Nutley Flooding and Storm Avoidance -- Listen to SERVPRO!

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says--Be Prepared for Storms and Flooding in Nutley--Don't Let this Happen to You!

Are You Ready for Storm Damage in Nutley?

Midsummer storms ravaged the Nutley area in the past few weeks. Fierce winds, torrential rain, hail, and localized flooding are concerning events for any homeowner. By the 15th of July, five confirmed tornadoes were reported in New Jersey this year. Forewarned is forearmed. Winter storms and snow are next. Here is a range of practical tips that can help you weather extreme storm events in the region.

Inspect and Upgrade Rain Drainage Systems
One of the first defenses against Nutley storm damage and flooding is a solid roof and adequate gutter size. Your roof drainage configuration must be installed to code, with any loose shingles or detached gutters or downspouts repaired or replaced. Be sure the gutters are canted toward the drains and clean out debris. The final segments of the downspout should send run off away from your foundation.

Elevate Appliances and Stored Items
SERVPRO often sees damage to stored contents in flooded basements. Move the items to another area of your home or raise them above the flood line with shelving or pallets. Switch out cardboard boxes with plastic totes. Place washers and dryers on blocks, and consider if there are ways to shield your boiler or furnace from rising waters.

Evaluate Your Landscape
Intense straight line or tornadic winds topple trees and poles into homes, creating voids in roofs, breaking windows, and tearing up siding. Take a walk around your home to see if nearby trees or branches need trimming and make it happen if indicated. Clean up or secure loose items in your yard that can act as missiles during a storm.

Locate All Utility Shut Offs
If a SERVPRO crew responds to storm and flood damage, they need to know the electricity and gas “live” status when they enter the affected areas of your home. Be sure you know where the water main, gas line, and circuit breaker or fuse box are located. Clear a path now to these essential system controls, and make it a habit to keep cartons, tables, appliances, and other items away so they can be operated easily.

Time taken to ready your home to withstand storm damage better is time well spent. SERVPRO of Nutley / Bloomfield is available 24/7 at (973) 662-0062 if you need assistance after the weather takes a turn for the worse.