Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Severe Weather Preparedness with SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
7/2/2024 (Permalink)
Lightning in a storm
Introduction
Fort Worth residents are no strangers to severe weather, from intense thunderstorms to flash floods. While hurricanes are rare here, being prepared for local weather hazards is essential. SERVPRO of North Fort Worth stands ready to assist in the aftermath of storms and flooding. Here’s how you can prepare for severe weather and how SERVPRO can help if your property is affected.
Understanding Local Risks
Fort Worth experiences a range of weather extremes, including:
- Thunderstorms: Common during spring and summer, bringing lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain.
- Flash Flooding: Urban areas are vulnerable to flash floods due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage.
- Hailstorms: Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, vehicles, and outdoor property.
Steps to Prepare
Preparing for severe weather involves proactive measures:
Create a Severe Weather Plan: Identify safe areas in your home, have an emergency kit ready with essentials, and establish communication methods.
Protect Your Property: Maintain trees and secure outdoor items. Consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing windows against strong winds.
Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and heed advisories and warnings issued by authorities.
How SERVPRO Can Help
In the aftermath of severe weather events, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth offers comprehensive restoration services:
Storm Damage Restoration: From debris cleanup to water extraction and structural drying, we restore properties affected by severe storms.
Flood Damage Restoration: We handle water damage caused by floods, providing thorough cleanup and restoration services.
Hail Damage Repair: Our team addresses damage to roofs, siding, and vehicles caused by hailstorms.
Rapid Response and Local Expertise
With our 24/7 emergency services, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth ensures a prompt response to storm-related emergencies. Our locally trained technicians use advanced equipment and techniques to deliver efficient and effective restoration solutions.
Conclusion
While hurricanes are rare in Fort Worth, preparing for severe weather is essential. SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is committed to helping our community recover from storm damage quickly and effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in preparing for and recovering from severe weather events.
Weathering the Storm: Fort Worth's Resilience in the Face of Nature's Fury
10/2/2023 (Permalink)
Thunderstorm
Weathering the Storm: Fort Worth's Resilience in the Face of Nature's Fury
Fort Worth, Texas, a city known for its vibrant culture, thriving economy, and warm hospitality, is no stranger to the whims of Mother Nature. The city and its surrounding areas have, over the years, faced their fair share of stormy challenges. When severe weather strikes, it often leaves behind a trail of destruction, testing the mettle and resilience of its residents. In such testing times, the community turns to reliable allies like SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to help them pick up the pieces and restore their homes and businesses to their former glory.
The Impact of Storm Damage
From powerful thunderstorms to hurricanes and tornadoes, the Fort Worth area is no stranger to the fury of nature. Storm damage can be devastating, leaving homes and businesses in disarray. The aftermath often includes flooded homes, fallen trees, damaged roofs, and a myriad of other issues. These challenges can be overwhelming, leaving families and business owners desperate for help.
SERVPRO of North Fort Worth: A Beacon of Hope
In the midst of chaos, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth stands as a beacon of hope. With their professional expertise and unwavering commitment to the community, they have been instrumental in helping residents overcome the aftermath of storms. Their highly trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment enable them to handle even the most severe storm damage, providing effective solutions and restoring peace of mind to those in need.
Immediate Response and Comprehensive Solutions
One of the key reasons why SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is a trusted partner in storm damage restoration is their swift response. Understanding the urgency of the situation, they offer round-the-clock emergency services. Their rapid response teams assess the damage promptly, creating a customized plan tailored to each situation. Whether it's water extraction, structural drying, or debris removal, they execute their services with precision, ensuring a thorough restoration process.
Community-Centric Approach
SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is not just a restoration company; they are an integral part of the community. Their empathetic approach and genuine concern for the well-being of their neighbors make them a reliable choice for storm damage restoration. Beyond their professional expertise, it's their compassion and understanding that truly set them apart.
Preparedness and Education
In addition to their restoration services, SERVPRO of North Fort Worth actively engages in community education initiatives. By imparting knowledge about storm preparedness and preventive measures, they empower residents to minimize potential damage. Their workshops and seminars educate people on creating emergency kits, securing their homes, and developing evacuation plans, ensuring that the community is well-prepared to face any future challenges.
