Navigating Storm Season: Common Weather Hazards in North Carolina

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

Living in North Carolina means being prepared for the diverse range of weather hazards that can impact our homes and communities. From hurricanes to winter storms, understanding these common weather events is essential for protecting your property and staying safe during storm season.

1. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

North Carolina's coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. These powerful storms bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, posing significant threats to homes and infrastructure along the coast and inland areas.

2. Severe Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in North Carolina, especially during the spring and summer months. These storms can produce damaging winds, hail, and lightning, leading to power outages, property damage, and even injuries. It's essential to take shelter indoors and stay informed about severe weather warnings issued by local authorities.

3. Tornadoes

While tornadoes are less common in North Carolina compared to states in the Midwest, they still pose a threat, particularly during the spring and summer months. These fast-moving storms can cause widespread destruction, including significant damage to homes, trees, and infrastructure. Knowing the signs of a tornado and having a plan in place can help keep you and your family safe during a tornado event.

4. Winter Storms

In addition to warm-weather hazards, North Carolina also experiences winter storms, including snow, ice, and freezing rain. These storms can lead to hazardous road conditions, power outages, and damage from fallen trees and ice accumulation. It's essential to prepare your home and vehicle for winter weather and stay informed about weather forecasts and advisories.

5. Flash Flooding

Flash flooding is a common occurrence in North Carolina, particularly in low-lying areas and regions prone to heavy rainfall. These rapid-onset floods can pose a significant risk to life and property, washing away roads, bridges, and vehicles. It's crucial to avoid driving through flooded areas and to have a plan in place for evacuating to higher ground if necessary.

Understanding these common weather hazards in North Carolina is the first step in staying safe and protecting your property during storm season. By staying informed, preparing your home, and having a plan in place, you can weather any storm that comes your way. And remember, if disaster strikes, SERVPRO is here to help with expert storm damage restoration services tailored to your needs.

One Stop Shop

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of High Point has come a long way over the years to create a client base that was generous enough to introduce reconstruction for our customers. We've been doing an excellent job at mitigation, but to be competitive in the industry and to round out our capabilities, the decision was made to hire a top of the line reconstruction team. That crew is made up of Dan Olvera, Troy Lescalleet, and Shane Kline. They work very well together and strive to make every job "Like It Never Even Happened". Their expertise in reconstruction is to put back all the demo that was done during the mitigation process. We have a great referral network since this new department was added, and have been getting lots of repeat business just by word of mouth. And being the marketing person here, those are the best referrals to get. We are a "One Stop Shop" here at SERVPRO of High Point.

Importance of Networking

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the Sales & Marketing person for SERVPRO of High Point, it is very important for me to meet and have relationships with as many people as possible. These folks are met a lot through networking opportunities like the Chamber of Commerce, Women to Women organizations, General Merchants Association, and a variety of other associations that our owner, Carlos Olvera, is involved in. He is very well established in the community and is highly respected among all the movers and shakers in the Triad community. He volunteers with a variety of organizations who acknowledge his commitment to improving processes and business excellence. In addition to our networking responsibilities, we also are committed to doing "route sales" in the High Point community to where we can stay in touch with insurance agents who make great referral partners. Our current emphasis is on obtaining more commercial accounts as our growth will mostly come from them moving forward.

Complexities of Fire Damage

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a whole different process when it comes to servicing the clients that are unfortunate enough to have a fire, smoke, or soot problem in their home or business. If it is an active fire, in most communities, the fire department has to legally release the structure once it has been safely secured for service providers to engage in the clean up process. The decision as to when the structure can be released to the service providers may take several days. They have reports to make out just like everyone else and want to be absolutely positive that it is safe for reentry. It is very stressful for the owners of these structures, both residential and commercial, to have to rebuild what was once there. Belongings that are in the structure need to be determined in two categories: salvageable and non salvageable. These contents need to be gone through very carefully as a lot of these items hold sentimental value to the owner. Our goal throughout the mitigation and reconstruction process is to make it "Like It Never Even Happened".

Importance of the FNOL

7/23/2023 (Permalink)

It takes a dedicated team of individuals to successfully run a disaster restoration business. It really takes everyone employed to retain customers and to establish new ones. From the first phone call to the after completion review, there are many moving parts that have to work together to make the customer experience "Like It Never Even Happened". The initial contact from the customer requires a First Notice of Loss form to be filled out in detail so the technicians understand what the set of circumstances are for that property. It must contain an email address as that's how we get the estimates to the customer and as much information on what happened and where in the structure the damage was done. Is the job a self pay or an insurance claim? If it's an insurance claim, there is a lot of pertinent information to gather such as name of insurance company, claim number, deductible, and adjuster name and number if possible. This form that is filled out by office personnel lays the groundwork for how well prepared the technician is in knowing the circumstances of the situation. This is critical in them knowing what type and how much equipment to take on a job.

