Recent Storm Damage Posts
June historically brings the most storms to WI
6/14/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is your trusted storm damage restoration company.
According to the National Weather Service, June is typically the month that tornadoes and severe storms hit the Upper Midwest. When storms hit your area, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North to restore your home should the rain become too much!
We are available 24/7/365 for all of your water damage mitigation needs!
Ice Dam Tips for Milwaukee Residents
12/1/2022 (Permalink)
Icicles hanging from your roof might be pretty, but they could be an indication that you may have an ice dam.
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and other areas. Ice dams usually occur after a heavy snowfall and several days of freezing temperatures. Frequently the result will be a water spot or leak from the ceiling or wall under the roof damage.
Tips for handling and preventing ice dams
- Don’t get on your roof yourself; it could be dangerous.
- Avoid standing on the ground and “chipping away” at the ice. Not only could this cause damage to your roof, but you can be seriously injured by falling ice and debris.
- Seal air leaks and duct air leaks in your attic to stop warm air leakage.
- Check your attic insulation, replace anything damaged, and add additional insulation. This prevents warm air from your home from getting in your attic.
- Provide adequate attic ventilation. Check to make sure attic insulation is not blocking roof ventilation. Your attic should be a temperature similar to the outdoor temperature.
- Clean leaves and other debris from gutters before the first snow. This will help prevent ice build-up in gutters.
- Have an energy specialist or air sealing professional do an in-home evaluation. A good specialist will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvements.
If you have experienced interior water damage in your home or business, please utilize the professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North. Our trained technicians are available 24/7/365 to assist with your water emergencies. Call today at 414-354-7566.
Being Prepared in Waukesha County: Pack a Severe Weather Emergency Kit
8/1/2022 (Permalink)
The United States ranks highest as the country with the most tornadoes. Canada places second.
Despite the fact that meteorologists are now better able to predict them, tornadoes can strike with little warning. Therefore, it’s best to be prepared well before a tornado approaches. One way to be prepared is to compile an emergency kit. Here are some suggested items:
Water
Have a purification kit and enough water to last 72 hours
Food
Plan enough food to last 72 hours, plasticware, and some means of preparation
First Aid Kit
Include supplies to treat minor wounds and keep larger wounds under control
Medication
Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medication, and prescriptions
Waterproof Clothing
Boots, jackets, pants, and warm clothing
Flashlight
Don’t forget the batteries!
Blankets and Pillows
Protect your head, neck, and body from falling debris with a heavy blanket and fluffy pillow
Toilet Kit
Sanitation and hygiene is extremely important! Include some wet wipes
Extra Supplies
Remember to pack any necessary supplies for your babies, kids, elderly parents, or pets, if applicable
NOAA Weather Radio
Stay updated with the current conditions. Download the app too!
Important Documents
Make sure to keep all of your important documents in a sealed waterproof container away from an area that can flood
Things to Do
Books, crosswords, games, and other items to keep yourself and loved ones occupied while waiting out the storm.
When the storm is over, if you find that you have property damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North right away for help. We have crews available 24/7 for tarp up and board up as well as water mitigation services.
Tornado Warning vs. Tornado Watch in Milwaukee, WI
6/1/2022 (Permalink)
The United States experiences an average of 1,000 or more tornadoes every year.
What’s the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch?
Both tornado watches and tornado warnings are issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ National Weather Service. However, there are critical differences between the two alerts.
Tornado Watch
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be alert to changes in the weather, account for all family members, and listen to local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. Move cars inside and keep car and house keys with you. If time permits, move lawn furniture and equipment inside to minimize flying debris. If a tornado siren sounds, stay inside and take cover.
Tornado Warning
A tornado has actually been spotted or is indicated on weather radar in your area. This means danger is imminent and you may only have seconds to take cover!
In the event that your home or business sustains damage caused by the high winds of a tornado, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North can help! 24/7/365 emergency service is available for board up, tarp up, and water mitigation.
After the Storm: Assessing Health and Property Damage in Milwaukee
2/4/2022 (Permalink)
Winter storms can cause major damage to your home. Inspect the exterior and interior after a storm and call us if you need help!
After a severe winter storm, there is much to assess. The number one concern is the physical well being of yourself and your family. Secondly, you’ll want to assess any damage to your property. Here are some tips for both from the American Red Cross and FEMA:
Check for Frostbite
Frostbite can cause loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes. Signs may include numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin. Actions to take include going to a warm room, soaking in warm water, and using body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad
Check for Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency. Signs could include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Action to take include going to a warm room, warming the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Make a careful and thorough inspection of your home’s structural elements
- Check the outside of your home before you enter
- Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, missing support beams or other damage. Damage on the outside can indicate a serious problem inside. Ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter.
