Recent Storm Damage Posts

SERVPRO of Antioch is equipped and ready to help in any storm situation

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

storm equipment trailer SERVPRO of Antioch's large storm trailer, equipped and ready to help in the Antioch and Contra Costa area

SERVPRO of Antioch is prepared to take on any size or type of disaster. We have a 18’ storm trailer equipped with drying equipment for floods and fire cleaning products for the wildfires that may arise.

 No job is too large for our Disaster Recovery Team. Our crews are highly trained to restore your property to its pre-storm condition. Every large loss is supervised by a certified operations manager to ensure timely mitigation is performed. Being that we are a locally owned and operated, we can respond faster to lessen the damage and limits further damage.

We enjoy helping people during the catastrophe disasters that may arise. SERVPRO of Antioch understands the inconvenience of storm situation and are willing to help, not only restore your property but to also restore your lives.

Flood or storm damage can cause great loss and havoc. SERVPRO of Antioch has the expertise and resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately. Have storm or flood damage? Give us a call 24/7 and see if we can help 925-706-0106

Contra Costa County storm damage Help.

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

roof damaged by tree in a storm Large tree branch damaged roof during a severe rain storm,

Contra Costa County Storm Damage

The beautiful Northern California seasons are often tempered by powerful storms, with heavy rains, strong winds and destructive hail. Through it all, your home protects you from the elements, so be sure to check it for damage afterward.

Even if you have no reason to suspect that damage occurred, check your home and its surroundings (once it’s safe to do so). It’s important to identify problems, make emergency repairs and determine if an insurance claim is necessary.

Here is a list of Storm Problems areas:

Roof

Your roof might be the area of your home most vulnerable to damage in a storm, because so many things can impact it. Whether you’ve had high winds and downed tree branches or just a simple hailstorm, look for these indicators of damage:

  • Holes in the roof
  • Missing Shingles
  • Leaks in your roof or ceiling
  • Split seams

Building Exteriors

While siding, stucco and brick all are durable, they also are susceptible to storm damage. In some instances, homeowners don’t notice until it’s too late to file a claim, so check carefully for:

  • Cracking, chipping or dings and dents on siding. Even if there doesn’t appear to be damage at first, check again at a different time of day. You may see something you missed when the lighting is different.
  • Holes in stucco. This is a serious problem, even when small, so look closely. If you find holes, have a professional conduct a full property inspection.
  • Damaged brick and tuck pointing. While brick typically holds up well, a check can identify any problem areas.
  • Detached or damaged trim, gutters, etc.

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Antioch can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Assessing Butte County Storm Damage

The beautiful Northern California seasons are often tempered by powerful storms, with heavy rains, strong winds and destructive hail. Through it all, your home protects you from the elements, so be sure to check it for damage afterward.

Even if you have no reason to suspect that damage occurred, check your home and its surroundings (once it’s safe to do so). It’s important to identify problems, make emergency repairs and determine if an insurance claim is necessary.

Here is a list of Storm Problems areas:

Roof

Your roof might be the area of your home most vulnerable to damage in a storm, because so many things can impact it. Whether you’ve had high winds and downed tree branches or just a simple hailstorm, look for these indicators of damage:

  • Holes in the roof
  • Missing Shingles
  • Leaks in your roof or ceiling
  • Split seams

Building Exteriors

While siding, stucco and brick all are durable, they also are susceptible to storm damage. In some instances, homeowners don’t notice until it’s too late to file a claim, so check carefully for:

  • Cracking, chipping or dings and dents on siding. Even if there doesn’t appear to be damage at first, check again at a different time of day. You may see something you missed when the lighting is different.
  • Holes in stucco. This is a serious problem, even when small, so look closely. If you find holes, have a professional conduct a full property inspection.
  • Damaged brick and tuck pointing. While brick typically holds up well, a check can identify any problem areas.
  • Detached or damaged trim, gutters, etc.

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. SERVPRO of Antioch can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Car damaged by flooding, Call SERVPRO of Antioch

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Dehu insde of a car to help dry A dehu can be placed inside the your Car to dry it.

What to do if your car has flood damage

If your car was partially submerged in floodwater, follow this checklist for assessing flood damage afterwards.

If floodwaters partially or fully submerge your car, it can mean extensive damage and costly repairs. Here's what to do after the waters recede.