Conclusion
As Fort Worth continues to grow and thrive, the occasional storms remind us of the importance of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. With allies like SERVPRO of North Fort Worth, the community can rest assured that, no matter how fierce the storm, they have a dedicated team ready to help them weather it. Together, Fort Worth and SERVPRO of North Fort Worth exemplify the spirit of resilience, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and solidarity, making the city stronger and more united with each passing storm.
PRESS RELEASE: SERVPRO Urges Fort Worth Property Owners to Focus on Disaster Readiness as Spring Approaches
2/24/2023 (Permalink)
Flooded streets with cars in residential neighborhood
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Casey Weidner
SERVPRO®of North Fort Worth
(817) 232-3333
cweidner@SERVPROnorthfortworth.com
SERVPRO Urges Fort Worth Property Owners to Focus on Disaster Readiness as Spring Approaches
Property damage remediation specialist says the importance of advance planning grows as severe weather and climate events become more frequent
Fort Worth, TX (Grassroots Newswire) February 9, 2023 - Since Fall 2022, the United States has experienced extreme weather from coast to coast ranging from major rain and flood events to hurricanes and tornadoes to extreme freezing conditions including a “once in a generation blizzard.” As catastrophic weather events impact property owners more frequently, it magnifies the need for disaster readiness ahead of this spring’s storm season.
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports that from 1980-2022, there were, on average, 7.9 “billion-dollar” events each year. In 2021, there were 20 “billion-dollar” weather or climate disaster events, and 2022 delivered another 18 – each year more than doubling the previous multi-year average.1
“These statistics are revealing,” says Casey Weidner of SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth, “but not surprising to businesses like SERVPRO who specialize in disaster response and remediation. SERVPRO franchise owners experience the real-life impact of events like these as home and business owners reach out for help after flooding, fire, wind, and other natural disasters wreak havoc on their properties. That’s why we continue to emphasize the importance of preparing in advance before disaster strikes.”
Because spring weather can be particularly unpredictable, Weidner urges property owners in the Fort Worth area to take advantage of state, federal and other online resources now to prepare for a possible severe weather event. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips here2 for preparing an emergency kit to have on hand. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an emergency preparedness checklist here3, and more ideas and tools are available from sources like the Red Cross, the AARP, and others.
According to Rick Isaacson, CEO of SERVPRO Industries, LLC, the number of calls for help and web traffic to SERVPRO.com increased more than 300% after the most recent winter storm event in late December 2022 over the same period last year (12/22/22 – 12/28/22).
“Advance preparation might have helped some of these property owners literally weather the storm with less damage,” said Isaacson. “And for those whose homes or businesses were severely damaged or destroyed in spite of efforts to avoid damage, advance preparation would mean that critical papers, contact numbers, insurance information, and recovery plans would be close at hand. Time spent improving your disaster readiness is time well spent.”
SERVPRO specializes in disaster cleaning, restoration, and construction services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of North Fort Worth, please contact Casey Weidner at (817) 232-3333 or cweidner@SERVPROnorthfortworth.com. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit www.SERVPRO.com.
1 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/
2 https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/springweather/index.html
3 https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/FEMA_Red-Cross_Emergency_Preparedness_Checklist.pdf
About SERVPRO
For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 2,000 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Keep Your Home Secure From Lightning-Related Fires | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
9/19/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to learn about a restoration solution for your issue
House fires can be devastating, but with the right tools and safety measures, you are better able to protect your family and your Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) property. While most house fires are manmade and thus preventable, though, others are started by natural threats that may significantly damage your home.
There were over 70,000 damage claims in 2020 as a result of lightning strikes. Even though personal lightning strikes are a rare phenomenon, your home isn’t safe from this danger. When lightning hits, it can destroy trees, burn through your electricity or even ignite a fire.
Approximately 6,000 lightning strikes are thought to occur every minute. This means that every one of us is at risk of being affected by lightning, and we should prepare ourselves and our properties before severe weather is forecast.
