Torrential Rain Damages Georgetown Businesses

4/9/2024 (Permalink)

Torrential rains caused this commercial building to in Georgetown to flood

Storms like hurricanes and torrential rains can cause water damage to your commercial building in Georgetown Texas.  It is important to be prepared for water damage to your building.  Knowing what steps to take to keep your employees, building, and yourself safe is critical. Let SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City help you with these critical steps.

The first thing to do if you have water damage from a storm is to understand what category the water is. Depending on whether it is category 1, category 2 or category 3, mitigation and restoration processes will be different. Most storm water that enters your building is Category 3.  If you have category 3 or black water, here are some tips to mitigate damages as quickly as possible.

Category 3, also known as black water, has the highest level of contamination. The water may be contaminated with bacteria and microorganisms, pesticides, fertilizers, or animal feces. Category 3 water requires the highest level of care when dealing with it.

What To Do If Your Building Has Category 3 Water
No matter which type of water damage you have, it's important to call in a professional water restoration company to perform the mitigation process.   It is especially important if you have category 3 water damage. Only professionals, like SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City  should deal with removing contaminated water and mitigating damages from Category 3 water damage. A restoration company will use the proper personal protective equipment and thorough safety procedures to ensure that everyone is safe while mitigating damages.

How To Restore Your Building
After the damages have been mitigated, the reconstruction process can begin. The reconstruction process includes replacing the building materials damaged or removed because of the storm.  SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City is a full-service restoration company.  SERVPRO® makes it “Like it never even happened” .  So you can resume normal business operations.

SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City should be your first choice for any residential or commercial water damage.  Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to restore your property to preloss condition.  SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City is available 24/7 by calling 512-843-5943

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Stock up on emergency supplies.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

When a flood warning sounds, it's too late to begin protecting your business from flooding. You need to prepare long before storms and heavy rains move your way. Use the following tips to keep your Georgetown, TX, business, employees, and clients safe.

Reach Out to Local and National Resources

If your business is situated in an area prone to floods, it's a good idea to talk to your insurance company about coverage for this eventuality. You'll feel much better about your outlook when storms do hit. The insurance company may provide advice about the best strategies to protect your property and belongings. Other resources could include:

• The federal government website on floods and prevention
• Local flood remediation companies
• Professional surveyors and architects in Georgetown, TX
  
  

Create a Flood Safety Plan

This plan should include an evacuation route, a protocol for protecting business equipment and inventory, and a communication plan that goes into place as soon as flooding becomes a concern. After working out the details of the plan, train your staff on how to respond and run annual evacuation drills. Don't forget to address the dangers of black water and power outages.

Identify Specific Areas of Danger

You may have a lot of equipment in your building that runs on electricity. As the water rises, those machines could pose an increased risk of danger as well as costing a pretty penny to replace. If there's time to turn off your copiers, computers, and other electronics; and carry those items up to higher levels of the building. When outlets go under the water, there could be an electricity risk. If you have gas heating, that system could also pose a safety risk.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Businesses in communities that are often affected by flooding may want to have plenty of sandbags on hand. Other supplies, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios, should also be kept in a central position that can be accessed easily when warnings are given.

What To Do After a Sewage Backup Floods Your Home

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet.

What to Do If Your House Is Flooded by Sewage

The thought of rainwater flooding your home in Georgetown, TX, overwhelms you. The thought of a sewer backup flooding your home disgusts you. When a city’s sewage system cannot manage the amount of rainfall it can come into your home through your pipes, drains, toilets and sinks. It is hard to visualize something more foul and unsanitary than cleaning the mess. As a homeowner, what do you do next?

Safety First

The presence of any water in your home poses safety hazards, but sewer water requires additional precautions:

• For any flood, the risk of electrical shock is present when there is water in your home. Stay out of flooded areas where electricity is present. Also be alert for the smell of gas, as rain water may extinguish pilot lights.

