Understanding Different Types of Storm Alerts | SERVPRO® of East Mission & South Edinburg

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

When severe weather threatens, there can be what seems like an endless stream of information coming in from multiple sources. There are more than 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different weather categories. That is a lot to process when you simply want to keep your family safe.

Understanding weather alerts can ease your mind and allow you to move to safety faster. You can also better prepare your home before a storm rolls in and protect your property from costly damages.

Gaining a general knowledge of lots of different kinds of weather and their corresponding alerts is helpful, but understanding the weather that affects us the most here in Texas is crucial in taking steps to protect your life.

What to Do During a Hurricane?

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

CALL 956-585-3433 for more information on our available 24/7 emergency services!

First, evacuate if you are directed to do so or if you feel it might be unsafe to remain in your home.

If you remain in your home, follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe during the storm:

• Use a portable radio to listen to important storm updates, information and instructions.
• Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors.
  • Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom.
• Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area.
• If power is lost, keep the refrigerator closed to keep cold air trapped and delay spoilage of perishable food.

A fast response is crucial to flooding and storm damage, because it reduces secondary damage and restoration costs. Storms don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

Our technicians will respond immediately, day or night, to help Mission/Edinburg business owners and residents.

Preparing for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us 24/7 (956) 585-3433

You can’t stop a tropical storm or hurricane, but you can take steps now to protect yourself and your family. If you live in areas at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages you to begin preparing for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 each year.

Please follow these important hurricane preparedness tips from CDC:

Prepare for a Hurricane:

• Be informed of all details pertaining to the storm.

Emergency Supplies You Will Need:

• Stock your home and your car with supplies.

Make a Plan:

• Create a family disaster plan.

Avoid Flooded Areas:

• Take precautions before, during, and after a flood.

Prepare to Evacuate:

• Never ignore an evacuation order as soon as it's given.

Protecting Older Adults:

• Understand older adult health & medical concerns.

Protecting Pets:

• Ensure your pet’s safety before, during, and after an emergency.

After a hurricane:

• Learn how to avoid injuries, make sure your food and water are safe, and clean up.

Restoring storm- and flood-damaged properties is the cornerstone of our business. Our highly trained professionals use specialized equipment and advanced training to quickly restore your Mission/Edinburg property to pre-storm condition.

We’re dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to minimize secondary damage.

The 4 Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has been affected by water damage from flooding or even pipe leaks, don't worry, we have the expertise & equipment to properly dry it!

Heavy rainfall

 The past several years have brought extreme rains to Texas that have resulted in heavy flooding. Storms with excessive amounts of rain often move in and leave our grounds inundated, creating flash flooding and river floods. Our urban areas tend to be more susceptible to floods when these rains move in due to the lack of soil and increased area of concrete and asphalt.

Oceanic activity

 Those in our South Padre Island community have come to understand the risk associated with rising tides, hurricanes, and storm surges. This flood-prone area, along with the rest of our Texas coast, has seen the damage these massive floods can leave behind.

Dams and levees failing

The notable levee break in 2005 caused by Hurricane Katrina is something none of us can forget. Levee and dams break when they are cracked or under extreme pressure and can no longer contain the surge of water behind them. These breaches can create catastrophic flooding.

Snowmelts and ice dams

While our winters are mostly mild, we can occasionally see some pretty chilly weather, but nothing like our neighbors to the north that experiences heavy snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures. These areas of our nation deal with flooding caused by snowmelt and ice dams. Ice dams or ice jams form when ice enters a river and creates a block, causing the river to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of East Mission & South Edinburg has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

Your Severe Weather Aftermath Checklist

7/4/2022 (Permalink)

Have Water or Flood Damage? Call Us Today – (956) 631-0348

Once a storm begins to move out, you need to know what to do next in order to start any needed recovery as fast as possible. As soon as it is safe enough to go outside you should look around your home for damages.

Pay close attention to your windows, doors, and roof as these areas are susceptible to damage that can allow for water intrusion. You will want to mitigate any moisture that may be coming into your home.

If you do suffer damage, give us a call. Our professionals at SERVPRO of East Mission & South Edinburg are on call for you 24⁄7. We want to bring you peace of mind and start your recovery as quickly as possible to get you back to normal faster.

Once the storm has moved on and cleanup has started, talk with your family members to assess how well your emergency plans worked. Get their ideas on what additional items you can add to your emergency kit, or what other forms of communication to try so that everyone stays safe and comfortable in the next storm. Your emergency plan should be tweaked and practiced throughout the year so that you are always prepared.

If you discover storm damage to your home or business, you can count on SERVPRO to handle the restoration. We’re here 24⁄7 to spring into action—get in touch with us today.