What Is Lightning?Lightning is a huge bolt of electricity that occurs between clouds in the air and the ground. Thunderstorms may seem like the only source of lightning, but it can also strike during volcanic eruptions, dangerous wildfires and even severe snowstorms.
We equate lightning with severe weather, but it’s capable of striking even on a clear and sunny day. “Dry lightning” occurs without rain, and it’s a huge concern since it can spark wildfires.
So, as we begin to prepare for storms, we should also learn to be prepared for potential flames.
Protecting Your Home From Lightning FiresQuite a lot of damage, including fires, can result from a lightning strike on your property. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by it can both spark a fire.
When flames start after a strike, you might not catch it instantly as it will burn up in your attic or between your walls. Even if you don’t see a strike, though, you are likely to hear its distinctive, explosive boom.
If you hear a strike, look for signs of burning. If you notice scorch marks or smell smoke, immediately inform the fire department.
A great tool to help avert lightning-related flames is a lightning rod. This metal pole can deflect lightning’s energy away from your house and straight into the ground, preventing any fires from starting due to its electricity and heat.
When Lightning Strikes NearbyWildfires and other outdoor fires frequently start from lightning strikes. Lighting fires are more common in certain parts of the country depending on the season, but around 9,000 fires are ignited each year by lightning strikes.
To protect your home, keep a tidy yard free of deceased or dying plants and trees, and think about utilizing defensible zones to create a barrier from close lightning strikes and flames.
Be sure to install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home and in the bedrooms to notify you if flames break out anywhere you can’t see.
If your home is affected by flames, our team at SERVPRO can deal with the damage.
The fire recovery process can be a stressful time, but we can make it easier on you with a quick response and a thorough inspection. Once we get started, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way as we return your home to its pre-fire state.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.
The Most Common Hazards Created by Severe Storms | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
8/22/2022 (Permalink)
Extreme Lightning bolting across a dark cloudy sky
Severe weather can be devastating for homeowners. While most current homes are built to withstand these extreme weather conditions, many homes will experience some type of damage if a storm affects our area.
Strong winds and wind-related disasters throw debris all over town, as well as cause cold rain, snowstorms, lightning and flash floods, with hazards varying by the time of year and the type of storm. In any situation, these weather hazards put your property and its structure at risk of severe damage.
Depending on the kind of storm and events taking place, your home could face different degrees of damage. There are a lot of factors that influence the level of potential damage, including the landscape around your property, the geography of the region and the condition of your home’s foundation or building materials. (We admit, there’s also a bit of chance involved.)
It’s great to know about the many kinds of weather hazards, but knowing what may strike your specific area is even more crucial. Your Fort Worth home could be particularly at risk of hazards like droughts, floods and hurricanes.
You should never continue living in a storm-damaged home unless safety professionals have deemed it safe to live in. Most kinds of damage will be obvious, but you should always follow the rules set in place to avoid further losses.
Let’s go over the three main types of storm damage so that you can prepare yourself and your property:
Wind
This kind of damage ensues when structures are met with violent gusts that blow at dangerously high speeds. Tornadoes and hurricanes are the most common reasons for strong winds, but even thunderstorms can cause winds of up to 100 mph.
Violent winds can pick up debris around your yard and throw it into your car or the sides of your home. When a storm arrives, it’s essential to seek shelter inside and away from any windows or outside walls in case of shattered glass or walls pierced by debris.
You can also take action before a storm reaches our area to reduce wind damage. Clear your property of any branches, large rocks, unsecured furniture or decaying trees to prevent storing winds from using them to create damage.
Water
Water damage is a regular occurrence both during and after a storm. Heavy rain can allow water to collect outside your house even during a small storm. This water then leaks through any gaps in your windows and doors.
When there is enough water, it can leak into your foundation and lead to substantial infrastructure damage.
To reduce excessive water damage to your property, try using strategic landscaping to direct water away from your home rather than have it build up outside. Alternatively, you could build a rain garden, which is a lovely way to spruce up your yard and keep rainwater from creating a huge problem for your property.
