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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Assessing Storm Damages from High Wind

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy winds cause tree to fall on house

High winds can be a number 1 culprit for some of the worst storm damages seen in and around Fontana, California. These powerful winds are known for their ability to knock down power lines and trees while breaking windows and causing property damage.

Before you begin to look at the damages on your property, make sure you take safety precautions and decide whether inspecting the damage is safe for you or if you need to contact professionals or emergency services.

After the winds have died down and you know that it is safe for you to gauge the damage, it is time to start thinking about your property’s recovery. Make sure to contact a local team of professionals who can help take care of the problem and help get your property back in its best shape.

When our dedicated team responds to storm and wind damage, we come prepared with our extensive knowledge, skills, and equipment. Upon arrival, we will identify all sources of damage and begin a cleanup and restoration plan to make it “Like it never happened.” 

You can count on us to ensure that the property is safe and free of any potential further damages caused by the wind from the store and other debris. Our goal is to give our community the best of the best services as quickly as possible. 

Is your home or business suffering damage from a recent severe storm or wind damage? Learn more. 

Hurricane Kay: A Rare Southern California Tropical Storm Warning

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricane Kay (Photo by NASA via Getty Images)

Prior to Hurricane Kay, Southern California had only seen seven tropical cyclones or storms since 1850, with the most recent being Hurricane Nora in 1997. Because hurricane and tropical storm warnings are so rare for our region, many people were alarmed to get these notifications.

Hurricane Kay made landfall in Baja California Sur as a Category 2 Hurricane with damaging winds and heavy rainfall. As it continued on its path of destruction, it moved into Southern California unleashing winds over 100 mph and dumping over a year’s worth of rain.

Thanks to its historic rainfall and gale-force winds, damage from flooding and strong winds is to be expected. If your property is facing damages from recent heavy rainfall and unpredictable weather, you need a team of professionals who has the training and equipment necessary to make your property “like it never happened.”

Call our local team of professionals today at (909) 357-4337.

Most Common Types of Storm Damages in Southern California

9/11/2022 (Permalink)

Storm rolls in behind home

Storm damage is a common threat that looms over Southern California. Without warning, a severe thunderstorm or heavy rainfall can strike and cause extensive damage to commercial and residential properties in our communities. 

Flooding

While we may not see many days of consistent rainfall, we certainly see downpours that strike without warning. Thanks to low-lying areas in and around Fontana, flooding is among the most common disasters for Fontana residents. When heavy rainfall hits, properties flood, and homeowners and business owners scramble to resolve the problem as quickly as possible to avoid the dangers that come with property floods.

Wind

When storms strike Fontana, so do high winds. These high winds are among the most powerful forces of nature and can take down trees, blow around outdoor furniture, break windows and damage the exterior of your property and create a dangerous environment until properly repaired.

Lightning

While lightning is a rare cause of storm damage, it is a culprit! Lightning can strike trees surrounding your property, or even your property sparking fires or causing trees to fall. While these require different action plans for resolution, both require professional assistance for remediation and repairs.

Mudslides

Living in our near hills and mountains makes your property much more susceptible to mudslides following heavy rainfall. When this heavy rainfall hits and moistens the soil, it becomes loose. This loose soil then begins to glide downhill uprooting trees and taking surface-level rocks with it to create a violent and damaging natural disaster.

When your home or business is hit with storm damage of any kind, you need to take action immediately. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Fontana have the experience and equipment necessary to address storm damages at your property. 

How to Prepare for Severe Thunderstorms

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning strikes building during severe thunderstorm

Severe thunderstorms can strike at any time without notice. All thunderstorms are dangerous due to the production of lightning, but some can quickly become much more violent with flash flooding, damaging winds, hail, cloud-to-ground lightning, and even the occasional tornado. 

When a severe storm is on its way, you are not given much time to prepare. While some precautions should be taken with any thunderstorm, a severe thunderstorm warning suggests a more aggressive storm that needs to be taken seriously.

Dry thunderstorms are unique to our region of the country and cloud-to-ground lightning can spark wildfires. In severe storms that do produce heavy rainfall, we see the dangers of flash flooding. 

When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for Fontana or the surrounding communities, it is important to take action immediately, as you only have a few minutes where it is safe for you to take action. 

