Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Winter Weather is Coming
1/18/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Trailer and Equipment
Winter weather brings freezing temperatures, and the Portland and surrounding area is anticipating snowy conditions. Ensure your home or business is prepared by reading the tips below.
- Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines. Do NOT put antifreeze in these lines unless directed; antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- 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, if needed. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Ensure that areas where water supply lines are located are insulated enough. Consider leaving kitchen and bathroom sink cabinet doors open and dripping over night if you think they risk being frozen.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate 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.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Temporarily suspend the use of lower nighttime thermostat temperatures to lower the risk of frozen pipes.
No power, no problem
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO storm tent
The American Red Cross encourages that each household and car have a preparedness kit, but sadly only 51.5% of US homes reportedly have an emergency kit ready. Here at SERVPRO of NW Portland, we’re passionate about preparedness. As we head into the 2019 storm season, we recommend homes and businesses prepare power outage kits for the instance they find themselves without power.
Kits should include things like water, canned food, a can opener, flashlights and batteries. Food and water rations should be enough for each person in your household or place of business for 5 days.
To start a power outage kit, grab an old backpack or duffle and add in plenty of bottled water, battery-operated radio and clock, flashlight for each member of your household including extra batteries, non-electric can opener, list of emergency phone numbers including family and friends and a first aid kit.
September is National Preparedness month, and SERVPRO of NW Portland recommends that individuals explore our blogs to learn more on how to prepare for disaster.
Should disaster, like water damage from a dishwasher leak or pipe break, affect your home, call SERVPRO of NW Portland today at 503-684-5829.
After the storm
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO storm team
Storm damage can be a devastating and life altering experience. The first days proceeding a major storm can leave a homeowner overwhelmed and perplexed about what to do next. Some careful and calculated planning will help you and your family return to normal as soon as possible.
Safety Concerns
Regardless of if your home was flooded, hit by torrential wind or was the casualty of an electrical storm, the end result is still dangerous. Electricity can be conducted into standing water and mold will most certainly be an issue. Until a thorough evaluation by a qualified person can be conducted, it’s best to avoid the site altogether. If it all possible, consider staying with relatives or at a hotel or a shelter. Make sure to bring a weeks’ worth of clothing and supplies. Your home should be professionally inspected prior to returning.
Government assistance
Often times after a major storm, FEMA will make provisions for those affected by major storm damage. This includes help with housing, meals, home repairs and assistance with filing insurance claims. For more information contact your local FEMA representative.
Documentation
Make sure to document as much as possible about the storm and the damage to your home, especially if your home owners insurance policy is more specific about the type of damage it will cover. Take as many photos as possible and note any major issues such as mold, exposed power lines and crumbling walls. This will all come in handy when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Filing a claim
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. A claims representative should be assigned to you. Work with him to initiate repairs. This process can sometimes drag on for several months, but generally speaking, most policies will pay for the damage after your deductible has been paid. More often than not, homeowners policies do not cover flooding. If your home has been flooded, you need to contact your flood insurance provider. If you do not have flood insurance, you will have to pay for your repairs out of pocket. If you live in an area where flooding is a potential, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.
Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Portland
As water and storm damage specialists, we have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. 503-283-3658
Preparing for a flood
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO equipment
While it’s less common to experience flood damage in your home or business in Oregon and Southwest Washington, there is still a risk that it could happen on your property. If you ever experience flood damage, there are action steps you can take to protect your property before a restoration professional like SERVPRO of Northwest Portland responds.
Secure the Property:
- Contact local emergency officials, if the flood is a large weather event.
- Secure main entrances to the building.
- Alert your security company and alarm company of the situation.
Stabilize the Property:
- Open basement or low-level windows to equalize water pressure on the building’s foundation and walls.
- Begin water damage mitigation steps only if local emergency officials deem the structure safe to enter.
- Notify your insurance agent or Risk Manager to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.
If you want to look up the flood risk map for your property, visit FEMA.gov to see their breakdown of your area. If you do sustain flood damage in your property, make sure to call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658 as soon as possible.
What To Do After a Storm
10/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Truck and Crew
In the Pacific Northwest, storm damage can occur almost year round and can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home. Heavy rainfall can potentially cause flooding, and those strong winds coming out of the Columbia River gorge can equal down trees on your property. After the storm damage can also create health and safety challenges as well. It is wise to have a strategy in place to help you be ready in the event of storm related damage to your home.
Use Caution
Strong winds and rain can create tangible physical hazards such as falling or collapsed roof materials, broken window glass, compromised wall structure and standing and possibly stagnant water in the basement or crawl space. Additionally, moisture can permeate into carpets, furniture, drapes and walls, creating an ideal environment for unhealthy mold to flourish. Turn off your main gas line if you smell gas. Use caution and keep an eye out for broken glass, exposed nails and other sharp objects. Contact SERVPRO of NW Portland as soon as possible to start the remediation process. It may be necessary to make alternate housing arrangements while your home is being restored.
Take Pictures
If you can safely navigate around your property, take as many photos of your property as you can to provide to your insurance company. This will help with insurance compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Alert your insurance agent of your homes damage immediately. An adjuster will be dispatched to assess the damages to your home. SERVPRO of NW Portland can help your navigate this process.
When storm related disaster strikes, you may be filled with a myriad of emotions, but having these steps in place can help you start the process of getting your life back to normal. SERVPRO of NW Portland offers 24/7 disaster restoration services. We are always here to help. 503-283-3658
Storms come with heavy rain
9/15/2021 (Permalink)
Many natural bodies of water provide hours of fun and relaxation to Portland residents. If they overflow due to heavy rains, flooding can rush into homes and cause extensive damage. Mitigating such damage by professionals restores homes to pre-flood condition.
