Tornado Aware

8/2/2024 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for a Tornado Before It Happens

Tornadoes are serious weather events that can cause devastating property damage and loss of life. Fortunately, you can take several steps to minimize damage if one occurs.

Know Your Risk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tornadoes have touched down in all 50 states. States located in the Midwest and Southeast are at the highest risk of tornado damage.

Knowing the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning is critical. A tornado watch means that conditions are optimal for a tornado, while a warning means that tornadic activity has already occurred. The National Weather Service offers emergency alerts via text message to ensure adequate preparation for severe weather events.

Create an Emergency Plan in Advance

Ready.gov, a branch of the federal government that educates the public on disaster preparedness, suggests that every household create a severe weather emergency plan. Minimally, you should plan to include the following details in your household emergency plan.

• Identify the safest place in the home for people and pets to take shelter until the threat of a tornado passes.
• Make a list of important phone numbers, such as your insurance agent and the utility company, that you may need to contact once the storm has passed.
• Draw a floor plan of your home with tips on how to seek shelter from each room. If special equipment like a ladder or rope is necessary to escape a room, be sure to indicate its location.
• Place marks on the floor plan to indicate the location of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, valves, and utility switches. Appoint one person to turn off valves and utility switches before taking shelter in a tornado.
• Teach your children what an emergency weather alert is and ask their teachers to send home information regarding each school’s severe weather plan.

Once you have put together a tornado emergency plan, be sure to practice it with the entire family at least once a year.

Learn to Recognize the Signs of a Tornado

Tornadoes can strike with little warning, so knowing what to look for is important. Below are some of the top indicators that a tornado is headed your way.

• The sky appears green or another dark color
• Clouds have formed into a funnel-shape
• Clouds appear lower than usual
• Hail has begun falling from the sky
• Extremely loud noises are present

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking shelter immediately if you notice any of these signs of an impending tornado or a tornado in progress. The safest places to take shelter include a storm cellar, a room without any windows, or the basement of your home.

Prepare for Summer Storms

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Summer is the time of year we make plans most often. We plan trips and vacations, sporting events and long weekends.

Sometimes we even plan to have no plans and enjoy a day outside doing absolutely nothing. It’s the warmest time of the year, so we anticipate all the days will be filled with sun and we can soak up as many rays as we want.

But have you ever noticed how often summer plans get derailed by thunderstorms?

If you’ve ever thought that storms are more likely to cause cancellations in summer, it’s not just you. July and August are the rainiest months of the last three quarters of the year, and the warmth of the summer air combines with the atmospheric moisture to turn regular rains into potential thunderstorms.

Be Storm-Alert

We often don’t give storms the credit they’re due because they’re the most common weather danger—but the threat they present should never be ignored. Tune into local forecasts or use weather apps for timely forecasts and alerts. An NOAA Weather radio can also be helpful, because it focuses on weather and stays on even if power and cell service goes out.

If flooding is predicted, you should rethink your travel plans and stay home, or get home quickly if you’re out on the road. If forecasters warn about heavy winds, check around your yard and store items that may get blown away or carried off by running water.

Yes, getting ready for a storm is a chore, and not the kind of task anyone wants to do, but we mustn’t ignore it. Storm-related deaths reach into the dozens every year, and a little prevention could save many of those lives.

Be Storm-Safe

During a storm, your greatest protection from danger is indoors. Stay inside until you haven’t heard any thunder for at least a half hour—that’s your signal that the storm has moved on and you’re outside the range of a lightning strike, which can occur up to 10 miles away from the storm.

Wait until after the storm to bathe or shower, as metal and water are hyper-conductors of electricity. And avoid windows as much as possible, as there’s always a danger of them being shattered by lightning, or even debris.

Keep an emergency kit stocked with food, water, medication and other supplies you may need if you’re forced to evacuate or go several days without power.

Stay away from flood waters, whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle. Rushing water can easily carry away full-size SUVs, and even touching floodwater is dangerous because it may be contaminated.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge

515-955-4009

Preparing for Tornadoes

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

We are in the heart of severe weather and tornado season here in Fort Dodge, and while it has been a quieter season than usual at this point, severe weather can pop up at any time. This hot and humid time of year is known to produce warm and sunny mornings that quickly turn south as storm systems develop over the plains and roll toward us. 