The first step is to make sure your family has a plan for safety and that any outdoor activities are going to be delayed until the storm passes. If you must go outside to secure anything that may blow away and cause more damage, do so quickly if it is still safe to do so. 

If you are outside go into a home or building. If you are stuck outside away from structures, your safest option is to get into any hardtop vehicle until the storm passes.

Lightning is extremely unpredictable and always poses risks to individuals and properties. Take the precautions necessary to lower your risk of storm damage, and if disaster strikes, know that you can count on our professionals at SERVPRO of Fontana to help you make it “Like it never happened.”

Most Common Types of Storm Damages in Southern California

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Storm rolls in behind home

Storm damage is a common threat that looms over Southern California. Without warning, a severe thunderstorm or heavy rainfall can strike and cause extensive damage to commercial and residential properties in our communities. 

Flooding

While we may not see many days of consistent rainfall, we certainly see downpours that strike without warning. Thanks to low-lying areas in and around Fontana, flooding is among the most common disasters for Fontana residents. When heavy rainfall hits, properties flood, and homeowners and business owners scramble to resolve the problem as quickly as possible to avoid the dangers that come with property floods.

Wind

When storms strike Fontana, so do high winds. These high winds are among the most powerful forces of nature and can take down trees, blow around outdoor furniture, break windows and damage the exterior of your property and create a dangerous environment until properly repaired.

Lightning

While lightning is a rare cause of storm damage, it is a culprit! Lightning can strike trees surrounding your property, or even your property sparking fires or causing trees to fall. While these require different action plans for resolution, both require professional assistance for remediation and repairs.

Mudslides

Living in our near hills and mountains makes your property much more susceptible to mudslides following heavy rainfall. When this heavy rainfall hits and moistens the soil, it becomes loose. This loose soil then begins to glide downhill uprooting trees and taking surface-level rocks with it to create a violent and damaging natural disaster.

When your home or business is hit with storm damage of any kind, you need to take action immediately. Our professionals at SERVPRO of Fontana have the experience and equipment necessary to address storm damages at your property. 

Protect your Property from Unexpected Storms

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

Storms strike Southern California at unexpected times, in unexpected ways. While we may not frequently face severe weather, we are certainly familiar with the occasional severe storm. When this storm hits, it is often very strong.

When these strong storms strike your Fontana home or business, it is imperative to evaluate the damages immediately. Wind, rain, hail, and lightening are all powerful forces of nature capable of producing extensive damages from debris, fallen trees, flooding, leaks, and more. These damages require an immediate response to allow the property to return to its normal function as quickly as possible. 

If a property is not repaired properly following severe thunderstorms, existing damages could cause new, larger problems to spread throughout the property and create new extensive damages that are much more costly and difficult to remediate. Often, these untreated damages can be beyond repair.

Additionally, these new damages can cause structural damages that, in turn, put the safety and integrity of your property at risk.

Our professional technicians at SERVPRO of Fontana have the experience, knowledge, and equipment in storm damage remediation and water damage. If your home or business faces storm damage, call us for an immediate response.

The Importance of Immediate Storm Damage Remediation

7/3/2021 (Permalink)

Storms and floods are alike in that they both produce extensive damages to any property, and you can’t have one without the other. During or following intense storms or heavy rain, you may find damages due to flooding, leaks, fallen trees (or other debris) and more. When your property is struck it is important to understand the seriousness of these damages and how to address them.

In Southern California, we don’t frequently see heavy rainfall or severe storms, however, when we do get these storms they are often powerful and strong. Storms can provoke a variety of damages to any home or business, putting your property at a standstill. These damages will likely force you out of your home or office until repairs are made. That’s why you need an immediate response from a team of experts trained to identify the problem and the best way to fix it.

Often, those facing water damages following storms think it is simply enough to mop the floor and let it air dry. However, this is not enough. When proper care and remediation techniques are neglected, new damages develop structurally, creating an unsafe structure and living conditions. Professional teams are trained to drain the water and remove excess moisture to protect the structure of your property and those who live (or work) there. 