Different Types of Storm Alerts | SERVPRO® of East Mission & South Edinburg

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Experienced storm damage to your home or property? Contact us today for a quick response!

<h4alerts-are-issued">How Alerts Are Issued

Where do alerts come from? When a forecast is made, how is the storm’s location, duration and strength monitored? There are actually several pieces of information that work together to create and issue alerts.

The entity responsible for both forecasts and issuing weather alerts is the National Weather Service. Around the nation there are six different regional offices and over 100 forecasting offices, which means weather alerts are localized and more accurate. Our weather forecasts come from the office located right here in Brownsville.

The National Weather Service personnel and other meteorologists utilize several different forms of information in order to create a forecast, including sensors, seismic activity, various meters and satellite radar. The type of data used varies according to the type of weather event predicted to occur, but the end result is always to make the most accurate forecast possible.

<h4most-important-alerts-to-understand">The Most Important Alerts to Understand

We all need to understand the difference between a “watch” and a “warning,” as these are two words that will be used in almost every weather situation. Thunderstorms, floods and winter storms are just three examples of weather activity that will almost always have both watches and warnings issued along with them.

When a watch is issued, it will cover a large area and mean that there is potential for a severe storm to move in. You should begin preparing your home and your family and ensure you have a way to continue to receive alerts.

A warning is issued for a much smaller area, typically a town or a county, when a dangerous storm has been pinpointed. When a warning is issued, you should move to safety immediately.

Our subtropical climate means that our winters are mild but our spring and summer come with a wide variety of weather extremes. Our coastal neighborhoods have to prepare for hurricanes and coastal flooding, while the rest of our area needs to always be ready for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, river flooding and flash floods.

We can also see extreme heat over the summer. Familiarize yourself with the alerts that come along with all of this weather so that you can stay prepared no matter what heads our way.

<h4your-home-during-a-storm">Protecting Your Home During a Storm

The first step to protecting your home and your loved ones is understanding weather alerts when they are issued, but there are a few other preventative steps you can take now to avoid damage later.

Take care of your gutters and secure your outdoor furniture before a storm to avoid flooding damage and wind damage.

Secure a spot in your home as a safe space and keep it stocked with supplies. Create an exit plan for your family for those times when it is not safe to stay in place.

Once the storm is over, walk your property and take any pictures of damage you have received. Make SERVPRO one of your first calls. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ and ready to start your restoration fast. As your neighbors, we want to get you back home as soon as possible.

The more you can learn about our Texas weather, the safer you can keep your property and your family. Make sure you are aware of all the different alerts that could be issued and ride out the next storm with ease.

Storm 101

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (956) 585-3433

When severe weather threatens, there can be what seems like an endless stream of information coming in from multiple sources. There are more than 42 different kinds of weather alerts from seven different weather categories. That is a lot to process when you simply want to keep your family safe.

Understanding weather alerts can ease your mind and allow you to move to safety faster. You can also better prepare your home before a storm rolls in and protect your property from costly damages.

Gaining a general knowledge of lots of different kinds of weather and their corresponding alerts is helpful, but understanding the weather that affects us the most here in Texas is crucial in taking steps to protect your life.

Winter Storms in the 956

2/13/2022 (Permalink)

Living in the valley, we don’t see many winter days but when we do... it gets cold! In 2021, Texas suffered a severe winter storm causing up to $15.1 billions in insurance loses. Being prepared for these short winter days is crucial not only for your well being but for your home as well. Preparing yourself for the storm might just be difference between needing to start an insurance claim or not.

We believe in being ahead of the storm per say and we can help you in doing so by providing some home preparedness tips you can follow to assure your Texas home is winter storm proof:

• seal and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Insulate walls and attic.
• Install storm or thermal-pane windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

At SERVPRO we work 24/7 emergency services to be able to stand by the side of our customers if they suffer any water or fire losses due to a winter storm. We have admins who are on standby ready to answer any questions you may have and provide 1x1 assistance with your insurance provider making it easier for you.

Before the storm hits

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (956) 585-3433

SERVPRO of East Mission & South Edinburg responds immediately to your flood and storm damage emergencies.

We have the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment to restore your Mission/Edinburg home or business back to pre-storm condition.

You must be thinking in your head, “But what can I do BEFORE the storm gets here?”