Preparing for severe weather starts much earlier than after the weather warning is announced. By preparing your yard, family and home now, you can jump into action as soon as a tornado warning is issued. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge’s team wants you to stay as safe as possible during this volatile time of year, so read on to learn how to prepare. 

Preparing Your Home

One of the most destructive parts of a storm is wind. Winds can easily reach over 100 miles per hour during a strong storm and they can pick up debris and objects along the way. Keep your yard tidy as often as possible by removing dead branches or limbs and pick up toys or yard equipment regularly.

If severe weather is predicted a few days out, take the time to tie down outdoor furniture and secure things to the ground like propane tanks or anything else you don’t want blowing or floating away. You should also clear out any debris from your gutters to help the rain flow down and away from your home.

Preparing Your Family

Tornadoes can be dangerous or even deadly if you are in their path, so the last thing you want to be doing is running around grabbing supplies and getting ready if one is on the way to your house. Ensure that your safe shelter location is in an interior room without any windows, and keep it clear during the entire season so you can get to it quickly if needed.

Your freshly restocked emergency kit should also be waiting for you there. Pack anything that your family would need to live comfortably during and after a storm. This includes fresh water, shelf-stable food, batteries and flashlights, and a weather radio. Don’t forget to check your kit at the beginning of every season to make sure nothing is expired or was used and not replaced. 

What to Do During a Tornado Warning

We know that many people’s first instinct when a tornado warning is issued is to head out to the driveway to chat with the neighbors about it and watch the storm come in. Storms are cool, that much is true, but don’t do that! Conditions can change in the blink of an eye, and the wind can quickly create projectiles.

Head inside and get to your safe shelter location right away. Don’t forget to grab your pets, too! Stay there and wait out the storm, and consider sheltering under a sturdy table or workbench for added protection. 

After the storm, take a walk around your property to assess the damage. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge’s storm restoration team is trained to handle any sort of storm damage, and we are here for you 24/7 to help you recover. Don’t hesitate to call us!

Protect Your Home From Spring Storms With These Safety Tips

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Are you ready for another frigid Iowa winter to end? If so, you aren’t alone. Between cold temperatures, snow and the continuing pandemic, a case of spring fever is definitely warranted in Fort Dodge. 

It’s already March, so spring is definitely in sight. If you’re like most of us, you’re already planning what projects you’ll complete this year to improve your home and make use of warmer temperatures. 

Regardless of how you’re planning to spend spring, it’s a good idea to make time for home maintenance now, so you’re protected for one of spring’s weather threats—strong thunderstorms. 

We can’t stop storms from hitting our community. But we can prepare for them. Want to know how? We’ve put together a list of projects that can help secure your home against weather threats. 

Add These Seasonal Projects to Your To-Do List 

How many of these projects are already on your list? 

Check for problems with your roof. Don’t let the first time you realize your shingles are loose or your roof is leaking be when it starts storming. Check for missing shingles and signs of leaks first. Repair them to keep your home safer. 

Look for unsecured items around your home. Patio furniture, gazebos, basketball goals and grills need to be secured and stable. 

Check for tree limbs that need to be taken down. If limbs and branches are hanging over your home, they need to be removed. Why? Because they can cause damage if the wind pulls them down. You can fix them before they become a problem, though. Cut them down. 

Check your sump pump for problems (if you have one). Every homeowner doesn’t need one of these. But if you do need one to regulate water levels in your basement, be sure it’s in good shape before it starts raining. 

Remove any debris that’s settled in your gutters over the winter. Clean gutters allow water around your home to flow the right way, instead of overflowing and causing water damage. 

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you. 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009 

Picking the Right Company to Handle Storm Restoration | SERVPRO® of Fort Dodge

3/25/2022 (Permalink)

Choosing the right restoration company is crucial to getting things back to normal. Call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge to set up an appointment. 

Experiencing severe weather while you are at home or at work can be scary, and if you emerge into the aftermath to find that your property has been damaged, stress can add up. Storm damages continue to increase every year, leading to the necessity of being prepared in advance so you know how to handle it. 

Working with the right company for storm restoration can go a long way. While it will certainly be a stressful time regardless, having a company you can count on beside you can make the process much more simple and stress-free. Here are some tips for determining if the company you are interested in is a good fit for you. 

