Restoring Hope in the Aftermath of Catastrophic Events

2/27/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van

In times of crisis, when disaster strikes and communities are left grappling with the aftermath, there emerges a beacon of hope in the form of SERVPRO®. With their unwavering commitment to restoring homes, businesses, and lives, SERVPRO stands as a pillar of resilience and support during some of the darkest moments.

From hurricanes to wildfires, floods to tornadoes, SERVPRO is often among the first responders, ready to lend a helping hand when it's needed most. Their teams of skilled professionals are trained to handle the most challenging of situations, equipped with the latest tools and technology to efficiently mitigate damage and begin the restoration process.

One of the key strengths of SERVPRO lies in their nationwide network of franchises, which allows them to mobilize quickly and deploy resources to areas affected by catastrophic events. This swift response is crucial in minimizing further damage and providing much-needed relief to those impacted.

But SERVPRO's impact goes beyond just restoring physical structures. They understand the emotional toll that disasters can take on individuals and communities, and they approach their work with empathy and compassion. Whether it's comforting a homeowner who has lost everything in a fire or assisting a business owner in reopening their doors after a flood, SERVPRO is there every step of the way, offering support and guidance. Furthermore, SERVPRO places a strong emphasis on community involvement and education. They work closely with local authorities and organizations to raise awareness about disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, empowering communities to better protect themselves against future threats.

In essence, SERVPRO is more than just a restoration company; they are guardians of hope, resilience, and recovery. Their tireless efforts in the face of adversity serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are always rays of light shining through. As communities come together to rebuild and restore, SERVPRO stands ready to lend a helping hand, embodying the spirit of resilience and unity.

Prepare Your Home or Business for Sudden Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall your first call.

We have all heard the saying “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes,” and we know it could not be more true for Alabama. Our winters can be freezing one day and mild the next, while our summers can go from bright and sunny to dark and stormy in a matter of minutes.

It can feel like a daunting task trying to prepare for such drastic changes, but there are things you can do to keep your home and your loved ones safe through a variety of weather. The first step in preparation should always be having a good information source for the extremes we could potentially see. While there are a myriad of great weather apps, choose a local station’s app like WBRC or Fox 10 so you can ensure localized coverage.

Once you know you have a solid way of receiving last-minute information, take the time to prep your home with a few safety measures you can practice and update year-round. Storms may come from out of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be ready!

Different Storm Alert Meanings and How to Stay Safe | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/18/2022 (Permalink)

If you suspect any damage to your home from a recent storm, call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall..

When it comes to weather forecasts, there are more than 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different categories. That can be an excessive amount of information to try and absorb at once, particularly as the weather is turning scary.

Understanding what an alert means before it is issued in your area means that you can get yourself and your loved ones to safety as needed. It also means you can take preventive steps to protect your home and property.

Having a general knowledge of all weather systems is incredibly helpful, but understanding the most common weather that affects us here in Alabama is absolutely essential.

Make Sure You Have a Storm Safety Plan | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, reach out to SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall right away.

Thunderstorms are a common occurrence that can quickly become frightening. Lightening, intense rain and strong winds that are both dangerous and leave behind damage can quickly spin out of a storm anywhere in the United States.

Annually, the nation sees nearly 100,000 thunderstorms, making them one of the most frequent weather events.

We have seen our share of strong thunderstorms, particularly as spring weather overtakes the winter chill. Our neighborhoods have experienced flash flooding, wind damage and intense tornadoes. Just this past March, Alabama saw tornadoes and straight-line winds that left extreme damage that we felt even into our neighborhoods.

This extreme weather serves as a reminder to us that while we cannot control the weather that comes our way, we can prepare for it. Creating a plan for before, during and after a storm is essential in minimizing the damage and personal losses these storms can cause.

Spring Weather Brings a Variety of Hazards and Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO is a click away if you experience any damage.

The United States is a big territory, and having such a big space under one umbrella means that the spring season looks different depending on where you go. We are second in size only to Russia and Canada, although China is larger if you don’t count all the United States outlying territories.

Our vast space means that no two weather patterns will be the same. As spring nears and cold air begins to collide with warm air, let’s take a look at what different geographical regions can expect, and specifically, what we can expect here in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast regions don’t always get to experience a warmup in the spring. This area stays colder than any other throughout the season as winter often doesn’t lose its grip until early summer. Residents from Maine to the Dakotas can expect extreme cold and the possibility of snowstorms and blizzards.

Those in the Pacific Northwest region are prone to heavy rain over the spring months, which can cause flooding and water damage issues. Higher elevations often are still dealing with snow like their northeast neighbors, and the melting and runoff from that can cause even more problems for residents in this area.

The flip side of these two areas, the southern West Coast, has to prepare for extreme heat that can create a dangerous situation for safety and quality of life. There is also the threat of tsunamis in areas of the South Pacific, including Hawaii, caused by shifts in the tectonic plates.

Here in the Southeast, we can expect severe storms and tornadoes as our weather experiences extreme shifts in temperature. Coastal states near us also have to contend with rip currents and early season hurricanes as spring takes hold.

The true tornado alley, the middle region of the country likely understands the risk of tornadoes better than we do. From Iowa to down to Texas contends with windstorms, derechos and fire risks made especially dangerous by dry conditions and swinging temperatures.

No matter where you live, you will experience some form of extreme weather as we move out of winter and towards summer. We know well here in Alabama that staying prepared pays, no matter what spring may bring.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

Staying Prepared For Storm | SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Ready and able to help anytime anywhere.

Hard Freeze. Polar Vortex. Blizzard. These are not words we hear all that often in the South, but here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we hear them frequently during the winter months. 

Locally, our franchise responds to numerous water damages from frozen pipes each year. Most of these are noticed quickly and mitigation services are performed before long term damage can occur. However, there are instances where a lake house or vacation home has suffered damage from frozen pipes that goes untreated due to the homeowners not knowing it occurred.