Here are a few tips that can help keep you one step ahead of the storm:

• Listen to weather forecasts & check your supplies
  • Although we can’t always predict extreme cold in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes give you several days of notice to prepare
• Bring your pets inside
  • If you can’t bring them inside, for whatever reason, provide them adequate shelter. Try to keep them as warm as possible and assure they have access to unfrozen water.
• Prepare your car EVERY fall
  • Routine checkup: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, ignition, emergency flashers, exhaust, oil & battery
  • Check anti freezer lever
  • Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixer
  • Make sure the tires on your car have adequate tread & air pressure (replace any worm tires if necessary and fill low tires)
  • Keep gas full

When a storm hits your Mission/Edinburg home or business, you need help immediately. Our quick response will help prevent secondary damage and help reduce restoration costs.

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season with SERVPRO Brownsville-SPI

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our crew of workers, gathering up for a briefing before taking off to a job site.

Understand, preparing for a storm may come different this year due to covid 19. Although things may be looking on a brighter side, we want you to help protect yourself from getting sick or severely getting ill with covid 19. If you have not yet gotten vaccinated, and you’re interested, look into your local region for more information

Let’s go over some information you may need when preparing for hurricane season:

You want to give yourself time to be prepared:

Meaning stock up on all the good stuff from emergency disaster supplies, water, medicine supplies and food. There’s the option of home delivery for safe way of going about it. However, if that is not the option for you, if in person shopping is your only choice, remember to take precautions to protect you and others around you. Pay attention to any changes or updates in local guidelines about any evacuation plans and shelter. (Including shelters for your pets, if applicable)

If in the event, you may need to evacuate:

Be prepared with a “go kit” with personal necessities. Include items that may also protect you and others if available like germ x, Lysol wipes, Lysol, bar or liquid soap. Of course, pack your essentials from medications, a change of clothes for everyone. (Consider food and water also, in the event your relocated and have no food you’re prepared.

Our blog “sign up for weather alerts TODAY!” posted on 07/02/2021:

We provide an extensive list of weather alerts you can sign up for and stay updated on storm updates in your region. Find out where your local public shelter is and if it when needing to evacuate its open for the public, your shelter may be different this year due to covid 19.

We care for the safety of our pets as well:

with that being said have a disaster kit ready for them as well. Get more information on the disaster shelter you have chosen to see if they accept pets. Normally, when they do, they pets are housed in a differed area separate from the people.

If you will be staying with friends:

Go over any details in plans with your relative, assure that you all are on the same page. Remember to take your “go kit”.  You may not need to take food or water if you are staying with a relative or clothing. That is why it is crucial to go over details with your chosen relative and know what would be needed to take. (Always remember personal/important medication/documentation for traveling).

If you under go any damages during a catastrophic event, call SERVPRO East Mission/ South Edinburg. When being the professionals in clean up and restoration we assure you an experience “Like it never even happened.”

7 fun lightning facts FOR KIDS

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO believes in the safety of your whole home! include your children when creating/discussing escape plans in the event of a catastrophic event.

FACT #1 lightning is a powerful burst of electricity that happens very quickly during a thunder storm! It is caused by an electrical charge in the atmosphere, WOAH!

That means kids the safest place to be during this time Is going to be indoors!

Fact #2 lightning can occur inside clouds, between clouds and from clouds to the ground. This last one from clouds to ground can be the most dangerous for humans!

That’s why we have to remember kids, the safest place to be during a storm is INDOORS.

Fact #3 thousand of ppl are struck every year. Lighting can even travel from person to person! That’s crazy right!

Again kids, during a storm GO INDOORS!

Fact #4 there are bolts of lightning striking somewhere on earth EVERY SECOND. Wow, that is 60 TIMES every minute!!

Fact #5 lightning contains millions of bolts of electricity (that’s some powerful stuff)!

Now remember kids, when you see a storm approaching, go inside and stay safe!

Fact #6 lighting is very hot the average temperature 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit. boiling water is 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so 36,000 degrees is HOT very HOT HOT HOT.

The last fun fact…

Fact #7 lighting can also occur during volcanic eruption, dust storms or even snow storms. It can also happen during forest fires and tornadoes.

Geez! Lightning is dangerous! Remember kids when there’s a storm or lightning go INDOORS for safety!

Rain in The Valley

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Rain or shine, you can always count on SERVPRO 24/7/365 to assist you in your time of need !

The one time we need to be extra cautions, when it comes to rain, is when its won’t stop raining.  Born and raised in the valley, I believe we can all agree we tend to experience prolonged and heavy rainfall the most.

Prolonged rainfall is basically continuous rain. Take note, after a long period of rainfall the ground will become saturated and won’t absorb water anymore. Once the ground reaches this point, this tends to lead to a rapid increase surface runoff.

