Winter Weather is Coming–What’s your Risk?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Red normally means hot, but now it means cold. Blue isn't hot, though, it's just less cold.

From now until April, it’s going to be getting a bit nippy outdoors. The temperature will drop, the air will become frigid, and people everywhere will look like chimneys everytime they exhale. But it’s not all fun and games, folks! Winter weather can be dangerous. Luckily, FEMA has put together a map of the risk of Winter Weather Damage here: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/winter-weather

If you like, you can check your area and see what your risk of loss or damage from winter weather is in your county, and you can plan accordingly!

There’s also a map as the image at the top of this page, if you don’t feel like clicking that pesky link.

The first step to preventing damage or loss is to determine your risk, then to determine an action plan. Keep in mind that even if things go entirely South, you’ll always have SERVPRO of North Cabarrus to call and help you with your damage cleanup and restoration.

What is Kannapolis’ Risk for Rapid Cold?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Brrr! You've heard of the "cold shoulder," how about the "cold wave risk by county?"

Rapid cold is all the danger of winter weather without any of the fun. When temperatures plunge in hours with little warning, you can be stuck outside in a risky place with no way to return home. Don’t let that happen to you–use FEMA’s tool to determine your risk for rapid cold and start preparing (if necessary) now! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

So what’s your risk? Follow this link to find out: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/cold-wave.

Alternatively, you can check the featured image in this article and try to find your county. Despite cold usually being represented by blue, red signifies the actual dangerous areas, and grey means there’s either no risk or not enough data to determine the risk.

Stay safe!

What is Kannapolis’ Risk for Lightning Damage?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Hopefully, this map will shock you so much that lightning never will!

Lightning in January? Eh, it’s possible!

Winter doesn’t oftentimes have thunderstorms, although thundersnow isn’t unheard of!

But we have it on good authority that January will one day end (temporarily), and will transition into warmer weather where thunderstorms will become more common, and lightning will again cause plenty of damage the country-over.

However, not every region of the nation will be equally-susceptible to lightning damage. FEMA has a map of risk of lightning damage in each county, and it can be found here: https://hazards.fema.gov/nri/lightning.

Alternatively, you can peep the pic at the top of this article. The red areas are the most dangerous (but that still doesn’t guarantee you’ll be affected), and the blue areas are the least (but that still doesn’t guarantee you won’t be.)

Storm Restoration Services in Kannapolis?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

We restore storm-damaged properties in Cabarrus County.

Thunderstorms are common in Cabarrus County and Kannapolis residents are no strangers to the sound of thunder or the flash of lightning during a thunderstorm. Hail can be a byproduct of thunderstorms when it forms inside thunderstorm updrafts. Between 1950 and 2010 there were 4685 reports of hail in Cabarrus County.

SERVPRO® of North Cabarrus County & China Grove responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in Naperville. Our technicians have the advanced training, equipment, and experience to mitigate and restore any size storm damage you may have.

Here are some interesting facts about hail from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Hail

• Is another product of thunderstorms that annually causes nearly one billion dollars in damage throughout the United States
• Many of the losses are incurred by farmers
• The most common diameter is pea size, but hail can be as large as golf balls and baseballs
• Hail, in extreme cases, can be grapefruit-size
• Large hailstones fall at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour and have been known to kill people

Call Us!

When you experience storm damage in your commercial business or home in Kannapolis, SERVPRO® of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 704-939-1944. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Severe Weather in China Grove?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage in Rowan County.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips for China Grove

Did you know that lighting is a leading cause of injury and death? At SERVPRO® of North Cabarrus County & China Grove, we respond to storm damage emergencies throughout the year. Thunderstorms can cause hail, high winds, lightning, and tornadoes, and all of these severe weather events can cause structural damage at any time. Here are some safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help you stay safe in your home during a thunderstorm:

• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm
• Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of thunderstorms. Be ready to change plans, if necessary, to be near shelter
• When you receive a thunderstorm warning or hear thunder, go inside immediately
• If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and phone lines
• Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices

Call Us Today!

When your home has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO® of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is Here to Help. ® We have a team of highly trained storm restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day in China Grove. Call us today at 704-939-1944. 

SERVPRO® of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is Independently Owned and Operated.

Polar Vortex Bringing Above Average Temperatures to Concord?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Concord.

Strong March Polar Vortex?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes polar vortexes as a low-pressure area, a wide expanse of swirling cold air, that is parked in polar regions. During the winter, the polar vortex at the North Pole expands, sending cold air southward. According to the NOAA, there will be a strong polar vortex this March that will bring higher than average temperatures to North Carolina and most of the United States.