• When a sewer backup occurs, the flooding introduces black water into your home. This means that there is a high level of contamination present, such as from fecal matter. This type of water contains bacteria, viruses, mold and threatens a myriad of severe health concerns with exposure. Do not come into direct contact with this water.

Next Steps

After your safety is secured, immediately arrange for a water damage specialist to intervene. Due to the involvement of black water, experts consider this an emergency situation, arrive promptly and take the following measures:

• Survey the damage, identify the contaminated water and perform safety procedures.
• Remove excess water with professional-grade equipment.
• Extract remaining moisture with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Remove odors and sanitize impacted areas using antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments.
• Restore your home and belongings.

When a storm causes a sewer backup at your home in Georgetown, TX, take immediate action. Blackwater is hazardous to your health, so do not come into direct contact with it. Rather, have a water restoration specialist assess the situation and take the necessary steps to restore your home.

Category 3: Levels of Contamination

6/26/2023 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Andice, TX.

Water Categories

Many people have fond memories of splashing barefoot in puddles after a storm when they were children. Lingering flood water is actually pretty contaminated, though. When it seeps into your home in Andice, TX, it can cause water damage that only water remediation experts can resolve. Water from flooding is considered Category 3 water, meaning it is not safe to ingest on account of its high germ level. All Category 3 water, however, is not the same.

Level 1

Water can be very contaminated without causing a huge problem. Some factors make black water easy to clean up:

• Originates in house
• Does not come into contact with porous items
• Affects small, limited area
• Has quick cleanup time
  
  

Black water from an overflowing toilet that was caught before it could become a huge problem is a level 1 contaminant. It is still not safe to ingest but can be cleaned up fairly easily.

Level 2

Category 3 water that originates in the house but causes more significant water damage is the next level of contamination. It may affect both porous and nonporous materials. Technicians who remediate this damage often have to cut out walls and replace them. Carpet, carpet pads and furniture upholstery that has been in contact with this water must be thrown away if they cannot be cleaned.

Level 3

Flood water from a storm falls into the third level of Category 3 black water. If your home is flooded by a storm, you must engage professional help for cleanup. Certified technicians use industrial cleaners to make sure that every bit of contamination is gone. They also ensure that all damage is fixed and that your home is returned to its previous livable state.

No matter what level Category 3 water you have in your home, it can cause significant water damage. It not only has to be dried to prevent mold and other problems but also cleaned so that the environment of your home is safe again.

Check List for Storm Recovery

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in a disaster situation, remember that FEMA can help.

FEMA

Sometimes, the weather gets the better of us, and we are left dealing with the repercussions. Thankfully, there are many programs that help people recover after heavy storm damage such as FEMA. Whether you live in Hutto Tx, or somewhere different altogether, the same basics can be helpful for coping with a stressful time. The location should only matter in paperwork.

1. Submit for Help

After the damage has occurred, whether from a flood or otherwise, you can submit an appeal to FEMA for assistance. Consider these first:

• You must have a United States citizen in the household.
• Your property is in an area that has been
• Presidentially declared a disaster.
• Your insurance does not cover necessities that the disaster has brought about.
  
  

If you do not submit to the organization, you may find yourself in a bad position. There should be no shame in asking for help when needed. Flooding, and other disasters, are a time when we can pull together. Other organizations can be contacted to help once you are safe and everything is accounted for to repair.

2. Inspect Your Home

A scheduled home inspector can come and see your property within 10 days of the submittal. You can expect the inspection to run on average for 30 minutes, and the inspector may photograph your property. This will include both your home and the items inside. You may be asked to present documentation on whether you own or rent.

3. Accept the Assistance

Afterward, assistance may be released to you. This can come in the form of lodging reimbursement or renting assistance to keep you housed. It can also extend further through financial assistance with replacing household items, childcare, funeral expenses, or healthcare. Finally, you may be assisted with storage.

If you find yourself in a disaster situation, remember that FEMA has been set up to help for these purposes. Make sure to submit the right paperwork and prepare for a home inspection.