Now when we mention heavy rainfall, we think “well isn’t that the same thing?” In a way yes, with one major exception.  Prolonged rainfall will take longer to end up in flood as for heavy rainfalls can fall so rapidly creating a flash flood.

we’ve already began to see more rain, especially this week, in the valley. Being knowledgeable of the rain we’ve been experience can have us prepared on what to except. With us  being mid hurricane season its also a good time to go over your insurance coverage. Make sure you’re covered for water damage and flooding or take necessary action to add these to your plan! Be prepared and stay safe, with SERVPRO by your side.

5 easy ways to be prepared for storm season!

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

If your home suffers any damage due to a catastrophic event don’t hesitate in calling, SERVPRO McAllen, at (956) 631-0348 for your free quote!!

We may not experience many hurricanes or tropical storms, but we want to have all the necessary tools to be prepared for such scenario, when we do. And hey, sometimes, storms don’t have to mean hurricanes or tornado watches!! Constant rain, after a long period of time, may lead to floods or damage to your home, if it wasn’t ready for such impact.

Let’s jump right into the good stuff on, “How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season”!

1. Trim your trees: one of the most common ways a house suffers from damage is from fallen tree branches and/or limbs. While it may seem impossible to know which tree mother nature which choose to knock off her path, inspect those trees around your property and trim any necessary branches.
2. Clean out gutters and check your roof: When your gutters aren’t cleared out regularly, you’re taking the risk that rain water will be backed up and end up pouring through the sides of the house, or even make its way to your roof line. Clearing out this task before a storm, might just save you damages and money beyond compare.
3. Emergency kit ready: these can literally be a life saver if, in the event, you lose power during a storm.

Check list of items you may want to keep in your kit:

• Battery operated flashlights/headlights
• Candles/matches
• Battery operated radio
• Emergency cash
• First aid kit (from Band-Aids, pain killers, alcohol to gauze) be prepared
• Medications (for this scenario if you’re taking any daily crucial medications consider storing some in your kit just remember expiration wise when u stored them in the even u don’t use them you will need to swap them for a recent up to date dose)
• 3-day supply of food and water (same for food with shelf life, check the dates on your cans to assure if not used within their time frame they are replaced)
• Batteries

4. Generator: this might just be your best investment in the event you live in an area prone to storms.
5. Evacuation Plan: worst case scenarios can happen and you may be asked to evacuate your home. Familiarize your self w the different evacuation routes in your city. Also, keep close to you a list of family members and numbers where you may seek shelter. (Maybe having a listing nearby hotels in the event family isn’t an option for whatever reason)

Sign up for weather alerts TODAY!

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

In the event you suffer any damage to your home during a catastrophe event call the ones you can count on 24/7, SERVPRO mission will be there!

We have been having more and more storms through out this summer, in the valley, and with that being said we always want to be prepared and safe. Let’s dive right into the good stuff, these following weather alerts can be the difference between being stuck in a thunderstorm, for example while driving, as per getting to safety with enough time.

Here are 6 weather alerts you might want to check out!

Commercial Mobile Alerts(CMAS) or Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is the simplest way for you to register for local weather text alerts. These alerts are sent by the national weather service. Go to your mobile phone’s SMS setting and simply search WEA or CMAS. You can also register by dialing ##2677## NOTE: Your phone must be enabled to be able to receive these alerts.

Emergency Broadcasts are by default enabled on all new android phones. If you think that the alerts aren’t enabled, simply go to your

Settings > Emergency Alerts.

Here you’ll be able to see all kinds of different alerts and you can decide to turn specific ones depending on your region or situation.

Emergency Mass Notification System is a great way to enroll with your EMPLOYER who uses a multi channer emergency mass notification system such as RedFlag. This business software will allow a company to send emergency/crisis alerts and internal notifications to employees, vendors, and stakeholders whenever there’s a weather-related emergency in your region via text, email. Social, voice or any other communication channel.

The weather channel app is also one of the easiest ways for you to stay up to date with your region. With your location being inputted in the app no matter where you go, feel safe as the weather channel updates you on any warnings. Apart from severe weather warnings, it even sends out alerts for less-severe weather i.e fog and freeze. You may also get alerts about nearby lightning strikes, which can help you decide whether to stay outdoors or indoors.

weatherUSA Alerts sends out alerts whenever these alerts are sent from a federal agency including the national weather service. They sent out real time alerts whenever there’s a weather-related warning in your area. You can choose to receive these alerts via SMS or email, and also add your county. They also provide a “quiet time” option silencing all and any alerts. NOTE: premium memberships have the option to receive voice call alerts on your photo

Weather Radio is one of the best apps out there for receiving alerts on your phone. This app will read your alert out loud to you. This can come in handy if you spend yourself on the road a lot. You can also select what alerts you want to receive. NOTE: this app requires a subscription fee of $4.99 and additional lightning strike data can also be added for a yearly fee of 4.99

After the Storm

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Count on us, rain or shine, 24/7, to be at your service in your time of need!