Our crews are always up to travel for storm. On a national level SERVPRO is the industry leader in storm respond. These events happen every winter somewhere up North. These events are usually called a polar vortex and cause wide spread damage. Our franchise has participated in several polar vortex events since the Lamey Team took ownership in 2016. It is a powerful and humbling sight to see franchises from across the country come together to help out an area devastated by damage like these events leave behind. 

These storm events keep us on our toes. We keep a trailer of equipment loaded and ready to roll at a moments notice. Our marketing support coordinator keeps an eye on the weather across the country to keep us apprised of any possible events that may be developing. Our corporate office employs a meteorologist who will send out alerts for events to watch as well. 

When it comes to storm events the old saying rings true. It really does take a village to successfully handle the organization, mitigation and documentation of all moving parts. No one job title or function is any more or less important than any other. Here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we love being a part of the SERVPRO family. 

Who Do You Call When The Weather Damages Your Home?

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

We can handle whatever the storm brings our way.

Storm damage is a common phrase in many parts of the country. Residence in the Northern United States suffer blizzards and ice storms. Those along the coasts suffer through hurricanes and tropical storms. The mid-west has massive tornadoes. 

Our little area of North Alabama can suffer from all of the above mentioned types of storms. This summer flash flooding has been a common concern. We just entered tornado season and who knows what wintery weather we may or may not get. 

No matter what the event, SERVPRO can help when your home has been damaged by a storm. Floods, roof damage and burst pipes lead to water damages. Those water damages need to be handled (mitigated) by a certified professional before mold has the chance to grow. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp with any storm damage needs. We can help with emergency board ups and roof tarps as well as the mitigation of any internal damage. Our construction division is here to help with any build back that may be needed after mitigation.

Acknowledging Summer Storms | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall is on the line, ready to make things right.

Summer is in full swing, and it brings with it all those things we love, including warmer temperatures, vacations, pool days and longer days. But summer also brings thunderstorm activity, and that can lead to more serious inclement weather.

If you think we experience more thunderstorms in the summer, you’re right! Conditions are ripe for thunderstorm activity, especially in the Anniston area, since all you need is moisture from the Gulf and warm air. And we have plenty of both.

In fact, our area has plenty of experience with inclement weather.

Be Perceptive

Storms may be more frequent in the summer, but you should always take them seriously. Storm alerts are issued for a reason: to inform the public so they can take precautions in the event of bad weather. If bad weather is coming, consider cancelling outdoor activities.

Heed the local weather reports and consider an NOAA Weather radio so you can stay informed if power is lost.

Flooding is always a threat with thunderstorms. It’s a good plan to avoid travel, if possible, during storms.

High winds can damage trees and send lawn furniture flying. It’s best to store outside furniture inside when a storm is possible, and consider trimming trees of dead branches prior to a storm.

Unfortunately, people die every year during thunderstorm-related incidents. It’s a mistake to take storms for granted.

Be Cautious During Storms

Thunderstorms bring lightning, so stay indoors when it’s thundering outside. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm, so it’s good practice to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes from the last thunderclap.

Don’t shower or bathe, and stay away from windows during a thunderstorm. Also, consider unplugging expensive electronics since lightning can increase the risk of damage.

It’s best to have an emergency kit prepared and know your evacuation routes.

Avoid flood waters if possible, and stay on higher ground. Do not attempt to drive through flood waters as you don’t know if the road underneath the water is damaged or gone.

It only takes a small amount of rushing water to knock you off your feet or move a car. Stay safe and take no chances on flooded roads.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

Weather Is Making a Financial Impact Across the Country | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall to start the restoration process.

The COVID-19 Pandemic dominated most of the news coverage in 2020. This left little room for coverage of the ever-increasing weather disasters that occurred.

But financial losses in the year related to inclement weather set new records. 2020 will go down in history as the year that generated the single largest financial loss from adverse weather.

When a storm generates losses that exceed $1 billion, it is classified as a disaster. The United States has 22 of these last year!

Keep in mind, most storms didn’t generate the billion dollar limit to be counted as a disaster. We had so many named tropical storms last year the NWS had to reach into the Greek alphabet to generate more names.

Hurricanes Not the Most Costly Type of Storm

It’s easy to surmise that hurricanes cause most of the property damage in the United States due to their size and the sustained high winds over an extended period of time. However, that’s not the case.

The facts tell us the severe storms are responsible for more property damage, and this directly relates to financial losses as well. Storms and tornadoes were responsible for more damage last year than hurricanes. Severe thunderstorms accounted for 14 out of the 22 declared disasters last year.

Ever hear of a derecho? In 2020, the United States experienced one! A derecho is a global weather phenomena that rarely occurs. But when they do they leave a tremendous amount of destruction in their path.

The United States sees one or two of these storms per year. Primarily occurring in the Great Plains, they can happen anywhere. Compare this to tornadoes, of which we see over a thousand in one year.

Over 10 million acres of corn were damaged during a derecho last year in Nebraska. That’s 11% of the United States production of corn and over half of Nebraska’s crop.

Storms Are on the Rise

Storms have always been with us. Most of the time, they cause little damage and bring much-needed rain showers across the country. But last year was a milestone as it marked the tenth year in a row of having at least eight billion-dollar weather related calamities.

As long as the weather changes, we should prepare for these changes. Everyone benefits from storm prep when storms are in the forecast.

Occasionally, property damage can’t be avoided. We’re here to help you recover when you have storm-related damage. We can help get your property restored to "Like it never even happened."

Do you have storm-related damage? We can help get your property back to its original condition. Reach out today to see how we can help.

The Dangerous Elements a Thunderstorm Contains | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall today if you are dealing with any damage.

Though they occur quite often when the weather is warmer, thunderstorms are a serious weather occurrence every single time.

It is easy to grow complacent about the threats they cause, but every thunderstorm should always be taken seriously. Between lightning, hail, high winds and flooding risks, there are many serious threats a thunderstorm can pose.