Vehicle Flood Damage Checklist

  1. Survey potential damage. Note the depth of the floodwaters in relation to your car. Avoid starting a flooded car — this will cause more damage if there is water in the engine.
  2. Act quickly. Submersion of a vehicle in salt water — which is more damaging than fresh water — makes the chances of corrosion much higher. Start drying out your vehicle as quickly as possible. Contact a towing service to get it back to higher ground. Oil, transmission fluid and lube may need draining before a tow.
  3. File a claim. Your insurance company along with a qualified mechanic will uncover how extensive the problems caused by flood damage may be. Among other inspections, they will:
    • Check the oil dipstick. Look for water droplets, which likely indicate that there is water in your engine. If that's the case, the cylinders, which are supposed to compress air instead of water, will be broken.
    • Remove water-damaged cylinders and check for corroded spots.
    • Change the oil and transmission fluid. If the car is not totaled, you’ll want to do this again after the car is in good condition and you've been driving it for several hundred miles.
    • Check the interior. If floodwaters were more than a few feet deep, water probably made it to the inside of your car.
    • Remove all moisture. They might use a wet/dry vacuum to collect standing water in your vehicle, cloth towels to absorb water that has soaked into the seats and carpet, and fans and dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process.
    • Check electrical components. The mechanic might need to replace electrical components.
    • Check the fuel tank and line. A siphon pump might be used to remove some fuel. to see if water is present. If water is found in the fuel (which would naturally separate from the fuel), they will empty the fuel tank completely.

Once the extent of your car, truck, or SUV's flood damage is determined, your insurance company will weigh the costs to repair the vehicle against the cost of replacing it. If your car is totaled (considered a total loss) by the insurance, be sure to review what that means with your insurance agent.

Contact SERVPRO of Antioch 925-706-0106 if you find our Vehicle affected by floods or water damage.

What should you do after a Storm hits your home?

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

huge rain storm Large amounts of water from huge rain storm.

How to handle things after a  Storm Hits

Fall is right around the corner believe it or not.  Fall and winter  often bring some severe wet weather and flash flooding mixed in with the cold. Winter storms can sometimes prove the most severe. Its very seldom that we get through the season without at least ONE major rainstorm. After the storm its important to know what to do as well as what not to do. We’ve put together some useful tips that can be used in the event of a storm.

Photograph the Damage.

You can never take too many pictures. Your insurance company will appreciate it and make the claim go much easier if you have good photos.

Contact your Insurance Carrier.

As soon as you have gathered all preliminary information, you should contact your homeowner’s provider. If your vehicle should sustain damage, then you would also contact your auto carrier as well.

Safety First.

Be aware of fallen power lines and be careful not to come in contact with electrically charged water.

Inspect Plumbing.

Turn of your water at the main if necessary and contact a trusted plumber should plumbing be compromised.

Inspect your Roof.

Heavy rains and winds may have dislodged some of your roofing. If roofing damage is discovered call a roofing contractor for repair or even temporary tarping to avoid further damage.

Contact SERVPRO of Antioch.

If the storm has resulted in flooding or even minor water damage call SERVPRO of Antioch immediately to start the water remediation process. Secondary damage can occur within 48 hours. Always work with trustworthy service providers, unfortunately there are some companies that attempt to take advantage of storm events. Always obtain a written contract that outlines services provided and associated costs.

Fire storms from miles away can still affect your home, Antioch, Contra Costa County

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

solar panels on roof top Antioch, Ca home Solar panels

Wildfires from Neighboring cities had a huge impact on my home.

ASH had covered my Solar Panels and my True Up was going through the roof. Every month I watch my PG&E bill and particularly my True Up as I have solar on my house. Usually, my PGE Bill is a few dollars or a negative amount but last month, it was $206. When I looked at my True Up it was over $400 a month for the last two months, it more than doubled over the past 3 months. The True Up is something that a lot of people don't watch. This is the amount of electricity you Use each month. In theory, you use less in the winter and more in the summer. This gets averaged out and at the end of your True Up year, you have a negative amount, or an amount owed. I usually trend to have a True Up of about $1000 on top of my Solar cost and Monthly PGE cost. But this past month I saw that my True UP was almost $1900 year to date. More than DOUBLED my average. I started looking into why my costs were going up so fast, and yes, it is hotter, and our air conditioning is running more, BUT I found out that the ASH from the wildfires has not only coated everything in my world but had covered my solar panels and was reducing the amount they were producing. I was virtually paying for solar yet not producing any power and using PGE for my electricity. I contacted my Solar company and they said to get the production back up I needed to simply rinse them with water to get the ash off. They stated the panels are designed to clean simply with water. They said DO NOT scrub them, use soap and water, or pressure wash, just simply rinse them off. This made a huge impact, and my production is back up to where it should be. As I look around my neighborhood, I see most of the panels are white, and covered with ash. Are yours this way and are you being impacted by this? Are you losing the advantage of your solar panels? Hopefully you will see this and learn what I learned. Hopefully this will help to stop the bleeding as we are paying for solar, and we are paying more for PGE that we are losing in our production. Have you looked at your PGE bill and your NEM charges? Did you know you can call your Solar company and ask for a production report to see how much you may be losing? The fix is simple and necessary, simply rinse your panels to clean them. The rain will fix this also, but in the meanwhile we are paying for it in increased PGE costs. Hope this post finds you well and feel free to share your experiences.