At SERVPRO of Fontana, we are professionals at a variety of services including storm damage/flood clean up and restoration. Our disaster recovery teams make sure that your home is safe and free of other damages, moisture challenges, and mold to get your property back to normal as quick as possible.

Call us at (909) 358-4337.

What Should I Do If A Hurricane Approaches

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

It’s hurricane season once again, and that means an increased risk of high winds and heavy rain – even for folks not directly in the path of these giant tropical storms. A few particularly nasty hurricanes of late have people wondering what they can do in the event of an incoming disaster.

Here are a few tips to protect your home – and your family – from an approaching hurricane:

Make a Hurricane Readiness Plan

A hurricane readiness plan is hands-down the best way to ensure safety in the event of a disaster. This is something you can plot out today, even if there’s no immediate risk of storms (in fact, that’s probably the best time to do so).

A simple guide for creating your own readiness plan is available at ready.gov. You’ll want to cover important topics like where to find shelter and which evacuation route to take, and practice your plan with the rest of the family. Ready.gov even provides PDFs of wallet-size cards that you can print out, fill out, and keep handy at all times.

Shut Off Your Home’s Electricity

Electrical wiring can easily be damaged by powerful winds and flying debris, making appliances unsafe and potentially sparking fires. If you’re in a flood-prone area this step is especially important, as pools of electrified water are incredibly dangerous.

Protect your home by turning off the electricity at the main circuit breaker, which is often located in the basement or garage (some of the first places to flood when water levels rise). You’ll generally want to leave the power off until local authorities advise that it’s safe to turn back on – better safe than sorry!

Cover Doors and Windows

Both doors and windows are extremely vulnerable to damage from wind and airborne debris, and can allow water to flood your home if breached. Plywood boards are the go-to quick-and-cheap solution, though accordion-style storm shutters are more durable if you have enough time to get them installed. You might also consider picking up some “hurricane film”: a clear plastic peel-and-stick solution that won’t provide much damage resistance but can keep glass shards from becoming deadly projectiles.

Garage doors are particularly at-risk, since they have a large surface area and are usually pretty flimsy. If you’re planning well in advance, impact-resistant steel doors are available, though they can be pricey. Otherwise, a few 2x4 boards anchored in the walls can provide some extra bracing with fairly little notice.

Stock Up on Emergency Supplies – and Consider a Shelter

Major storms can have a serious impact on infrastructure and utilities in the short-term, so you may not be able to easily pick up food, medicine, and other basic needs in the immediate aftermath of a storm. 

If the weather is looking pretty serious (and especially if your area has been issued an evacuation warning), understand that there’s nothing more you can do by staying put. Head to the shelter you’ve chosen when making your readiness plan and ride out the storm in safety.

For storm damage repair, flood draining, and more, SERVPRO of Fontana is the name you can trust. Call us today at (909) 357-4337 and let us know how we can help.

SERVPRO Storm Response

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Damage to ceiling in Texas

Storms and floods can do a large amount of damage to your home. You may find that your entire basement becomes filled with water or that your roof has developed a huge leak. Storms can break windows and send tree limbs crashing down onto your home, resulting in major damage. Any time you’re facing such storm damage, you need a professional to assist you with cleanup and restoration.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Important

If water leaks in under a door, around a window, or through the attic, you may think all you need to do is mop up as much as you can and then dry out the flooring. Often, though, this isn’t enough, especially when flooding has occurred. The water you see is usually only a portion of what has entered your home. It may have seeped under your floorboards, got behind fixtures, or has even pooled within the wall. A professional team knows how to find all of this moisture and remove it before it starts to promote mold growth or cause other issues.

Follow Cleanup with Restoration

But cleanup is really only half of the project when your home has been damaged due to storms or flooding. You also need to restore and repair anything that was destroyed or damaged. While this certainly includes the exterior sections of the house that let water in, it also involves restoring the floors, repairing water-damaged trim and woodwork, and more. General contractors may not know exactly what needs to be done to repair this damage. Instead, their instinct may be to tear it all out and start over, a costly and time-consuming process.

How Can SERVPRO of Fontana Help?

SERVPRO of Fontana is a professional storm and flood cleanup and restoration company here to help you deal with all of the issues that come after water has entered your home. Our trained professional disaster recovery teams are here to make certain your home is dry, safe, and mold-free after it’s been flooded. They can assist you in restoring any area that’s been water-damaged back to its original state, too. Contact us today if you’re in need of water cleanup and restoration.