You should also always keep your gutters clear so that they can function properly and keep water from leaking into your home through your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool and leak down to the ground level by allowing water to pool and push its way inside your property from the top.
Impact
Another prevalent type of storm damage that can have disastrous consequences to your home is “impact damage.” This damage is caused by hazards like fallen trees or debris being thrown into your home by heavy winds. It’s anything that has an impact on your house or things on your land.
The single most effective approach to minimizing this type of damage is to cut trees that are close to your home and ensure that any dead trees are removed before Mother Nature brings them down on your house.
Weather-related calamities cost more than $145 billion in destruction in the United States alone. These suggestions can help you save a lot of time and money, as well as equip you with the knowledge to protect you and your family from disaster.
If a severe storm wreaks havoc on your home, contact our experts at SERVPRO of North Fort Worth. Our restoration professionals are trained to assess your damage and come up with a way to get your home back to its preloss state!
When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today to get your storm damage restoration started faster.
Storm Warnings Can Help You Prepare for Any Kind of Weather | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
7/21/2022 (Permalink)
If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth.
There are many different kinds of weather warnings; in fact, 42 types are sent out around the United States. Each of these alerts is categorized into one of seven different groups. Trying to take this all in when a storm is on the rise can be hard, so it’s important to understand the information before severe weather strikes.
When you understand what a warning or advisory could mean for our community, you can best prepare yourself and your family for any weather. You can also defend your home against any potential damage.
While having a basic understanding of all weather scenarios is beneficial, it is critical to understand the weather that can have the greatest impact on Fort Worth.
How Alerts Are Issued
So, what factors go into determining when and why these notifications are sent? How are the characteristics of a storm provided when weather forecasts are only a best guess at what type of weather will strike? There are various elements that influence the delivery of warnings.
The National Weather Service is in charge of weather prediction and, as a result, issuing any required alerts. These alerts are sent out from six regional offices across the country and other sub-offices, allowing for more location-specific warnings. You’ll find your alerts are issued straight from our community in the Southern Region headquarters in Fort Worth!
Meteorologists and other NWS workers use a variety of data, including aerial radars, detectors, seismic activity meters and even solar output, to create weather predictions. While this information can vary according to how severe weather conditions are, the point is to make it as accurate a forecast as possible.
The Most Important Alerts to Understand
Knowing the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” is a good thing to know when preparing yourself and your home for severe weather. This language is common in many alerts issued, including those for thunderstorms, hurricanes and flooding.
A watch indicates that a storm is brewing and that you should monitor the situation and take precautions when necessary. Watches are sent out in a larger area, while a warning is issued for a more specific area, like a city or county. A warning means that threats are approaching and you should immediately prepare yourself and your home for a potential disaster.
It is also helpful to know what weather conditions may impact your hometown, so you’ll be able to prepare beforehand. For example, Fort Worth contains several natural and man-made lakes. These lakes occasionally overflow, causing flooding, so residents are notified as soon as the situation develops.
Protecting Your Home During a Storm
Knowing what weather alerts may be issued in our area is a great way to protect yourself and your home before a storm, but there are other precautions you can take to minimize property damage.
Cleaning your gutters and drains and securing your outdoor furniture are both great ways to protect the inside and outside of your home from flood damage and wind damage. Locate a safe shelter with essentials and develop an evacuation plan for your family if you end up needing to flee.
If a storm rolls through your area and leaves your home with damage to be repaired, give SERVPRO a call. We can devise and execute a restoration plan to get your home back in shape.
Understanding what weather may impact our hometown can help you prepare yourself and your home for a disaster. Educate yourself about the various alerts that could be issued to you so you can withstand any weather conditions.
Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!
Planning for a Storm Should Be a Top Priority | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
5/20/2022 (Permalink)
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of North Fort Worth right away.
Severe weather can be a scary thing. Thunderstorms can cause lightning strikes, significant rain, hail and heavy winds, leading to anything from minor to crippling home damage. Plus, considering that there are around 100,000 thunderstorms throughout the country each year, these events occur with relative frequency.
