Recent Posts
Stay Safe and Protect Your Home During Summer Storms | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
7/15/2024 (Permalink)
When storms strike, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to restore your property to preloss condition faster!
Summer in South Texas brings warm weather, beautiful sunsets, and unfortunately, the occasional summer storm. As a homeowner in this region, it’s crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. At SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito, we understand the unique challenges that summer storms can bring. Here’s how you can stay safe and protect your home during these turbulent months.
Understanding Summer Storms in South TexasSouth Texas is known for its vibrant culture and warm climate, but it’s also prone to severe weather conditions during the summer. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and heavy rain can pose significant threats to your home. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference.
Tips to Prepare Your Home for Summer StormsSecure Outdoor Items. Before a storm hits, make sure to secure any outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations. Strong winds can turn these items into dangerous projectiles that can damage your property or injure someone.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof or foundation. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts ensures that water can flow freely away from your home, reducing the risk of water damage.
Check for Roof Damage. Inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. A sturdy roof is your first line of defense against heavy rain and wind.
Trim Trees and Shrubs. Overgrown branches can break off during a storm and cause damage to your home or car. Trim any trees or shrubs near your house to minimize this risk.
Install Storm Shutters. Storm shutters provide an extra layer of protection for your windows during high winds and flying debris. If shutters are not an option, consider using plywood to board up your windows.
Stay Informed and ReadyStaying informed about the weather is crucial during storm season. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and have a plan in place for when a storm is approaching. Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.
After the Storm: Trust SERVPRO of Harlingen/San BenitoEven with the best preparations, storm damage can still occur. If your home suffers from storm damage, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to help with the cleanup and restoration. Our team is equipped to handle water damage, mold remediation, and more, ensuring your home is restored to its pre-storm condition.
Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Be proactive and protect your home and loved ones.
Stay safe this summer and let SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito be your trusted partner in storm preparedness and recovery!
Why an Emergency Plan is Important for Your Business | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
7/3/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is Here to Help® your business prepare for disaster with an updated ERP!
Protect Your Business from Unexpected DisastersIn the heart of South Texas, business owners face unique challenges due to the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters. From hurricanes and floods to severe storms, the unpredictable weather can pose significant threats to your business operations. That’s why having an emergency plan is crucial for protecting your assets, employees, and livelihood.
Minimize Downtime and Financial LossWhen disaster strikes, every minute counts. A well-prepared emergency plan helps ensure that your business can resume operations as quickly as possible. By identifying potential risks and outlining clear procedures, you can minimize downtime and reduce financial losses. This proactive approach not only safeguards your business but also provides peace of mind for you and your employees.
Ensure Employee SafetyYour employees are your most valuable asset, and their safety should be a top priority. An emergency plan includes vital information on evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures. Training your staff on these protocols ensures that everyone knows how to respond during a crisis, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring a swift and organized evacuation if necessary.
Protect Your Data and EquipmentIn today’s digital age, protecting your data is just as important as safeguarding your physical assets. An emergency plan should include measures for data backup and recovery, as well as strategies to protect critical equipment. This ensures that even in the event of a disaster, your business can continue to operate with minimal disruption.
Tailoring Your Plan to South TexasNatural disasters specific to South Texas, such as hurricanes and flooding, require special consideration in your emergency planning. For instance, hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s important to review and update your emergency plan regularly during this period. Additionally, understanding the flood zones in your area can help you better prepare for potential flooding and mitigate its impact on your business.
Partner with SERVPRO®Creating an effective emergency plan may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Partnering with professionals like SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito can make the process smoother and more efficient. Our experts can help you identify risks, develop a comprehensive emergency plan, and provide ongoing support to ensure your business is always prepared.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes to start planning. Take the first step towards safeguarding your business by working with us to create an emergency plan. Your business’s future depends on the actions you take now—make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to get started on your plan or for 24⁄7 restorations after any disaster.
Preparing Your Home for Strong Thunderstorms | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
6/17/2024 (Permalink)
Whether its storm damage cleanup or restoration, SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is ready to respond in a moments notice to your call.
Why Preparation Matters
Living in Harlingen or San Benito means embracing the beauty of South Texas while also being aware of the unpredictable nature of its weather. Thunderstorms, with their powerful winds and torrential rains, can wreak havoc on homes if they’re not properly prepared. But fear not! With some proactive steps, you can safeguard your home and loved ones against the fury of Mother Nature.