SERVPRO Storm Response

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Storm Response

Storms and floods can do a large amount of damage to your home. You may find that your entire basement becomes filled with water or that your roof has developed a huge leak. Storms can break windows and send tree limbs crashing down onto your home, resulting in major damage. Any time you’re facing such storm damage, you need a professional to assist you with cleanup and restoration.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Important

If water leaks in under a door, around a window, or through the attic, you may think all you need to do is mop up as much as you can and then dry out the flooring. Often, though, this isn’t enough, especially when flooding has occurred. The water you see is usually only a portion of what has entered your home. It may have seeped under your floorboards, got behind fixtures, or has even pooled within the wall. A professional team knows how to find all of this moisture and remove it before it starts to promote mold growth or cause other issues.

Follow Cleanup with Restoration

But cleanup is really only half of the project when your home has been damaged due to storms or flooding. You also need to restore and repair anything that was destroyed or damaged. While this certainly includes the exterior sections of the house that let water in, it also involves restoring the floors, repairing water-damaged trim and woodwork, and more. General contractors may not know exactly what needs to be done to repair this damage. Instead, their instinct may be to tear it all out and start over, a costly and time-consuming process.

How Can SERVPRO of Fontana Help?

SERVPRO of Fontana is a professional storm and flood cleanup and restoration company here to help you deal with all of the issues that come after water has entered your home. Our trained professional disaster recovery teams are here to make certain your home is dry, safe, and mold-free after it’s been flooded. They can assist you in restoring any area that’s been water-damaged back to its original state, too. Contact us today if you’re in need of water cleanup and restoration.

Before The Storm

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Before The Storm

- Begin preparing an emergency supply kit.

- Prepare a family communication plan.

- Contact SERVPRO of Fontana for details on an (ERP) Emergency Ready Program.

- Remove dead rotting trees and branches that could fail and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

- Postpone outdoor activities.

- Remember the 30/30 lightning rule : go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard - topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

- Shut windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

- Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.

SERVPRO Storm Response

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Storm Response

Storms and floods can do a large amount of damage to your home. You may find that your entire basement becomes filled with water or that your roof has developed a huge leak. Storms can break windows and send tree limbs crashing down onto your home, resulting in major damage. Any time you’re facing such storm damage, you need a professional to assist you with cleanup and restoration.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Important

If water leaks in under a door, around a window, or through the attic, you may think all you need to do is mop up as much as you can and then dry out the flooring. Often, though, this isn’t enough, especially when flooding has occurred. The water you see is usually only a portion of what has entered your home. It may have seeped under your floorboards, got behind fixtures, or has even pooled within the wall. A professional team knows how to find all of this moisture and remove it before it starts to promote mold growth or cause other issues.

Follow Cleanup with Restoration

But cleanup is really only half of the project when your home has been damaged due to storms or flooding. You also need to restore and repair anything that was destroyed or damaged. While this certainly includes the exterior sections of the house that let water in, it also involves restoring the floors, repairing water-damaged trim and woodwork, and more. General contractors may not know exactly what needs to be done to repair this damage. Instead, their instinct may be to tear it all out and start over, a costly and time-consuming process.

How Can SERVPRO of Fontana Help?

SERVPRO of Fontana is a professional storm and flood cleanup and restoration company here to help you deal with all of the issues that come after water has entered your home. Our trained professional disaster recovery teams are here to make certain your home is dry, safe, and mold-free after it’s been flooded. They can assist you in restoring any area that’s been water-damaged back to its original state, too. Contact us today if you’re in need of water cleanup and restoration.

Tropical Storm Arthur will bring Strong Rains off North Carolina Coast

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Tropical Storm Arthur

Why Professional Cleanup Is Necessary during Storms

Tropical Storm Arthur is predicted to wreak havoc on many homes in North Carolina, with gusts of wind between 50-65 mph, and rains up to 5 inches.