Determine if You Are Working With the Right Restoration Company After a Storm 

Do you trust their reputation in the community? Storms can cause damage to a large area at once, leaving many people desperate for quick restoration and creating a market ripe for scams. Do your research on any company you are considering to make sure they carry a sound local and national reputation as restoration providers before you enter into any contracts with them. 

Do you feel confident they can meet demand? Storm damage is unique both in the type of damage and the sheer volume of it. Not only can it cause multiple kinds of damage, but a storm will often impact a large area at one time. With our SERVPRO® partners across the nation, we can get as much backup as we need to handle every type and every incident of damage with the same incredible service we are known for. 

Do you know they will always be there to help? Storms have no regard for what is and is not convenient for people, which is why we have you covered for damage at any time, even if it occurs after business hours or on a holiday. You can get in touch with us 24⁄7 to receive a comprehensive damage response plan and have a team dispatched to you as soon as you are ready. 

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009 

Classes of Damage

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

If you have ever endured storm damage to your home, SERVPRO is here to help.  Our employees are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) to ensure that the technicians have the expertise in restoring your home.  

In cases where there is flood damage to your home, the IICRC categorizes four different classes of destruction as follows: 

• Class 1:  The lowest and easiest to deal with, this has a slow evaporation rate. Only part of a room or area was affected, there is little or no wet carpet, and the moisture has only affected materials with a low permeance rate, such as plywood or concrete. 
• Class 2:  With a fast evaporation rate, this level affects an entire room, carpeting, or cushioning, the wetness has wicked up the walls at least 12”, and there is moisture remaining in structural materials. 
• Class 3:  This class has the fastest evaporation rate, and ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet and sub-floors are all saturated. The liquid may have come from overhead.  
• Class 4:  This class is labeled as specialty drying situations, which means there has been enough liquid and time to saturate materials with very low permeance, such as hardwood, brick, or stone. 

If your home is ever in need of restoration services from flood damage, call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009 

Are You Covered For The Next Storm?

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is prepared for the unexpected. Call our heroes today at 515-955-4009 

Bad weather can spring up without much of a warning. Most of the time when a flash flood or bad thunderstorm is threatening your area, you barely have enough time to find shelter. As a homeowner, it is important that you think about these moments before they occur. 

Do you have the correct insurance policy? Is your home going to be covered in the event of a disaster? Is the amount of coverage going to be enough to restore your home? Thinking about these questions before the storm damage occurs can make your life after the storm much easier. 

Before you do anything else, stop and make sure your home is covered for the following: 

• Water and Windstorm Damage 
• Debris or Tree Removal 
• Sewer Backup Due to Flooding 
• Sump Pump Failures Due to Flooding 
• Additional Living Expenses In Case A Storm Forces You Out of Your Home 

Once you have the proper home insurance coverage for storm damage, you can feel safer during the event of a disaster. Seeing your home damaged after a major storm can be heartbreaking. The best thing you can do for your family and your home is to begin the storm damage recovery immediately. 

Our SERVPRO of Fort Dodge Team is here to help after every storm. We are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year! 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009 

The Purpose of Flood Cuts

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy storms can lead to severe flooding damage. 

A heavy storm can cause a significant amount of damage to your home. Lightning can strike trees, causing them to fall on the house and tear up the roof. High winds that pick up debris can lead to broken windows. The main concern during a storm, however, is likely flooding. If a weather event in Fort Dodge leaves behind a lot of standing water in your home, flood restoration specialists may have to make a flood cut to remove all the damage. 

When Is a Flood Cut Necessary? 

A flood cut is the method the cleanup team uses to tear out materials that can't be salvaged. Technicians will probably need to use a flood cut if the water damage meets certain criteria: 
 
 

• High levels of contamination 
• Suspected damage in hard-to-reach areas 
• Compromised structural integrity of the wall 

 
Flooding from a storm almost always leads to a flood cut because the water is contaminated. If the standing water in your home comes from a clean sources, however, technicians may try to save the wall, even if there is a lot of water. 

How Is a Flood Cut Measured? 

When removing drywall, the mitigation team wants to make sure that it tears out all the damage. Specialists typically make a flood cut at least 12 inches above the spot where the water damage ends. This ensures that any unseen damage is also removed. 

What Happens After the Flood Cut Is Made? 

Once the cut is made, the technicians remove the drywall. They take out all the damaged material, including any damp insulation behind the wall. Before they rebuild, they have to make sure the area is clean and dry so that no secondary damage occurs. 