Assessing Your Home’s Vulnerabilities
Before the storm clouds gather, take a stroll around your property and identify potential weak spots. Are your windows and doors properly sealed? Is your roof in good condition? Are there any trees or branches that could pose a threat if they were to fall? Addressing these issues ahead of time can prevent costly damage later on.
According to a study by the National Severe Storms Laboratory, reinforcing windows and doors can significantly reduce the risk of structural damage during severe weather events. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics suggests that regular roof maintenance can increase its resilience against high winds.
Creating a Storm Survival Kit
In the event of a power outage or evacuation, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to pack important documents like insurance policies and identification as well.
The American Red Cross recommends having enough supplies to last at least three days. By preparing ahead of time, you can ensure that you and your family are ready to weather the storm safely.
Taking Action Today
Don’t wait until the next thunderstorm is on the horizon to start preparing your home. Take proactive steps now to mitigate potential damage and keep your loved ones safe. And remember, if disaster does strike, SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here to help you pick up the pieces and restore your home to its former glory.
Visit SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito’s website for fast recovery after any storm.
Mastering the Flames | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
6/3/2024 (Permalink)
Gather around the grill, but don't forget about fire safety! Follow these tips from SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to ensure a fun and safe night.
Your Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Grilling and Fire Pit Fire Safety
As the warm embrace of spring envelops us and summer lurks around the corner, it’s time to dust off those grills and gather around the fire pit for some outdoor fun. But amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to prioritize safety to ensure that these delightful activities don’t turn into disasters. That’s where SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito steps in with invaluable advice to keep your outdoor gatherings safe and enjoyable.
Understanding the RisksBefore we dive into safety measures, let’s shed some light on the potential risks associated with outdoor grilling and fire pits. According to a study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 8,800 home fires involve grills, hibachis, or barbecues each year in the United States alone. Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights that fire pits contribute to thousands of injuries annually.
Safety First: Tips and TricksWhere to burn: Choose a safe and suitable location for your grill or fire pit. Keep them away from structures, overhanging branches, and combustible materials.
Proper Maintenance: Regularly inspect your grill and fire pit for any signs of wear and tear. Clean them thoroughly to prevent grease buildup and potential flare-ups.
Keep a Watchful Eye: Never leave your grill or fire pit unattended, especially when they’re in use. Assign a responsible adult to supervise the area at all times.
Mind the Children and Pets: Ensure that children and pets are kept at a safe distance from the grill and fire pit. Establish a designated play area away from the heat.
Invest in Quality Equipment: Go with high-quality grilling equipment and fire pits that meet safety standards. Remember, a small investment in safety now can prevent significant losses later.
Let’s Grill Safely Together!At SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to outdoor grilling and fire pit gatherings. By following these expert tips, you can enjoy memorable moments with your loved ones without compromising on safety.
Remember, when it comes to outdoor fun, safety should always be the main ingredient!
Ready to elevate your outdoor experience? Visit SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito’s for more safety tips and fast restoration services.
Planning for Storms and Lowering Your Anxieties | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
5/15/2024 (Permalink)
When the storm has passed, call SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to help you recover.
Storm clouds are rolling in, thunder is booming—and everyone in your house is getting nervous. In our warm climate that is prone to strong thunderstorms, remnants of hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes, this may be a normal scene in your home.
There is one thing that everyone in Texas understands, and that is that we have no control over the weather. We can, however, control how we respond to the weather—including how we control our fears.
When we prepare and get our families prepared, we can rest a little easier knowing that every storm will be approached with a little more calm.
Knowing What to Look ForKids love to look at clouds and find all the shapes they can, so why not use this as a jumping off point to teach a lesson in storm safety. Talk to your children about what storm clouds look like.
Make sure they understand they may be fast-moving, green, blue or black, and they may or may not come with thunder. Show them examples of funnel clouds or what it looks like when the clouds start to spin. Help them understand how clouds can be the first sign it is time to find a safe space.
With the number of tornadoes and other strong storms we experience, there is a good chance you can hear a siren from your house. When the closest warning siren is going to be tested, make a game with the kids. Have them listen for it and see who can be the fastest to get to a safe spot. Make sure they also know the sounds of your weather radio as well so that at any warning they can respond quickly.