 

These unnerving conditions are typical for tropical storms. Many homeowners will see their basements becoming flooded, their roof leaking in several spots, or even more severe damage from external factors - like a tree falling and crashing into power lines or even breaking a window in your home. No matter how you look at it, nature is a beautiful thing - but when it spirals out of control, it's important to have a qualified staff you can trust to restore your space.

Governor Insists People Pay Close Attention

With a little over two weeks until the official start of hurricane season, North Carolina's governor has requested that homeowners prepare for even more storms likely to hit the area. It's probably that they'll be power outages across North Carolina starting on Monday morning 5/18, and homeowners are advised to pay attention to storm warnings and prepare accordingly. 

What Happens After the Storm?

After any storm, it's important to clean up your space. And in order to prevent dangerous mold from growing after water damage occurs, your property will need to undergo a rigorous restoration and repair process. It's important to have trained professionals help you, so that you can restore your home to (hopefully even better than) the original way you had it. Restoration will be necessary for the interior and exterior parts of your home. We suggest calling SERVPRO of Fontana for all your storm damage, flooding, and water damage needs. Our team of experienced professionals are trained with advanced technology to inspect your property and properly remove water quickly and efficiently - techniques that many general contractors do not have the ability or education to implement. 

We are faster to any disaster. If you have any questions about water damage or storm damage, please give us a call today: (909) 357-4337

Storm Response SERVPRO

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Response SERVPRO

Storms and floods can do a large amount of damage to your home. You may find that your entire basement becomes filled with water or that your roof has developed a huge leak. Storms can break windows and send tree limbs crashing down onto your home, resulting in major damage. Any time you’re facing such storm damage, you need a professional to assist you with cleanup and restoration.

Why Professional Cleanup Is Important

If water leaks in under a door, around a window, or through the attic, you may think all you need to do is mop up as much as you can and then dry out the flooring. Often, though, this isn’t enough, especially when flooding has occurred. The water you see is usually only a portion of what has entered your home. It may have seeped under your floorboards, got behind fixtures, or has even pooled within the wall. A professional team knows how to find all of this moisture and remove it before it starts to promote mold growth or cause other issues.

Follow Cleanup with Restoration

But cleanup is really only half of the project when your home has been damaged due to storms or flooding. You also need to restore and repair anything that was destroyed or damaged. While this certainly includes the exterior sections of the house that let water in, it also involves restoring the floors, repairing water-damaged trim and woodwork, and more. General contractors may not know exactly what needs to be done to repair this damage. Instead, their instinct may be to tear it all out and start over, a costly and time-consuming process.

How Can SERVPRO of Fontana Help?

SERVPRO of Fontana is a professional storm and flood cleanup and restoration company here to help you deal with all of the issues that come after water has entered your home. Our trained professional disaster recovery teams are here to make certain your home is dry, safe, and mold-free after it’s been flooded. They can assist you in restoring any area that’s been water-damaged back to its original state, too. Contact us today if you’re in need of water cleanup and restoration.

Fontana Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

This Fontana home’s basement flooded due to heavy rains.

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall.  Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Fontana basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer back up
  • Sanitary sewer back up
  • Foundation drainage failure 
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (909)357-4337

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home's structure.  Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement jeopardize your health, safety and your home's integrity. It's worth making a call to SERVPRO of Fontana and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly.  We have earned the trust of thousand of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals. 

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We're a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly - One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques 
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today - We're Ready to Help (909)357-4337 

When Storms or Floods hit San Bernardino County, SERVPRO is ready

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in San Bernardino County

SERVPRO of Fontana 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, limit further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit San Bernardino County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster.  We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

For Questions or Quotes Call Us at (909)212-4998

How to Manage Storm Damage and Cleanup

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash

Storms can strike anywhere and anytime, leaving a wake of devastation in their path. Storms not only leave destruction from high winds, fallen trees, and flying debris but often result in flooding as well. When storm damage strikes unexpectedly, calling on a professional, experienced storm cleanup team like SERVPRO can help you manage the damage regardless of its size. Our team provides 24/7 emergency services delivered by highly trained professionals.

First things first

Fast response time means reduced damage and costs, and limits the potential for further damage. In many storm situations, water damage is of great concern. Water is invasive, spreading quickly and soaking into walls, floors, and furniture causing damage often in just hours. With professional water extraction mold, mildew, rust, corrosion, and biohazard contamination can be prevented. Without it, restoration time and costs increase, as does the potential for contamination and structural damage.