Thunderstorms are classified as such because they contain thunder and lightning every time they occur, even if you do not hear claps or see strikes. When a thunderstorm is considered severe, it will contain winds over 58 miles per hour and hail larger than one inch, making it an even more threatening event.

The Threats That Occur During a Thunderstorm

Damage and injury from lightning strikes. Lightning strikes are extremely dangerous, and because they are an element of every single thunderstorm, it is highly likely that one will strike during every storm. Lightning is responsible for at least 300 bodily injuries every year, which does not include the property damage they can cause due to felled trees and fires. Even if it is not visible, any time you can hear thunder, there is lightning in the vicinity.

Property damage due to hail. Hail is an interesting phenomenon, as it can fall even when the surface temperature is quite high. Not only is hail frightening due to the noise that it makes, but it is also extremely dangerous. Large hail can cause injury to anyone that is without shelter when it comes through, and it can also dent cars and cause water damage to homes by impacting roofs and creating vulnerabilities in siding.

Harm from flash flooding. While flooding might be something people are not concerned with if they do not live near a body of water, the frequency with which flash flooding occurs is quite surprising. Flash flooding can occur during periods of heavy rain for many reasons, such as backed up storm drains or overwhelmed drainage ditches. Floodwaters can be extremely hazardous, carrying away cars and sweeping people off of their feet.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and can cause significant damage to homes or commercial spaces. If you have damage due to a thunderstorm, you can count on us to help. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ for more information about our storm restoration practices.

Keeping Your Gadsden Home Dry During Heavy Rains | SERVPRO® of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall today.

You might be surprised by the number of ways water can damage your home. Many people know that flash flooding, strong thunderstorms or interior accidents (like a burst pipe or malfunctioning washing machine) can produce enough water to damage your home.

But there’s another significant threat that is actually much more common to find in your weather forecast—heavy rains. These drenching storms are prevalent during the spring and summer months. And if your home isn’t prepared, it can be damaging.

Water Damage by the Numbers

Did you know that millions of water damage claims are filed every year? Experts in the insurance industry estimate that as many as one out of every 50 homeowners will file a claim over the next year to cover water damage to their home.

Depending on how many people live in your neighborhood, that can mean someone you know will have to deal with water damage this year.

Sometimes water damage is unavoidable. For example, if a flash flood impacts your entire neighborhood, your house might suffer damage. Or if a storm or tornado impacts your community, the storms may leave you with water damage to your home.

But you can do things to ensure your home is ready to withstand some types of water damage.

Getting Ready for Wet Weather

Our technicians are pros at repairing water damage. That means we see many of the issues that cause the damage in the first place.

We’ve put together a few ideas to help you spot ways to make your yard and home safer this spring and summer:

Evaluate your yard. Understanding the way your yard drains and how that impacts your home is vital. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to connect with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard.

Invest in helpful landscaping. Many people don’t realize that the right landscaping at your home can make a big difference when it comes to preventing water damage. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage. Talk with landscaping experts in the area or visit a native plant sale for tips and ideas.

Look into sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step. It’s definitely worth considering.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Hurricane Zeta in Calhoun County

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

When the storms roll out we are #HereToHelp.

Last week we had a situation not common for us up here in the northern part of Alabama. Hurricane Zeta made landfall in marsh lands of the Gulf, but had a huge impact on us here. The speed Zeta was moving at allowed the storm to reach Calhoun County as a storm packing a serious punch. 

That night and the entire two days after our office was flooded with calls. Trees had fallen and damaged roofs leading to water damage. Others had water damage from the high winds. Our crews worked diligently to help as many as we could as fast as we could. Our office was operating with a third of our usual staff. We had staff members with storm damage to their homes. Some had trees down and could not get to work (like many in Calhoun County). 

We are proud to be able to provide emergency services to so many in their time of need. Our hard working and highly trained staff are #HereToHelp.

Are We Really 8 Letters Into The Greek Alphabet?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

2020 has been a year for the record books. Countless new memes pop on social media each day with the numerous different woes of this year. One thing we here at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County know (as well as the entire gulf coast) is that this year's hurricane season has held up to the 2020 hype. We still have one month left before the official hurricane season ends on November 30th and have already had 27 named storms, 4 of which have been major hurricanes. The record is held at 28 named storms from 2005 (the year of Katrina, Harvey and Wilma). 

What does an active hurricane season mean for SERVPRO? A lot of franchises traveling for storm events. This year, the gulf coast has been hit time and time again. Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Sally, Hurricane Delta and now we are preparing for Hurricane Zeta. No matter where a storm affects the United States, SERVPRO is here to help. Our franchise will send 1-2 crews, a marketing representative and a production manager for each storm we participate in. This year was a first for us as we had crews working Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally at the same time. Work was wrapped up from both of those just in time for Hurricane Delta to make landfall and re-affect half the homes we had just provided services for.

As Hurricane Zeta approaches the gulf coast our crews are loading a trailer and box truck with equipment just in case we are called in to provide assistance to the local franchises again. We are ready to roll whenever we are needed. We are also keeping those along the gulf coast in our thoughts and prayers as they brace for impact again.

Hurricane Laura

9/25/2020 (Permalink)

The Path & Damages

It's been nearly one month since powerful Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall on the Louisiana coastline. According to Wikipedia, Laura was the tenth-strongest hurricane to make landfall on the U.S. by landfall wind speed record. This intense storm has caused over $10 billion in damages in Louisiana, Texas, the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. 

Our Response

The storm was slow moving, but our response was fast. One of the two SERVPRO storm teams activated an all call asking for any franchises willing to travel for this storm event to get ready. Some franchises were able to travel ahead of the storm and stage just outside the projected path. SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County sent a sales rep, a production manager and two crews to the Lake Charles area of Louisiana. Our staff in Louisiana had to stay 2 plus hours away from Lake Charles since there was no power or water. These individuals have worked hard and still are, working around curfews and utility workers.

Back here in Alabama, our Marketing Coordinator calls and sets appointments for the sales rep and production manager to provide free estimates to the calls dispatched to our crews traveling for storm. Our sales rep and production manager sign up these customers for services and work is scheduled to begin. For many of these homes a tree service was needed to remove the tree from the structure so we could tarp the roof to prevent further damage.