- Is your ceiling sagging? That means it got wet – which makes it heavy and dangerous. It will have to be replaced.
- If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame, including candles, to inspect for damage or serve as alternate lighting.
- Take photographs of the damage. You may need these to substantiate insurance claims later.
If you do find damage, call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for help. We are experienced in these situations, and we know what to do next. We are a preferred vendor for most insurance companies, and we can help with your claim if you choose to file one. We are here to help 24/7/365.
During the Storm: Winter Storm Safety in Northern Milwuakee
1/20/2022 (Permalink)
Winter storms can be deadly. Staying safe is the #1 concern!
Milwaukee winters can be brutal, with severe storms causing widespread damage and injuries. Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Here are a few tips from FEMA on how to be smart and stay safe during a winter storm:
Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, stay inside
Limit your time outside
If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven
Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow
Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia and begin treatment right away
Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold
Keeping yourself and loved ones safe during these storm events is always the number one concern. After the storm, if you need assistance with property damage or water intrusion, please call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for assistance. We are always here to help 24/7/365.
Pre-Storm Winter Storm Preparedness in Northern Milwaukee
1/10/2022 (Permalink)
Winter storms can cause damage and injury. It is important to be as educated and prepared as possible.
Winter storms and blizzards in Wisconsin can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds. It is important to be prepared to protect yourself and your property from these winter storm events. Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Here are a few tips from FEMA that can help:
Know your area’s risk
Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.
Prepare your home to keep out the cold
Check insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups
Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms
Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.
Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
Create an emergency supply kit for your car
Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
Learn the signs of and basic treatments for frostbite and hypothermia
Taking a first aid or emergency resuscitation (CPR) course is a good way to prepare for health problems related to cold weather. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.
In the event that your home sustains damage from a winter storm, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566. Our trained professionals are standing by 24/7/365 to assist with your emergencies.
Storm Preparedness in Milwaukee, WI: Emergency Supplies
12/1/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is proud to be a partner of the American Red Cross both corporately and locally since 2013.
You may not be at home when a storm starts, so it is important to have basic supplies of food and water as well as a way to stay warm without power in several locations such as your workplace, vehicle, and/or school. You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items each week or month. For a complete list of emergency supplies, visit www.ready.gov/kit. Check these supplies off of your Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist once you add them to your emergency kit, which appears at the end of this document.
Make sure you have everything you will need to get in touch with your family either through cellular phones or email.
Be equipped to tend to any current or unexpected medical conditions your family members may have. Ask your doctor about storing prescription meds such as at least a three days’ supply of heart and blood pressure medication, insulin for diabetics, and other prescription drugs such as inhalers for those with asthma. Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.
Place any important documents in a sealed, waterproof container to keep them dry and easily accessible.
Small items like matches, flashlights, a multi-tool, pocket knife, and a whistle (to signal for help) can make a huge difference for your family while weathering a storm.
Have at least a three-days’ supply of non-perishable food and water for your family. Remember to store anything specific to your family’s needs.
- Warm Clothing and Blankets
Warm clothes and blankets can help prevent hypothermia. Do not forget warm, waterproof, and protective footwear as well as gloves.
In the event that your home or business is damaged by severe weather, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for assistance. Our team is available 24/7/365 for your water damage emergencies as well as a variety of other property repairs.
Storm Preparedness in Milwaukee, WI: Stay Informed
11/1/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help with any storm damage to your home or business.
Emergency Notifications
- The National Weather Service (NWS) provides alerts and warnings for all hazards through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (NWR) receiver. For more information on NWR receivers, visit nws.noaa.gov/nwr/info/nwrrcvr.html.
- Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications that your community may offer. Download Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at ready.gov/prepare.
- Download the FEMA and American Red Cross apps on iOS or Android at no cost. These apps may provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.
Watches and Warnings
Learn the difference between Advisories, Watches, and Warnings, which describe changing winter weather conditions. Learning what these terms mean can help you understand how an approaching storm may impact you and what actions to take to stay safe. These alerts are issued by your local National Weather Service office and are based upon local criteria.
- Winter Weather Advisories are issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet Warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.
- Winter Storm Watches are issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event. Heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storms, blowing snow, or a combination of these events are possible.
- Winter Storm Warnings are issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet, blowing snow, or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.
In the event that your home or business is damaged by severe weather, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for assistance. Our team is available 24/7/365 for your water damage emergencies as well as a variety of other property repairs.