Too much work to do? No Worries!

A professional, well-trained clean-up team who are experts in water damage and storm restoration will help you quickly get your life back to normal following water damage. Whether the storm damage affected your home or office, SERVPRO of Fontana has the training, experience, and equipment necessary to manage storm damage, perform restoration, and properly clean your property.

A professional storm damage restoration team has all the resources needed to handle storm and disaster damage on your behalf. Many storms and the damage that follows occur with little warning, but when you call on an expert team like SERVPRO of Fontana, help will be on the way quickly, saving you from additional damage and dangerous situations. While you await the help you have called, be sure those who were in the damaged property are safe, avoiding electrical and slip hazards occurring as a result of the storm. Also remember: never attempt to use your household vacuum to remove water and never use your household appliances or electronics in the presence of storm or water damage.

With an experienced team on your side, like the SERVPRO professionals, storm and water damage, as well as clean-up, can be managed easily and expertly, successfully restoring your property to its pre-storm appearance.

Interested in learning more about SERVPRO of Fontana? Read testimonials from real clients or give us a call at (909) 357-4337.

Our Address:

SERVPRO of Fontana
15218 Summit Avenue, #300-426
Fontana, CA 92336 

Floods Strike Everywhere

1/26/2016 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the U.S. Whether you live near a coastline , along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year's claims paid by the National Flood insurance program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low-Risk Communities. According to the NFIP, houses in the U.S. have 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30- year mortgage, while businesses face similar risks by flooding. On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. The following are a few more little-known flood facts:

- Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S. making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.

- More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto are related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.

- The principle causes of floods in the eastern U.S. are hurricanes and storms.

- The principle cause of floods in the western U.S. are snowmelt and rainstorms.

- Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash flood - especially at night, when it's difficult to see.

After The Storm

1/18/2016 (Permalink)

- Never drive through flooded roadways.

- Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms.

- Continue to listen to a NOAA weather radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked.

- Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.

- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately.

- Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control.

- If you have storm damage to your home or property, call your local SERVPRO franchise professional. Timely mitigation is key to minimize secondary damages caused by severe storms. 

During The Storm

1/14/2016 (Permalink)

- Use your battery-operated NOAA weather radio for updates from local officials.

- Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded phone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use.

- Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

- Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundary. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures conduct electricity.

- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.

- Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.

- Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

- Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or boat on the water.

- Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

- Avoid contact with anything metal-tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

- If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal ot other surfaces that coduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

Emergency Supply Kit

1/12/2016 (Permalink)

**Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit.

- Water (one gallon per person per day)

- Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

- Manuel can opener

- Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries

- Flashlight and extra batteries

- First aid kit

- Whistle to signal for help

- Clothing

- Dust masks and bandanas

- Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape

- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

- Local maps

-Hygiene items

- Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and account information

- Cash

- Fire extinguisher

- Mathches in a waterproof container

Before The Storm

1/11/2016 (Permalink)

- Begin preparing an emergency supply kit.

- Prepare a family communication plan.

- Contact SERVPRO of Fontana for details on an (ERP) Emergeny Ready Proagram.

- Remove dead rotting trees and branches that could fail and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

- Postpone outdoor activites.

- Remember the 30/30 lightning rule : go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

- Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.

- Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

- Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard - topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal.

- Shut windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades, or curtains.

- Unplug any electronic equiment well before the storm arrives.

El Nino Tips

11/24/2015 (Permalink)

After several years of drought, California could soon be contending with an extremely wet winter as one of the strongest El Niño’s on record is brewing in the Pacific Ocean. Here are five tips for preparing for the possibility of a season of heavy winter storms.

1. Have any trees that appear weakened by drought inspected by arborist. In a case of high winds, downed trees and branches can knock out power or seriously damage homes and other personal property.

2. Have all necessary roof repairs made before the rain starts.

3. Make sure to maintain and clear all gutters of all debris.

4. Contact your insurance agent or broker to discuss flood insurance. Homeowner’s policies typically do not cover flood damages.

5. Be prepared and have an emergency ready plan in place. 

- SERVPRO