Flood Features To Look For When for Buying a Commercial Property

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Construction on a retaining wall.

Flood Prevention Measure

A lot goes into planning for flood prevention. Whether you are purchasing a building or having one built, it is important to take a close look at what can help keep the water back in the event of a flood.

Areas of Concern

Flooding can be a major issue for any business in Andice, TX. When building or purchasing a property, you want to look for:

• Low lying areas
• Bodies of water within a mile
• Swampy areas
• Areas that have flooded previously
  
  

Although this is not to say that other areas don't flood, it is important to be prepared no matter where your business is located. Otherwise, you might need the services of a flood cleaning company.

Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are usually built around levees, lakes, retention ponds and other smaller bodies of water. They are higher than the water at a normal level and allow the body of water to fill when it floods.

Flood Plain Planning
If your business is on or near a flood plain, it is a good idea to check to see what the city plan is for the area. They should have a plan in place or already instituted. Also, make sure they have flood prevention in mind when they issue building permits that might block natural water drainage.

Coastal Defense Walls
If you are near the ocean or other large body of water, you should look for coastal defense walls. This could be concrete blocks or sandbags placed in strategic areas to help prevent tidal flooding. This is particularly important because saltwater flood cleaning is much more difficult than freshwater.

Sand Dunes and Vegetation
Some places have natural or artificial dunes that help protect property from tidal flooding. Natural barriers often work best for preventing tidal surges, waves and incursion.
No matter where you are, flood prevention should be a factor in building or purchasing a commercial property. Checking for or implementing these measures can save you both time and money later on.

5 Steps To Solve a Bathtub Sewage Backup Problem

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Bathtub backup in Andice, TX

Take These Five Steps as Sewage Starts Backing up Into a Bathtub

When contaminated water or solid waste backs up into a bathtub, homeowners need to resolve underlying plumbing problems before cleaning and restoring damage caused by a sewer backup.

1. Plug the Bathtub Drain
A drain plug can be helpful for keeping backups under control. Plugging the drain limits the amount of contaminated water that can flow back into a bathtub or overflows into a bathroom.

2. Clear the Sewer Line Blockage
Water will follow the path of least resistance and most tub fixtures are lower than bathroom sinks and toilets. Clearing blocked primary or secondary drains may resolve an issue. Depending on the severity of a clog and the availability of plumbing tools, a homeowner may need to call a professional.

3. Limit the Scope of Damage
Any measures a homeowner can take to contain contaminated water and solid waste can minimize sewer backup damage. Bathtubs are easy to disinfect, but porous materials and contents may need to be torn out, disposed of, and replaced.

4. Dispose of Contaminated Materials
It is important to get rid of absorbent materials that cannot be disinfected. Any materials contaminated by flooding that remain intact raise risks of mold damage and exposure.

5. Disinfect Nonporous Surfaces
A bathtub and most nonporous surfaces in a bathroom can safely be disinfected. Depending on the extent of sewer damage, a homeowner may clean up a backup into a bathtub or need to call professionals for a more comprehensive cleanup and restoration.
It is important to limit the spread of contaminated water and waste during a bathtub backup at a residence in Andice, TX. While most tubs are made of hard, non-porous materials, absorbent grout or drywall surrounding a bath may be difficult to completely clean and continue to pose re-contamination risks after a sewer backup.

4 Steps of Timely Mitigation

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

Ceiling water damage after a storm in Florence, TX.

Four Steps of Timely Mitigation

A leak in your attic after a storm in Florence, TX, is a clear sign that you need roof repair. To prevent additional damage, you need to call storm mitigation experts as soon as possible. The sooner they can get started, the sooner they can work through the four steps needed to resolve the problem.

1. Assessment

The first thing the specialists do is analyze the roof damage to see what needs to be fixed. If there are no signs of leaks or damp insulation in your attic, you probably don’t need to replace the roof altogether. If, however, water has already made its way into your home, they know that the process is going to be a little more complicated than replacing a few shingles.