When residents find their floors soggy with water, flood damage in Portland is already beginning. Carpets become ruined quickly, and the flooring support underneath becomes at risk of becoming severely damaged. Walls made of stucco, drywall and other absorbent materials quickly wick water upwards, making two lines – flood line and a wavy one where moisture prevails.
SERVPRO professionals use pumps of various kinds to remove standing water. Switching to smaller units helps remove puddles inside usually unnoticed depressions. Afterward, we quickly remove the carpeting and padding. Setting up the machinery to dry out floors comes next. Walls that receive immediate attention can often remain standing instead of being torn away and replaced. We include the treatments needed to kill any pathogens, as well.
Because flooding inside a home happens on lower levels, many people become surprised at how muggy the air becomes inside their flooded home. Water continually attempts to find equilibrium and uses evaporation and condensation to achieve this state. Opening windows and doors after a flood can help the moisture exit your home to much drier air outside. The air movers used to dry out walls also keeps moisture from settling, and the desiccant machines trap the water molecules before they can condense elsewhere inside your home.
If flooding occurred inside your kitchen area, we can help restore this area to functioning capacity again. However, unlike other areas of your home where cleaning and removal of silt and other minute debris suffices, government regulations require the disposing of all foodstuffs. Contact with floodwater, no matter how temporary, renders those items inedible. In cans, there are too many tiny places where dangerous pathogens can hide, and the risk of contamination is extremely high. Bleach may render these pathogens inert, but it can also corrode the can and cause additional problems.
Fun family activities that prepare children for storm events
1/20/2021 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we believe in the importance of preparedness. With winter storms looming on our horizon, it’s more important than ever to ensure the children in your household are prepared.
In a report titled “Bringing Youth Preparedness Education to the Forefront,” created by the National Commission on Children and Disasters, the researchers asserted that children should not be treated the same as adults when it comes to disaster preparedness. They found that many preparedness training and education programs didn’t explicitly account for youth, while also asserting that children are not passive victims during a disaster event and therefore should be accounted for. To read the report in full, visit Ready.Gov here.
While the report was created from data collected in the early 2010s, it brings valid insight into how we can better prepare our community’s youth. Below, you will find resources for the children in your life to explore preparedness, often structured as a family activity.
- Prepare for disaster with Ready Wrigley! Description: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created Ready Wrigley to provide young children, parents, guardians, and teachers with tips, activities, and a story to help the whole family prepare for emergencies.”
- Have your child play fun, interactive games that focus on responding and preparing for disaster events! Disaster Master | Build a Kit
- Help the children in your life cope after a storm event with Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day.
No matter what storm event may lie ahead, these tools are a great way to start preparing every member in your family - you can even find resources for pet preparedness!
If you and your family end up sustaining property damage during a storm event, trust that SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to help you recover. Call us any time, any day at 503-283-3658.
Source: FEMA, CDC, Ready.Gov, National Commission on Children and Disasters
The connection between thunderstorms and flash flooding
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
In the Pacific Northwest, thunderstorms can be familiar. However, it’s important to be aware of how they can be dangerous, and how you can be prepared. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we wanted to share some vital information on how thunderstorms and dangerous flash flooding are connected.
Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, often ones that move repeatedly over the same area, or heavy rains from tropical storms and hurricanes. Tropical storms don’t often make their way to the Pacific Northwest because of the cooler temperature in the Pacific Ocean, however we are no stranger to severe stormy weather.
Flash floods can develop within minutes, but can also take hours - it depends on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography of the area, the soil conditions and the ground cover. Staying tuned in to the weather service and NOAA can help you stay informed during heavy rain events and storms.
Once a flash flood develops, it becomes a force to be reckoned with. Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Flood-producing rains can also trigger secondary events, such as landslides and mudslides.
If sudden heavy rain and rising standing water happens near you, it’s advised that you avoid them if you can. If you are driving, the safest option is to pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and wait out the heavy rain conditions until the road is safer.
To read more about thunderstorm safety and flood safety, visit Ready.Gov.
No matter the storm event, SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to respond to the area for storm response restoration and repairs. Once you are safe and ready to receive service, call us at 503-283-3658.
Sources: weather.gov
Understanding severe thunderstorm risk categories
11/30/2020 (Permalink)
In the Pacific Northwest, thunderstorms can be familiar. However, it’s important to be aware of how dangerous they can be, and how you can interpret weather forecasts and warnings. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we wanted to share some vital information on thunderstorms. We encourage you to save this blog for reference, as understanding the risk categories for thunderstorms and what can be expected from each category can be valuable information in your safety response.
These categories are used by the National Weather Service and other weather agencies, such as NOAA.
General thunderstorms (no label)
- Light green shading
- Depicts a 10% or higher probability of non-severe or near severe thunderstorms.
- Damage to property or roadways can still occur at this level, so staying alert is still advisable.
Severe Category 1 - Marginal Risk
- Dark green shading
- Marginal (MRGL) risk of severe thunderstorms during the forecast period.
- 2% probability or greater tornado probability OR
- Probability for severe hail OR severe wind.
Severe Category 2 - Slight
- Yellow shading
- Slight (SLGT) risk of severe thunderstorms during the forecast period.
- 5% probability or greater tornado probability OR
- 15% probability for severe hail or severe wind probability WITH OR WITHOUT 10% or greater probability of hail 2 inches or greater in diameter OR
- Wind gusts 75 mph (120 km/h) or greater.