The  99-100% humidity and heat were an issue for the first few weeks. Crews have been rotating out every 2 weeks to keep them fresh and prevent burnout or injury. It has been a slower progressing storm event that most of the ones our franchise has participated in over the last few years, but helping those in need has been so rewarding. Just when things seemed like they may calm down, Hurricane Sally hit (but that's a whole other story). 

Today one of the crews came home for a break and another will head out tomorrow to take their place. As a franchise that participates in many of the storm events, we love that SERVPRO is one big family committed to helping each other.

The EAS System

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

The letters EAS have different meanings to different people. For the military it stands for “End of Active Service”. For us it’s the Emergency Alert System. This system is how most people now receive news about watches and warnings for severe weather. Cell phones are equipped to receive these alerts the instant they are issued. 

This was put into place by an Executive Order (13407) signed into action by President Bush in 2006. This system can also be used by state and local authorities to alert the public about AMBER alerts, SILVER alerts and other important events that require action to be taken. 

Alerts are not to be taken lightly. Severe weather can strike at any moment and leave a trail of devastation. These alerts are intended to save lives, and can when they are taken seriously. Do you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Watches mean that conditions are favorable for the type of severe weather they are talking about. For example, a tornado watch is issued when conditions are conducive to tornadoes forming. A tornado warning means that a suspected tornado is on the ground. 

When severe weather is approaching it is best to keep an eye on these alerts. They will let you know when you should seek shelter, move to your indoor safe space, and when it is safe to exit your safe space. It is also best to have more than one method to receive these alerts. If you are relying on television, but the power goes out, you are now blind to what is going on unless you have an alternative method to receive weather alerts.

One of the most important things to note here is the fact that you should never rely on outdoor warning sirens. These sirens can fail or be down for service and repairs. A weather radio (with batteries) tuned into the correct station for your area is one of the best methods for receiving EAS messages. Many news stations have apps available for download that can also provide you with EAS messages. 

Should severe weather strike and your home be damaged, remember that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always #HereToHelp at 256-236-8889.

Traveling to Columbus, Ohio for Storm

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Back in May Columbus, Ohio had another round of torrential rain which caused widespread flooding throughout the city and its surrounding areas. The local franchises were inundated with calls from customers with flooded basements or houses. What we like to call a storm event was activated throughout the SERVPRO system. Franchises from all over the country answered the call for help and sent crews and equipment to the affected areas. 

Our crew hit the ground running in Columbus. They worked long, hard hours helping people who were frustrated, most were dealing with the second or third water damage this year due to the rain. They saw water damages of every shape and size. Some were small and taken care of quickly, others were much larger and took a little longer. 

During this storm event, another was happening in Michigan. Again, more SERVPRO franchises answered the call and sent crews and equipment to get these damages handled and help the homeowners through the process.When we say we are ready and here to help, we mean it. No loss is too big or too small. And when needed, we can always call on the SERVPRO family to come in and help with large scale events like the ones in Ohio and Michigan this past May. 

Are You Prepared?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is #HereToHelp.

May is International Building Safety Month and each week there is a different focus for awareness. For 2020, this first week's focus is on disaster preparedness.  While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community.

For us, living in the south has its share of disasters:

• Tornado season (peak season) in Alabama ranges from March through May, but they can happen throughout most of the year. Tuscaloosa is considered to have a second season from November to early December. 
• Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th. While here in North Alabama we don’t suffer the same damage they do in the Gulf, the feeder bands from large hurricanes can cause flooding for us.
• Winter and Spring seem to be wet seasons for us more often than not lately, and that leads to flooding. Especially with the number of severe thunderstorms that roll through our area during Spring.
• Summer time leads to wildfires. While we may not see the same widespread damage as states like California, they do happen here. 

Be Informed

Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Practice the Emergency Plan

Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Home or Business

Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?

Improve Cyber Security

Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster. 

Being Storm Ready

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is ready and #HereToHelp anywhere we are needed.

Being storm ready is an important part of owning a SERVPRO franchise. We know that disaster can strike anytime and anywhere without any notice. We have survived disastrous storms in our own service area and with the help of SERVPRO Large Loss and Disaster Recovery teams, no job is too big or too small for us to handle. Our franchise has been honored to work alongside other franchises in storm relief response in the following states this past year: Illinios, North Carolina and Florida Our entire staff stands ready at anytime to respond to these types of disasters. And whether an employee is boots on the ground in the disaster recovery area or still here back at home, we all support each other and our neighbors in helping put communities back together. When we do respond to storm jobs across state lines, we do so representing the SERVPRO brand proudly with trained, IICRC certified technicians, experience, and big hearts to do what needs to be done quickly, efficiently, and compassionately. We hope that you never experience this type of loss but we know just what to do if it happens to you.

Severe Weather

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Always stay weather aware and pay attention to watches and warnings.

It's fall in Alabama and that means storms, and many of these storms come with severe storm warnings. These storms can pack powerful winds over 50 miles per hour (straight line winds), hail, and even flash flooding.

To stay safe during these storms you should move indoors (or into a vehicle if it is the only shelter available). Also, keep a weather radio handy as well as any other alert system you have and pay attention to these alerts.

According to ready.gov/thunderstorms and lightning, it is best to stay away from running water and landline telephones as electricity can run through these from a lightning strike. And if you run into a flooded area, never walk through the water and its best not to drive through it, Remember "turn around, don't drown". Water does not have to be very deep to sweep you off your feet or wash your car away with it. It may not appear to be moving very fast,but looks can be deceiving. 

After the storm has passed it is best to assess your home for damage. However, avoid downed trees and power lines as they can cause safety issues. If your home has suffered damage call your insurance agent and SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County to get your home put back together. Should you have any water damage, remember not to use ceiling fans or electrical outlets that are wet. 