After a big storm we might not notice any internal damages to our home or business. Being aware of the signs pointing you to water damage can help you, as the owner, identify a problem before it’s too late, and reach out to experts.

These are some signs you want look out for:

Unpleasant, musky odors.  Water leads to mold and mildew growth, and as the water evaporates and leaves the bacteria behind, a musty odor can develop. A lot of times, this odor is the first thing that homeowners notice when they are experiencing water damage.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Water damage can sometimes be temporarily hidden with paint, which is what a lot of home and business owners tend to do. While this may temporarily “solve” the problem, it is not a long-term solution you want to stick too.

NOTE: Water will always find its way in if there is an underlying problem, which can lead to issues with paint over time such as cracks, flakes and chips.

Foundational cracks. As temperatures changes and the ground shifts and settles, it is normal for hairline cracks to develop throughout the home’s foundation. But, any cracks you see larger than a hairline should be immediately examined. 

NOTE: Cracks that occur on the ceiling, walls or floor are often signs that water damage is occurring somewhere within the home and leading to damages.

If you notice any of these signs in your home or business, call SERVPRO. Our expert water restoration technicians, available 24/7, can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more

Running Towards the Storm

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever experienced the eerie, strange feeling when you’re coasting down the highway, the sole person driving southbound out of all four lanes, but on the northbound side, you see cars sitting bumper to bumper and wonder, “What did I just miss?”

  Here at SERVPRO, that feeling arises often, but we don’t necessarily consider it eerie. It’s just what we do. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and natural disasters propel us toward the storm while everyone else is leaving town, and we arrive prepared to get right to work.

  Is this easy? Absolutely not. Easy will never be an adjective used to describe our storm response work. However, is it worth it? Yes, in every aspect of the word.

  Just last year, we were able to help businesses and homes in the RGV After the Hurricane Hannah storm hit.

  Our Vision Statement here at Team SERVPRO is “Restore peace of mind to EVERY customer. EVERY day.” We keep this in mind every day at home, but it takes on a whole new meaning when we’re racing toward storms, getting ready to help people in need. Mother Nature, a force that’s completely out of anyone’s control, has the power to change lives overnight. Our experienced team members are sent to support those affected throughout each step of the restoration process. Every step, whether it’s demolition, drying, rebuild, or even insurance coverage and approvals, brings new challenges. Our job is to be the advocate and facilitator for our customers while they work through a life-altering event and it’s what we love to do.

Business and Personal Preparedness

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Business Preparedness: why and how you should prepare; and personal preparedness: how to pack your Go Bag and sheltering in place. 

Up to 50% of businesses never reopen after being affected by a natural or human-made disaster. Despite this statistic, 62% of businesses don’t have an emergency plan in place!  Your customers expect delivery of their products or services on time, regardless of your situation.  And larger businesses want to insure that their supply chain is not interrupted by a disaster either.  Insurance is only a partial solution.  It does not cover all losses and it will NOT replace customers.  News travels fast and perceptions often differ from reality.  It is up to you to plan now for a disaster to avoid some of these pitfalls.  Many risks cannot be insured, but some risks can be reduced by investing in loss prevention programs, protection systems, and equipment.

According to FEMA’s Business Program Management,” A preparedness policy that is consistent with the mission and vision of the business should be written and disseminated by management. The policy should define roles and responsibilities. It should authorize selected employees to develop the program and keep it current. The policy should also define the goals and objectives of the program. Typical goals of the preparedness program include:

• Protect the safety of employees, visitors, contractors and others at risk from hazards at the facility. Plan for persons with disabilities and functional needs.
• Maintain customer service by minimizing interruptions or disruptions of business operations
• Protect facilities, physical assets and electronic information
• Prevent environmental contamination
• Protect the organization’s brand, image and reputation

Is Your Family Ready For Severe Storms? Make A Plan!

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Make A Plan For The Family
Although you need to create a plan, there is something more important that you need to do with your family. You need to practice your plan so that everyone knows where to go no matter what time of the day or night severe weather strikes. Write down all of the important phone numbers of family and friends so that you can stay in contact with them after the storm to ensure that they are safe. Another important number to have is your insurance adjuster. This number is beneficial if there is damage to the home. Companies like SERVPRO can come to the home to help with water removal and other storm damage that occurs inside the house.

