Recent Storm Damage Posts

Preparation Tips for Handling Spring Showers

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storm Prep is Worth the Time

Each year, thunderstorms alone cause approximately $27 million in property damage. Summer and spring seasons are the most vulnerable to these destructive and frightening storms.

There are several ways to prepare your property for the summer.

  1. Always have an emergency kit with these items that you probably already have in your house: flashlight, battery powered weather radio, extra batteries to fit each electronic, non-perishable foods, lots of bottled water, can opener, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, blankets, extra clothes, sturdy shoes or boots, clock or watch, whistle to signal for help, and any important personal items and documents.
  2. Know the safest structure of your home to go to during a severe storm such as a basement, underground cellar, or even the most inner part of your home away from windows.
  3. Get routine maintenance on your roof and the foundation. Cracks in the roof are the number one leading cause to flooding damage.
  4. Cut down any unwanted trees or limbs and get your trees trimmed before summer storm season. Trees and branches can fall on your property and damage the siding, windows, and roof.
  5. Contact your insurance company to be more familiar with your policy. Most home insurers do not cover flooding damage.
  6. Keep all expensive and favored possessions off the floor and away from low ground in case of flooding.
  7. Keep all patio furniture, grills, etc. in doors before a summer storm hits. Do not forget to part your vehicles in the garage.
  8. Finally, take those summer storm warnings and alerts seriously, especially tornado warnings. Tornadoes can lead to total property loss and even death.

Stay Safe During a Storm

We have experienced quite the rainy and stormy summer so far, and with these storms comes a risk of personal and property damage. Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe during a storm is the top priority, so here are a few tips to help you for the rest of the summer:  

  • Remain indoors. This can be inside your home or the home of a neighbor if need be. If you are outdoors, seek shelter at a local business, or a public restroom. Public restrooms in parks are typically built to be storm proof. Should there be no other options, sheltering in your car should keep you safe and dry as you wait out the storm.  
  • Stay away from windows. The safest place to be during a storm is a basement. If your house doesn’t have a basement, bathrooms are a good choice as well. 
  • Try to stay away from appliancesAvoid showering or talking on a wired phone during a storm. Lightening can travel through plumbing fixtures or home wiring, so avoid using your washer and dryer during a storm. Lightning strikes can cause those appliances to short and catch fire.  
  • Once the storm has passed, be cautious when walking around, especially outside. Be alert for down powerlines and tree branches. If you smell gas, be sure to contact authorities immediately.

Storms can be scary to witness, but following these steps can help to put your mind at ease during the next one. If you find that a storm has caused damage, feel free to call SERVPRO of Mentor today and let the experts take care of it! 

SERVPRO of Mentor is Ready for All of Your Storm Needs

If you have experienced any type of storm damage, whether it be from flooding or water damage, the experienced Storm Team at SERVPRO of Mentor will be there for you. Although we are an Ohio based franchise, we prepare in advance for expected damage from any storm anywhere in the United States! We respond quickly, too, because we know that immediate action and a fast response lessens damage, limits further damage, and reduces restoration costs. Our professionally trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources needed to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams strategically prepare ahead of the storm and place equipment at the best locations in case of flood or storm emergency. With several certifications and over 50 years of experience, you can rest assured that we are perfectly equipped to deal with any storm job no matter the size. Choose SERVPRO of Mentor a company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and are ready to respond when Mother Nature strikes.

Easing Your Pets' Anxiety During a Storm

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Storm Anxiety with Pets

It's no secret that dogs can have anxiety when it comes to loud noises. Whether it's fireworks, storms, or just a truck backing up outside, we know that your furry friend may need extra attention to ease their nerves.

Storms can cause anxiety and stress in anyone, and that stress is only intensified when you have to worry about your pet's stress on top of your own!

Clinical Signs of Stress May Vary

While clinical signs vary, the most common reported signs of pet anxiety include panting, pacing, hiding, drooling and following people through the home. Some animals, perhaps more severely affected, may be destructive to items in their environment.

Although there have been several studies on dogs in storms, far less information is available on cats.

In one study on firework anxiety, dogs exhibited more overt signs like pacing and panting, while cats hid and cowered. This difference is likely to occur during storms as well. While it is difficult to miss a 90-pound Labrador jumping on your bed during a storm at 2 a.m., it is easy to miss a hiding cat. This does not mean cats are any less afraid than their canine counterparts. Instead, owners have to be more vigilant for subtle signs of anxiety because cats are equally in need of treatment.

What about scolding or punishing my dog?

Do not punish your dog when he is scared, it only confirms to him that there is something to fear and will make him worse. In addition, if you are upset or anxious about your pet's behavior, this will also make your dog more anxious.

Can I do anything to reduce the impact of the noise and flashes from fireworks or storms?

Treatment should focus first on reducing anxiety and providing an appropriate environment during storms. Once that is accomplished, the behavior can be modified through training. Behavior modification helps change the way the pet feels when it experiences the storms. However, without reducing anxiety, most pets have a difficult time learning how to be calm during storms. There are several different avenues to pursue for decreasing anxiety, including behavior training, creating safe spaces, pheromones, pressure wraps and supplements.

Always try to ensure that your dog has access to a well-curtained or blacked-out room when a storm begins. Blacking out the room removes the additional problems of flashing lights, flares, etc.

Provide plenty of familiar toys and games that might help to distract the pet.

Try to arrange company for your dog rather than leaving him alone in the room.

Close all the windows and doors so the sound is muffled as much as possible. Try taking your pet to a room or area of the house where the stimuli will be at their mildest and the dog can be most easily distracted. Sometimes placing nested cardboard boxes or a blanket over the cage can greatly mute the sound. Be certain, however, that there is enough air circulation so that the pet does not overheat.

Provide background noise from the radio or television. The volume does not have to be loud as long as the music has a strong beat that acts as a distraction and prevents him from concentrating on the noises outside. Other background noises such as a fan running or even "white" noise devices can help to block outdoor noises.