March is one of the wettest months in North Carolina, bringing an average of 4.1 inches of rain each year. SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in Rockwell, and we offer 24-hour emergency service because we know that every minute counts when dealing with storm damage, and fast response and mitigation often minimizes the extent and cost of the repair.

Disaster Recovery Teams

When major storms and disasters hit, we can access a network of over 1700 franchises nationwide to respond to catastrophic storms and events. Recent mobilizations of the Catastrophic Storm Response Teams include:

• 2017 California wildfires
• 2017 Hurricane Irma
• 2017 Hurricane Harvey
• 2016 Hurricane Matthew
• 2015 Carolina floods
• 2014 Polar Vortex
• 2012 Sandy
• 2010 Nashville floods
• 2008 Ike
• 2007 Chicago floods
• 2007 Ohio floods
• 2007 California wildfires
• 2005 Katrina/Wilma/Rita

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove has a team of highly trained fire restoration technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day in Salisbury. Call us today at 704-925-1019. 

SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is Independently Owned and Operated.

Storm Damage in China Grove?

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Rain, rain, go away

That old saying says a lot about the damage rain can do when a structure is not properly protected from a rainstorm or other weather event. High winds, rain, and snow can all cause storm damage. SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove has a team of highly trained restoration technicians on call 24 hours a day to respond to storm damage emergencies in China Grove. We know that every minute counts when mitigating storm damage, so when we arrive, we will secure the structure and prevent further damage by immediately tarping and boarding up any compromised areas, and at the same time, we will also begin the cleanup and restoration process.

Here are some preventative maintenance tips for preventing storm and water damage from the Insurance Information Institute:

• Protect your home’s exterior by caulking and sealing windows to prevent water seepage.
• Inspect your roof and replace missing and damaged shingles.
• Check your downspouts to be sure they direct water away from the house and clear any debris from the rain gutters.

Call Us!

When you need help with storm damage in China Grove, SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove has a team of highly trained storm restoration technicians on call assist you day or night.  We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is Independently Owned and Operated.

Different Types of Storm Damage

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after a storm

1. Storm Related Water Damage -  This category of storm damage includes flooding events like tropical storms, flash floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes or Pretty much any storm related event that causes water to intrude into your home or business. This type of damage often happens as a result of or alongside several of the other common types of storm damage. 
2. Wind Damage - High winds can cause significant damage to roofs, trees, vehicles and windows.
3. Hail Damage - dents in shingles, vents and cars
4. Lightening Damage - can spark fires
5. Winter Storms - Freezing Rain, snow which can cause roof collapse, ice dams and pipe bursts

Regardless of the type of storm damage that you may experience, SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is available to walk you through the necessary steps needed to restore your home or business.

Call us at- 704-939-1944

How Thunderstorms Form

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, Call 704-939-1944

Thunderstorms typically form when warm, moist air collides with cold air. The warm air becomes cooler which then causes condensation and water droplets. The rising and falling of air creates a thunderstorm cell.  The moving air can then create electric charges that build up allowing lightening to form and spark.  Thunder is the sound that occurs with the lightening strike but sound travels slower than light.  

Thunderstorms can consist of one cell (Normal Thunderstorms), multi-cells (Squall lines) or Supercells which produce damaging hail, high winds and possible tornadoes.

Should your home or business be damaged from any type of storm, SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is available to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Call us at 704-939-1944

Preparing for Hurricane Hazards in your Concord Home

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you are prepared for hurricane hazards during the next storm.

Hurricane season has already begun and several named storms have developed in the Atlantic, Caribbean or Gulf of Mexico. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property damage. Most recently the coast of North Carolina experienced just that as Hurricane Isaias, a Category 1 hurricane that caused extensive damage across the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States.

The National Weather Service lists the following as potential “hurricane hazards.”

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds. This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers and estuaries.

Flooding from heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities from landfalling tropical cyclones. Widespread torrential rains associated with these storms often cause flooding hundreds of miles inland. This flooding can persist for several days after a storm has dissipated.

Winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and manufactured homes. Signs, roofing material and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.

Tornadoes can accompany landfalling tropical cyclones. These tornadoes typically occur in rain bands well away from the center of the storm.

Dangerous waves produced by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds can pose a significant hazard to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, significant beach erosion and damage to structures along the coastline, even when the storm is more than a 1,000 miles offshore.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property and take steps to protect your home or business. For more information on recovering from water damage caused by weather-related disasters, be sure to contact SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove at 704-939-1944. We will be glad to help you and your business when dealing with storm flooding or damage.