Recently, a deadly tornado outbreak hit several cities around Texas. In Jacksboro, about 60 miles northwest of Fort Worth, photographs posted on social media showed a storm ripped the wall and roof from parts of Jacksboro High School, including its gym. Both the Jacksboro Elementary School and the Jacksboro High School had major damage, but no one was injured at either campus.
While there is no way to predict when these deadly storms will hit, we can definitely prepare ourselves for it. Some of the things you need are an emergency kit and a communications strategy for dealing with the aftermath. Taking proper precautions will help prepare you and your family.
Your Severe Weather Communication Strategy
Once the weather gets particularly bad, it’s important to have a way to speak with everybody in your unit and receive weather-related alerts from authorities. When you’re keeping an ear out for these alerts, make sure you know the distinction between watches and warnings. That way you’ll be able to figure out what to do next.
The next thing you need is a way to receive alerts from officials. For example, make sure you have both a mobile phone and an NOAA weather radio.
Last, ensure you have a communication strategy for your household. Have a delegated safe space in your home that everybody is aware of to seek shelter in once the weather turns bad. Additionally, create a concept for communication in case one or additional household members are out of the house when a storm strikes.
Your Severe Weather Emergency Kit
It cannot be emphasized enough how important your emergency kit is. It could potentially be your lifeline for several hours or days. It needs to be chock-full of all the necessities your family might need, such as food, water and first-aid supplies, for a minimum of 72 hours of sheltering in place.
It’s important this kit is already stored in your storm shelter area.
Your Severe Weather Aftermath list
Once it’s safe to try to so, check your property for damage because it’s important to address damage as soon as possible. Pay close attention to your roof and any seals on windows and doors where water damage is likely to happen.
If there is damage, you want a trusted team of experts like you will find at SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to quickly get on scene and start working on the damage. You can rest easy knowing we will act fast and get the job done right the first time.
Another step you need to take after a storm is evaluating your storm safety plan so that you can take steps to correct any issues. Ask the whole family about the communications, emergency kit and any other elements and see what might be improved in preparation for the next storm.
If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.
The Wide Range of Weather Hazards in the U.S. | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
3/7/2022 (Permalink)
Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is a click away if you experience any damage.
Because the United States is so big, it has one of the widest ranges of climates of any country in the world. All across the country, there are a lot of different types of weather threats due to differing seasonal weather patterns from region to region.
Let’s look at what each of the main regions of the United States, including here in Texas, might anticipate as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses clash throughout the country.
Flooding and water damage occur frequently in the Pacific Northwest in the spring because of severe rainfall. It can also be challenging to deal with melting and runoff from spring snowfall in higher elevation areas.
Upper Midwest and Northeast winters are the longest and coldest in the country. It can still be very cold all the way into late spring and early summer for the entire region, from Maine to the Dakotas. There will be a lot of snow during the winters there, and as the snow melts and warm air moves through this area, there are a lot of hazards. Melting and heavy rains can cause flooding, and severe storms can bring wind storms and tornadoes.
Across the Southwest and southern West Coast, people and their properties could be in danger because of severe heat waves that often reach triple digits. Tectonic activity could also cause tsunamis in the South Pacific, including Hawaii.
In the central United States, from Iowa down to here in Texas, wildfires are also on the radar and can spread swiftly when conditions are dry and windy. Our region, as you may be fully aware of, is also susceptible to severe and highly destructive spring storms as the region also contains what is known as Tornado Alley because of its high risk of tornadoes.
Texas in particular is consistently ranked in the top 10 states affected by extreme events. In 2020, the state was hit by 11 of the nation’s billion-dollar disasters.
Thunderstorms and tornadoes are a common occurrence in the Southeast, particularly inland. The region will also possibly face early-season hurricanes in areas along the coast.
No matter where you live, it’s important to stay prepared for severe weather even if your risk is maybe a little less than a friend or relative in another state. Every region in the U.S. has its unique severe weather hazards that pose risks to everyone.
If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.
