Hurricane Mitigation in Truro, MA

5/18/2023 (Permalink)

Be prepared for Hurricane Season to avoid water damage to your home or business. Call in the Pros at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod for help!

Be Prepared for Hurricane Season!

The Atlantic hurricane season will officially begin on June 1. Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm hits. In addition to battening down the hatches on your home, you should have an emergency supply kit to last each family member and pet for at least three days. A basic kit should include the following supplies:

1. Basics: Flashlights, candles, lighters, matches in water-proof container, manual can openers, first-aid kit, towels, and batteries.
2. Electronics: In addition to keeping your cell phone charged before losing power, make sure you have a portable charger to charge your devices during a power outage. Having a prepaid phone and spare battery in the kit can come in handy if something happens to your phone during an evacuation.
3. Radio: An emergency radio that charges by hand-crank, in case cell service is out, will keep you informed of weather alerts.
4. Food: You should store at least 3 days of non-perishable food including canned and dehydrated food.
5. Medical Supplies: Pack a week’s supply of your prescription drugs in a waterproof container or bag. CVS and Walgreens recommend visiting your local pharmacy to stock up ahead of time. If your medications need to be kept cold, have a small cooler with ice on hand. Don’t forget batteries for medical devices.
6. Water: Have multiple cases of water accessible. A rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person (or pet) per day.
7. Clothing: Keep a change of clothing on hand (vacuum-packed saves space!) including shoes.

Experiencing fire, smoke, water, or mold damage? Call SERVPRO of Mid Outer Cape Cod any time at 508-778-7378.

Provincetown Roof Leak Prevention Tips

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

A common way water damage presents itself is in bubbling paint on ceilings or walls. Call the PROs at SERVPRO if you suspect water damage.

Water damage can affect virtually every part of your home. If you have a roof leak and proper mitigation action isn't taken immediately, you run the risk of causing water damage throughout your entire home from top to bottom. SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod recommends you monitor your roof for leaks during the current rainy season.

• Check regularly for leaks and cracks year-round, even when it’s not raining.
• Check outside for loose tiling, shingles or gutters that could potentially be a hazard if hit by high winds. If any shingles are broken or missing, replace them or consider re-roofing. Any water that gets under your shingles can get under your roof's plastic barrier, potentially seeping into your wood, insulation and structural beams. The cost of replacing your roof is a fraction of replacing structural roof damage.
• Check chimney flashing to make sure it is watertight. Chimney leaks can go un-noticed for a long time before they become visible, potentially causing mold issues behind walls & ceilings.

If a storm-related disaster strikes, call SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod at 508-778-7378. From Mashpee to Provincetown, we're on alert for all your disaster mitigation needs.

Preparing Your Barnstable Home for Hurricane Season

5/16/2023 (Permalink)

Summer months on Cape Cod can be bring volatile weather. Prepare your home BEFORE the storm hits to avoid storm damage from ruining your summer fun.

The Atlantic Hurricane season starts on June 1 and typically lasts until late November. With the season less than a month away, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is prepared and protected from possible storm damage. Here are some useful tips to help you be ready for whatever hurricane season throws your way:

• Remove problematic trees and tree branches: If any trees or branches seem to be in danger of falling on your home, trim them down or remove them before they have a chance to become a falling hazard.

• Consider Replacing Your Gravel: Any rocks or gravel on your property could inflict large amounts of damage to your windows and walls during a hurricane. Consider replacing parts of your yard that are landscaped with stone or gravel with lighter materials such as mulch.

• Hurricane-Proof Your Doors: Make sure each door has three hinges and deadbolts wherever possible. Otherwise, high winds can blow your doors open or in extreme cases, even off the hinges causing huge amounts of damage to both the inside and outside of your home.

• Make Sure Your Sliding Doors Are Safe: Check to see if your sliding doors are made of tempered glass and have working locks. In the event of a hurricane, be sure to board up windows and sliding doors with plywood to prevent shattering.