SERVPRO of Antioch tips for keep your furry loved ones safe during a storm

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

scared cat Scared cat, during a storm

SERVPRO of Antioch understands that when a family owns a pet, they become a part of your family. During the winter months East contra Costa area is no stranger to storms. Often these storms bring in several problems including one of the largest being safety compromising. SERVPRO has developed a couple of tips for you and your family to make sure your pets stay safe during both storm situations and everyday emergencies. 

1) Start Getting Ready NOW

-Make sure that all cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags that are up to date. This will increase your chances of being reunited with your pet if separated.

-Put together your disaster kit for yourself and your pets. This includes food, water, and necessities.

-Find a safe place to stay ahead of time. Never assume it will be allowed to bring your pet to an emergency shelter. So, before a disaster hits, make sure that you are given the authorization by your local office of emergency management to make sure it is alright to evacuate with your pets. 

-Contact hotels outside of your immediate area and find out if they accept pets. Ask about restrictions to pets including number allowed, size, and species.

2)If You Evacuate, Take Your Pet

-If it isn't safe for you, chances are, it isn't safe for your pet either. You have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of your home after the evacuation and you may not be able-or allowed- to go back for your pets.

3)After The Disaster 

-Make sure to assess the damage and hazards before letting your pets roam through your home. There may be wild animals who may have sought refuge in or near your home during a storm or emergency.

4) Be Ready For Everyday Emergencies

-Find a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member and give them a spare key to your home to care for your pets if you are not able. 

-Make sure the caretaker understands the specific needs of your pets.

If you follow these steps your pet will be safe during whatever emergencies come your way.

And trust SERVPRO of Antioch  for all of your storm damage needs. We make the damage "Like it never even happened."

Call us 24/7 for all your disaster needs (925-706-0106

Preventing Damage during high wind storms, Antioch, Contra Costa County

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

tree damage to a roof Tree damaged a roof, Antioch storm damage. Rain and wind damage. Water damage. Contra Costa County water damage.

SERVPRO of Antioch wants to remind everyone in the Contra Costa county and surrounding areas of the possibility for high winds to be entering this area any time of year. With this wind, comes the possibility for damage which could jeopardize your safety and could leave to an insurmountable about of repairs and restoration. Our community has seen its fair share of weather-related damages and it never hurts to be prepared for even the worst conditions. Prevention is easy with the following three simple steps:

1) Keep outdoor items from becoming harmful weapons!

High winds may come with other hazards such as hail, heavy rain, and flooding. These hazards can make something as simple as a trashcan or a child’s toy to becoming a safety hazard! When you receive a warning for wind and storms, make sure to bring anything that could be a danger in these conditions inside to avoid damage. This will prevent broken windows, damaged siding, and decrease the chance for personal injury. Outdoor buildings, such as storage sheds, should also be anchored properly to avoid damage.

2) Reinforce susceptible areas.

Garage doors are particularly susceptible to wind damage. High winds can damage or create a high-pressure situation which can damage your roof as well. Reinforce the door by using braces across the back and tracks. Modifications to any door should be done by an installer to avoid damage.

3) Pay attention to your trees and landscaping.

In this area, trees are a particularly dangerous combination with high winds and heavy storms. Trees can cause debris that may damage your home in a windstorm. Taking care to make sure your landscaping is done properly and safely is one of the highest ways to avoid these types of damages. Be aware of weak, or dying, trees to have them removed or reinforced before a storm.

If winds damage does occur, remember to trust your local professionals. SERVPRO of Antioch will work hard for you to bring your home  back to the preloss condition the right way!