If a storm causes flooding in your home, it may take more than simply removing the water and wiping down surfaces to complete the repairs. Technicians may have to make flood cuts on your walls to remove all the damage. 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009 

STORM ALERT: What to do?

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Tips and Action Steps 

There have been unprecedented heavy rains in the area, as of late. No one expects there to be flooding, especially those living on a hill or on top of a bluff. But as we have seen in the last several weeks, few have been spared from the damage of water and flooding. Several safety tips that would be helpful after flooding are: 

1. Establish an evacuation plan in advance. Make sure all employees or family members are safe. Assign select individuals to keep lists of select teams with names and contact numbers.  
2. If water were to enter the building or home and evacuation becomes impossible, move to an upper floor, and wait for rescuers. 
3. Avoid driving through floods or rising water, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related. 
4. Don't ever touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. 
5. Do not walk through moving water. Even just six inches of moving water is enough to make you fall. 
6. Avoid contact with floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. 
7. Listen to the local news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink. 
8. You may return to your home or business only when authorities indicate it is safe. 

Should you experience floodwaters in your home or business, it is important that you call the areas local Storm remediation experts. 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 

515-955-4009 

Storm Watch vs. Storm Warning: What Is The Difference?

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Living in the Midwest, we hear the words ‘storm watch’ and ‘storm warning’ many times throughout the year, but what do they really mean? A storm watch means that weather conditions are at a level where a severe storm can easily develop. A storm warning means that a current storm that already exists could turn even worse.

According to the National Weather Service, they issue two types of watches and three types of warnings during the winter time. A Winter Storm Watch is issued when “conditions are favorable for a winter storm event, which is a threat to life or property”, while a Blizzard Watch is issued when “conditions are favorable for a blizzard event” with low visibility and high winds. On the other hand, a Winter Storm Warning is issued when there is a heavy snowfall of at least 6 inches in 12 hours, 8 inches in 24 hours, or ½ inch of sleet. A Ice Storm Warning is issued when there is an ice accumulation of at least ¼ inch, while a Blizzard Warning is issued when blizzard conditions continued for at least three hours or more.

For more information on Storm Watches and Warnings, check out https://www.weather.gov/ilx/wwa_social.

If you have any storm damage to your home or commercial property, call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge at (515) 955-4009 and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Winter Driving Preparedness

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Vehicle covered in snow on side of road

While we may love living in Iowa during the beautiful Spring-Summer-Fall seasons, winter in Iowa is a harsh wake up call that ultimately helps us appreciate the months of the year we can enjoy the outdoors. Along with the grey skies, winter in the Fort Dodge area can bring high-volume snow storms as well as extreme winds that greatly affect the wind-chill. For those of us who have lived in the area, we know the hazards of a harsh winter on the plains. For those who are new to the area, and as a reminder for us who have lived here, we wanted to give you some pointers on what to do if you are caught in your vehicle during a snowstorm.

Driving during a winter storm

Our first bit of advice on traveling during a winter storm, is to not do it! But we know that is not always realistic. When traveling during a snow storm:

• Slow Down! Higher speeds increase the risk of injury during an accident.
• Clear your vehicle of snow and ice before embarking on your trip.
• Be sure to have an emergency road side kit as well as blankets, food, and bottled water.
• If your visibility deteriorates to the point that driving is unsafe, pull over to the shoulder of the road and turn on your emergency lights.

Should you have to stop your vehicle and wait out a snow storm:

• Do not leave your vehicle unless to get an item from the trunk.
• Run the motor in ten minute intervals each hour to retain heat inside the vehicle.
• Clear snow buildup from the tail pipe if necessary.
• Turn on your dome light at night while running the vehicle so help can find you.
• After snow has stopped falling, put up your car hood so your vehicle is easily visible.

For even more great information visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-during.

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge (515) 955-4009

Dealing with Ice Dams

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

If you live in areas that freeze, ice dams are a reality, especially when we have had large amounts of snow and temperatures that have fluctuated as much as they have this winter season.

How do Ice Dams form?