Hoarding

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Hoarding disorder is an ongoing difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions because you believe you need to save them. You may experience distress at the thought of getting rid of items. You gradually keep on gathering a huge number of items, regardless of their actual value.

Hoarding is a disorder that may be present on its own or as a symptom of another disorder. Those most often associated with hoarding are obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.

Excessive hoarding can lead to unsafe living conditions. Extreme filth, reduced air quality, mold and pests are just some of the consequences of hoarding. 

SERVPRO of High Point is skilled at working in situations like this. We are very skilled at working in "challenged" environments. Dirt and grime can be cleaned fairly easily, and mold remediation is one of our main services. Air quality can be handled with a much needed duct cleaning. An exterminator will be recommended for the pests.

The Best In Marketing

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Why does SERVPRO utilize Salesforce Marketing? Salesforce is the #1 CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool in the world, used by more than 90% of all Fortune 500 companies. The account management and contact management tools compliment each other. The initial download of contacts and contact history is possible when utilizing Work Center Marketing. It offers task management and enhanced over site features to optimize team performance. It has an advanced route mapping feature, including automatic scheduling and routing functionality. The Salesforce Marketing calendar supports drag and drop functionality.  The calendar also includes event scheduling and event ROI tracking components. It provides dynamic dashboard and reporting functionality. It interacts with Tableau and KPM reporting. Report creation and development capabilities are enhanced. It enables referral source tracking. Documentation is captured for completed sales calls. Salesforce Marketing allows users to identify new potential lead sources and centers of influence. SERVPRO utilizes the best tools available to ensure success! 

Dalmatians As Fire Dogs

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

The breed's evolution to fire dog began as early as the mid 1700"s. They were used as stable guards and they also ran with the carriages to guard whatever was in the carriage, whether it was passengers or goods. The Dalmatians served as stable and carriage guards because they are unequaled as a companion. He can be broken as a pointer, he will even run a rabbit if need be. He will follow his master all day on foot, or after a carriage, and will be interested in everything going on. There is also a theory that their role developed from the breed's notable affinity towards horses. The ongoing curiosity about Dalmatians even led to a Harvard study to understand how the dogs were drawn to their coach positions. Certain dogs would automatically gravitate toward certain positions, whether it was the back or right under the horse. Dalmatians are natural born "fire dogs".

Pets And Fire Safety in the Home

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, 500,000 pets suffer from smoke inhalation and 40,000 lose their lives in home fires. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are started by family pets. As many pet parents know first hand, pets may become unsettled or anxious once a smoke alarm sounds, hiding rather than exiting. Pets who are already prone to anxiety when a smoke alarm sounds may become even more so when their owners are not at home. There are some simple safety tips that can make a big impact in protecting your family and pets. Like with human children, homes most often require pet proofing. Stove knobs and hot appliances can be knocked over or turned on by curious pets. Never leave a lit candle within reach of a pet. Consider attaching a decal to a window near entrances to let rescuers know how many animals are inside. Make sure to include your pets in your fire escape plan. Stay aware of their typical hiding spots and where they often nap in case you must evacuate quickly. And finally, when you leave home, consider confining them to a certain area to make it easier for first responders to remove them quickly. 

Pets & Carbon Monoxide

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

According to a recent survey, 53 percent of pet owner's in the US aren't confident they could identify the symptoms of CO poisoning in their pets. If you suspect your pet may be experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, remove them from the environment immediately and contact your vet. They can perform a CO toxicity evaluation which is done through a blood test. And make sure to save contact information for your veterinarian in a place where you and other family members can easily access it. Also, be sure your pet's microchip information is current in case you become separated in an emergency. Here is a short list of symptoms that may indicate that your pet has CO poisoning: nausea, vomiting, labored or difficulty breathing, sleepiness or lethargy, uncoordinated movement, disturbances in gait, seizures, heart arrhythmia, coughing, deafness, blindness, and coma. Purchase CO alarms! Consider installing more than one alarm on each level of your home. Pay careful attention to rooms where you and your family spend a great deal of time including living areas, bedrooms and hallways.