Keep copies of all of your important documents, such as social security cards and birth certificates. You also need to have a way to communicate with others in the event there is no power or phone service. If there is a large group of people in the disaster area, each person needs to know how to contact others. Designate a leader and an assistant to check with others in the area to make sure everyone is accounted for after the storm.

An emergency preparedness kit is something to have so that your family can survive if there is no power or if the family is stuck in the home because of damages from the storm. Items in the kit should last for about 72 hours. Batteries are essential so that you can use your phone, radio or a battery-powered television. You also need flashlights, a gallon of water for each person for at least three days and non-perishable foods. Other items that you might want to include in your kit are blankets, powdered formula for babies, a first aid kit, and clothing. It's also a good idea to have a spare cell phone charger.

Before a storm arrives, if possible, secure items that might blow away. These include chairs and toys that are in the yard. When you are prepared for a natural disaster and the storm damage that could take place, it can help give your family a peace of mind so that they can focus on remaining safe and together. 

Locally Owned Company with National Storm Resources

SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg is locally owned and operated—so we live and work here too, and are proud to be part of this community. Allow us to help and our community in any way we can. We are always here to mitigate your problems.  

Cell Phone Disaster Alerts, Stay Up To Date With National Emergencies

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

Technology has come a long way!  The only way you used be able to receive Emergency information was by radio or television, but there is a better way and that is your cell phone.

In 2002, only 62% of U.S. adults possessed a cell phone, and that percentage increased to 95% of Americans in 2016.  Today, cell phones are used for more than just to make calls.   Cell phone capabilities aren’t what they were 10 or even 5 years ago. New technology has helped make our cell phone do practically anything, from GPS services to video chat, to web surfing, and to virtual reality.

Now knowing this, what is the best and quickest way to notify Americans in case of a major emergency?  I’d say through our cell phones!  You can be warned of upcoming dangers by emergency alerts from anywhere, while choosing how you’d like to receive them from your cell phone.  The ability to be warned of oncoming dangers at a moment’s notice can provide you with a jump-start to safety.  Here are 5 different ways to set up your emergency alerts from you cell phone.

1. National updates

Receive updates regarding National Security from Homeland Security, the latest outbreaks from CDC, and computer threats from US-CERT.  These notifications are issued through WEA- Wireless Emergency Alerts.  If you have ever received an Amber Alert it’s coming from the WEA, which is a default setting in most cell phones.

2. Statewide activity updates

Do a Google search for a Public Warning System for your state.  This will allow you to customize your alerts specifically to your state. 

3. Weather apps for phones and tablets

You can receive custom weather alerts from your state or city while customizing the level of warning you want to receive.   Apple users can download NOAA Radar Pro and android users can download the app Pro Weather Alert.  These apps can range from $2- $3, and is worth every penny to keep you and your family notified of weather emergencies and dangers.

4. FEMA

The FEMA text message program informs you of safety tips for specific disaster types, and allows you to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.

• Apple devices-text APPLE to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Android devices-text ANDROID to 43362 (4FEMA)
• Blackberry devices-text BLACKBERRY to 43362 (4FEMA)

5. Survivehive Alert Center

Stay up to date with the latest disaster/emergency, terrorism, disease outbreak, significant earthquake, and severe weather alerts all from one site.

Remember to call SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg in the event of a storm (956) 631-0348. 

The Recuperation After A Storm

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Being Affected by storm damage can be very devastating and cause you a lot of stress and worry, But what if I were to tell you that relying on an emergency and disaster response team can save you the hassle of finding equipment and a support services?

If you have been affected by storm damage, then you might want to consider SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg. We have a 24-hour emergency service that specializes in Clean-Up, Restoration, and remediation as well.

Today, I'd like to cover the following applications available for cleaning up after a storm:

• Emergency Dewatering
• Remediation and Restoration

Emergency Dewatering:

When a hurricane hits or any other storm that can cause some water damage to occur, water can seem endless. SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg has High Performance pump products and pump accessories that can help de-water your site. SERVPRO can help you identify the correct equipment, design plan, and maintenance options for all emergency pumping needs That we provide to help make that stress go away.

Remediation and Restoration.

After being hit with a storm, it’s critical to get your home, facility, and/or community building back to its entirety as soon as possible. The equipment SERVPRO most often uses in an emergency includes: generators, pumps, aerial work platforms, vacuums, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers. Our staff is highly trained and ready for any remediation and restoration service situation.

Thunderstorm Safety protocols We Suggest !

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Each year, the majority of the United States will experience at least one thunderstorm. While they are more prevalent in certain areas than others, due to the differences in the climate and weather conditions, they can also prove to be very dangerous if precautions are not taken.