• Store Yard Furniture Indoors: Any yard furniture, such as patio tables and chairs, needs to be safely stored inside your home, garage or shed. Anything left outside and unsecure, cars included, have the potential to become projectiles in the event of a hurricane.

Hurricanes can cause major damage to Cape Cod homes. If your home suffers from storm damage, call SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod at 508-778-7378. We have the tools and expertise to be your local one-stop shop for your disaster mitigation needs. From Mashpee to Provincetown, we are on alert 24/7 to help you recover quickly.

Prevent Basement Flooding in Wellfleet MA

5/12/2023 (Permalink)

When Mother Nature opens the flood gates, we need to be prepared to prevent storm damage & water damage from wrecking your summer fun on Cape Cod.

They say “April showers bring May flowers” but rain can happen anytime during the spring and summer months on Cape Cod.  With the rainfall that typically arrives in the coming months, be sure your basement is properly flood-proofed by following these steps:

• Secure basement windows: Installing window well covers will give you a solid first line of defense from basement flooding. Also, make sure all cracks around the window are properly sealed.

• Gutter Maintenance: Keep your gutters clean and free of debris. Also, be sure your downspouts are draining at least three feet away from the foundation of your house.
• Inspect your foundation: Survey the interior basement walls and exterior foundation of your house. Be sure all cracks are properly sealed.

• Clean your septic tank: Your septic tank may need pumping as above-average rainfall that comes along with spring can seep into your system and wreak havoc. Be sure to service your septic tank regularly.

These helpful tips should assist in preventing some storm-related flooding in your basement if followed correctly. However, if disaster strikes and you find your basement flooded, the experts at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod are here 24/7 to help. From Mashpee to Provincetown, call us at 508-778-7378 for your water damage and storm damage needs.

Don't Let Storm Damage Ruin Your Cape Cod Property

5/11/2023 (Permalink)

Summer on Cape Cod can bring some volatile weather. It is best to be prepared for storm damage BEFORE the storm hits.

Don’t let storm damage become another obstacle to getting your business back up and running. On Cape Cod, weather can be unpredictable and unreliable.  It is imperative to have storm damage prevention methods in place to protect your property from a stormy weather event. Here are some tips from our Team at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod to keep your Cape Cod commercial property ready for whatever storm and hurricane season brings.

• Clean the Gutters: For homes and businesses alike, keeping gutters clean is crucial for preventing storm damage. Excessive blockages in gutters lead to ceiling and roof leaks. Any storm, large or small, can be a massive source of damage if gutters are left unchecked.
• Keep the Property Free of Debris:When high winds strike, debris become projectiles. Not only should a business pick up existing debris around the property, potential debris should be identified and removed. Remove any problematic tree branches, flags or signage prior to a high-wind event.
• Know your Insurance Policy:Ask for an official copy of your insurance policy. Know which losses are covered in the policy and which losses are not. This information will help business owners prepare properly for preventing expenses in the instance of storm damage.
• Keep Tabs on Pre-loss Conditions: Document the commercial property with photos before a storm, preferably areas susceptible to wind damage. This includes gutters, windows, roofs, ceilings, etc.

If you find your commercial building has fallen victim to storm damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape to restore your property the right way. We are on call 24/7 for your emergency restoration needs. From Mashpee to Provincetown, we are ready for your call at 508-778-7378. Storm damage? We will work to make it "Like it never even happened."

Storm Preparedness in Barnstable County

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

Preparation is the best defense against storm damage. Pay attention to the weather & take precautions as necessary to prevent storm damage.