• Winter storms build up snow on the roof
• Heat from the building escapes through insulation, chimneys and roof vents or heat from the sun which causes the snow to melt
• The melted snow runs down roof lines to valleys and eaves
• The melted snow refreezes at the base of the valley and at the eaves or gutters
• As day/night time temperatures cycle up and down and heat loss melts the snow, the ice dams and icicles continue to grow

Once these roofs and gutter ice dams form, subsequent water ponding behind the ice dam can lead to roof leaks, internal building damage and possible mold issues. Icicles can also cause lower roof damage, deck damage and people safety issues.

How do you deal with an existing ice dam?

• Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chunks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp tool. You could cut through your shingles. Instead, tap lightly with a blunt mallet. This can be dangerous and take a while, so it’s recommended that you hire someone who is experienced in roofing.
• Clear out gutters and downspouts carefully. This work can cause damage to plastic or metal gutters and spouts
• Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melt. Rock salt can damage paint, metals, and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains.
  • A good trough maker is a tube of cloth (a leg from an old pair of pantyhose works well). Fill it with calcium chloride, tie off the top, and lay it vertically across the ice dam. It will slowly melt its way down through the dam, clearing a path for the underlying water to flow free.

How can you prevent an ice dam?

The above methods will treat the symptoms of an ice dam, but won’t fix the underlying issue, which is a warm roof caused by poor insulation and venting of the space under the roof. Here are some tips on how to prevent an ice dam from forming in the first place.

• add insulation to your attic
• remove attic heat sources
• insulate attic access doors
• check the exhausts
• check flashing around chimney

If you experience water damage in your home or business due to an ice dam, call in the experts at SERVPRO of Fort Dodge and we can make it “Like it never even happened.” We are faster to any disaster and are eager to put our experience and expertise to work for you! 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge - (515) 955-4009

The "Midwest Freeze Zone"

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

For most of the Midwest, winter freezing temperatures are always a cause for concern. 

Besides the fact that it is freezing to us, it is also freezing our pipes!  Frozen pipes many times lead to broken pipes and during these times of frozen pipes, the restoration industry is swamped with work.  When this happens we are lucky to have the backing of SERVPRO to help us in this time! 

Whether it is the polar vortex or just a week of ridiculously cold weather, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge is always available to help out others who are at max work capacity.

This gives you the ability to have quick service and know that you are still getting industry-leading equipment, set-up, monitoring and restoration services.  

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster! We are eager to put our expertise to use for you. We will make things "Like it never even happened." 

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge - (515) 955-4009

FROZEN PIPES: Learn How to Prevent Water Pipes From Freezing and How to Thaw Them if They Do Freeze

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to Protect Pipes From Freezing

Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Source:  www.redcross.com

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge - (515) 955-4009

No Power? No Problem!

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

As the seasons change, so does the potential for possible power outages, stemming from Mother Nature herself. Whether it be from wind, rain, freezing precipitation, thunderstorms, or snow, keeping your home prepared for weather emergencies is crucial.  

No matter the storm event, there is always a risk of power outages in your power network. Power outages may disrupt communications, water, and transportation. They may also create obstacles to business as usual, such as preventing you from being able to use gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services as normal. At the most critical, power outages can cause food spoilage, water contamination, and disrupt medical devices, posing health risks to communities.

Review these steps to see how you can protect yourself and your household in the event of a power outage:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed until power is back on.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power dependent medical devices.
• If safe, go to an alternative location for heat and cooling.
• Check on neighbors.

If you experience storm damage, call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge @ 515-955-4009.

Storms & Little Warning

4/3/2020 (Permalink)

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can handle any size disaster. 

 When severe weather breaks, storm water builds up on streets, near lakes, rivers, and local storm control channels.  Should storm water begin to accumulate around your house, here are a few easy steps that may help protect your home:

• Make sure all windows are closed tightly – especially check windows in your basement area
• Move valuables to higher ground
• Continuously monitor the sump pump (if you have one) to verify that it is operating properly
• Make sure to secure any outside furniture or decorations that can become airborne with high winds
• Cover basement window wells to help divert water from pooling inside the well
• Make sure to pick items off the floor that may get damaged from water exposure
• Keep your shoes, car keys, and family emergency kit near the door

Safety should always be your main focus when faced with storm water.

• Do not walk through moving water, as even 6’ of water is enough force to knock you off your feet
• Stay away for flood waters as it is contaminated and unhealthy and may pose health hazards
• People or vehicles in flooded areas can hamper Emergency Responders ability for quick response

Storm and flood water damage can be very destructive. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge has the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster. If you need assistance with storm or flooding call 515-955-4009.