2. Drying

Mold can start to grow in damp places within as little as 24 hours after the storm has torn up your roof. Getting the wet areas dry as soon as possible, therefore, should be a priority. Saturated materials should be torn out and replaced. Tarps should be placed on the roof over the open areas so that no further damage can occur.

3. Removal

Roof repair also includes removing damaged materials before contractors can start to rebuild. Damaged shingles, chipped flashing, damaged vents and other broken parts must be taken away so that they can be repaired or replaced.

4. Restoration

If your attic flooded as the result of heavy rains or wind damage, the waterproof layer will likely need to be replaced. After that is down, the roofers can rebuild the other components of your roof. Once repairs are complete, it is a good idea to set up an appointment for the next inspection to protect against future damage.

Roof repair is not something you want to delay. Timely mitigation is vital to repairing the problems that exist and preventing secondary issues from occurring.

Special Techniques That Aid Recovery After a Storm

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cuts are employed for repairing drywall and wall insulation.

After a Storm, There Are Several Special Techniques That Can Help With Recovery

While your commercial building in Serenada, TX, might seem indestructible, in reality, it is at risk of powerful storms. Thunderstorms unleash lightning and high winds, while tornadoes produce winds of more than 100 miles per hour. As recent events have shown, hail storms can be truly destructive. Hurricanes often generate torrential rains that lead to flooding.
All of these weather events put your facility at risk of damage. Fortunately, an experienced storm remediation company has the equipment and the knowledge to bring your company back from disaster. They often use specialized techniques during the restoration phase.

The Execution of a Tear Out
When water inundates your building, many materials become saturated with moisture. In some cases, normal drying is not sufficient, and a technique known as a flood cut is employed for repairing drywall and wall insulation. In the aftermath of flooding, technicians will perform the following actions:

• Remove all standing water
  
• Cut the drywall 12 inches above the flood line
  
• Remove all damaged wall insulation
  
• Completely dry out the area with fans
  
• Replace new insulation and drywall
  
  

This must be done to remove any contamination caused by floodwaters. It ensures the drywall and insulation will not later produce unpleasant odors or result in mold growth.

The Utilization of Professional Cleaning Methods
A professional restoration company will also use many different methods of cleaning and sanitizing areas of a building as well as the contents of a building. While some items such as clothes might need dry cleaning techniques, other items such as non-porous items can benefit from abrasive cleaning or foam cleaning. The technicians will determine the best method of cleaning for each item, and they will use a restore versus replace mentality when possible.
The recovery of your facility from flooding is a complicated process. Trained professionals can restore your building quickly and efficiently with industry-leading techniques and advanced equipment.

5 Tips for Preparing Your Business for Any Disaster

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan.

Disaster Preparedness

When you're planning all of the logistics for getting your business up and running, it's important to add "prepare for disasters" to your to-do list. Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses don't open again after a disaster. Here are five things you can do to be prepared to face anything that comes your way.

1. Prepare to Prevent

Some disasters can be avoided. Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of your property and address any issues quickly. Other disasters, such as natural floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, can't be avoided despite your best plans. Know the risks in Florence, TX, and prepare for those as best you can.

2. Protect Records

Don't leave records in a pile on your desk to deal with "someday." Use a physical safe that is water- and fire-proof or an online storage system that allows you to easily retrieve data from anywhere.

3. Keep Current Coverage

Check-in with your insurance company annually to ensure that your business preparedness plan is covered by the proper insurance policies. As your company grows, re-evaluate your needs and adjust coverage as appropriate.

4. Communicate Evacuation Plan

A disaster preparedness plan is only effective if it is widely known by your staff. Share your plan, practice it, and review it regularly. Ensure that it is a part of new staff orientation. Keep a current list of emergency contact numbers for each staff member in a safe place, as well as a second copy off-site or digitally.

5. Stay Up to Date

If it's been a few years since you last assessed your business preparedness plan, it's time for a refresher. Ensure that your plans are still relevant and up to date with the latest guidance. It's also a good idea to have the number of an emergency restoration company handy to get help as soon as possible in the event of a disaster.
Anything can happen to your business, but you can take measures to avoid lasting consequences. Disaster preparedness can help to solidify long-term success.