Storm Preparedness in Milwaukee: Protecting Your Property
10/20/2021 (Permalink)
When gutters are clogged, they rapidly fill and overflow forcing water to take a path of least resistance, often causing damage to your property.
During the winter months, your property could be at risk of sustaining damage from a storm. Here are some tips to prevent property damage in the winter months.
Winterize Your Home
by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
Insulate Water Pipes
Also, allow faucets to drip or trickle during unusually cold weather or if the power and heat are out to avoid freezing. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause water pipes to burst. Know how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts.
Clear Rain Gutters
repair roof leaks, check your roof to make sure it can handle the extra weight of the snow and ice, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing.
Install Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detectors
or electric detectors with battery backups in central locations on every level of your home. This will provide an early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially deadly gas.
Hire a Contractor
to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and/or ice
Keep Fire Extinguishers on Hand
and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year, so your alarms will work during a power outage.
Maintain Heating Equipment
and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
In the event your property does become damaged despite your best efforts, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help. Call today for a free estimate. We are available at 414-354-7566, 24/7/365.
Midwest Tornado Season is Here: Be Prepared and Safe
7/10/2021 (Permalink)
The US averages over 1,200 tornadoes per year. This exceeds the number of tornadoes in any other country, according to the NOAA.
Prepare:
- Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
- Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Become familiar with your community's sirens.
- Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
- Identify and practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level.
Survive:
- Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
- Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
- Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
- If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.
Recover:
- If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
- Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
- Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
- Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.
In the event your home or business is damaged by a tornado or high winds, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24/7/365 to assist in securing your property. Our reconstruction team is experienced in restoring properties from this type of damage, working in conjunction with your insurance company to bring your home or business back to life. Call us today at 414-354-7566.
Insurance Coverage for Spring and Summer Storm Damage to your Milwaukee Home
6/5/2021 (Permalink)
Understanding your property insurance can help protect you in the event your home sustains damage from a storm.
Spring and Summer weather in the Midwest is welcomed with open arms each year. It can, however, bring storms that could cause a wide variety of damage to your home. Fortunately, much of this damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. This insurance protection depends on what type of damage was caused and what caused it.
Here are a few common events that are often covered on a standard home policy:
Wind Damage
Wind almost always damages the weakest areas of a home. After a storm, indications of damage would include:
- Shingles in the yard
- Creased or broken shingles from wind
- Loose or missing siding and trim on your home
- Loose or broken downspouts and gutters
Hail Damage
If hail causes damage to the exterior of your home, your dwelling coverage helps cover the cost to repair or replace the damage.
However, your home’s detached structures, such as a fence, garage, gazebo or swimming pool, may only have limited coverage from your base policy. In order to properly protect them from hail damage, you may want to consider adding coverage for your detached structures.
Lightning Damage
Lightning can cause serious damage to your home, including fire and damage to your electronic devices. Fortunately, your home insurance covers lightning-damaged electronics and other personal property, and your dwelling coverage protects the structure of your home if lightning causes a fire.
Here are a few coverages that can be added for extra protection:
Flood Insurance
Floods are a natural disaster that aren’t covered by your homeowners policy, but many companies offer flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. If you live in a flood-prone area or just want peace of mind, consider purchasing flood insurance to protect your home and personal property.
Roof Replacement Cost Coverage
Your home insurance is designed to help cover the replacement of your roof if it’s damaged by a covered loss. But the amount you’ll receive for your damaged roof depends on if you have actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV). Having roof replacement cost value coverage means you’re covered for what it’d cost to replace your roof today without worrying about depreciation.
Matching Siding Coverage
Homeowner’s insurance replaces siding damage from specific types of losses, like damage from wind. However, it only covers the parts of your home that are damaged. By adding matching siding coverage, you’ll be covered for a higher amount to compensate for replacing additional siding to match.
Sump Pump Coverage
Your sump pump is designed to remove excess water that accumulates around your home’s foundation. If the system ever fails or the power goes out, water overflow may occur. And you're typically not covered for this type of damage with your homeowners insurance. Having water backup and sump pump overflow coverage gives you that important layer of protection that is so important during these Lake County spring and summer rains.
In the event you do suffer damage from a storm, please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for your restoration or repair concerns. We are here to help 24/7/365.
Preparing your Northern Milwaukee Home for a Spring Storm
5/5/2021 (Permalink)
Spring weather can be unpredictable. It is important to prepare in advance for the ever changing Midwest weather.
Spring has officially arrived. Warmer days have begun, and spring foliage is popping up all around us. The beauty of spring brings along with it the probability of strong storms. With a little forward thinking, you’ll be prepared to protect your home. Check out these tips for some ideas to be ready for whatever happens.