Severe Weather Safety

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

Will you be ready when severe weather strikes?

Severe weather can happen any time, any where. According to the NOAA, each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:

• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,300 tornadoes
• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes

Approximately 98% of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 650 deaths per year and nearly $15 billion in damage. (noaa.gov) Knowing your risks of server weather, taking action and being an example are just a few steps you can take to be better prepared to save your life and assist in saving the lives of others.

Know your Risk.

The first step to becoming weather ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect you where you live and work and how the weather can impact you, your business and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly, obtain a NOAA Weather Radio and learn about Wireless Emergency Alerts in your area. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazard scenarios.

Take Action.

Take the next step in severe weather preparedness by creating a communications plan for your home and business. Put together or purchase an emergency kit. Keep important papers and valuables in a safe place.

Be an example.

Once you have taken action to prepare for sever weather, share your story with family members, co-workers and friends on social media. Your preparedness efforts may inspire others to do the same.

Give us a call at SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove at 704-939-1944 to discuss how we can help your business to prepare for severe weather with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP). Having an ERP in place for your facility can help minimize business interruption in the event of a disaster. We can help you be “Ready for whatever happens!”

Hurricane Preparation

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

Plan ahead this spring for hurricane season this summer.

Summer is almost here. That means so is Hurricane season!

Summer is the season that most people look forward to. School is out, the sun is shining, and for most people, it is a time for vacations and relaxation. But did you know it is also hurricane season. Yes! Hurricane season in North Carolina is typically from June through September. This is the time when these tropical cyclones form over the ocean and make their way inland. Heavy winds and thunderstorms are just the beginning of the extreme weather these storms bring.

So what have you done this spring to prepare for summer storms? Now is the time to get supplies in order before the storm season begins. Reduce property damage and get through any hurricane emergency with less stress by preparing before the season begins.

Here are a few of the best practices to put into place this spring. Be sure to plan your evacuation route well ahead of time. Look for alternate routes out of your neighborhood should one of the roadways be blocked by downed power lines, trees or other debris. It is best to keep non-perishable emergency food supplies on hand for each family member. You should also have one gallon of water, per person, per day. Don’t forget about your pets. They will need supplies too. Because storm damage may occur, it may be a good idea to read over your policy and be familiar with it. It is also a good idea to take an inventory of your personal property. Keep this list with the list of emergency contacts in a safe and in an accessible place. Be sure to have your insurance agent’s information and add SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove to your list as well. If any storm damage occurs to your home, you will want to be sure to give us a call. Taking these steps to protect your home before storm season starts up will allow you and your family to be better prepared.

Steps to take after Storm damage

6/15/2018 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of North Cabbarus County and China Grove we have seen it all when it comes to Storm Damage

A severe storm can change everything in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t always have to be a tornado or hurricane to cause destruction on your home or office, and poor restoration can leave you with an unhealthy home for your family. As challenging as recovery can be, you can take comfort in the fact that many have gone through similar experiences. This makes finding the direction you need a little easier. If you know what to expect and learn all you can before a storm hits, you’ll be more prepared to restore things to normal as quickly as possible.

Stay Safe

Before inspecting the damage to your home keep safety in mind:

• Watch out for hazards such as broken glass and exposed nails.
• Always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and alert the police and utility company.
• When inspecting your home at night, use a flashlight instead of a candle (or anything with an open flame). This will alleviate the risk of a fire or explosion from a damaged gas line.

If you do smell gas—or suspect a leak—shut off the main gas line, open the windows, and immediately go outside. Notify the gas company and the proper authorities of the situation and don’t return until they’ve deemed your home to be safe.

Review and Assess the Damage

Your roof is the most susceptible to costly damage. If a tree limb or other heavy debris fell on your roof during a storm, your home might have structural damage, so be cautious. Common signs of roof damage are:

• Holes in the roof
• Split seams
• Missing shingles
• Bruises or dented asphalt shingles
• Cracked or broken tile, slate, or concrete shingles
• Granules collecting in gutters or downspouts
• Leaks in your roof or ceiling
• Dents on vents, gutters, or flashing

Windows and doors are vulnerable to wind damage and flying debris. Inspect your windows for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Watch out for shards of glass, and be sure to board up broken windows until they can be fixed.

Look for damage to siding, paint, bricks and other exterior surfaces of your home. Also check outdoor appliances, like air conditioning units. You’re looking for dings, dents, cracks, splitting, holes, breaks chipping and discoloration.

As safely as you can, secure yourself and remove debris from roof, gutters and make sure downspouts are intact to continue to divert water away from your property.