Homeowners Guide To Ice Dams

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover an ice dam in your home it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage.

Whether you have lived in a cold climate all of your life or recently moved to Serenada, TX, a winter storm is a force to be reckoned with. One aspect many homeowners do not know a lot about is the ice dam. What is it? Can it be prevented?

Tips To Identify an Ice Dam

Just as dams are constructed to hold water back, the same concept occurs on the exterior of your home. Snow melts into water which then freezes. The block of ice prevents further water from draining, creating a dam effect. This may be happening to your home if you notice the following:

• The most common place that dams occur is on the roof. Inspect the roof throughout the season, especially after a winter storm cycle where the weather fluctuates.
• Pay close attention to the icicles. If there is water backed up behind them with no place to go, you may have a problem.
• When dams are present, the water likely finds a way into your house. Examine the attic, ceiling and walls for evidence of dampness.

Steps for Ice Dam Prevention

The good news is that there are steps you can take to help prevent ice dams both before and during the winter storm season:

• Before there is a chill in the air, take actions to keep your attic cool. Heat rising from the house to the roof melts snow faster causing problems later on. Consider increasing insulation, sealing openings and improving ventilation.
• During the freezing weather remove rooftop snow after storms, keep gutters clear and remove identified dams as needed.

Sometimes ice dam prevention methods are not sufficient. If you discover an ice dam at your house in Serenada, TX, it is best to act quickly to prevent further damage. Contact a storm restoration professional and check with your homeowners’ insurance agent to see if the damage is covered under your individual policy.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

11/20/2021 (Permalink)

Stock up on emergency supplies.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

When a flood warning sounds, it's too late to begin protecting your business from flooding. You need to prepare long before storms and heavy rains move your way. Use the following tips to keep your Georgetown, TX, business, employees, and clients safe.

Reach Out to Local and National Resources

If your business is situated in an area prone to floods, it's a good idea to talk to your insurance company about coverage for this eventuality. You'll feel much better about your outlook when storms do hit. The insurance company may provide advice about the best strategies to protect your property and belongings. Other resources could include:

• The federal government website on floods and prevention
  
• Local flood remediation companies
  
• Professional surveyors and architects in Georgetown, TX
  
  

Create a Flood Safety Plan

This plan should include an evacuation route, a protocol for protecting business equipment and inventory, and a communication plan that goes into place as soon as flooding becomes a concern. After working out the details of the plan, train your staff on how to respond and run annual evacuation drills. Don't forget to address the dangers of black water and power outages.

Identify Specific Areas of Danger

You may have a lot of equipment in your building that runs on electricity. As the water rises, those machines could pose an increased risk of danger as well as costing a pretty penny to replace. If there's time to turn off your copiers, computers, and other electronics; and carry those items up to higher levels of the building. When outlets go under the water, there could be an electricity risk. If you have gas heating, that system could also pose a safety risk.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

Businesses in communities that are often affected by flooding may want to have plenty of sandbags on hand. Other supplies, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios, should also be kept in a central position that can be accessed easily when warnings are given.

Category 3: Levels of Contamination

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded home in Andice, TX.

Water Categories

Many people have fond memories of splashing barefoot in puddles after a storm when they were children. Lingering flood water is actually pretty contaminated, though. When it seeps into your home in Andice, TX, it can cause water damage that only water remediation experts can resolve. Water from flooding is considered Category 3 water, meaning it is not safe to ingest on account of its high germ level. All Category 3 water, however, is not the same.

Level 1

Water can be very contaminated without causing a huge problem. Some factors make black water easy to clean up:

• Originates in house
  
• Does not come into contact with porous items
  
• Affects small, limited area
  
• Has quick cleanup time
  
  

Black water from an overflowing toilet that was caught before it could become a huge problem is a level 1 contaminant. It is still not safe to ingest but can be cleaned up fairly easily.

