STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION IN THE MIDWEST

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Living in Illinois, you know this summer we've experienced severe storms, seemingly one right after another.  Severe storms may become dangerous and it is crucial to know the different types of storm damage and how they can impact your home. Leaving your home left untreated after damage from pounding rain, hail, lightning, tornado, high winds, or heavy snow can lead to water damage, mold, and structural damage.  A rapid response by SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana is critical to reducing the safety risk and secondary damage from weather.

There are three ways storms can damage your home.  Lightning storms can occur at any time. These storms bring the threat of fire and structural damage.  During a lightning storm, even if your home is properly equipped to handle lightning, it is still possible to have damage to electrical wiring, appliances, antennas, satellite dishes, cable or telephone lines, and steel framework and more.  Always stay indoors during the storm unless there are signs of a fire.  Flooding presents a serious risk to your home and to your safety.  When it comes to structures, flooding can lead to dangerous contamination and water damage to drywall, support beams, and foundations. There is a risk for mold within the first 24 hours of a flood so it is vital to extract water and have a professional begin mitigating immediately.  Finally, high winds can occur virtually anywhere. Thousands of storms and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year.  Severe winds are defined as exceeding 50-60 mph and include downdrafts, downbursts, tornadoes.  Damage from the wind can be widespread and affect not only your structure, but surrounding landscaping and asphalt. Be aware of the potential for falling trees, poles and damaged power lines.  A storm may damage your home including windows, siding, and roofs.  In the most extreme scenarios, roofs can be blown completely off.  In the case of a tornado, a warning should be given on TV or radio. The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement.  If there is no basement available, seek shelter in an interior room without windows since windows may shatter and spray glass.  Remain under shelter with a radio until you receive notice that the tornado has left the area.  With floods, there is usually some indication if one is imminent, especially if you live in an area susceptible to flooding.  Make sure to have copies of important documents that could be destroyed in a flood, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and deeds.  Finally, thunderstorms generally don't cause much damage except for being loud, but when they do they can be hazardous.  To avoid potential damage, make sure to trim any large limbs near your house.  Secure any outdoor objects to keep them from blowing away.  Unplug electronic devices prior to a storm to prevent a surge from destroying them.  Should a storm damage your home SERVPRO of Champaign/Urbana is here to help!  Call one of our friendly staff today at 217-355-0077.