Tornadoes

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

In our area it seems the word tornado is said all too often. These natural disasters have sparked fear in so many people over the last few years. We watch the weather on live streams and set our phones to alert us should emergency management agencies put out warnings. After the tornado outbreak April 2011 and the tornado in April 2018 that devastated Jacksonville, Alabama it's easy to see why. 

Here is some information about tornadoes from ready.gov:

-They can happen at anytime anywhere the conditions are right.

-Winds produced by a tornado can reach over 200 miles per hour.

-If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a safe place (on the interior room on the ground floor of a sturdy building away from windows and doors if you do not have a tornado shelter or basement).

-Flying debris can cause serious injuries and even death. It is always a good idea to cover your head with your arms, or as local weatherman James Spann says "get your helmet". 

Should a tornado strike our area, SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp. We offer emergency board up and tarping services. If our call volume gets large enough we can pull in teams from SERVPRO's all across the country to get you and your loved ones taken care of. 

Call SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County at 256-236-8889 if you experience damage from a tornado.

For more information on tornadoes follow this link to ready.gov. 

https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes

Hurricanes

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Anniston is #HereToHelp.

Hurricanes. They seem like they happen so far from us that they can't possibly affect us, but that thinking is incorrect. While we may not get hit head-on by the front side of a hurricane like people who live along the coast or in the Gulf, we can still get hit by one.

Most of the time any effects of a hurricane that we may get will be rain, lots of rain and maybe some winds. It is not common for Central and North Alabama to get hurricane force winds, but it can happen. Especially if a large category 4 or 5 were to hit the coast moving at a higher than average rate of speed. 

Hurricane season is said to be the most active in the month of September, but hurricane season ranges from June 1st through November 30th. These storms are given names. Each hurricane season names are listed one from each letter of the alphabet alternating between male and female names. 

The highest treats to our area from these storms are heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and winds. These storms can pack a punch and produce widespread water damages. Most often in our area these storms would cause shingles to be blown off roofs and trees and power lines to fall, which can cause serious water damage. 

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County can help with not just the water damage restoration, but roof tarping and emergency board ups once it has been deemed safe to get out by the local authorities. 

Preparing For Wildfires

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your home safe during a wildfire and call us if your home is damaged. We are always #HereToHelp.

Did you know that there are ways to prepare your home for a wildfire? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) there are ways to reduce the risk that your home would suffer from a wildfire.

Landscaping has a bit to do woth this. Your grass should be kept cut. Trees should not have low hanging branches, especially near the house. Hardscaping areas can create barriers tht make it hard for fire to cross, such as rock beds, driveways, and more).

There are 3 zones that are considered when talking about wildfires nears homes. The extended zone is 30 to 100 feet away from the home. The intermediate zone is 5 to 30 feet from the home. The immediate zone is 0 to 5 feet from the home. Limiting the flammable substances in these areas will increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire. These items should also never be stored under a porch or deck. 

Ensure that signage throughout your neighborhood is visible and legible. This will help first responders as they try to locate your residence. 

Should your home suffer damage from a wildfire, call the fire restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County.

Pet Preparedness

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans.

As pet owners we love our animals like family, but is your pet treated like family regarding emergency preparedness? Our pets should be included in our emergency preparedness plans. Here are a few on how to include your pets in your emergency preparedness plans:

-Research and compile a list of places in your area that allow pets in the event of an emergency. Notate any requirements (pet needs to be in a carrier or pet needs to be on a leash). Shelters often don’t allow animals, but there many be one in your community that does. Some hotels allow pets should you become unable to stay in your home after a disaster.

-Take photographs of your pets and keep digital records. This can help others locate and reunite you with your pet should you be separated for any reason. Microchipping can help with this as well, but photographs are always useful. Make sure to keep your contact information current and keep the microchip registration information with you to help locate them faster after a disaster.

-Make sure you put together an emergency kit for your pets just like you would for yourself. Pets needs food, water, medications, and other supplies that need to be packed for them. A favorite toy could help keep a pet calm during storms and stressful situations.

-Large animals and livestock may require special arrangements for a disaster (when there is advanced warning).

-It is not recommended to leave animals behind if you are told to evacuate before a storm. Pets left behind could be injured or lost easily.

-After a disaster, animals should not be allowed to roam freely. Landmarks could have changed causing disorientation or injuries. Debris can be just as hazardous to our pets as it is to us.

-Place signs in the windows of your home so that in he event of a home fire the fire fighters will know that there is a pet that needs to be rescued inside.

Commercial Damage in Kansas City Storm Event

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Owner, Chris Lamey, ready to help wherever we are needed.

In July 2017, our franchise was asked to participate in the Kansas City storm event.  Kansas City flooded and because we participate on the SERVPRO Storm Team, we were asked to join efforts in Kansas so we did.

Once we committed to participate in this storm event, we started to get our crews ready to go. Vehicles were serviced, supplies were purchased, hotels rooms booked and debriefing conference calls with the Storm Team began, all the while calls from hundreds of homeowners and commercial property owners in the Kansas City area were "flooding" our call center. We joined forces with dozens of other franchises around the country to respond to the needs that Kansas City had. Once our Sales Rep, Theresa Smith, was in route, we were given dozens of homeowner and business owner's names and numbers to call. These were home and business owners who had called our 1-800-SERVPRO number asking for help. One by one, we called each person on the list, telling them we were on our way, setting appointments for Theresa to see each person individually and assess the damage. Our crew was in route at this point and was ready for work once Theresa signed up people in Kansas City. This process continued for a couple of weeks. We would call the customers setting up appointments, Theresa would provide on site estimates and the crew would do the work.

As you can imagine, being part of a Storm team is an emotional experience.  Home and business owners were tired and frustrated but always so glad to know that help was on the way. They expressed how thankful they were that we were "here to help".  