Sign up for weather text alerts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sends text messages to keep you updated on emergency situations. However, long before anything gets that severe, your local government, weather channel, radio stations and power companies have similar services that let you know what’s happening in your region. The more information you get, the easier it is to plan and prepare.
You can also download the FEMA app to your smartphone, which gets you real-time National Weather Service alerts. You’ll also have access to important emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters.
Evaluate your home’s exterior
Your home is designed to shelter you from the weather. To keep it in tip-top condition, do regular walk-arounds and inspect for issues. Keep an eye out for the following things:
- Loose shingles
- Loose siding
- Tree branches extending over your house or driveway
- All unattached structures like sheds or gazebos should be bolted securely to their foundation
- Loose patio furniture that should be secured
- Loose gutters and missing/detached downspouts
- If you have shutters, make sure they’re secure and clear of debris
- Check to see if your fence needs repair
Check your sump pump
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” And with all that rain, your risk of flooding increases. If you have a sump pump, it’s a great idea to run through an annual sump pump maintenance list.
You’ll want to clear all debris so it doesn’t impede function and ensure your back-up is in working order. With added sump pump failure and water backup coverage on your homeowner’s insurance policy, you’ll have better protection that can bring real peace of mind when the rain starts to fall.
Weather can be unpredictable, but you can still prepare for the unexpected. Talk with your local insurance agent to review your homeowner’s coverage, and call SERVPRO of MIlwaukee North in the event your home sustains damage. We are available to take your call 24/7/365 at 414-354-7566.
Potential Hazards of a Winter Storm
1/18/2021 (Permalink)
Winter weather in Milwaukee, WI can be challenging to the body, but have you considered the toll it takes on your home? The last thing you want is to be panic prepping or making emergency repairs in a winter storm. Staying ahead of potential hazards will help to ensure a safe and comfortable winter in your home.
1. Ice Dam
An ice dam occurs when the ice melts off your roof and then refreezes on its edge later. This frozen “dam” prevents proper drainage from the roof, thereby forcing the water back up under the shingles. This entrapped water causes roof leaks, which can cause more serious problems like roof damage, structural damage and mold. Insulating your attic is one way to keep the warmer temperature of your home from melting the ice on the roof.
2. Burst Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst due to pressure buildup between an ice blockage and a closed faucet. This pressure pushes the water toward the closed faucet, causing enough pressure that the pipe eventually bursts. Unheated areas and uninsulated areas are at the most risk. Opening the faucet to a trickle can keep the pressure from building up. Also, installing fiberglass or foam sleeves onto the pipes can help insulate them.
3. Driveway Damage
Freezing water can wreak havoc on your asphalt driveway. When moisture from a winter storm collects in cracks in asphalt and then freezes, it expands. This expansion can create larger cracks, even potholes. Avoid the need to repave the entire driveway by sealing cracks as soon as possible.
4. Fallen Tree Limbs
A blizzard or ice storm can damage trees due to the weight of the snow or ice. Falling branches can damage your roof, siding and gutter system. They can also fall on power lines, creating a fire hazard. Maintain your trees by cutting back suspicious-looking or dead limbs.
It’s important to be proactive when it comes to winter weather. Constantly monitor your property for potential threats and keep it well-maintained. If your home sustains damage from a winter storm, storm damage cleanup experts can assist.
How To Use IICRC Classifications To Assess Flood Damage
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
If you have endured flood damage to your Milwaukee home – SERVPRO can help you. We are an experienced flood damage restoration company.
If you have endured flood damage to your Milwaukee home – SERVPRO can help you. We are an experienced flood damage restoration and repair team, with access to sophisticated tools and the finest equipment. If your property needs saving, we are the right choice. The first that thing we do, once we arrive on site, is to conduct a full inspection. This is designed to help us determine the extent and nature of the damage. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) categories flood damage according to four key classifications. The SERVPRO technicians will use this guide to shape their plan of action and decide which repairs are required.
Here is some more information on the IICRC classifications and what they might mean for your property.
Class One: Limited Intrusion
This is the least severe type of flood damage. A small amount of water has entered the home. There is minimal damage to walls and soft furnishings. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the affected space, large fans can likely be used to dry it out.
Class Two: Intrusion With Some Spread
Here, flood water has started to spread. If your house was impacted by a storm, the damage is almost going to have advanced beyond small pools of water. It may have risen into the walls and started to soak into timber, concrete, and insulation materials. The water has reached the subflooring beneath carpets. Industrial drying machines (and carpet lifters) will be brought in to absorb the excess moisture.