Preparing for the EventIf you don’t already have one, a great next step in preparing your family for severe weather is creating a family weather emergency plan. This should include creating an emergency kit and finding a safe place to go during an event.
The lowest level of your home is the best place to ride out strong storms and thunderstorms, but if flooding is possible, you will need to identify a safe place on higher ground. Walk your kids to these locations and help them understand to move to those spots quickly during an emergency, day or night.
Spend time together creating an emergency kit as well. Let the kids pick out some snacks that won’t expire, and gift them with a flashlight of their own. Make sure you have plenty of batteries, water and first-aid supplies as well.
When tornadoes or hurricanes are in the area, there is a good chance that power can be knocked out long-term. Keep candles, matches and some non-electronic games in your emergency kit to help distract your children. Some comfort items like blankets and stuffed animals are always a good way to calm smaller children.
Don’t forget to include many of the same items, as well as some overnight supplies, in a bag you can grab and go in the event that you need to evacuate during a storm.
Keeping CalmFor many of us, storms can be a scary situation to deal with. Weather-related fears and anxieties can be particularly challenging for the kiddos. The more prepared you can be and the more lighthearted you can be about your preparation, the easier getting through an emergency will feel for everyone. Make your kids feel safe by letting them know that most homes only experience mild damage in severe weather.
Understanding the warning signs, what to do about them and the most common kinds of damage that result from severe weather is a great way to keep everyone calm during any event. Be prepared and ride out every storm confidently.
Storm damage should always be addressed quickly. Contact SERVPRO® day or night for the restoration services you need.
Water Leaks & the Smells They Bring Along | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
Trust SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito to provide comprehensive services for a full recovery for all your water damage restoration needs.
A water leak in your home is never a pleasant thing to deal with, especially if you are away from home when it happens. Coming home after a long day at work or a weekend vacation and finding that the washing machines dumped water all over the floor or an open window left your wall soaked after a rain shower is something none of us want to deal with.
Most water leaks require much more than just a few towels or a mop, too. Water leaks can lead to extensive damage throughout your home, most of it in places you may not even see.
The faster you can get a leak professionally dealt with, the less damage your home will incur—which means the more time you can spend relaxing.
Addressing Water LeaksWhen a leak happens, it can move quickly throughout your home. Moisture will get into all the places you don’t want it to be, including behind your walls and under your floor. Water has a sneaky way of finding every nook and cranny around, leaving hard-to-reach places wet.
Grab some towels or a mop when you do discover a leak in your home, but take note of which way the water is moving and what permanent structures are around the area. Dry up everything visible as quickly as you can, and move anything that can be moved in order to remove as much moisture as possible. When your walls, cabinets, ceilings or floors get wet, that water won’t go away on its own. Instead, moisture can hang out for a long time due to the lack of airflow and tight space.
The longer moisture stays in these spots, the more damage will be done. Metal support beams can rust, wood can start to breakdown, and mold can begin spreading rapidly. In as little as 24 hours, an entire colony of mold can grow in places you might not even be able to see, leaving you with another disastrous situation to deal with.
Following Your NoseMold and mildew always come with a distinctive sign—an odor. After you have cleaned up a leak in your home, take note any time you smell something musty or earthy. Do your best to locate the source, but keep in mind that mold can hide out. Even if you don’t see any visible growth, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Our crew is highly trained in every part of water damage restoration, including finding mold growth. While we dry things out and replace damaged flooring or walls that have warped, we will also start remediating mold growth and all the smells that come along with it.
Not only will we secure the area where growth has started, but we will also start disinfecting and filtering the air. Throughout your home, we will seal and sanitize surfaces and ensure that there are no pesky mold or odor particles hanging around. Our restoration job isn’t complete until your house looks, feels and smells like home again. Whatever your leak recovery process needs, we’ve got it handled.
Don’t ignore signs of a water leak. Contact SERVPRO® for a full recovery.
Insurance Claims Made Easy After a Disaster | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
4/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is Here to Help® with your business' disaster recovery!
After a disaster, there will be a whirlwind of thoughts for you to sort through. It’s likely you will find yourself consumed with thoughts about the safety of your family and friends, all while you wonder what kind of damage has been done to your home and community.
With so much to handle all at once, the idea of filing an insurance claim is probably one thought that won’t come very quickly. You may not want to spend time thinking through how recovery is going to happen when you have so many other things to think about, but the faster you can get restoration started, the better.