Severe Category 3 - Enhanced
- Orange shading
- Enhanced (ENH) risk of severe thunderstorms during the forecast period.
- 10% probability for any tornado WITH OR WITHOUT 10% or greater probability of an EF2+ tornado OR
- 15% probability for any tornado OR
- 30% severe hail or severe wind probability WITH OR WITHOUT 10% or greater probability of hail 2 inches or greater in diameter, or wind gusts 75 mph or greater, OR
- 45% probability of severe hail or wind.
Severe Category 4 - Moderate
- Red shading
- Moderate (MDT) risk of severe thunderstorms are expected.
- 15% tornado probability AND 10% or greater probability of an EF2+ tornado OR
- 30% probability of any tornado OR
- 45% severe wind probability AND 10% or greater probability of wind gusts 75 mph or greater OR
- 45% severe hail probability AND 10% or greater probability of hail 2 inches or greater in diameter OR
- 60% severe wind probability OR
- 60% severe hail probability WITH OR WITHOUT 10% or greater probability of hail 2 inches or greater in diameter.
Severe Category 5 - High
- Fuchsia shading
- High (HIGH) risk of severe thunderstorms are expected.
- 30% tornado probability AND 10% or greater probability of an EF2+ tornado OR
- 45% or greater probability for any tornado WITH OR WITHOUT 10% or greater probability of an EF2+ tornado OR
- 60% severe wind probability AND a 10% or greater probability of a wind gust 75 mph or greater.
To read more about thunderstorm safety and flood safety, visit Ready.Gov.
No matter the storm event, SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to respond to the area immediately. Once you are safe and ready to receive service, call us at 503-283-3658.
Sources: weather.gov
Portland weather emergency alerts and how to receive them
11/16/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658.
When inclement weather or storms brew in the Portland area, there are a few ways that residents can stay informed through local and regional alert systems. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we want you to have the necessary information to ensure you receive these emergency alerts during stormy weather.
The City of Portland uses the following alert systems.
1. Emergency Alert System (EAS)
The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that may be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information. EAS interrupts radio and television broadcasts to deliver safety instructions, but you can also hear their broadcasts on NOAA Weather Radios. The National Weather Service (NWS) is the agency that most often activates the EAS in Portland.
2. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
WEA allows countywide and regional text warnings to be delivered directly to WEA-enabled mobile devices. The public does not need to register for this service. WEA geo-locates individuals so messages will reach all WEA-capable devices within the specified area, including visitors.
3. Community Emergency Notification System (CENS)
CENS is a system operated jointly by the City of Portland and Multnomah County. CENS is used for urgent safety warnings to stay indoors, evacuate or take other safety actions.
You can register to receive CENS alerts by visiting PublicAlerts.org and signing up to receive voice, text, and/or email messages. The system is also capable of sending messages in the ten languages more commonly spoken in Portland. Please note: CENS cannot reach people with urgent messages if they do not have a telephone.
4. PBOT and ODOT message boards
When motorists are the affected individuals of the weather event, message boards can be a valuable resource to warn motorists of hazards, such as high water.
Being prepared for stormy weather is the first step to preventing property damage due to weather events. If you do sustain damage to your home or business this winter, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658 as soon as practical.
Source: City of Portland
What to remember if a landslide occurs near you
10/29/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658.
As the Pacific Northwest heads into the rainy season, it’s important for Oregon and Southwest Washington residents to know how to respond if a landslide occurs in their area. The first priority in any weather event is to ensure everyone’s safety. If you end up experiencing property damage after a landslide event due to a wind or rain storm, you can trust SERVPRO of Northwest Portland to handle the restoration of your property with care and attention to detail.
After a landslide occurs, please remember these important details tips:
- Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
- Watch for flooding. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same conditions.
- Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
- All trained professionals to check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
- If damage from the landslide affected your property, take photos of all the affected areas. This will be helpful in any insurance claims you may open during the restoration process.
If you are concerned about the flood risk of your property and its surrounding area, you can check your flood zone by visiting FEMA’s website at FEMA.gov.
To learn more about how you can prepare your property for storm damage, read our previous blogs on storm damage.
If you experience property damage of any kind to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland as soon as practical at 503-283-3658.
Sources: Ready.gov, FEMA.gov
Securing your property after a flood event
9/9/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658.
While it’s less common to experience flood damage in your home or business in Oregon and Southwest Washington, there is still a risk that it could happen on your property. If you ever experience flood damage, there are action steps you can take to protect your property before a restoration professional like SERVPRO of Northwest Portland responds.
Secure the Property:
- Contact local emergency officials, if the flood is a large weather event.
- Secure main entrances to the building.
- Alert your security company and alarm company of the situation.
Stabilize the Property:
- Open basement or low-level windows to equalize water pressure on the building’s foundation and walls.
- Begin water damage mitigation steps only if local emergency officials deem the structure safe to enter.
- Notify your insurance agent or Risk Manager to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.
If you want to look up the flood risk map for your property, visit FEMA.gov to see their breakdown of your area. If you do sustain flood damage in your property, make sure to call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658 as soon as possible.
Safety during Portland area thunderstorms
2/28/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland NOW at 503-SERVPRO of you have storm damage in your home or business!
STOP! If you have storm damage in your property right now, call us at 503-SERVPRO RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait to mitigate - the longer damage sits unattended, the more likely it will develop secondary damage. Call us at 503-SERVPRO now.
As we are in the Pacific Northwest, the Portland metro area can be susceptible to thunderstorms and lightning events. While these events can be considered common, they still possess potential dangers and it’s important to be aware of how to stay safe while they pass. Here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland, we’d like to share some vital information regarding thunderstorm safety.