Roof Tarping After Wind, Hail, Storm or Fire

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Falling trees, fire, high wind and hail storms often cause roof damage. Safety should your primary concern. Initial roof assessment should be completed from the ground as damage is not always visible. If you suspect damage to your shingles or structure, contact a professional immediately.

Vacate the premises in the event of major roof damage.

Tarping the roof will prevent secondary damage while the roof is inspected and repaired. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge provides emergency roof tarp installation to prevent further damage. When disaster strikes, SERVPRO is ready to respond immediately with your roof tarping needs.

Need an Emergency Roof Tarp? Call Us Today 1-515-955-4009

Emergency Board Up Services Available

Our professional crews use approved board up techniques to minimize further damage and secure your property and protect the building from weather, animals and illegal entry.

Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Webster County

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Due to a cold winter storm that caused multiple pipe breaks, this customer had about 2' of water in his basement.

Storm and flood damage can be devastating. Immediate action is needed, and you need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge has the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 1-515-955-4009

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

• Flooding caused by heavy rains
• Hurricanes and tidal surges
• Tornadoes and wind damage
• Ice and snowstorms
• Wild fires

When Winter Weather Strikes … We strike back

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Prepare your home

Tips for preparing your home for winter weather

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off”.
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puubacks.

Prepare Your Business

Tips for preparing your business for winter weather

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Ask SERVPRO of Fort Dodge about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 515-955-4009

Storm Facts

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Basics

A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. Since thunder comes from lightning, all thunderstorms have lightning.

A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following:

• Hail(one inch or greater)
• Winds in excess of 58 mph
• Stuctural wind damage
• Tornado

Tornado Facts

Tornadoes are arguably nature’s most violent storms. Generated from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes generally appear as rotating, funnel-shaped clouds extending from the cloud base to the ground. With winds that can reach up to 300 miles per hour, tornadoes can cause massive destruction within seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and fifty miles long.

• The average tornado moves southwest to northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.
• The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 miles per hour, but may vary from stationary to 70 miles per hour.
• Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.
• Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.
• Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Watch vs. Warning

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

• Watch – A severe thunderstorm watch means that the potential exists for the development of thunderstorms which may produce large hail or damaging winds. A watch is issued by the SPC (Storm Prediction Center)

• Warning – a severe thunderstorm warning means that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on Doppler radar information or a reliable spotter report. A warning is issued by the local National Weather Service office.

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge knows immediate reaction to the disaster is important to helping you get your life back to normal. SERVPRO of Fort Dodge can also perform pack-out services, which is removing salvageable personal property from the affected area for off-site cleaning and storage.

Check Your Gutters Before the Storm

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

Gutter full of leaves.

Did you know that a large percentage of damage homes suffer during a rain storm is to the roof?  Keeping your gutters clear and in good condition can help reduce the amount of damage your roof receives and how much water seeps into your home.  The more prepared your are, the less damage you will have to face.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your roof gutters before a rain storm:

1. Get out your ladder. Go around your house and make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris. This is a top tip from every government agency and safety service.  By late fall, it’s likely more than half full of leaves that have fallen and they’ve clogged your gutters.  Add a lot of rain, and it’s a receipt for water in your basement, leaky ceilings, and more.
2. Extend you downspouts. Keeping water away from your foundation is critical when there is a lot of rain. A downspout that only extends the length of the curve can be dangerous.  Even one that extends three feet isn’t good enough.  Downspout extenders or even length of downspout attached to the downspout elbow can keep the ground around your home from getting over saturated.  Water can seep through the walls of your foundation if the ground gets too wet.
3. Check your window wells. Cover them if you can keep out excess water and debris.  If a gutter were to clog, it’s often a window well that fills with water first.  The seals around the windows won’t keep water from pouring into your home.  Keep a bucket handy and check your window wells often during the storm.  A little preemptive bailing can keep from a wet basement.
4. Be courteous and don’t dump your leaves in the street. After gutter cleaning, you may want to dump all those leaves out to the street for pick up.  Do your street storm drains a big help by not dumping them out there just yet.  You’ll wind up putting a strain on local resources and services that, in a situation like this, should be going to more important issues.  Storm drains will clog if the streets are taxed with extra leaves. They also make it more difficult to get to power lines or downed trees.
5. Protect stuff in your basement. If there are places around your home prone to flood occasionally, even if you have dealt with your gutters before the storm, make sure you get them off of the ground.