Level 2

Category 3 water that originates in the house but causes more significant water damage is the next level of contamination. It may affect both porous and nonporous materials. Technicians who remediate this damage often have to cut out walls and replace them. Carpet, carpet pads and furniture upholstery that has been in contact with this water must be thrown away if they cannot be cleaned.

Level 3

Flood water from a storm falls into the third level of Category 3 black water. If your home is flooded by a storm, you must engage professional help for cleanup. Certified technicians use industrial cleaners to make sure that every bit of contamination is gone. They also ensure that all damage is fixed and that your home is returned to its previous livable state.

No matter what level Category 3 water you have in your home, it can cause significant water damage. It not only has to be dried to prevent mold and other problems but also cleaned so that the environment of your home is safe again.

What To Do After a Sewage Backup Floods Your Home

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Overflowing toilet.

What to Do If Your House Is Flooded by Sewage

The thought of rainwater flooding your home in Georgetown, TX, overwhelms you. The thought of a sewer backup flooding your home disgusts you. When a city’s sewage system cannot manage the amount of rainfall it can come into your home through your pipes, drains, toilets and sinks. It is hard to visualize something more foul and unsanitary than cleaning the mess. As a homeowner, what do you do next?

Safety First

The presence of any water in your home poses safety hazards, but sewer water requires additional precautions:

• For any flood, the risk of electrical shock is present when there is water in your home. Stay out of flooded areas where electricity is present. Also be alert for the smell of gas, as rain water may extinguish pilot lights.

• When a sewer backup occurs, the flooding introduces black water into your home. This means that there is a high level of contamination present, such as from fecal matter. This type of water contains bacteria, viruses, mold and threatens a myriad of severe health concerns with exposure. Do not come into direct contact with this water.

Next Steps

After your safety is secured, immediately arrange for a water damage specialist to intervene. Due to the involvement of black water, experts consider this an emergency situation, arrive promptly and take the following measures:

• Survey the damage, identify the contaminated water and perform safety procedures.
• Remove excess water with professional-grade equipment.
• Extract remaining moisture with air movers and dehumidifiers.
• Remove odors and sanitize impacted areas using antimicrobial and antibacterial treatments.
• Restore your home and belongings.

When a storm causes a sewer backup at your home in Georgetown, TX, take immediate action. Blackwater is hazardous to your health, so do not come into direct contact with it. Rather, have a water restoration specialist assess the situation and take the necessary steps to restore your home.

How To Deal With Category 3 Water Damage

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Backed up toilet.

An event such as a flood or sewage problem can cause water damage issues to your commercial building in Georgetown, TX. It's important to be prepared for water damage to your building and to know what steps to take to keep yourself, your employees and your building safe. The first thing to do if you have water damage is to understand what category it is. Depending on whether it is category 1, category 2 or category 3, restoration and mitigation processes will be different. If you have category 3 or black water, here are some tips to mitigate damages as quickly as possible.

What Is Category 3 Water?

Category 3, also known as black water, has the highest level of contamination. It may be contaminated with bacteria and microorganisms, and therefore requires the highest level of care when dealing with it. Your building may have category 3 water damage if it has:

• Sewage issues, such as a backed-up toilet or sinks
  
• Standing water from a natural disaster, such as a flood
  
• Pipe malfunctions, such as a pipe burst
  
  

What To Do If Your Building Has Black Water
No matter which type of water damage you have, it's always important to call in a professional water restoration company to help the restoration process, but it's especially important if you have category 3 water damage. Only professionals should deal with removing contaminated water and mitigating damages from this type of water damage. A restoration company will come with the proper personal protective equipment and thorough safety procedures to ensure that everyone is safe while helping mitigated damages.

How To Restore Your Building
After a restoration company has mitigated damages, you may begin the restoration process. The restoration process can include sanitization and removal of any items affected by the water damage.
After your commercial building has completed the restoration process, you can bring building residents back in and resume normal operations.