Did you know that lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards? While most lightning victims survive, those struck by lightning often report long-term symptoms.
Thunderstorms are dangerous storms - they can cause lightning, powerful winds, flash flooding, and even tornadoes.
If you hear thunder, or a thunderstorm is reported by the weather service, it is advised that you stay indoors. While both a car and a building can be adequate shelter from thunderstorms, a sturdy building is the safest place to be while it passes.
Ensure that you have emergency supplies such as candles, matches, first aid, food and water in the event that a power outage occurs during the storm.
Always stay informed via The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Weather Service (NWS).
If you end up sustaining storm damage to your property, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland at 503-283-3658.
Stay safe during winter weather in the Portland Area
1/14/2020 (Permalink)
Be READY to call us at 503-SERVPRO if you experience snow or ice property damage!
STOP! If you have water damage in your property right now, call us at 503-SERVPRO RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait to mitigate - the longer damage sits unattended, the more likely it will develop secondary damage. Call us at 503-SERVPRO now.
The Portland Metro Area experienced an “Atmospheric River” in the recent month, and now our area is anticipating a snowfall in the coming week. As we head into the coldest part of our winter season, now is the perfect time to check that you, your family, and your home is prepared for serious winter weather.
Be aware that heavy snow storms and winter weather can:
- Last a few hours or several days;
- Knock out heat, power, and communication services; and
- Place older adults, young children, and sick individuals at greater risk.
You can prepare NOW for winter weather to help manage the risks that come with it.
- Consider signing up to receive emergency alerts from The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and listening to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
- Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Do not forget the needs of pets.
- Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
If your home or business ends up sustaining damage from winter weather, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland as soon as possible - we can help you get your property restored to preloss condition. Don’t wait to mitigate - call us as soon as you see storm damage on your property: 503-283-3658.
Sources: Ready.Gov, The American Red Cross
Prepare your home or business for winter weather
1/10/2020 (Permalink)
Call 503-SERVPRO if you experience water or storm damage this winter.
STOP! If you have water damage in your property right now, call us at 503-SERVPRO RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait to mitigate - the longer damage sits unattended, the more likely it will develop secondary damage. Call us at 503-SERVPRO now.
Winter weather brings freezing temperatures, and the Portland Metro Area is anticipating snowy conditions. Ensure your home or business is prepared by reading the tips below.
- Drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines. Do NOT put antifreeze in these lines unless directed; antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
- 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, if needed. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
- Ensure that areas where water supply lines are located are insulated enough. Consider leaving kitchen and bathroom sink cabinet doors open and dripping over night if you think they risk being frozen.
- Consider installing specific products made to insulate 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.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Temporarily suspend the use of lower nighttime thermostat temperatures to lower the risk of frozen pipes.
If your home or business ends up sustaining damage from winter weather, call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland as soon as possible - we can help you get your property restored to preloss condition. Don’t wait to mitigate - call us as soon as you see storm damage on your property: 503-283-3658.
Sources: Ready.Gov, The American Red Cross
Prepare for Portland Fall Rain Storms
11/22/2019 (Permalink)
As the Portland Metro area approaches winter weather, it’s important to be aware of the flood and storm risks that could affect your home or business. If you suspect that your home or flood could be exposed to high levels of water due to storms, here are some tips to prepare your property to minimize damage.
First, ensure that crucial utilities are elevated to avoid water damage. This would include furnaces, water heaters, and electric panels.
If necessary, install “check valves” in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.
If water does flood your Portland home or business during a storm, disconnect electrical appliances if it is safe, and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
If water enters your Portland home or business, make sure to call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland as soon as possible to prevent secondary damage. As experts in water damage, we can assist you in putting your life back together after storm damage.
SERVPRO shares tips on how to prepare your home for winter.
10/25/2019 (Permalink)
Prepare for Portland Winter Storms by planning for freezing weather. Call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland if you see water damage!
Winter is just around the corner for Portland Area homes. Whether you are in an apartment or a single family home, it’s important to take steps to prepare your dwelling for the freezing weather that occurs after a winter storm. Here are some tips to consider for this Portland Winter, provided by your friendly Restoration Professionals here at SERVPRO of Northwest Portland.
Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes, and can help prevent complications from freezing temperatures.
Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets in your home - especially if the pipes for the faucets runt through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home. Consider shutting outdoor faucets off completely. Search in basements and crawl spaces to find the shut off values for outdoor faucets.
As freezing temperatures grow colder, ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damning effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
Armed with these tips, you are able to lower your chances of experiencing a water damage occurring in your home due to freezing temperatures and winter weather. Keep an eye on weather reports in the Portland Area as we head further into fall, and call SERVPRO of Northwest Portland immediately if you know you’ve had a water loss.
Prepare for power outages during Portland storm seasons
9/5/2019 (Permalink)
The American Red Cross encourages that each household and car have a preparedness kit, but sadly only 51.5% of US homes reportedly have an emergency kit ready. Here at SERVPRO of NW Portland, we’re passionate about preparedness. As we head into the 2019 storm season, we recommend homes and businesses prepare power outage kits for the instance they find themselves without power.
Kits should include things like water, canned food, a can opener, flashlights and batteries. Food and water rations should be enough for each person in your household or place of business for 5 days.
To start a power outage kit, grab an old backpack or duffle and add in plenty of bottled water, battery-operated radio and clock, flashlight for each member of your household including extra batteries, non-electric can opener, list of emergency phone numbers including family and friends and a first aid kit.
September is National Preparedness month, and SERVPRO of NW Portland recommends that individuals explore our blogs to learn more on how to prepare for disaster.