Class Three: Invasive Liquid
The walls, ceilings, soft furnishings, and floors are all damp and need to be dried quickly. Most are fully saturated with water. Water lines on the walls extend more than two feet above the floor. This tends to occur when ceilings leak (during heavy rainfall), and water seeps through the walls. Dehumidifiers and dryers can be used to restore the home, but some materials may be unsalvageable.
Class Four: Severe Invasion
In the most severe cases, objects not usually affected by flooding have been compromised. For instance, paintings high up on walls, attics (if the danger is from natural flooding), and crawlspaces. At SERVPRO, we’re committed to saving as many of your possessions as possible, but extensive damage can render some items irreparable. We will, however, inform you of the fact before disposing of any materials. Serious flood damage may require you to move out of the property while we secure its structural safety and install heavy duty drying machines.
Whether your home has been damaged by a storm or by something more familiar, like a burst pipe, assessing the damage is an important part of formulating a response. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is a locally based service, which means that our response is always fast. Call us 24/7 at (262)250-1101.
Are You Prepared for Snowmelt Flooding in Milwaukee?
11/12/2020 (Permalink)
Snowmelt Can Cause Flood Damage in Your Milwaukee Home
As the seasons change in WI, melting snow can cause flood damage in your home. Typical weather in the Midwest brings us a heavy winter. If your home is positioned at the bottom of a hill or a slope, the chances of flood damage for your home grow significantly, as gravity dictates that the water would flow downward. Most homes in these situations have defenses for this, such as sump pumps laid in their basement to redirect snowmelt-waters away from the house. However, sometimes, defense mechanisms can fail.
Calling for help as soon as you find the flood damage in your Milwaukee basement is best. Unfortunately, the flood damage in your home did come from a sump pump failure, causing puddles of water to form around the drain. In severe cases, it can flood the entire floor of your home. The reason why it is essential to call for aid, as soon as you can, is because leaving water-based damage for any length of time can lead to future problems developing in your home. Furthermore, allowing more damages to develop only makes the problem more expensive to solve. Dealing with it quickly not only ensures the best price but also increases the chances of smooth remediation.
SERVPRO Franchise professionals understand how stressful finding flood damage inside of your home can be. As a result, we always make an effort of arriving at the earliest time possible after we get your call. Once we arrive, our SERVPRO techs can get to work right away and use advanced technology to solve the issue.
To remove the standing water, SERVPRO Franchise professionals can use a combination of portable pumps, even submersible if the water is significant in volume, wet/dry vacuums, and extractors. All of these devices are designed to get the water out of your house as soon as possible. Depending on the location and situation, SERVPRO can either redirect the water away from your house or remove it via truck. Once the water is gone, we can focus on using drying equipment to ensure that your home is at the proper moisture level that it should be, relative to the climate of your location.
If snowmelt causes flood damage in your home, always get help right away. Speak with SERVPRO of Milwaukee North by phoning (262) 250-1101. 24/7, we are open and ready to get the job done.
How To Use IICRC Classifications To Assess Flood Damage
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
If you have endured flood damage to your Milwaukee home – SERVPRO can help you. We are an experienced flood damage restoration and repair team, with access to sophisticated tools and the finest equipment. If your property needs saving, we are the right choice. The first that thing we do, once we arrive on site, is to conduct a full inspection. This is designed to help us determine the extent and nature of the damage. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) categories flood damage according to four key classifications. The SERVPRO technicians will use this guide to shape their plan of action and decide which repairs are required.
Here is some more information on the IICRC classifications and what they might mean for your property.
Class One: Limited Intrusion
This is the least severe type of flood damage. A small amount of water has entered the home. There is minimal damage to walls and soft furnishings. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the affected space, large fans can likely be used to dry it out.
Class Two: Intrusion With Some Spread
Here, flood water has started to spread. If your house was impacted by a storm, the damage is almost going to have advanced beyond small pools of water. It may have risen into the walls and started to soak into timber, concrete, and insulation materials. The water has reached the subflooring beneath carpets. Industrial drying machines (and carpet lifters) will be brought in to absorb the excess moisture.
Class Three: Invasive Liquid
The walls, ceilings, soft furnishings, and floors are all damp and need to be dried quickly. Most are fully saturated with water. Water lines on the walls extend more than two feet above the floor. This tends to occur when ceilings leak (during heavy rainfall), and water seeps through the walls. Dehumidifiers and dryers can be used to restore the home, but some materials may be unsalvageable.