Water damage after the storm can be devastating.  Don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 515-955-4009.

Prepping for a Winter Storm Before it Happenes

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Damage

• Make sure you have a 3 day supply of water (3 gallons per person) and easy to prepare food.  Here is my favorite 72 hour low-prep food kit.
• Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio so you can stay aware of the situation if your other communication sources are cut off.  Make sure it is battery operated and that you have extra batteries.
• Make sure you have a good shovel.  You may need to dig yourself out before help gets there.  Or you simply may need to dig out your car!
• Purchase a supply of flashlights (with batteries) and candles.
• Clean and inspect your chimney if you have one.  Make sure you have a supply of wood.
• Make sure you have an ample supply of blankets.  If you power goes out, you will need as many as you can get!
• Clear rain gutters and repair roof leaks.
• Have an alternate way of cooking.  A small “camp stove” works well for short-term emergencies.  You may also consider a butane stove which is safe to use indoors (with a cracked window).  Make sure that whatever you choose that you have enough fuel.  Cook in a well-ventilated garage (like with the door open) to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home.  The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increasing during winter storms as people turn to alternate heat sources.
• Learn how to care for frostbite and hypothermia.  Make sure you click on those links and print those out NOW in case your power goes out during a storm.
• Weatherstrip any drafty doors or windows.
• Purchase rock salt (or something similar) to help you keep walkways safe.
• Install good winter tires on your car and make sure the wipers work well.
• Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home and that everyone knows how to use them.  House fires are much more common during winter storms as people turn to alternate heat sources.
• Consider purchasing a good supply of heat packs.
• Consider purchasing a kerosene heater.  Make sure it is legal in your area

What to Know About Black Water

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Immediately after experiencing life-altering flooding in Fort Dodge, IA the first thing you probably want to do is start dealing with the water damage from the flood. Before diving in to the problem it is important to know about the associated dangers of black water. 

What is this water and why should it be avoided? 

Black water is liquid presumed to house multiple contaminants. It could contain: 

• Fecal matter 
• Urine 
• Used toilet paper 

Sewage systems frequently become compromised and leak after water damage, they can pose health threats to those who encounter the dirty liquid. 

It’s also important to be aware of gray water. That type often comes from washing machines, dishwashers, sinks and showers and is not immediately as dangerous as the black variety, but can become more hazardous after 48 hours of contact with building surfaces. 

How can you stay safe from contaminated water? 

The best way to limit your exposure to hazardous water from flooding is to limit your exposure to it. Instead of trying to handle the cleanup process yourself depend on our SERVPRO team to assess the damage and tackle the steps necessary for a thorough restoration of your home. 

Black water is a likely contaminant after a flood, and it’s a primary reason why you should not deal with the water damage on your own. Contacting a professional team to assist with damage from flooding gives you greater protection from possible risks and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Call us at 515-955-009 for more information on mitigating storm damage and how you can be prepared.

Use extra caution when navigating flooded roads during a storm

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Use extra caution when navigating flooded roads during a storm

Use extra caution when navigating flooded roads during a storm

Driving on the roads during a storm doesn't seem like that big of a deal to some.  Getting home is often the biggest concern on someone's mind and choosing an alternate route just doesn't seem efficient.

When flood waters raise it is hard to distinguish just how high the water level is.  Underestimating the power of a few inches of rain has left more than one Mid-West area driver stranded in the middle of the river flowing road.

Always pay attention to the emergency ponderer's warning signs on roads and back trails.  Using extra caution when signs aren't present reduces the risk of being stranded as well.

When water levels flood roads and buildings sustain damage, SERVPRO is your choice for repair and mitigation.

Why SERVPRO?

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 the Fort Dodge area, 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

Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Home From Wind Damage

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

Top 6 Ways to Protect Your Home from Wind Damage in the Midwest

Wind storms can be very damaging to your home or property if you are not prepared.  Unfortunately, we rarely get much warning before a large wind storm so it is critical to prepare your home ahead of time. Routinely checking, fixing or updating areas around your home can make the difference between a hundred dollars and thousands of dollars in damages.  