Should disaster, like water damage from a dishwasher leak or pipe break, affect your home, call SERVPRO of NW Portland today at 503-684-5829.
After The Storm Clears
3/1/2019 (Permalink)
We hope you never experience a devistating storm, but we are here when you need us!
Storm damage can be a devastating and life altering experience. The first days proceeding a major storm can leave a homeowner overwhelmed and perplexed about what to do next. Some careful and calculated planning will help you and your family return to normal as soon as possible.
Safety Concerns
Regardless of if your home was flooded, hit by torrential wind or was the casualty of an electrical storm, the end result is still dangerous. Electricity can be conducted into standing water and mold will most certainly be an issue. Until a thorough evaluation by a qualified person can be conducted, it’s best to avoid the site altogether. If it all possible, consider staying with relatives or at a hotel or a shelter. Make sure to bring a weeks’ worth of clothing and supplies. Your home should be professionally inspected prior to returning.
Government assistance
Often times after a major storm, FEMA will make provisions for those affected by major storm damage. This includes help with housing, meals, home repairs and assistance with filing insurance claims. For more information contact your local FEMA representative.
Documentation
Make sure to document as much as possible about the storm and the damage to your home, especially if your home owners insurance policy is more specific about the type of damage it will cover. Take as many photos as possible and note any major issues such as mold, exposed power lines and crumbling walls. This will all come in handy when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Filing a claim
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. A claims representative should be assigned to you. Work with him to initiate repairs. This process can sometimes drag on for several months, but generally speaking, most policies will pay for the damage after your deductible has been paid. More often than not, homeowners policies do not cover flooding. If your home has been flooded, you need to contact your flood insurance provider. If you do not have flood insurance, you will have to pay for your repairs out of pocket. If you live in an area where flooding is a potential, consider purchasing a flood insurance policy.
Contact SERVPRO of Northwest Portland
As water and storm damage specialists, we have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete. 503-283-3658
Heavy Rains Can Equal Property Damage in Portland
2/18/2019 (Permalink)
The wet weather in Porland can sometimes be a problem for homeowners. SERVPRO of NW Portland is always here to help.
Many natural bodies of water provide hours of fun and relaxation to Portland residents. If they overflow due to heavy rains, flooding can rush into homes and cause extensive damage. Mitigating such damage by professionals restores homes to pre-flood condition.
When residents find their floors soggy with water, flood damage in Portland is already beginning. Carpets become ruined quickly, and the flooring support underneath becomes at risk of becoming severely damaged. Walls made of stucco, drywall and other absorbent materials quickly wick water upwards, making two lines – flood line and a wavy one where moisture prevails.
SERVPRO professionals use pumps of various kinds to remove standing water. Switching to smaller units helps remove puddles inside usually unnoticed depressions. Afterward, we quickly remove the carpeting and padding. Setting up the machinery to dry out floors comes next. Walls that receive immediate attention can often remain standing instead of being torn away and replaced. We include the treatments needed to kill any pathogens, as well.
Because flooding inside a home happens on lower levels, many people become surprised at how muggy the air becomes inside their flooded home. Water continually attempts to find equilibrium and uses evaporation and condensation to achieve this state. Opening windows and doors after a flood can help the moisture exit your home to much drier air outside. The air movers used to dry out walls also keeps moisture from settling, and the desiccant machines trap the water molecules before they can condense elsewhere inside your home.
If flooding occurred inside your kitchen area, we can help restore this area to functioning capacity again. However, unlike other areas of your home where cleaning and removal of silt and other minute debris suffices, government regulations require the disposing of all foodstuffs. Contact with floodwater, no matter how temporary, renders those items inedible. In cans, there are too many tiny places where dangerous pathogens can hide, and the risk of contamination is extremely high. Bleach may render these pathogens inert, but it can also corrode the can and cause additional problems.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to help you with flood damage when the Columbia or the Willamette overflow in our area. Calling 503-283-3658 puts you in contact with our 24-hour service and begins the restoration process every flooded home needs.
The Many Faces of Storm Damage Restoration
2/6/2019 (Permalink)
If you live in the Portland area, a storm is ALWAYS coming! Good thing SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ALWAYS here to help!
The damage a storm does to your home is contingent on the type of storm in question. Additionally, the level of severity of the storm has an impact of how much damage your home will sustain as well as the area that will be affected.
An example of this would be the effects of heavy, torrential rains verses the effects of a hailstorm. A hailstorm has the potential to damage your roof and external parts of your home but leave no water damages, while heavy rains can cause flooding and water damage, but not have any effect on your roof shingles or siding.
After a damaging storm has passed and your home or business has been left with damage, you will need a restoration contractor with the reputation, staff, equipment and knowledge to get the job done fast and expediently. We believe we are that company.
Here are two examples of the many types of storm damage you may encounter in the Portland area:
- Flooding – The main concern when it comes to flooding will be water damage to your home or business. The restoration company you go with will need to be able to handle water damage restoration work and all the many variables that come with it.
- Wind – This can be a big issue for those of us who live at the base of the Columbia River gorge! Damages from strong winds can include damage from flying debris and organic material that can damage roofing and break windows and sometimes affect structural components of the building. It is a good idea to choose a company that can assist with structural restoration.
Regardless of the type of damaged sustained in the Portland metro area, SERVPRO of Northwest Portland has you and your family covered. We take pride in our involvement in our community, as well as being a part of an elite nationally recognized restoration service provider.