Class Four: Severe Invasion
In the most severe cases, objects not usually affected by flooding have been compromised. For instance, paintings high up on walls, attics (if the danger is from natural flooding), and crawlspaces. At SERVPRO, we’re committed to saving as many of your possessions as possible, but extensive damage can render some items irreparable. We will, however, inform you of the fact before disposing of any materials. Serious flood damage may require you to move out of the property while we secure its structural safety and install heavy duty drying machines.
Whether your home has been damaged by a storm or by something more familiar, like a burst pipe, assessing the damage is an important part of formulating a response. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is a locally based service, which means that our response is always fast. Call us 24/7 at (262)250-1101.
Through Storm Damage, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is Here to Help
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreak havoc on communities large and small.
Whether its a tornado, flooding, or hail damage, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.
In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation.
So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (262)250-1101 to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.
Riding the Storm Out
7/27/2020 (Permalink)
There are many things you can do to prepare for a "storm event". One of these very important items is a Home Emergency Kit/Car Emergency Kit. In the kit is a collection of basic household/automobile items that you will need in an emergency. Try to assemble your kit as soon as possible so that it will be ready in case of an emergency and don't forget to rotate new items in so when you need it there will not be expired or out-of-date items.
When there is a "storm event" it takes at least 72 hours for emergency and relief workers to be on scene. Services like electricity and phone might be cut off for over a week. Kits should be prepared with this information in mind.
Be Prepared!! Use online resources to see what should be in your emergency kit!
COVID-19 Is the "Storm" of the Century
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has reminded all of us how important it is to properly clean the surfaces and objects we handle.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning and disinfecting are separate processes. Cleaning removes dirt, oils and most surface germs. Disinfection kills (or deactivates) remaining germs.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is qualified to clean and properly apply disinfectants according to the CDC’s protocols.
We have numerous years of experience in cleaning and disinfecting contaminants, including infectious bio hazards. We have specific training and the appropriate equipment to go beyond standard cleaning services. More recently, our professionals received additional training certifications regarding COVID-19 decontamination.
Many SERVPRO cleaning products include products the CDC recommends for other coronaviruses (such as SARS). The EPA has just added three more of our branded disinfectants to their approved product list! Although there has not yet been product testing against COVID-19, we can assure our community in and around Milwaukee that we follow all of the CDC-recommended guidelines.
We clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as:
- Counters and tabletops
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Toilets & other bathroom fixtures (faucets, handrails, tubs & showers)
- Tablets, keyboards & other office (home or business) equipment
We also clean soft surfaces such as:
- Carpets & rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Exercise mats
The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting the following areas:
- Kitchen & dining areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools, classrooms, conference rooms
- Retail spaces, including
- Sales counters
- Racks, shelves
- Hand-rails & elevator cars
- Flooring, regardless of material
- Water fountains
- Carpets, rugs
- Fitness equipment
- Playground equipment
Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for a Proactive Cleaning Today!
We are Ready To Respond to The "Storm"! SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, 262-250-1101.
Be Prepared for Storm Season
4/16/2020 (Permalink)
Wisconsin Spring Weather is Unpredictable!
April showers don’t always bring May flowers. Springtime in Wisconsin means we all have to be prepared for any type of weather at any time.
According to NOAA, every year, Americans are forced to cope with: 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods or flash floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and 2 land-falling deadly hurricanes. As a result, there are around 500 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage.
Don’t wait for a severe weather event to prepare. Form plans, build an emergency kit, and keep you, your family, and your home safe during this unpredictable weather season.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is ready 24/7, 365 days a year to assist you in your time of need. We are prepared year round.
Potential Hazards of a Winter Storm
1/7/2020 (Permalink)
Winter weather in Milwaukee, WI can be challenging to the body, but have you considered the toll it takes on your home? The last thing you want is to be panic prepping or making emergency repairs in a winter storm. Staying ahead of potential hazards will help to ensure a safe and comfortable winter in your home.
1. Ice Dam
An ice dam occurs when the ice melts off your roof and then refreezes on its edge later. This frozen “dam” prevents proper drainage from the roof, thereby forcing the water back up under the shingles. This entrapped water causes roof leaks, which can cause more serious problems like roof damage, structural damage and mold. Insulating your attic is one way to keep the warmer temperature of your home from melting the ice on the roof.
2. Burst Pipes
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst due to pressure buildup between an ice blockage and a closed faucet. This pressure pushes the water toward the closed faucet, causing enough pressure that the pipe eventually bursts. Unheated areas and uninsulated areas are at the most risk. Opening the faucet to a trickle can keep the pressure from building up. Also, installing fiberglass or foam sleeves onto the pipes can help insulate them.