How to Stay Safe Before the Thunderstorm

• Secure all outdoor belongings to avoid them from blowing around and causing property damage.
• Remove any large debris from the yard, such as large branches, construction and gardening tools, etc.
• Shut all outside windows and doors.
• Unplug all electrical equipment.
• Bring all pets inside.

Staying Safe When Not at Home During the Storm:

• When in the car, close the windows. Do not touch any metal part of the car. Also, do not attempt to drive anywhere safe as flash floods are known for causing severe damage to cars.
• When in an open area, find lower ground as fast as possible that is away from tall objects. Crouch down with your head between your knees while keeping your ears covered.
• If you are in a forest, find an area with smaller trees that are covered by taller ones. If possible, get to lower ground.
• When with a group of people, try to stay at least 15 feet from them at all times.
• Stay away from all metal objects, such as outside equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, bikes, etc.
• Stay out of all areas with water, including the beach, lake, pond, ocean, etc.

How to Stay Safety at Home During the Storm

• Stay away from all windows, doors, porches, and gazebos. Close all blinds and drapes and stay in the center of the home.
• Do not turn on the water or any water-related appliances, such as the sink, washing machine, dishwasher, hose, etc.
• Do not lie or lean against any concrete floors or walls as they may contain wires that conduct electricity.
• Safety After the Storm
• Do not drive through a flooded area.
• Do not drive anywhere with large amounts of debris on the road.
• Help others if they need assistance.
• As pets can be afraid of storms, keep them indoors.
• Report all fallen power lines.

Recovering After The Storm

As you can see, there are many precautions that can be taken to be prepared for and stay safe during a storm. But unfortunately, some storms may be strong enough to still cause damage to a home or building. While strong winds are able to rip off roofs, siding, doors, etc., flash floods are also able to seep into foundations and cause severe water damage.

If you have found significant damage to your property after a thunderstorm, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg to help with the water damage restoration or storm damage cleanup services.

Disaster Recovery Team

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm or disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is poised and "Ready for whatever happens." With a network of more than 1,700 franchises nationwide, the SERVPRO system strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team is expertly trained and readily equipped to handle the largest storms and highest floodwaters. Providing experience, manpower, equipment, and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team is always on call and available to assist SERVPRO of East Mission/ South Edinburg. SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team has responded to hundreds of disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective: to help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Did you know that SERVPRO has a specialized storm team and large loss response network to provide the resources to your property when others can’t? In the event of a disaster, SERVPRO professionals have the resources to relocate crews with equipment to take care of all of our customer’s needs. SERVPRO strategically places mobilization teams across the country to travel when needed to support recovery after large storm events such as hurricanes. Our job as water damage restoration professionals is to limit the amount of business interruption. We understand that fast mitigation is key to getting your business back up and running. SERVPRO provides the resources in the event of a large storm event to make sure that the right equipment, procedures, and training are in place to ensure that the structure is dry the first time and saves you time and money.

Do you have questions about how SERVPRO of East Mission/ South Edinburg can help you prepare for a disaster? Contact us at (956)585-3499

Preparing Your Commercial Business for a Disaster

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Be SERVPRO Ready with our commercial disaster loss Emergency Ready Program!

It is stated that about 50% of commercial business who run into a disaster never reopen after a storm disaster occurred. SERVPRO of McAllen wants to help more businesses stay in business after an emergency happens and be there for support when needed. 

SERVPRO of McAllen established an Emergency Disaster Program so that when a disaster comes, you will have a blanket of security in times of panic. This is a detailed description of where to go, when to take action and who you can call. An emergency ready profile is vital for your commercial business because a storm disaster could happen at any moment, and SERVPRO wants to help prepare our customers for any disaster that may come their way. The ERP, or emergency ready profile is a profile that will have all the necessary information you need to handle situations with disasters. No contracts are involved and it is at no cost to you or your business. We locate all the emergency numbers you may need and emergency action checklist for a step by step on what to do in a disaster. We also have provided the necessary utility shut off locations for all the gas, electric, heat, water and other important locations to know and understand how to turn them off. This is vital because in case of emergencies and panic, you may not know how to even shut off the source, which is important because the source needs to be shut off before any action can be done. It will also give you a complete property overview, showing where emergency exits are and where exactly you should leave the property when evacuating. 