Call us today for more information 27/7

925-706-0106

What to do when soot and ash invade your home. Contra Costa County, Antioch, East Bay

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Northern California wild fires California wild fires. heavy ash and soot, Antioch , East Bay fire damage.

SERVPRO of Antioch, CA is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC has many tips and suggestions for consumers. Please consider the following information from the IICRC regarding fire and smoke restoration:

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin cleaning up as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. The IICRC provides the following tips for fire victims facing clean up:

  • Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work.
  • Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out.
  • Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor.
  • Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air.
  • Some draperies, clothing and machine-washable items may be laundered. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be dry cleaned.
  • Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinse from top to bottom.
  • If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings.
  • Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your policy.
  • If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases, and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is a timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home.

For more details, visit http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/fire-smoke-restoration/

Need a professional? Call SERVPRO Antioch 925-706-0106  today. We are here to help 24/7. 

You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPRO.antioch/

Marinating you gutters and downspouts during storm season. Antioch, Contra Costa County. East bay

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Gutters overflowing with water Gutters and downspouts overflowing with water during storm season. East Bay , Contra Costa County, Antioch, water damage, storm damage

Why it’s important to maintain Gutters and Downspouts During Storm season

Storms that dump many inches of water over the period of just a few hours can expose your home to potential water damage. Most storm damages are related to the condition and capacity of gutters and downspout systems. We are trained extensively to respond to these types of conditions. Several days of incessant rains soak the ground surrounding your home causing supersaturation. The water has nowhere to go but through the cinder blocks or through stucco causing damage into your home. When gutters aren’t maintained, the pounding water fills the gutters resulting in the water going back into the home due to being unable to flow off. Our team also specializes in flood damage as well. When it comes to homes with basements, the extent of a storm can cause flooding. At that time, we can come in and begin pumping out the water. We utilize a powerful truck mounted extractor or even submersible pumps. Once we get the water level down, we can assess the condition of the property for mitigation. Air movers and Dehumidifiers are used to begin the process of drying walls and floors.

SERVPRO will never leave you high and dry upon completion. We consult with you regarding the process, it doesn’t stop at mitigation. We are here to help. So, if you have damage from the storm call SERVPRO of Antioch at 925-706-0106 for assistance.

Antioch, CA Property owners, disaster reediness program

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

heavy rain storm Antioch sever storm weather, east bay area, Antioch Ca. Water damage, fire damage, storm damage

Advance Planning for Disaster Recovery 

SERVPRO offers Antioch property owners no-cost tools for preparing a disaster readiness plan

Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sponsors an awareness event  

—National Preparedness Month to encourage both home and business owners to review and update their emergency preparedness and business and life continuity plans. Michael Borders, owner of SERVPRO® of Antioch, encourages Antioch property owners to take advantage of the information available from FEMA, because advance planning is critical in dealing with and recovering from the unexpected.

“Most home and business owners have taken basic precautions to protect life and property in the event of an emergency like flooding, fire, wind damage, or even malicious attacks,” said Borders. “In many cases, building codes require clearly marked emergency exits, fire extinguishers, fire and flood drills, and similar preparations. But the missing link for many property owners is a comprehensive emergency plan that provides first responders with the information they need to deal with the emergency quickly and effectively, like the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, and emergency contact numbers.” 

SERVPRO offers tools for both commercial and residential property owners to help address this problem. Business and homeowners alike can download the free SERVPRO READY app, and store time-critical contact and property information electronically, in advance, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. In addition, when a business designates their local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider, SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). The ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk areas, shut-off valve locations and more that can then be stored in the READY app.

“The most effective response to any emergency is a fast response,” says Borders, “and that means having critical information available and ready to access at a moment’s notice. FEMA statistics* show that as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen after a major flood disaster. Minimizing downtime and repairs with a quick, effective response effort can help prevent this type of outcome for businesses and can also help families put their homes and lives back on track in less time and with less stress. Creating a READY profile in advance with SERVPRO’s no-cost tools is well worth the time.” 

SERVPRO® of Antioch specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Antioch, please contact Michael Borders at (925) 706-0106 or Mike.borders@SERVPROofantioch.com.

Storm Response

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

heavy wind and rain storm Heavy wind and rain can cause problems with your roofing and make its way inside your home

SERVPRO ofAntiochspecializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost. We have all the necessary equipment on hand, ready to handle any sized disaster quickly and effectively.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit the California Areas , we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of1,650 Franchises across the country and eliteDisaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 925-706-0106