3. Driveway Damage
Freezing water can wreak havoc on your asphalt driveway. When moisture from a winter storm collects in cracks in asphalt and then freezes, it expands. This expansion can create larger cracks, even potholes. Avoid the need to repave the entire driveway by sealing cracks as soon as possible.
4. Fallen Tree Limbs
A blizzard or ice storm can damage trees due to the weight of the snow or ice. Falling branches can damage your roof, siding and gutter system. They can also fall on power lines, creating a fire hazard. Maintain your trees by cutting back suspicious-looking or dead limbs.
It’s important to be proactive when it comes to winter weather. Constantly monitor your property for potential threats and keep it well-maintained. If your home sustains damage from a winter storm, storm damage cleanup experts can assist.
Prevention is Key to Avoid Frozen Pipes in Milwaukee Area Homes
11/26/2019 (Permalink)
Cold weather is great for winter fun in the Milwaukee area, but not so great for the pipes. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will remediate water damage “Like it never even happened”, but life is better if you can prevent the damage in the first place. Every year, over a quarter of a million homes and businesses suffer water damage from frozen pipes that burst (Federal Emergency Management Association). SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is sharing these tips to prevent frozen pipes that may lead to water damage.
Keeping Pipes from Freezing in Wisconsin:
• Check for exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas
• Wrap uninsulated pipes with pipe insulation
• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep cold drafts from freezing the pipes
• Keep indoor temperatures at 55 degrees F, even when no one will be at home or in the office
• If you will have several days of temperatures at or below 20 degrees F, let cold water trickle through an open tap
• Remove outside hoses from their taps
• Open cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens to let warmer area circulate around the pipes
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North wishes you a winter free from water damage or storm damage.
Let Us Help You Prep Before the Storm
11/26/2019 (Permalink)
When you are running a business, you have a thousand decisions to make every day. We want to help make your life easier by helping you have a plan in place for property damage before you need it. SERVPRO offers a FREE Emergency Ready Profile App that you can download in the iTunes store today to help you be ready for any type of disaster.
It's important to have a plan in place for your business before an emergency happens and that everyone in your company and team knows what to do when disaster strikes. When water is pouring through the ceiling on to your computers or into your showroom you don't have time to call around for references or check reviews online before calling a mitigation company. We are ready 24/7, 365 to help you make it "Like it never even happened."
Are You Prepared for Snowmelt Flooding in Milwaukee?
10/9/2019 (Permalink)
Snowmelt Can Cause Flood Damage in Your Milwaukee Home
As the seasons change in WI, melting snow can cause flood damage in your home. Typical weather in the Midwest brings us a heavy winter. If your home is positioned at the bottom of a hill or a slope, the chances of flood damage for your home grow significantly, as gravity dictates that the water would flow downward. Most homes in these situations have defenses for this, such as sump pumps laid in their basement to redirect snowmelt-waters away from the house. However, sometimes, defense mechanisms can fail.
Calling for help as soon as you find the flood damage in your Milwaukee basement is best. Unfortunately, the flood damage in your home did come from a sump pump failure, causing puddles of water to form around the drain. In severe cases, it can flood the entire floor of your home. The reason why it is essential to call for aid, as soon as you can, is because leaving water-based damage for any length of time can lead to future problems developing in your home. Furthermore, allowing more damages to develop only makes the problem more expensive to solve. Dealing with it quickly not only ensures the best price but also increases the chances of smooth remediation.
SERVPRO Franchise professionals understand how stressful finding flood damage inside of your home can be. As a result, we always make an effort of arriving at the earliest time possible after we get your call. Once we arrive, our SERVPRO techs can get to work right away and use advanced technology to solve the issue.
To remove the standing water, SERVPRO Franchise professionals can use a combination of portable pumps, even submersible if the water is significant in volume, wet/dry vacuums, and extractors. All of these devices are designed to get the water out of your house as soon as possible. Depending on the location and situation, SERVPRO can either redirect the water away from your house or remove it via truck. Once the water is gone, we can focus on using drying equipment to ensure that your home is at the proper moisture level that it should be, relative to the climate of your location.
If snowmelt causes flood damage in your home, always get help right away. Speak with SERVPRO of Milwaukee North by phoning (414) 354-7566. 24/7, we are open and ready to get the job done.
How To Use IICRC Classifications To Assess Flood Damage
10/8/2019 (Permalink)
If you have endured flood damage to your Milwaukee home – SERVPRO can help you. We are an experienced flood damage restoration and repair team, with access to sophisticated tools and the finest equipment. If your property needs saving, we are the right choice. The first that thing we do, once we arrive on site, is to conduct a full inspection. This is designed to help us determine the extent and nature of the damage. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) categories flood damage according to four key classifications. The SERVPRO technicians will use this guide to shape their plan of action and decide which repairs are required.