Time is of the essence in cases of emergency, so it is important to act fast to eliminate anymore disaster from occurring. By having a plan of action, you can readily be prepared and act in a timely manner, and limit the amount of time you as a company, are inactive. Not only does the ERP save you time, but money as well. We obtain all your insurance information so you have it readily available at your convenience as a mobile app also. We have detailed an insurance policy information in your pamphlet to inform our customers what their policy is and what is covered by insurance. It is important to keep in mind, safety first and to account for everyone in the building and make sure everyone is okay before moving on. Things get crazy and hectic and emotions run high when a disaster occurs, so SERVPRO of McAllen wants to make this as easy as possible for our customers because we understand the hardships you might be going through at that moment. We can offer you all the services in the world to cleanup the damage, but the best service we can offer is helping you be prepared. 

SERVPRO wants the best for our customers and we know the best for them is the Emergency Ready Profile. SERVPRO of McAllen always has your back when it comes to preparedness and the essentials when dealing with storm disasters!

Severe Flooding In Harlingen, TX.

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Severe flooding after the major storm.

A recent storm that hit the RGV recently caused a major flooding in Harlingen, TX That affected many houses with more than 2" of water. Our technicians worked long, and hard hours for a whole week to make sure that all homes were restored in this difficult time in the valley. Our Team had to team up with 2 of our local SERVPRO'S in the valley to make sure we were able to assist as many people as possible. Many people in the Harlingen area weren't able to gain access to their home for a days due to how bad the area was. Till this day, some areas still have some standing water remaining in the streets of Harlingen, TX. Our Storm team did an amazing job assisting the valley, and we are so proud of their undying commitment, and dedication to the work they put out for our customers satisfaction.

Flooded Neighborhood In Harlingen, TX

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

The major flooding was caused by a recent storm that hit the RGV.

This was the most difficult time for the RGV. Our storm team handled the situation as professional as possible. All the homes were affected with more than 2 inches of water, and most people weren't able to have access to their home. Our clients were so thankful to have us there to take the stress away in this difficult, and confusing time. All the long hours that our technicians worked, all paid off in the end. We did a lot of water extraction, Mitigation, and demoing in every home and they were all satisfied with the aftermath of our reconstruction. Our storm team has the knowledge, and certifications to be able to restore your home back to Pre-loss conditions. We treat every home with great respect. When emergency water loss strikes your home, don't hesitate to call the storm damage experts in SERVPRO of East Mission/South Edinburg.

Tips For Dealing With Storm Damage.

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding & storm damage clean-up.

The most common mistake regarding dealing with storm damage is calling your insurance company first. While you do need to be sure to call them within the window of time they allow for you to file a claim after a storm, There are some things you should do before you call them.

First of all, start with a high-quality, reputable storm damage restoration company. They will often find storm damage that your adjuster would not have noticed, of perhaps even hoped you didn't. By giving the adjuster a full property storm damage inspection report upfront, You avoid missing out on repairs that should have been covered.

It is always best to find your own storm damage restoration company rather than go with one that the insurance company has " approved" because you want one that is working for you rather than the insurance company. You have paid your premiums so you deserve the best repair rather than the cheapest, which is what the insurance company would prefer.

You should also read over your policy before calling the insurance company so you know exactly what they should cover. All too often, homeowners hold back on claims out of fear they will be singled out for a rate increase after a storm damage claim, but this is not the case.

If you have suffered storm damage, Give us a call at SERVPRO Of East Mission/South Edinburg, we represent your best interest, yet can work directly with the insurance company for claims up to 500,000 to make the process easier for you. We can provide you with an inspection and then complete the restoration for you. Our team has years of experience in restoration, so we are confident we can restore your home to your complete satisfaction. 

What To Do To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Mission/South Edinburg for any storm damage repair.

Harsh weather can cause unexpected problems & damage to your home when you least expect it. It may seem like there's little you can do to protect your home from huge storms with lots of rain, snow, or strong winds, but often, a small amount of effort & upkeep on your home can make a big difference during a storm. The main thing to keep in mind when preparing your home to resist major storm damage is making sure loose spots or small area's that are already damaged make it much easier for strong winds and other elements of a storm to create further damage from a weak spot on your home. This doesn't necessarily mean the entire roof of siding on your home needs to be replaced, nut small repairs now can help prevent further storm damage.

Another way from keeping your home safe from any storm damage is by making sure there isn't any opening or ways that water can get into your home. Keeping gutters and other drains clear is critical for the free movement of water. If the water is being taken away from the sides, windows, and doors from your home, you are much less likely to experience flooding and other water damage . In addition, Proper sealing around doors or windows is key to keeping rain, snow, and hail outside of your home. Any small opening or crack also provides a way for wind to get in and possibly damage windows and doors.

Taking these small steps before a storm hits can help save your home from expensive destructive storm damage and repairs afterwards.