How to Identify Tornadoes During a Hurricane

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Hurricanes can Create Favorable Conditions for Tornadoes

The thought of a tornado touching down in a community during a hurricane is a frightening image. Most people have seen movies or television shows where tornadoes have caused mass destruction and significant property damage. Watching it in action on the big screen or television is disheartening enough, let alone experiencing the situation first-hand. Living through a tornado and seeing the devastating impact on a community is a humbling experience. If you haven't experienced a tornado, it is necessary to understand how to identify them and react appropriately. Your safety and others depend on your ability to identify tornadoes.

Perhaps the most obvious and known characteristic of a tornado is a funnel cloud. During violent hurricanes, meteorologists observe the development of favorable conditions for tornadoes. Classic signs of an impending tornado include dark skies, large hail pieces falling to the ground, and a dark sky that appears green. People who have witnessed actual tornadoes tend to report a similar claim of hearing a loud noise that resembles a train outside the window. The tornado itself is a rotational cloud that forms in the sky and may or may not touch down on the ground. If the rotating funnel cloud loses formation, it can develop again. Strong, structured funnel clouds may be a single cloud formation that may spur off into another one. This is important to remember if the clouds appear to diminish. As they disappear, they can re-emerge without warning.

Understanding the apparent signs of a tornado is essential for safety. Seek immediate shelter in the lowest-lying area of the home or business, such as a basement. Avoid being near windows and glass doors due to shattering. Cover your head with pillows if they are accessible to protect your head and face. You must be aware that everyday household objects fly with the wind if the windows or doors break. These objects can become airborne and cause interior property damage and bodily harm.

Seek immediate shelter when an emergency message occurs. Don't drive your vehicle towards a clear twister to photograph the tornado, as this could be a fatal mistake. Tornadoes cause mass destruction, harm people, destroy property, and wipe miles of communities, housing developments, businesses, farms, and roads. It's crucial to recognize that personal safety is the top priority. Since violent storms, such as hurricanes, can spawn tornadoes with little or no warning, everyone needs to know how to identify tornadoes.

As a storm and water damage restoration leader, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood has the specialized training and expertise to restore your home to its pre-storm condition. Call today at (407) 830-9899.

What are some of the Largest Storms in History?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Florida residents are no strangers to large storms. Warnings that would send people from other states into a major panic often get a minimal reaction from Floridians. As such, it is easy to downplay the impact of all storms and forget that some of them have been extremely deadly and damaging. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones have played a big role in monumental storms of the past, making their mark forever in the history books.

Floridians are most familiar with hurricanes, much like our Louisiana counterparts. However, some regions of the world like Japan, India, and the Philippines have experienced some of the worst storms to be seen anywhere around the globe. The dangers of these storms range drastically and even have different names depending on where they are located. For instance, a hurricane refers to a storm that forms over the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean. A typhoon, however, refers to storms forming over any other ocean.

Today, we thought we would take a moment to highlight some of the most significant storms in the world’s history. From being extremely deadly to extremely destructive, the following, in no particular order, are some of history’s largest storms:

1. Kavali Cyclone in Thailand
2. Hong Kong Rainstorm Disasters in Hong Kong
3. Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans
4. The Great Bhola Cyclone in Bangladesh
5. Hugli River Cyclone in India
6. Haiphong Typhoon in the Gulf of Tonkin
7. Hurricane Liza in Mexico
8. Vargas Tragedy in Venezuela
9. The Great Hurricane in Barbados
10. Super Typhoon Nina in Hualien, China

Images of these storms will shake a person to their core. They were massive and took tens of thousands of lives when they hit. While no one can guess the extent to which a storm may be dangerous, being prepared at all times is imperative to staying safe. At SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood, we take pride in the storm damage work that we have done in the past and continue to do today. Call us today at (407) 830-9899 to learn more about our storm damage experts.

Storm Aftermath: What Next?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with repairs and insurance companies after severe weather hits your property can be difficult. Homeowners can use the following tips to help tackle the storm damage caused by hard rains, flooding, or storm-related issues.

Safety First

If you and your family were away from home when the storm hit, do not return until it has been confirmed safe. Contact a storm damage expert like SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood; we'll help you determine if your home is safe to return to.

Insurance

You will need to contact your homeowners' insurance adjuster as soon as possible. If your neighborhood has sustained widespread damage, find out if any special teams of insurance agents, relief workers, or contractors are coming to the area. Check your policy to determine what actions you need to take or talk to your agent to make sure you are following the proper procedures. Not following these actions correctly could result in a reduced claim. Inspect your property and make a list of all damages; take photographs of all noted damage if at all possible.

Recording And Documenting

Document your neighbor's damages, as well; this can prevent the insurance provider from downgrading your claim by saying the damage is from your neglect of maintenance or other unrelated issues by giving them away to compare. Keep a record of all the communication you have with your insurance provider and don't do any unnecessary repair work yourself. Hire a trusted storm damage restoration service provider such as SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood to handle any repairs.