As a fire, water and storm disaster restoration specialist, SERVPRO of Northwest Portland utilizes and maintains and inventory of state of the art equipment and houses a staff of highly trained and IICRC certified personnel to return your home or business to a preloss condition. We are available 24 hours a day to tackle any issue the winter weather may throw at your home or business. 503-283-3658
SERVPRO of NW Portland is READY For Storm Season!
11/20/2018 (Permalink)
The wet season is upon us, and SERVPRO of NW Portland is ready!
SERVPRO of NW Portland is a storm and flood restoration juggernaut! Our staff is highly trained and IICRC certified to handle the stormy and wet weather common to the Pacific Northwest. Our warehouse is stocked with state of the art equipment and we are fully prepared to bring your home or business back to a preloss condition following storm damage.
FASTER TO ANY SIZE DISASTER
It’s not just a catch phrase! As a locally owned and operated business, we are prepared to respond quickly and expediently with the right tools and knowledge to get the job done FAST. After a heavy rain storm, a quick response is CRITICAL to minimizing potential secondary damages and costs to your Portland home or business.
A NATIONAL COMMUNITY OF STORM & FLOOD RESOURCE
In Multnomah County, a storm disaster can strike at any time. Our team of professionals is poised and ready to assess the damage and measure our resources to tackle a large storm or water loss. Our national affiliation enables us to draw from a network of over 1700 SERVPRO franchises across the country. Our DISASER RECOVERY TEAMS are renowned throughout the restoration industry and are located strategically across the entire United States.
If your home or business ever suffers from storm damage, take the guesswork out of the equation and call the experts with a proven track record to get the job done right. Call SERVPRO of NW Portland. We are available 24/7 and are ready for any disaster at any time. 503-283-3658
Tips to Mitigate Storm Damage from Structural Defects
10/24/2018 (Permalink)
If you live in Portland, a storm is ALWAYS brewing. Are you and your family ready?
Storms that dump many inches of rain over the period of just a few hours expose your home to the risk of severe flooding inside your foundation. The causes of these storm-related outcomes focus on the condition and capacity of gutter and downspout systems as well as the possibility of seepage because of the supersaturated ground. Our crews train extensively to respond to these types of conditions, ready to turn back the clock and return your Portland house to you “Like it never even happened.”
Several days of incessant rains soak the ground surrounding your house. The water finds nowhere to go but through the cinder blocks into your foundation. As the pounding rain rolls off the roof into your gutters, it spills over, sending torrents of water over the edge of your foundation. We have answers to the flood damage afflicting your Portland home, dilemma, and you can almost guarantee yourself a better result if you call for our services immediately without trying to manage the influx of water by yourself.
Our team ascertains if it is safe to work in the flooded basement, and we begin pumping out the water. We hit the ground running even if the power in your home is unavailable to use because of our powerful truck mounted submersible pumps and water extractors. Once the water level reduces, SERVPRO team members assess the condition of any mechanical systems and determine whether stored items or furnishings sustained flood damage. Cinder block walls are notorious for holding water within interior cells. Sophisticated scanning techniques find pockets of water, and we drill through mortar joints to release it. Air movers and dehumidifiers begin the process of drying the walls and floors.
SERVPRO does not leave you high and dry after completion of the job. We consult with you about the reasons for this destructive event. Water incursions through the walls of your foundation signal that the grading around your home may need review. Poorly performing gutters and downspouts may need an upgrade. We also work you through the insurance claim process as storm related flooding frequently is a covered instance.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is poised to perform when you call (503) 283-3658. No disaster is too big or too small for our professionals to lend their training and experience to meet your needs in Portland, St Johns, or even Concordia.
Storm Damage & Preventative Maintenance
8/21/2018 (Permalink)
Is your Portland home prepared for a storm?
SERVPRO of NW Portland prides itself on being a leader in the commercial and residential restoration industry. As storm damage experts, we help home and business owners recover from small incidental damage all the way up to total loss after a major storm.
Storm Damage starts with severe weather, such as hail, heavy winds, hail and most common to our region, rain. The potential a storm has to damage your property is directly related to how protected your property is and if due diligence has been paid to preventative maintenance on your home or property. An example of this would be small leaks that have gone undetected and addressed for a substantial amount of time until they become a much bigger and more expensive issue.
SERVPRO of NW Portland is your local storm damage company and we can help identify some of these smaller issues before they become bigger ones. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to provide you with superior emergency service after a major storm as well as help secure your property and belongings to minimize continued damage.
Call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your home or business in the event of a storm emergency. 503-283-3658
After Storm Tips
3/9/2018 (Permalink)
When April showers become Spring storms, damage can occur.
Spring is in the air! After the long, grey and dreary winter, those of us in the Portland area welcome this time of year with open arms. As the sun starts to peak its head around the corner, many northwest residents start their gardens and begin to make plans to get out in the much anticipated sunshine. Although we are finally seeing a bit more blue sky, we are not quite in the clear just yet. Spring often brings some severe wet weather and flash flooding mixed in with the sunshine. Spring storms can sometimes prove to be the most severe in terms of rainfall for some Portland area residents. Knock on wood, but it is very seldom that we get through the spring without at least ONE major rainstorm. After the storm, it’s important to know what to do, as well as what not to do. We’ve put together a few tips that you and your family can use in the event of a spring flood.
- Photograph The Damage. You can never take too many photos. Your insurance company will thank you and you will have a much easier time with your claim if you have good photos.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider. As soon as you have gathered preliminary information, you should contact your home insurance provider. In the event that your vehicle has suffered damage, contact your auto insurance provider.
- Safety First. Be mindful of fallen power lines and take care not to come in contact with electrically charged water.
- Inspect Plumbing. Turn of your water main if necessary. Contact a trusted plumbing contractor if you discover plumbing damage.