Here are six ways to prepare your home before the next storm hits the Midwest:

1. Is your roof in good shape?
   1. Your shingles should be nailed down properly and all secured together.
   2. Replace any missing shingles immediately.
2. Make sure your garage door is secure.
   1. Sometimes this means hiring a company to inspect your garage door to ensure it is properly secured and functioning well.
3. Secure all outdoor items.
   1. Grills, patio furniture, trampolines, etc. These items can cause a lot of damage if the wind is strong enough to pick them up.
4. Ensure your gutters are properly secured and clean them out regularly.
   1. Clogged cutters can create water damage to your house. They are also more likely to break in a high wind storm if they are weakened by heavy debris.
5. Are your windows storm proof?
   1. Installing storm proof windows can make a big difference in protecting your home from high winds and hail from a storm.
   2. If you don’t have storm proof windows, consider installing steel or aluminum shutters on your windows or sliding doors to protect them from flying debris.
6. Remove or trim/maintain trees around your home.
   1. Trimming your trees of dead wood can help prevent large branches falling during a wind storm.

Be sure to routinely check and maintain your home so you are ready before the next storm hits the Midwest. However, if you do find yourself in need of help after a storm, call SERVPRO of Fort Dodge. We specialize in restoration and water damage repair.  Call us after a storm and let us take the stress off of your family! We will make sure it's like it never even happened! 

Tornado Need to Know

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes are known to cause widespread damage throughout the United States, especially in the Southern Plains, SouthEast, and MidWest. But how much do we truly know about these destructive entities that tear through our homes and businesses?

Here are a couple of quick facts about tornadoes:

The average tornado travels Southwest to Northeast but have been known to move in any direction.

Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3pm and 9pm but can occur at any time.

Dr. T. Theodore Fujita devised the F0-F5 Scale for tornadoes in 1971.

In 2006 the National Weather Service unveiled the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale).

A tornado normally appears transparent until it picks dust and mud from the ground.

The USA averages around 1,200 tornadoes every year, more than any other country.

In the southern hemisphere tornadoes usually rotate in a clockwise direction. In the northern hemisphere tornadoes usually rotate in a counterclockwise direction.

Signs of Danger

Dark, green tinted sky

Large hail

Low-lying rotating cloud

Loud roar similar to a freight train

We are in the peak of tornado season here in Iowa and encourage everyone to be weather aware. Have a family plan in the event of a tornado warning. Know where your safe areas are wherever you are.

For more information about tornadoes and tornado safety visit https://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/

How to Come Back After a Flood

7/9/2018 (Permalink)

How to Come Back After a Flood

As the storm settles, the battle to restore homes and businesses begins. After a flood, the damage can be extensive and beginning the cleanup can be daunting.

Where do you start? Property owners in Fort Dodge, IA struggle with this question every year, but by removing water, throwing away ruined items, and content cleaning, your business will soon be back to normal.

1. Eliminating Standing Water

Before you can determine what can be cleaned, there can’t be any water left in the building. If the standing water doesn’t flow out naturally, then it may need to be professionally removed. Given the bacteria and mold that is often found after major flooding, it’s important that you don’t come in contact with the water itself. It can make you and your employees incredibly sick. In addition, it’s easier for you do a full cleanup if there isn’t any water to contend with.

2. Removing Loose Items

Unfortunately, not all items can be saved. This is especially true for porous surfaces. Porous materials include certain types of tile, laminate and granite. These permeable materials don’t have a smooth surface and because of this, content cleaning is more difficult and complex. Certain pieces of furniture or appliances may have to be removed from the property entirely to properly disinfect the building. If you’re ever confused about what to keep or throw out, a professional can help.

3. Cleaning Content

For hard surfaces, it is recommended that you use a mixture of water and detergent. While most non-porous surfaces are safe to clean, if the mold has spread over 10 square feet, then professional help is strongly encouraged. Keep in mind that black water is the best breeding ground for dangerous molds, so if you suspect or know there was waste water involved, be sure to get expert help.

It may seem like a long road to restoration, but it’s easier to consider if you break it up into simple stages. Clearing out the water, removing the items, and proper content cleaning should have your business back on track in no time.  Visit www.SERVPROfortdodge.com for more information on flood damage.

When Storms Or Floods Hit, SERVPRO Is Ready

11/17/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage.

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

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit, 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: 515-955-4009