If there was extended power outages and you have a sump pump, you may have standing water in your basement.

• Do not step in standing water without first making sure power is turned off to avoid risk of electrocution
• Re-engage sump pump to discharge water from the area or call a plumber if the pump is damaged.

Avoid Additional Damage

You may need a board-up service to secure your property so don’t wait. SERVPRO of North Cabbarus County and China Grove  can be there day or night for emergency service.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Your insurance provider will instruct you on the next steps to take in making a claim and provide you with a claim number.

It’s important to hire a professional and trustworthy contractor to help you recover your home and restore your lives. Poor or incomplete restoration will leave you with an unhealthy home for your family. Any time there is water damage is involved, mold can begin growing immediately as well. It’s critical to address and remedy this as soon as possible to avoid additional damage and health risk. At SERVPRO of North Cabbarus County and China Grove we have seen it all when it comes to Storm Damage. Whatever your situation is, we will start the process of restoring your lives by giving you a free quote and time estimate on the storm damage repairs required.

Top Tips for Getting Ready for a Storm/ After a Storm

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO North Cabarrus County & China Grove. 704-939-1944

Top Tips for Getting Ready for a Storm

• Remove debris from outside and ensure that any loose items are secured or stored inside.
• Ensure all windows and doors are shut, and locked where possible.
• Secure your vehicles in a garage (if possible), but at the very least park them away from any objects including trees that may fall and damage it.
• Organise where your family and any pets will be during the expected storm time, to ensure everyone is safe.
• Storms can result in power cuts, so make a storm kit which includes torches, necessary medication, food, water and blankets etc.

Tips for After a Storm

Depending on the severity of the winds, the post-storm clean-up can vary from small repairs to much bigger ones.

• Avoid standing near walls, buildings and trees that may be prone to collapse following the storm.
• Be aware of any loose electrical wires and cables that may have been damaged. Leave these for a professional to fix.
• Contact your insurance company immediately if you think you need to make a claim.

Whether the forecast for storms later this week turns out to be accurate or not, it’s good practice to prepare your premises in advance. This includes making sure that you have the contact details for those you can contact in an emergency, such as electricians, plumbers, roofers, your insurer’s claim helpline and your local SERVPRO North Cabarrus County & China Grove. 704-939-1944

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is ready!

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Highly trained Professionals are Here to Help!

Storms and floods inflicting damage to your home or business?  SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is here to help! We have the ability to scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel.  OUR professional team is Ready when the unexpected happens.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are IICRC Certified. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

704-939-1944

SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is ready when the unexpected happens. 

Do you know the diffence between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Take shelter if a tornado warning is issued!!!

Do you know the difference between a tornado WATCH and a tornado WARNING?

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They start out as powerful thunderstorms and build up into funnel-shaped clouds that reach from the thunderstorm to the ground. These whirling winds can reach up to 300 miles per hour and has the capability to destroy everything in its path.

Did you also know that there is a season for tornadoes? In North Carolina, the peak season is typically March through May. Tornadoes develop quickly and there may be little to no advanced warning before one hits your area. The best thing to do is know the basics and be sure to plan ahead.

A tornado WATCH is the termed used to identify that the weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. This is a time to stay alert and prepare for a possible tornado. When experiencing a tornado WARNING, that means a tornado has been spotted and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in its path. This is a time to act and find shelter. Everyone should have a way to receive a tornado warning even while sleeping. Emergency alerts can sound an alarm on your smart phone when a warning is issued for your area. When a warning is issued, it is best to seek shelter in a small interior room of a sturdy building; a basement, closet, hallway or a windowless bathroom.

Knowing the difference between the two can prepare you for the necessary steps to take when considering the threat of severe weather.

Do you know the diffence between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning?

7/20/2016 (Permalink)

Take shelter if a tornado warning is issued!!!

A Tornado WATCH is issued by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 across the entire U.S. for weather conditions that are favorable for tornadoes. A watch can cover parts of a state or several states.  

     A Tornado WARNING is issued by your local NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office meteorologists who watch the weather 24/7 over a designated area. This means a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar and there is a serious threat to life and property to those in the path of the tornado. ACT now to find safe shelter! A warning can cover parts of counties or several counties in the path of danger.

Knowing the difference between the two can prepare individuals for the necessary steps to take when considering the threat of severe weather.

When Storms or Floods hit, SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is ready!

6/28/2016 (Permalink)

Highly trained Professionals are Here to Help!

Storms and floods inflicting damage to your home or business?  SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County & China Grove is here to help! We have the ability to scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today

704-939-1944