So after all the jobs were finished and we were about to send our crew home, we were notified that Kansas City had flooded again. The storm had been reactivated. We sent Theresa back up to Kansas City to start this process again.. So we found ourselves starting over this process with new homeowners. These poor people having to endure this again!!  We just tried to be a voice of comfort and hope as we made phone calls. Two more weeks...we were finished and sent our crew home! And lo and behold, a week later Kansas City flooded again! This time, our owner Chris Lamey, traveled up ahead of our crew, to meet the homeowners that we had been calling. We were becoming pros at this process and we found customers really relying on us for info about how the process would work once we arrived. It was a pleasure serving homeowners and commercial property owners in their time of need.

We spent another 2 weeks on this time in Kansas City. Just as we were finishing up, Harvey hit Houston. But that's another story....

Safety Tips for Anniston

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Check out www.redcross.org for more information!

TORNADOES Tornadoes can strike without warning and destroy a community in seconds. Before a tornado warning is issued for your area, here are some things you should do:

1. Know your community’s warning system.
2. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. It could be your basement or, if there is no basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
3. If you are in a high-rise building and don’t have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building.
4. Remove diseased and damaged limbs from trees.
5. Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.

THUNDERSTORM SAFETY STEPS Thunderstorms injure an average of 300 people every year, and cause about 80 fatalities. Here are the top thunderstorm safety steps you should follow:

1. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
2. As the storm approaches, take shelter in a building.
3. If you are driving, pull off the roadway and park. Stay in the car with the windows closed and turn on the emergency flashers. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside of the vehicle.
4. If you are inside, unplug appliances and avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any other purpose.
5. If you are caught outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground, water, tall, isolated trees and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

FLOODING Heavy rains could fill rivers and streams, bringing flooding to the area. If your neighborhood is threatened with the possibility of flooding, here are some things you should do:

1. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice. When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
2. Stay away from floodwaters.
3. If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.
4. Keep children out of the water.
5. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY People should download the free Red Cross Emergency App to receive emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of tornadoes, flooding and other disasters, as well as locations of shelters. The App also includes emergency first aid information and a Family Safe feature which allows people to instantly see if loved ones are okay. The free Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Tornado Safety- Myth or Fact?

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Myth: Opening windows in a home or building during a tornado will help equalize the pressure.

Fact: Opening windows will have no effect. Stay away from windows and exterior walls. Take shelter in the basement, storm cellar, or an interior room without windows on the lowest floor.

Myth: If you are caught driving during a tornado, you should always get out of your car and get in a ditch.

Fact: Try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If there is flying debris, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on and the engine running. Put your head below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket.

Myth: Cities are protected from tornadoes because of the tall buildings.

Fact: Tall buildings do not protect from tornadoes. Cities cover a small geographical area so chances of being directly hit are small. However, tornadoes can strike anywhere.

Myth: Taking shelter in the southwest corner of your home will protect you.

Fact: This is based on an outdated theory that all tornadoes come from the northeast. Tornadoes can move from any direction and no one corner of your home is always safe.

For more information on tornado safety visit www.redcross.com

SERVPRO Storm Team

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Storm Team

SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County has had the opportunity to participate on SERVPRO Storm Teams since we first bought the business two years ago. To be invited to participate on a Storm Team, a franchise has to be in compliance of all corporate STORM TEAM requirements and then accept the invitation when a storm event requires our services.

Right after we bought our franchise, we participated in the Baton Rouge, LA storm event. Baton Rouge was faced with devastating flood waters that damaged thousands of homes and business. We kept a crew in that area for one month, serving about 15 home and business owners. Most of the work we provide on these storm events has been water extraction, demolition, debris removal and setting up and monitoring drying equipment. Since the storm event in Baton Rouge, we participated in storm events in Kansas City also serving customers there after a flood event. We were called to that city twice when the city flooded twice within a month of each other. Houston was our next storm event. Flooding water and damaging rain as a result of Hurricane Harvey in late summer of 2017 created a massive storm event. Hundreds of franchises from all over the country joined us in Houston in late summer of 2017. We sent 3 crews there over the course of 6 weeks to assist customers. South Bend, IN storm event was initiated due to a wintry mix of ice and rain. We sent a crew to that city in late January 2018 to brave the cold temps and help customers there.

Recently our own area sustained devastating damage due to tornadoes that hit Jacksonville, AL damaging hundreds of structures - homes and businesses. We took hundreds of calls over the course of several weeks. Our Large Loss team came in and took over large commercial jobs including much of Jacksonville State University. Because of our training and preparation of our staff and our experience at out of town SERVPRO Storm Events we were more than prepared and ready to help our neighbors when the storm was in our own backyard! We are proud to here to help by keeping it GREEN in all of these storm events.

Spring 2018 Tornado Damage

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Our crews working to clean up the damage left after a tornado.

During the recent spring storms where tornadoes devastated parts of our franchise area of SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we were inundated with all kinds of jobs. Over 200 calls came in during a 2 week span that ranged from homes where trees had fallen on roofs to commercial buildings that had flooded. We were in full blown Storm mode.  One call in particular had to be handled with kid gloves was the call we received from a local funeral home. As you can imagine, flooding and storm damage on this type of business has to be handled delicately. Our crew worked around the clock using a generator for a power source because there was no power in the area due to down power lines. Portable lamps were used to light the way so our crew could extract water, do the demo required and set up drying equipment so that the funeral home would be ready for the contractors to come in and do the finish work to make them fully operational again. The owners of the funeral home appreciated the speed and professionalism with which we handled the job. Being reliable and doing our job is why our customers look to us. And handling a special job like this with the extra care and sensitivity is what sets us apart

We Are Ready & Here To Help

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Owner, Chris Lamey, heading out for his first storm event in August 2016.

At SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County we are always storm ready. As we enter into the height of storm season, particularly hurricane season in the southeast, we stand ready to join store in teams and other franchises across the country to help when disaster strikes. We have been honored to have participated in many storm events since we opened up our franchise two years ago. It is important to always be prepared with equipment and supplies and properly trained crews because we have to be ready to respond in a moments notice when we get the call. Currently, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is signed up with all five SERVPRO storm teams across the country meeting that we have met all criteria to be a participant. Whether it be storms that come in the shape of hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, ice, or fire, we stand ready to respond to the call when it comes.