Prepare for a Winter Storm in Fort Worth, TX
2/23/2022 (Permalink)
If winter storms in Fort Worth Texas affect your home or business, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth for help.
When a winter storm heads our way, Texans make preparations to take care of their homes and businesses.
To reduce the risk of water damage to your home due to freezing weather, insulate exposed pipes such as pipes under sinks, or in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and attics. If the outdoor temperature is below freezing, leave your indoor faucets dripping. Cover the outside faucets or leave them dripping. If your water heater is in an unheated area such as the garage or attic, it is a good idea to insulate it as well. Know where the main water cut-off valve is located, usually near the water meter, in case your pipes do freeze and burst.
To reduce the risk of fire damage to your home, be careful when using your fireplace for heat. Move flammable household items out of the area around the fireplace. Make sure the fireplace damper is open while the fire is burning. Don’t use your barbeque grill indoors.
To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t use a generator or run your car engine for heat inside your home or garage. Never turn on your oven or gas stove to heat your home. Make sure you have carbon monoxide detector, and it is working properly – this is important year-round for safety.
If your home is affected by water damage, fire damage, or smoke and soot damage, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth for help 24/7 at (817) 232-3333.
Be Prepared for Potential Winter Storms | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
11/22/2021 (Permalink)
If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of North Fort Worth for fast, restorative solutions.
If the freeze and subsequent power crisis of 2021 taught us anything, it’s that we north Texans are not immune to freak winter weather. Nobody wants to get caught off-guard like that again, and you’d rightfully do anything you could to avoid it.
So with winter’s next pass on the radar, let’s take a look at a few things you can do to be ready should a surprise storm or extreme winter weather hit the DFW area once again.
Protect Your Family
Whether it’s a hard freeze or other disaster like flooding or even tornadoes, an emergency action plan can be a lifesaver for your family. Get everyone on track and practice the plan regularly.
Prepare your truck or car for winter weather, too. Make sure tires are in proper shape, fluids and batteries are topped and ready, and replace your wipers to keep things visible in winter rain.
Keep your emergency kits stocked in both the house and car, and make sure any medication contained therein is within its consumable date.
Protect Your Home
Frozen pipes are a potential reality during the occasional hard freeze, so if unusually low temperatures come through, be ready to let faucets drip and cover outdoor spigots.
Now’s the time to get your HVAC system maintenance and ready for winter, before winter lows really set in. Have any repairs or updates done while the weather is still mild.
If you use a wood-burning furnace or fireplace, make sure to stock some extra wood for a situation where roads may ice. Otherwise, keep your fireplace clean and ventilated to avoid associated risk from soot or smoke.
Protect Your Pets
Outdoor pets may not be able to take the cold weather—bring them in with you, and set them up somewhere cozy. Keep livestock and horses comfortable by providing them with shelter and a ready water supply. If temperatures drop below freezing, make sure you replenish their water with an unfrozen batch regularly.
Being in north Texas means never fully knowing what to expect in winter, but these tips will help you be well on your way to readiness for unexpected storms or winter weather.
If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO for fast, restorative solutions.
2020 and the Increase of Extreme Storms | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
7/8/2021 (Permalink)
When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to start the restoration process.
2020 was an all-around awful year for many people, and with many causes. In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, 2020 also set a new record for nasty weather in the U.S.
In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year for which we have data.
Though many serious weather events happen every year, storms that cause a billion dollars in damages are classified officially as disasters. There were 22 of these official occurrences in 2020, blowing past the previous record of 16, set just a few years ago.
And there were many other non-disaster-level events—so many storms in the Atlantic, in fact, that the Greek alphabet was used by the National Weather Service to name them because the proper name list wasn’t long enough.
We saw our own share of events in the DFW area, including an EF-2 tornado that swept through Arlington in November, with winds up to 115 mph and a width of up to 150 yards.
Not Just Hurricanes
Hurricanes are often thought of as the biggest perpetrators when it comes to costly weather systems, and they definitely can be. But it turns out that the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes: Fourteen of the year’s 22 weather disasters were thunderstorm systems, including hail and tornadoes they produced.