- Disconnect electrical appliances that have come in contact with water. Turn off main power at the power source. Contact a electrician if you discover damaged electrical wires.
- Inspect your roof. Heavy rains and wind may have dislodged some of your roofing. If you discover any damage, contact a roofing contractor.
- Contact SERVPRO of NW Portland. If the storm has resulted in flooding, call SERVPRO of NW Portland immediately to start the water remediation process. Secondary water damage can occur in as little as 24 hours.
- DO NOT attempt to remove fallen trees yourself. Contact a reputable arborist if the tree is on your property or the appropriate municipality if it has fallen across public lands or roads.
- Always work with trustworthy local service providers. Unfortunately, there are some companies that attempt to take advantage of storm events. Always obtain a written contract that outlines the service expectations and a breakdown of costs.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a storm event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. If storm damage strikes your home, trust the damage restoration industry leader. 503-283-3658
Helpful After Storm Tips For Portland Homeowners
3/1/2018 (Permalink)
Storm damage can be especially traumatic. It's good to have a plan together in the event of a disaster.
In the Pacific Northwest, storm damage can occur almost year round and can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your home. Heavy rainfall can potentially cause flooding, and those strong winds coming out of the Columbia River gorge can equal down trees on your property. After the storm damage can also create health and safety challenges as well. It is wise to have a strategy in place to help you be ready in the event of storm related damage to your home.
Use Caution
Strong winds and rain can create tangible physical hazards such as falling or collapsed roof materials, broken window glass, compromised wall structure and standing and possibly stagnant water in the basement or crawl space. Additionally, moisture can permeate into carpets, furniture, drapes and walls, creating an ideal environment for unhealthy mold to flourish. Turn off your main gas line if you smell gas. Use caution and keep an eye out for broken glass, exposed nails and other sharp objects. Contact SERVPRO of NW Portland as soon as possible to start the remediation process. It may be necessary to make alternate housing arrangements while your home is being restored.
Take Pictures
If you can safely navigate around your property, take as many photos of your property as you can to provide to your insurance company. This will help with insurance compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Alert your insurance agent of your homes damage immediately. An adjuster will be dispatched to assess the damages to your home. SERVPRO of NW Portland can help your navigate this process.
When storm related disaster strikes, you may be filled with a myriad of emotions, but having these steps in place can help you start the process of getting your life back to normal. SERVPRO of NW Portland offers 24/7 disaster restoration services. We are always here to help. 503-283-3658
When a storms strikes Portland, SERVPRO is ready!
2/12/2018 (Permalink)
From small pipe leaks to a full scale storm event, SERVPRO of NW Portland has seen it all and is ready to help when disaster strikes!
As a flood damage restoration specialist, SERVPRO of NW Portland utilizes and maintains and inventory of state of the art equipment and houses a staff of highly trained and certified personnel to return your property to a pre-storm condition.
Faster To Any Size Disaster
Being a locally owned and operated business enables us to respond fast with the correct resources. This is critical, as a fast response minimizes potential secondary damage and reduces the restoration cost.
Storm & Flood Resources
When a storm strikes Multnomah County, our team will measure our resources to handle a either a large storm or a flooding disaster. We have continuous access to equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams [[Click to your disaster recovery page]] that are strategically located throughout the entire United States.
When Storm or Flood Damage Stikes, Call the Experts at SERVPRO of NW Portland
http://www.SERVPROnorthwestportland.com/emergency-restoration
Heavy Rains in the Portland Area Can Spell Flood Damage in St. Johns
11/19/2017 (Permalink)
Your flooded home deserves the complete attention our SERVPRO team will provide after a flooding event. Contact us for a quick response.
Our Certified Technicians Arrive Equipped to Thoroughly Dry Out Your Flooded Property
After weeks of heavy rain some homeowners in St. Johns face the potential for flooding. Rain totals of more than an inch over the period of days and no end to the precipitation in sight make residents in our area uneasy. Our project managers, crews, and equipment are ready if you call.
Although Portland municipal officials take many steps to manage the local heavy precipitation, sometimes the rains in the neighborhood create significant flood damage in St. Johns. When your home is the one affected, you have just one concern -- how can I get help to remediate all the flood damage issues? Our technicians train in a wide range of restoration disciplines that all combine to return your house to you “Like it never even happened.”
When flood waters rise in the lower levels of your home, reach out for help from SERVPRO immediately. The longer you wait for help, the more probable the water will severely damage the structure of your home and your treasured possessions and important papers and documents. Flood waters also frequently contain substantial quantities of contaminants that expose you and your family to potentially hazardous substances including bloodborne pathogens, chemicals, and human and animal waste.
We arrive ready for any possibility. Our technicians prepare continually through IICRC approved coursework for flood damage remediation and abatement of a broad range of regular and biohazard. A project manager assesses the flood and types the waters as clean, gray (slightly contaminated), or black (dangerously tainted with sewage or other contaminated waste). We pump and extract the water, seeking out hidden pockets or water and filth with state of the art scanners and moisture meters. Contaminated fluids are contained and disposed of according to local codes.
Technicians treat flood areas with antimicrobial products matched to the contaminants noted. Air movers and dehumidifiers continue to remove moisture, essential to avoid more deterioration or mold damage. We pack out any water soaked possessions to a staging area where decisions to discard, or dry are made with your input. SERVPRO offers modern freeze-drying technologies for papers, a more cost-effective and successful method than air drying or dehumidification.
Speedy and thorough, the SERVPRO of Northwest Portland team manages all steps from flooded to clean and dry. As soon as practicable after the flooding is noted, call (503) 283-3658 for our high-quality flood remediation services.