Our team is ready to respond to your property around the clock when a disaster strikes. We will handle all the pieces of the puzzle you haven’t even thought about yet so you can get back to normal.
Start Fast, Document OftenWhen it comes to disasters, timing will always matter. The sooner you can get on the path to recovery, the less damage will start adding up. Make sure you are keeping your safety and the safety of your family as your first priority after a disaster, though. Stay out of floodwaters, steer clear of hot spots from a fire and avoid downed power poles.
Whether you are sheltering in place or you evacuated, don’t leave safety until officials have given an all-clear. Immediately after a disaster has passed through, check on your neighbors and loved ones and call for any emergency services that are needed. As soon as you know everyone is OK, call us at SERVPRO®. We will start putting together a team and the equipment needed to tackle your recovery from the moment you call us.
When you can safely navigate around your property, take as many photos as possible. When it comes to insurance claims, documentation is the name of the game. If you do need to repair something before our team gets there, make sure to take detailed notes on what you did and why you did it. The more information you can provide, the better.
Leave It to Our TeamUpon arrival at your property, our professional team will start securing your home in order to keep the elements out and prevent more damage. At the same time, we will start working directly with your insurance company. Our crew is not just trained in disaster repairs, but we are also highly trained in how to handle meeting insurance claim expectations.
We come certified in meeting insurance inspection standards, and we will put together more documentation to go along with your photos and notes. One of our goals is to repair much of your property so that you don’t have to replace it. Whatever we can do to keep your costs low and your insurance process simple, we will do it.
All you have to do is leave it to our team. Our professionals will get your life back on track and your home back to exactly the way it should be in no time. You can put every aspect of recovery into our hands—even ensuring your insurance claim process is smooth and fast.
When a disaster strikes, call us to make your recovery process—insurance claims and all—simple.
Flood Prevention: The Basics | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
4/1/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is ready to help in a moments notice after spring showers leak in to your home or business.
Keep it simple. Mastering the basics is the best way to get something done the correct way—which can be a helpful thing to remember the next time you have to help your children learn any kind of math.
Getting back to the basics can be a helpful way to protect your home from natural disasters, too. There might not be any way to fully control Mother Nature, but the more prepared we are for everything she can bring our way, the less damage we will end up with.
Flooding is one of the top natural disasters that affects homes all around the nation. That makes being prepared for potential water damage crucial in protecting our homes.
Know Your ZoneFlooding is such a big issue because it can happen in so many different ways, and not all of them come from nature. Internal, manmade disasters (like appliance failures) can be destructive, but they are often easier to control than external floods. With our community so close to the Gulf of Mexico, all of our homes are vulnerable to coastal flooding, storm surge and flash flooding.
One of the best steps you can take is getting to know where the area’s flood zones are. This can help you understand the exact threats your property faces and how much preparation you will need to do in order to be as safe as possible.
It is also a good idea to get to know exactly how wet your yard gets when it rains or water starts pushing inland. If you are in a low-lying area, adding drainage or increasing the length of your gutter downspouts in order to get as much water away from your house as possible.
Lots of trees in your yard can lead to blocked gutters and debris pileup on your roof. Gutter covers can be a helpful way to stay protected, but you will also want to inspect your roof at least twice a year and after big windstorms.
Prepare to PreventThe more you can get to know the area around your home, the easier protecting your home will be. There are a few other steps you can take as well. Spend some time caring for your yard as your first line of defense against rising waters.
Create gentle sloping in your yard to allow water to flow away from your house. If there is a spot in your yard that stays wet or consistently washes out, consider adding a rain garden with deep-rooted plants that will pull water down into the soil. If they are not there already, put your gutter downspouts underground. That will keep them safe from damage during a flood, and it will direct rain water off of your property.
Inside, maintain the seals on your windows and doors. Replace caulking and weather seals as they wear out. If you have them, close your hurricane shutters and make sure they are in good shape. Have your basement resealed when visible gaps or cracks appear, and add a sump pump if you don’t already have one.
When it comes to preparing for a flood, keep it simple. Basic maintenance inside and out can go a long way in protecting your home. And it will be much easier than trying to remember the rules of algebra again.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact us at SERVPRO® for fast recovery.
What to Do About Sewage Leaks | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
3/15/2024 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is always ready to respond to your call when biohazard incidents strike.