Be Scam Free

Always check the adjuster's identification. If you are evacuated, ask for money from your claim upfront. If they agree, you will be given a check for an amount deducted from your final settlement. Some providers will automatically offer a partial payment early on during the process. Review it carefully and decline it if you feel uncomfortable with any part of it. Never be afraid to ask questions and to expect an answer that makes sense or seems fair. 

Dealing with a storm's aftermath is stressful, but reacting quickly and effectively will prevent problems down the road.

SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood is ready to help 24/7. Call us for your fire or water damage issues at (407) 830-9899.

6 Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Do you live in an area that's prone to hurricane activity? Are you new to Florida and want to know what you should do when a hurricane warning issue occurs? When a hurricane is approaching, be ready. Follow our guide listing the top six tips you need to know to stay safe during hurricane season.

Tip #1: Stock Up on Essentials

Depending on the severity of the hurricane, prepare for the loss of electricity and the ability to cook. It would help if you stocked up on water, bread, non-perishables, and items you can eat without cooking. Also, make sure you have extra batteries for flashlights and headlamps and buy candles and matches.

Tip #2: Check Your Insurance

Make sure your insurance coverage covers flooding and other expenses you may incur because of Florida damage.

Tip #3: Make a Video of Your Home

Making a video of your home helps with proving the current state of your home pre-storm. Insurance companies will have an easier time processing your claims. Also, make electronic versions of important documents related to your home and your personal information in case destroyed in a storm. These important documents could include your birth certificate, driver's license, home's deed, social security card, and unpaid bills.

Tip #4: Protect Your Property

Install hurricane shutters or plywood of at least 3/4 inches in thickness. You may need to install hurricane clips to secure the roof of your home to the walls. This is important in areas that may receive a direct hit, and install foot and head bolts on all doors.

Tip #5: Make an Evacuation Plan

When it is time to leave, go. Make a plan for where you and your family will stay at least 50 miles from your home.

Tip #6: Don't Take Risks

People hurt in hurricanes stay in their homes or are taking extreme risks -- like leaving late. Make sure you don't do anything silly when the hurricane begins. Stay from electrical poles and wires. Bunker down in your safe room from windows. Don't go outside when the hurricane has begun.

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

We live and work in this community, too; we might even be neighbors. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood is close by and ready to respond to your flood or storm damage emergency. We are proud to be an active member of the community and want to do our part to make our community the best possible.

Protection from Wind Damage

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

This season many areas in the United States have experienced heavy winds and storms. The intense, powerful winds can cause significant damage to your home. Wind damage can cause a range of destruction to your property, from broken windows and fallen tree branches to severe damage to the roof, garage, or car. It can happen from the strong wind or indirectly from the wind blowing debris into your house.

Wind Damage from Different Types of Storms

Thunderstorms are the most common cause of wind and storm damage. However, winds from hurricanes or tornadoes are more robust and can cause severe damage. It can produce many types of adverse weather such as lightning, hail, tornadoes, straight-line winds, flooding, etc.

Thunderstorms are responsible for wind damage cases in the U.S. However, storm damage repair may be costly for hurricane or tornado wind damage. Billions of dollars are spent on wind damage repair and storm damage restoration each year. Understanding the nature of wind damage can help you limit the amount of damage to your property and save on restoration and repair costs.

It's important to know when and what type of storm is approaching in your area. You'll learn the potential level of damage to expect. These wind damage facts will help you better understand the likely wind damage and how to prevent it. Here are some steps you can take to minimize property damage when severe weather strikes.

Preventing Wind and Storm Damage

Flying Debris

Most wind damage starts with unsecured flying debris. If a storm is approaching your area, make sure any potential debris in your homes, such as patio furniture, toys, garbage cans, and other objects, are secured or brought inside. Secure your doors and windows to help minimize the potential storm damage to the home.

Roof Materials

Roofing material should latch to the deck. Loosely connected shingles will lift from the deck. Siding damage reduces at the construction phase. Fastened siding isn't as likely to lift off a structure in strong wind. Building codes will likely direct the minimum standards for connections. You, your architect, or your contractor may decide to exceed these minimums for a more robust storm-resistant structure.

Roof damage reduces during the construction phase when the roof deck, shingles, or membrane is applied over the decking. A well-designed roofing system will anchor the trusses and decking to the walls and foundation to keep the entire roof from lifting off the building in a strong wind.

Tree Maintenance

Tree maintenance to remove dead limbs or identify and remove weakened trees will reduce the likelihood of structural damage. Trees, at times, won't shift positions. If it does, it can shift and cause serious injury to the unwary. Roof openings and broken windows are the most common problem. Keep a roll of plastic sheeting that cuts to size and nails over the opening. Your insurance policy will likely cover the cost of an emergency close-up. Fallen trees may cause other severe safety issues, such as downed electrical wires. Contact your agent or claims center to report the damage and seek advice on how to proceed.

If your home or business sustains wind or storm damage, contact a restoration professional. SERVPRO of Altamonte Springs / Longwood can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.