When Disaster Strikes in your Own Backyard

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Debris is piled high after devastating tornadoes hit Jacksonville, Alabama.

On  March 19,  2018, one of the largest severe weather outbreaks of the year unfolded in Central Alabama from Monday night until Tuesday morning, as damaging thunderstorms spawned tornadoes, hail the size of tennis balls, and damaging winds across the Southeast.  Several of those tornadoes ripped through the town of Jacksonville, Alabama, which is in the franchise area of SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Considerable damage was sustained at Jacksonville State University and surrounding neighborhoods.  Full neighborhoods were inaccessible due to fallen trees blocking roads.  Trees had fallen on homes and buildings and debris prevented travel in and out of much of the area.  Miraculously, there were no injuries from this devastating storm system, however, the damage was severe and there was much work to be done to put this community back together.  While the Alabama Governor called for a State of Emergency, we at SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County and Gadsden were in emergency response mode.  Taking dozens of calls that evening and hundreds of calls over the following days and weeks, it became apparent that our franchise needed the help of the SERVPRO Large Loss Team.  Within hours, SERVPRO Birmingham’s Large Loss team was on site working hand-in-hand with us assessing the damage and formulating an action plan to cover all the calls we had received.  Our services during this storm event ranged from tree and debris removal, to water extraction, to contents packouts and moving items to storage facilities, to roof tarping and board up.  We got to partner with local subcontractors for some of these services and of course, worked closely with the SERVPRO Large Loss Team.  This community is already rebuilding and putting things back together.  We are so honored to be a part of that! 

Take Action to Prepare

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Are You Prepared?

The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency or disaster. While each situation is unique, your family can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. The following are measures you and your family can take to start getting ready. A commitment to begin planning today will help support your family, home, and the community. Review the following questions to learn if your family and home is prepared.

Be Informed

Do you know what kind of emergencies might affect your home or daily life? Do you know what you and your family will do in an emergency situation?

Prepare Your Emergency Plan

Do you have an evacuation and shelter-in-place plan? Do you have a plan to communicate with your family before, during, and after an incident? Do you have an emergency supply kit?

Practice the Emergency Plan

Have you practiced your plan recently? Does your family know where to go in the event of a natural disaster? Have you reviewed your plans in the last 12 months?

Review Insurance Coverage

Have you reviewed your insurance coverage recently to see if you’re covered in a disaster?

Secure Your Home

Have you conducted a room-by-room walk-through to determine what safety measures can be taken?

Improve Cyber Security

Have you installed a firewall on your computer? Do you regularly update your antivirus software?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, visit ready.gov and learn how to better prepare your family and home for an emergency or natural disaster. 

What To Look For After A Hail Storm

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Hail Damage?

Do you have hail damage?  It is not that easy a question to answer. If your building has asphalt shingles or a metal roof, you may see dents. But, on a built-up (tar & gravel) roof, you might see few to no visible signs of damage. 

When do you need professional help? Three Helpful Indicators:

Hail comes in many sizes and densities, so it can be difficult to know when you actually need to be concerned about damage. Whether you’re staring at pea-sized hail on the ground or golf-ball size hail, here are some signs that indicate it would be a good idea to at least talk to a professional:

• Damaged vehicles—If the roofs of nearby cars were dented, then there’s a good chance your building also sustained hail damage.
• Damaged siding, downspouts or windows—If you are unable to safely inspect your roof, hail damage to other parts of your building, such as dented downspouts or siding, can be a good indicator you may need to take action.
• Work on neighboring properties—If a neighboring building sustained hail damage and is being repaired, it’s a sign you should more closely inspect your roof and building. 

Winter Storms

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Snowy weather

Here in Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County Alabama, we get excited when we have even the slightest "threat" of snow. What we usually experience is some flurries, then heavy freezing. So many homeowners are unaware how to handle a situation in which their pipes freeze in these winter storms. 

A heavy winter freeze when your home is unprepared can lead to pipes freezing, cracking and then severe water damage in your home. As bipolar as mother nature is in Alabama, within a few days of this water damage to your home, microbial growth can begin if the right conditions are in place. 

Homeowners also sometimes forget safety precautions when it comes to indoor wood fires, space heaters, and gas logs. One in six home fires during the winter months (December, January, February) are caused by home heating elements. Be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly. Be sure to treat space heaters and fires with EXTRA caution. 

Know that SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County is always here to help. 

Houston Called...We answered

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

Pray for Houston!

As we were just finishing up a storm event in Kansas City, Hurricane Harvey pounded the coast of Texas wreaking havoc particularly in Houston in surrounding areas.  Harvey brought rain and lots of it and the already saturated ground couldn't absorb anymore rain water and the city found its neighborhoods and industrial areas flooding...and badly. Rivers created, homes were underwater, roads impassable. People needed to be rescued from flooded areas, so volunteers came from near and far to do just that. They brought boats and jet skis and kayaks and life preservers and food supplies and water and baby items and they just came. Neighbors helped neighbors.

And then more help came. In our case it was a sea of green trucks that within hours of the SERVPRO Storm Team activation, franchises from all over the country loaded trucks with demo tools and drying equipment and cleaning products and they headed to Houston to do their part.

We were one of those many franchises that answered the call to come. Our crew in Kansas City finished up work there and headed to Houston. Our owner Chris Lamey and Production Manager Kyle Hamby left a day ahead of the crew and then another crew left the following day. We diligently started calling homeowners who had asked for our help and scheduled appointments with them. They were tired and worried and frustrated and homeless and hungry and they continued to say "I'm so thankful that help is on the way".

The logistics of getting around in Houston was difficult to put it lightly. Roads still closed due to flooding. Neighborhoods still under water. Supplies were limited. Gas stations ran out of gas. But somehow by the grace of God, we saw every homeowner on our list and offered help. Sometimes that meant full demo of a house and setting up drying equipment. Other times it might mean walking a homeowner through the process so that they can do it themselves.. We saw communities come together - churches, schools, football teams- and help each other.