For more information about the City of St. Johns, Oregon visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns,_Portland,_Oregon
Overflowing Water Brings Flood Damage to Portland Homes
10/25/2017 (Permalink)
Flooding destroys building structure quickly and from the bottom up. Contact SERVPRO for drying out, remediation efforts and restoration.
Our Technicians Follow the Water's Path to Find Any Pockets That Can Harbor Floodwaters in Your Home
Many natural bodies of water provide hours of fun and relaxation to Portland residents. If they overflow due to heavy rains, flooding can rush into homes and cause extensive damage. Mitigating such damage by professionals restores homes to pre-flood condition.
When residents find their floors soggy with water, flood damage in Portland is already beginning. Carpets become ruined quickly, and the flooring support underneath becomes at risk of becoming severely damaged. Walls made of stucco, drywall and other absorbent materials quickly wick water upwards, making two lines – flood line and a wavy one where moisture prevails.
SERVPRO professionals use pumps of various kinds to remove standing water. Switching to smaller units helps remove puddles inside usually unnoticed depressions. Afterward, we quickly remove the carpeting and padding. Setting up the machinery to dry out floors comes next. Walls that receive immediate attention can often remain standing instead of being torn away and replaced. We include the treatments needed to kill any pathogens, as well.
Because flooding inside a home happens on lower levels, many people become surprised at how muggy the air becomes inside their flooded home. Water continually attempts to find equilibrium and uses evaporation and condensation to achieve this state. Opening windows and doors after a flood can help the moisture exit your home to much drier air outside. The air movers used to dry out walls also keeps moisture from settling, and the desiccant machines trap the water molecules before they can condense elsewhere inside your home.
If flooding occurred inside your kitchen area, we can help restore this area to functioning capacity again. However, unlike other areas of your home where cleaning and removal of silt and other minute debris suffices, government regulations require the disposing of all foodstuffs. Contact with floodwater, no matter how temporary, renders those items inedible. In cans, there are too many tiny places where dangerous pathogens can hide, and the risk of contamination is extremely high. Bleach may render these pathogens inert, but it can also corrode the can and cause additional problems.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready to help you with flood damage when the Columbia or the Willamette overflow in our area. Calling (503) 283-3658 puts you in contact with our 24-hour service and begins the restoration process every flooded home needs.
For more information regarding Portland, click here
Inadequate Gutters And Downspouts Cause Foundation Flood Damage In Portland
8/22/2017 (Permalink)
Portland Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup
SERVPRO Tips to Mitigate Storm Damage from Structural Defects
Storms that dump many inches of rain over the period of just a few hours expose your home to the risk of severe flooding inside your foundation. The causes of these storm-related outcomes focus on the condition and capacity of gutter and downspout systems as well as the possibility of seepage because of the supersaturated ground. Our crews train extensively to respond to these types of conditions, ready to turn back the clock and return your Portland house to you “Like it never even happened.”
Several days of incessant rains soak the ground surrounding your house. The water finds nowhere to go but through the cinder blocks into your foundation. As the pounding rain rolls off the roof into your gutters, it spills over, sending torrents of water over the edge of your foundation. We have answers to the flood damage afflicting your Portland home, dilemma, and you guarantee yourself a better result if you call for our services immediately without trying to manage the influx of water by yourself.
Our team ascertains that it is safe to work in the flooded basement, and we begin pumping out the water. We hit the ground running even if the power in your home is unavailable to use because of our powerful truck mounted submersible pumps and water extractors. Once the water level reduces, SERVPRO team members assess the condition of any mechanical systems and determine whether stored items or furnishings sustained flood damage. Cinder block walls are notorious for holding water within interior cells. Sophisticated scanning techniques find pockets of water, and we drill through mortar joints to release it. Air movers and dehumidifiers begin the process of drying the walls and floors.
SERVPRO does not leave you high and dry after completion of the job. We consult with you about the reasons for this destructive event. Water incursions through the walls of your foundation signal that the grading around your home may need review. Poorly performing gutters and downspouts may need an upgrade. We also work you through the insurance claim process as storm related flooding frequently is a covered instance.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is poised to perform when you call (503) 283-3658. No disaster is too big or too small for our professionals to lend their training and experience to meet your needs in Portland, St Johns, or even Concordia.
More about this city here.
When Storms or Floods hit Multnomah County, SERVPRO of Northwest Portland is ready!
12/28/2016 (Permalink)
Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in the Portland Area.
SERVPRO of Northwest Portland 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 in the Multnomah County 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 http://www.SERVPROnorthwestportland.com/emergency-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (503) 283-2658 SERVPRO of NW Portland
SERVPRO of NW Portland Mobilizes to Help Louisiana Flood Victims
8/24/2016 (Permalink)
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call SERVPRO of NW Portland & SERVPRO of Lake Oswego/West Linn at (503) 283-3658
As floods ravage the State of Louisiana the team of professionals from SERVPRO of Northwest Portland jump into action to help Louisiana flood damage victims.
Louisiana Officials Say: At least 13 killed and 30,000 rescued following severe Louisiana weather. With more than 40,000 homes being affected, the Red Cross said this is the U.S.'s worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency on Friday.
Our team of professionals loaded vehicles and a couple trailers with the proper equipment needed and headed to Louisiana early Thursday morning to assist the people of Louisiana in the aftermath and cleanup of this massive storm. After 4 long days of driving, they arrived and had boots on the ground ready to help.
#SERVPRONWPortland #SERVPROLakeOswego #SERVPRO #HereToHelp