A single storm system in land-locked Nebraska took out over 100 million acres of corn fields—an area more than 15 times the size of DFW—endangering over 11% of the entire country’s corn production.
Not Just 2020
Unfortunately, it seems that, while 2020 was an extreme example, it is following a rising trend toward more frequent and more costly extreme weather events. The last decade is full, literally, of years in which there have been eight to 10 disasters or more, and 2017 set a new record for damage totals.
Storms are always a concern, no matter the area, and precautions against storm and water damage should always be taken. But if those precautions fail in severe weather, remember that SERVPRO is available 24⁄7 for emergency help.
When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.
Be Sure Your Home Is Spring Storm-Safe l SERVPRO of North Fort Worth
3/23/2021 (Permalink)
If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO of North Fort Worth.
Texans endured a surprising winter this year, including a late-season snowstorm and a pandemic. If you’re one of the millions of us who are ready for spring to get here, you aren’t alone.
Spring fever is expected in the Fort Worth area this year, and many residents are excited about the changes a new season will bring. That includes longer, sunny days and the chance to spend more time outdoors.
No matter if you’re planning to take a weekend hiking trip or spend your spring grilling in your backyard, there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy this new season.
While you’re dreaming of how you’ll spend the spring, it’s a good idea to consider doing some important projects around the house, too. One of the biggest threats during spring is that your home will be impacted by severe weather, like thunderstorms.
Sometimes, these storms are intense and can even include heavy winds, hail and torrential rain.
There’s nothing we can do to stop a storm from impacting our homes and families. But there’s plenty we can do to help them stay safer when it does.
Here’s how you can put your home in the best position to weather the coming storms.
Important Spring Storm Safety Projects
These projects are worth a spot on our spring to-do list:
Make removing overhanging limbs and branches a priority. Anything that’s hanging over your roof or garage can fall and damage it when the winds get strong. Remove this hazard by trimming your trees.
Declutter your home’s gutters. This project will keep the water around your house moving in the right direction (away) instead of backing up and causing water damage.
Check your roof for damage. Be sure your roof doesn’t have any missing shingles or leaks. Repairing them will make your home safer.
Look for ways to secure loose items around your home. Don’t let unsecured furniture or other similar items become tools for wind damage. Trim back trees that need it and secure everything you can.
If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.
Preparing Your Fort Worth Area Home For Winter
1/29/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is available to respond to your storm damage loss. Let us assist with stressful details so you can have fun outdoors.
You only need to spend a short time making sure your Fort Worth home is in great shape for the winter, but it will give you peace of mind and help to prevent expensive problems.
- Schedule an inspection for the HVAC system or furnace and change the filters.
- Check the drainage in your yard and around the foundation of your house, and clean out the rain gutters around the roof.
- Clean your chimney and fireplace.
- Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace the batteries if needed.
- Cover the outdoor faucets and protect pipes.
- Check your trees. Remove dead trees or dead branches, and make sure no branches are touching your roof or your home’s exterior walls.
- Contact your utility company to get an energy audit.
- Put away your yard care equipment and patio furniture.
- Pack a survival kit of food, water, flashlights, and essential things you will need if the power goes off.
If you do notice water in your home from a heavy storm or a broken pipe, be sure to call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth right away at (817) 232-3333.
Preparing for Spring Storms
1/2/2021 (Permalink)
Severe storm season is just a couple months away. North Texas has been a target very often. Many times when moments like this occur, our cities and towns are not able to hand the onslaught of rain due to the fact it may not be typical to get so much in such a little time. Below are some tips which were provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to help you prepare your home or business for a flood.
Before the Flood:
- Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel is susceptible to flooding.
- Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home or business.
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.
During the Flood:
- Turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so.
- Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches or moving water can make you fall.
After the Flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
As always, our team at SERVPRO of North Fort Worth is part of the larger, national Brand of SERVPRO Industries. In the event of a storm or flood, our teams have the ability to call in reinforcements. Know that you can trust SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to put your home or business back together, “Like it never even happened.”
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