Any storm, be it big or small, should be prepared for to prevent damage to your home and to keep everyone living in it safe. Although we are nearing the end of Nor'Easter season, SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod has a few tips to prepare your home in the event of a large storm:

• Keep your yard clean and free of debris
• Check your house for attic and basement leaks
• Be sure gutters, shingles, windowsills and anything that can potentially become a projectile are secured
• Know your evacuation routes in case of a severe storm

If storm damage or water damage unexpectedly strike your home or business, the experts at SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod are here to help. From Mashpee to Provincetown, we're on alert 24/7 to help with your disaster mitigation and remediation needs. Contact us at 508-778-7378 and we'll send our crew over to you to prevent further damage and restore your home or business.

Let SERVPRO Handle Your Disaster-Damaged Belongings

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Protecting and maintaining your commercial property is on the top of every business owner's to do list

Deciding what to repair and what to replace after a storm or natural disaster is a vital safety issue. Doing it yourself is not recommended when it comes to power and gas. Electric and Gas appliances are affected by water, mud, smoke, soot and debris. Your appliances may appear to be fine on the outside, often what you can’t see is the larger problem. Mopping up the floors and cleaning the stainless fixtures isn’t enough when it comes to the inner workings of electric and gas appliances. Small particles, mud, and moisture trapped in the mechanical and motor components can cause further damage and even electrocution. Re-energizing your appliances that have been exposed to the elements can be deadly without proper reconditioning or replacement. Always call your local utility company for gas ranges, heater or clothes dryers. The proper inspection, cleaning, and sanitation process is always best left to the professionals.

It’s what you can’t see that’s dangerous when it comes to appliances and other electrical equipment.

You've been spared the three inches of water in the basement and the neighbor’s tree on your roof, but what about the danger and damage you can’t see? Power surges, excessive moisture and debris can damage the inner components, efficiency and safety of major appliances in your business -- as well as places you may not think of initially. Contamination and damage from mold and moisture will hurt your appliances and may potentially harm you. Moisture and particles wreak havoc on the working parts in the fine-tuned motors of home appliances. You should never try to take apart or fix these appliances yourself. They need to serviced, cleaned and sanitized professionally. If you’re in need of such a service, trust SERVPRO of Mid-Outer Cape Cod to get the job done right. Call us anytime at 508-778-7378 for your home restoration needs.

Nor'Easters on The Cape

3/2/2017 (Permalink)

Need help securing your Cape Cod property? We have the experience, expertise, and training to handle any size job! Call us at (508)778-7378

It’s always better at the beach, even in New England where the weather could change in a minute.

Nothing quite changes a Mother’s Day brunch or High School graduation like the whipping winds and heavy rains of a Nor’Easter. While most Nor’Easters happen between September and April, storms in the Atlantic can bring in a deluge of water, wind, and damaging coastal flooding in the warmer months too. Regularly maintaining your home and keeping your yard clean of debris is always the first defense in preventing storm damage. Keeping an emergency kit of supplies and knowing the route of evacuation for your community is essential.

Our highly trained technicians are ready to respond immediately to prepare your home against upcoming storms.

Storm Prep

1/13/2017 (Permalink)

Wind can bring down trees and shingles, rain often causes water damage and a Nor’Easter has the potential for severe damage from all the elements.

Protecting your property from storm damage is and should be on every homeowners mind. Particularly in Massachusetts, where we never know what’s coming next!

Heavy rains, wind, and blizzards can wreak havoc on any property. Wind can bring down trees and shingles, rain often causes water damage and a Nor’Easter has the potential for severe damage from all the elements. Protect yourself and your property by securing your landscape and keeping your trees properly pruned and free from damage.

Check your house regularly for: loose gutters, shingles, cupolas, or anything else that could potentially fly off in a storm. Check your attic and basement for leaks before a big storm hits and properly repair and seal those areas that may need extra care.

Should you find yourself in a position where your home has been hit hard by a Coastal Storm or a Nor'Easter, call SERVPRO at 508-778-7378

As water and storm damage specialists, we have the experience and advanced training that enables us to restore your property quickly. We use scientific drying principles and provide validation and documentation that your property is dry and the job is complete.