Our crews worked until wee hours in the morning and get up and do it again until all the work is done.

With Kansas City and Houston SERVPRO Storm events, we have had crews out of our normal service area for a solid 2 months, yet still maintaining crews in the Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County markets to assist our customers locally. It's definitely a balancing act but we wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

May God Bless all those who have experienced destruction in the form of storms, flooding and any damage to their homes as a result of something out of their control. May we be able to rise to the challenge each time we are called and ease the burden of each person we meet when we arrive. Proud to be part of this hardworking team.

Our MSC'S Storm Point of View

9/13/2017 (Permalink)

Flood waters were extremely high and dangerous in Kansas City and Houston.

Hi, my name is Lauren. I am the Marketing Support Coordinator for SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County. Basically I support the Sales and Marketing Reps in a variety of ways. I maintain our website and social media pages. I attend Business Expos to raise our brand awareness. I assist with CE classes and lunch and learns. I maintain our Workcenter Marketing Database. I work directly with the customers for questions they have on their jobs.

But in July 2017, I helped with the first storm since I started with the company. Kansas City flooded and because we participate on the SERVPRO Storm Team, we were asked to join efforts in Kansas so we did. I got my first look at how SERVPRO Storm Teams work.

Once we committed to participate in this storm event, we started to get our crews ready to go. Vehicles were serviced, supplies were purchased, hotels rooms booked and debriefing conference calls with the Storm Team began, all the while calls from hundreds of homeowners in the Kansas City area were "flooding" our call center. We joined forces with dozens of other franchises around the country to respond to the needs that Kansas City had. I was pleased to be the Storm Team Coordinator for our franchise. Once our Sales Rep, Theresa Smith, was en route, I was given dozens of homeowners' names and numbers to call. These were home and business owners who had called our 1-800-SERVPRO number asking for help. One by one, I called each person on the list, telling them we were on our way, setting appointments for Theresa to see each homeowner individually and assess the damage. Our crew was en route at this point and was ready for work once Theresa signed up people in Kansas City. This process continued for a couple of weeks. I would call the customers setting up an appointment, Theresa would provide onsite estimates. and the crew would do the work.

I enjoyed this new adventure very much. I enjoyed talking with these homeowners. They were tired and frustrated but always so glad to know that help was on the way. They expressed how thankful they were that we were "here to help". I felt that I even bonded with some of these homeowners over the course of these two weeks, sometime just being an ear to listen for them.

So after all the jobs were finished and we were about to send our crew home, we were notified that Kansas City had flooded again. The storm had been reactivated. We sent Theresa back up to Kansas City to start this process again.. So I found myself starting over this process with new homeowners. These poor people, I was thinking! I hated that they were dealing with the same issue again. I just tried to be a voice of comfort and hope as I made my phone calls. Two more weeks...we were finished and sent our crew home! And lo and behold, a week later Kansas City flooded again! This time, our owner Chris Lamey, traveled up ahead of our crew, to meet the homeowners that I had been calling. I was becoming a pro at this process and I found customers really relying on me for info about how the process would work once we arrived. I was learning so much about not only Storm but also about the water mitigation process and I wasn't even there!! It was a pleasure serving in this capacity and doing something new and mostly, helping these homeowners.

We spent another 2 weeks on this time in Kansas City. Just as we were finishing up, Harvey hit Houston. But that's another story....

Faster to Any Disaster

6/19/2017 (Permalink)

Storm damage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In August of 2016, Baton Rouge, Louisiana got hit with one of the worst floods in US history. In just a few hours, the flood waters were rising and homes and business fell victim to the flooding rain. Residents fled their homes and business owners had no choice but to evacuate as quickly as possible.

The area was completely devastated in a very short time.   Communities of beautiful homes and neighborhoods were left with utter devastation in the wake of this storm.  When home and business owners were finally able to enter back into their properties, the work that needed to be done to clean up what was left was truly overwhelming.

In the meantime, SERVPRO Storm Teams were already making plans to send production crews to the area to help these home and business owners with getting their lives back together. SERVPRO Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County was honored to participate with the SERVPRO Storm Teams in the cleanup efforts for the Baton Rouge area.  Within hours, we were packed, fully loaded with equipment and crew, and in route to Baton Rouge. Thousands and thousands of phone calls were flooding our SERVPRO call center from residents of the Baton Rouge area needing our help. As a crew representing our SERVPRO Storm Team, it was our responsibility to contact the customers, schedule on site visits to their home or business, provide a thorough job scope and estimate of required work, and if given the go ahead from the customer, start the cleanup and drying process. We talked to dozens and dozens of home and business owners who needed an expert to help them with the mitigation process. Our franchise worked around the clock for two weeks helping as many customers as we could. Our production crews provided demo or tear-out service removing carpet, drywall, etc., tested areas for moisture and set up air movers and dehumidifiers, hauled out damaged items, among other services. We monitored equipment daily to make sure the drying process was complete. Sometimes our help meant offering a shoulder to cry on or a hug as we walked through a customer's living room which had been completely destroyed by the floodwaters.  To see large mountains of saturated carpet, damaged appliances, drywall, furniture, vehicles and toys lining the streets of these once beautiful neighborhoods was overwhelming to say the least.  It was hard work both physically and emotionally to walk alongside the people we met and work hand-in-hand making a dent in the work that needed to be done.  Our SERVPRO green trucks were everywhere. It was humbling in so many ways to be called upon to help in a time of need.

What struck us as particularly poignant, was how often, even in the circumstances, we heard the same home and business owners talk about how blessed they were. It says so much about the resiliency of the human spirit.  Neighbors and communities are bonded together to move forward and rebuild. They will be stronger than before.

As we enter into the upcoming storm season, SERVPRO of Anniston, Gadsden and Marshall County stands ready to help when disaster hits. FASTER TO ANY DISASTER and ready to work hand-in-hand with our fellow man.