Here is some more information on the IICRC classifications and what they might mean for your property.
Class One: Limited Intrusion
This is the least severe type of flood damage. A small amount of water has entered the home. There is minimal damage to walls and soft furnishings. Depending on the size, shape, and location of the affected space, large fans can likely be used to dry it out.
Class Two: Intrusion With Some Spread
Here, flood water has started to spread. If your house was impacted by a storm, the damage is almost going to have advanced beyond small pools of water. It may have risen into the walls and started to soak into timber, concrete, and insulation materials. The water has reached the subflooring beneath carpets. Industrial drying machines (and carpet lifters) will be brought in to absorb the excess moisture.
Class Three: Invasive Liquid
The walls, ceilings, soft furnishings, and floors are all damp and need to be dried quickly. Most are fully saturated with water. Water lines on the walls extend more than two feet above the floor. This tends to occur when ceilings leak (during heavy rainfall), and water seeps through the walls. Dehumidifiers and dryers can be used to restore the home, but some materials may be unsalvageable.
Class Four: Severe Invasion
In the most severe cases, objects not usually affected by flooding have been compromised. For instance, paintings high up on walls, attics (if the danger is from natural flooding), and crawlspaces. At SERVPRO, we’re committed to saving as many of your possessions as possible, but extensive damage can render some items irreparable. We will, however, inform you of the fact before disposing of any materials. Serious flood damage may require you to move out of the property while we secure its structural safety and install heavy duty drying machines.
Whether your home has been damaged by a storm or by something more familiar, like a burst pipe, assessing the damage is an important part of formulating a response. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is a locally based service, which means that our response is always fast. Call us 24/7 at (414) 354-7566.
Through Storm Damage, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help
4/16/2019 (Permalink)
Every year, all over the country, catastrophic natural disasters wreak havoc on communities large and small.
Whether its a tornado, flooding, or hail damage, the effects of these colossal events can be felt across the nation.
In the midst of the chaos and stress caused by these happenings, it is easy for business and home owners to feel overwhelmed and lost.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North strives to put our customers at ease, guiding them and supporting them through the STORM emergency process while providing education and knowledge on how to best navigate the situation.
So in the event that your home or business is involved in a STORM, you can rely on SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (414) 354-7566 to turn a stressful situation into a manageable, professional experience.
Protecting your property from flooding
4/10/2019 (Permalink)
Flash Flood Warning-- the alert that many of us dread because of the concerns that our homes will be affected by it. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North understands that your home is more than a structure: it's your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings that help transform a house into a home. Here are some helpful suggestions on how to protect your property just in case disaster happens.
How to Protect Your Property:
- Keep insurance policies, documents, and other valuables in a safe-deposit box. Keep them in a place where it's least likely to be damaged by a flood.
- Raise your furnace, water heater, and electric panel to higher floors if there are areas in your home that are capable of being flooded.
- Install check valves in building sewer traps top prevent flood water from backing up into drains of your home.
- Seal walls in basements with waterproofing elements to avoid leakage through cracks.
Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (262) 250-1101
Storm Damage Board-up
4/18/2018 (Permalink)
Board-ups are not just for Hurricanes! There are many reasons that you may need a board up or to use tarp to protect your home. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North can board-up your home due to fire, wind, vandalism, animal infestation or even when a car runs into your house! Board-ups can secure the property from looting or more vandalism. Board-ups also can protect your property from more weather-related damage until you can get it fixed. Most insurance policies require that the Homeowner/Renter protect their property against secondary damage. This is damage that occurs because a person doesn't take the appropriate actions after the first damage occurs to secure the property. If they are found to be negligent, the secondary damage might not be covered by insurance. Board-ups are just one service along with our fire, water clean-up and rebuild department that can make it "Like it never even happened."
Winter Water Damage
1/2/2018 (Permalink)
For Milwaukee area and most of the northern United States winter freezing temperatures are always a cause for concern.
Besides the fact that it is freezing to us, it is also freezing our pipes! Frozen pipes many times lead to broken pipes and during these times of frozen pipes the restoration industry is swamped with work. When this happens we are lucky to have the backing of SERVPRO to help us in this time! Whether is it the polar vortex or just a week of ridiculously cold weather, SERVPRO franchises are always available to help out others who are at max work capacity.
This gives you the ability to have quick service and know that you are still getting industry-leading equipment, set-up, monitoring and restoration services.
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