survive, but many report that they experience a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms following the incident.  While thunder and lightning are scary enough, these storms may also be accompanied by winds reaching over 50 mph, hail storms, and flash flooding and tornadoes.  Here are some actions you can take to make sure you are reacting to these storms in the safest way possible!

Prepare:

Know the risk of thunderstorms in your area, and sign up for your community's local warning system.  These will give you a proper warning for large storms on the radar that the local population has to be aware of.  Cutting down or trimming any trees that are in danger of falling on your home is another preventative measure that can be taken.

React Properly:

When you first hear a thunderstorm, it is time to take cover.  Head indoors or into a car, and pay attention to the weather reports and warnings of the storm.  It is smart to avoid all running water and landline phones because both are susceptible to electricity travel.  Lastly, unplug your electronics and appliances and secure any outdoor furniture to make sure your possessions do not get ruined.

Be Cautious Post Storm:

Even after you think the storm has passed, make sure to check your local weather forecasts and warnings before heading outside again in case of the potential for flash flooding.  It is also important to watch for fallen power lines and trees and report them immediately to help keep others safe.

Reacting To Extreme Heat

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

In most of the U.S. extreme heat can be defined as a long period of high heat and humidity levels with temperatures reaching above 90 degrees.  We are no strangers to the hot summers here in Virginia, so it is important we know how to react to these periods of extreme heat.  Ready.gov reported that extreme heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths compared to all weather-related hazards.  

Why Extreme Heat is so Dangerous:

Extreme heat causes evaporation to slow which results in our bodies having to work extra hard to maintain a normal body temperature.  It is very dangerous for anyone's body to have to overwork itself in such a way, but it is especially dangerous for older individuals, children, and sick or overweight people.  When humidity is high, this increases how hot the temperature will feel as well.  

How to React to Extreme Heat:

When a warning for extreme heat has been issued it is important for people to find an airconditioned area and avoid staying outside for long periods of time.  When it is necessary to head outside, people should avoid strenuous activities, wear light clothing, and make sure to drink plenty of fluids.  Being alert for heat-related illness is important during these times such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.  Individuals should make sure they are checking on family members and neighbors to ensure their safety.  It is also important to note that people and pets should never be left in a closed vehicle, for they can reach an extremely high temperature in a very short period of time.

Make sure you are staying aware and protected this summer!

Storm Damage affecting your home?

11/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.  Our teams are trained and qualified to assist you in any disaster.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the New River Valley & Pulaski, 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Montgomery & Pulaski Counties

Virginia Tornado Awareness

3/22/2016 (Permalink)

Would you be prepared, or even know where to start if a tornado touched down today?

Tornados are one of nature's most violent storms. They can cause large amounts of damage in just moments, giving you only seconds to respond. Your response could help keep you and those around you safe. 

If you answered no to the above question, read here for more information on how to prepare and stay safe during a tornado.