Sewage leaks are something that we all hope we never have to deal with. They may not be the most destructive disaster that could strike in our home or office, but they would likely be the hardest to deal with due to the sheer mess and accompanying smell.
This is actually a quite common occurrence, though, and sewage leaks can strike anywhere and at any time. While there may have been a few warning signs, you could still be caught off-guard. The good news is that the faster you respond, the quicker things will be back to normal.
What to Do FirstWhen wastewater can’t move smoothly through pipes, it will start backing up through your sinks, showers and just about anywhere else it can get to. Sewage leaks can also start if there is damage to your water line or other pipes in the system.
Regardless of how the situation got started, when you have sewage back up in your home or office the best thing you can do is stay away from the water. Water leaks are classed into three categories—white water, gray water and black water. White water and gray water typically stem from clean sources, but black water is considered toxic and hazardous. Sewage is always classed as black water, and it can contain viruses, bacteria and other harmful materials.
Shut the water off at source or to the entire building if you can safely do so, and open windows to start venting the area. If there are fans, turn those on as well to help get fumes moving. Block the area off so kids, pets or coworkers can’t accidentally get near the sewage leak.
Where SERVPRO® Comes InOur team is trained and certified to handle any kind of biohazard situation, including cleaning up a sewage leak quickly and efficiently. With 24⁄7 availability, we can start your recovery the moment you call us. While we gather your information, we will also start putting a team together with the right safety equipment to start your restoration the moment they arrive.
While you are waiting for our team to arrive, start taking some photos of the area and any damage done. This may not be the most exciting task, but the more images you can get, the easier it will be to process any insurance claims. It can also help us understand the source of the leak and what the total project is going to look like.
As soon as our team makes it to your property, we will start removing sewage and any standing water while we also work to ensure the source of the leak is corrected. Keep in mind that sewage is considered toxic, so our crew will be in full protective gear to keep themselves safe. It’s best to stay away as much as you can during the cleaning process.
Not only will we make sure that the cause of the leak is fixed, our crew will also start deep-cleaning and sanitizing the area. If there was physical damage done, we will repair that as well. We will work on your restoration until there are no lingering odors and everything looks exactly as it should be.
If sewage starts invading your space, do your best to stay away from it. Call us and let our team handle everything. We will get you back to normal fast.
Sewage leaks should always be cleaned up by professionals. Call SERVPRO, and we will take care of you.
Being Prepared for the Storms of Spring | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
3/1/2024 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito help you get from April showers to May flowers.
Spring in Texas comes with plenty of warm temperatures, heavy rains and even the possibility of a few severe storms.
Spring might be one of the best seasons, but as it stretches closer toward summer and the temperatures start to get hot, storms often get worse. Hurricane season starts, and Mother Nature starts getting riskier and riskier. The possibility of strong storms means it is incredibly important to be prepared for anything.
In order to be as safe as possible, you need to ensure that you can receive weather alerts quickly. Fortunately, there are some great ways to stay ahead of anything that comes our way.
The Power of the InternetThere is a good chance your cell phone is never very far from your hand, which is why it is one of the best places to receive weather alerts. There are Wireless Emergency Alerts that will come through automatically, but you can also choose from a wide variety of apps to get alerts from.
When you choose an app, stick with one that is from a nationally recognized organization. Local news stations and radio stations often have their own app that will not only keep you up to date with the weather, but other local news as well. Be sure to sign up for alerts from the county as well for the best localized info.
Don’t rely on alerts alone, though; make sure you keep an eye on the local news as well. That way you can stay ahead of anything headed your way and up to date on evacuation orders and shelter openings.
Non-Electronic OptionsOur phones, tablets and computers are great for keeping us connected; but they have batteries that will eventually run out. It is important to have a backup way to receive emergency alerts. Storms can quickly knock out power long-term, and you need to receive the most information possible in order to stay safe.
If you live close enough to town weather sirens, make sure you know what the sounds they make mean in order to respond appropriately. An NOAA weather radio is a portable tool that requires no power to give you consistent information. You will want to take it with you wherever you go, even after the first system has passed over. There could be more storms behind it.
Staying prepared and connected can go a long way in keeping you safe, but it may not prevent damage to your home during a storm. If your home is damaged, call us right away. We can start your recovery day or night and get you back to normal before you know it.
Serious storms can cause serious property damage. Call SERVPRO® 24⁄7 for immediate restoration assistance.
24/7 Emergency Service