Avoid Property Damage Caused by Storm Damage

4/21/2024 (Permalink)

Heave rainfall can cause serious damage to your property if you are not well prepared.

No weather is 100% predictable, but it is always good to be prepared for the worst. Heavy rainfall can cause major damage to your property. We have a few tips that might help you in an event where there is heavy rainfall.

• Depending on the area you live, it might be worth looking into flood insurance. Always talk to your insurance agent if your property is susceptible to flooding.
• Have a good drainage system installed. Make sure your rain gutters are free of debris, damage, and holes. It is very important during a heavy rainfall to direct the water away from your property.
• Inspect the exterior of your property for openings. Make sure all doors and windows are shut tightly.

Do I Wait to Clean Up Until an Adjuster Comes to Document the Damage?

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

Never forget to document your property damage as soon as possible.

After experiencing storm damage you may wonder, do I wait for an adjuster to come and assess the damage before I can start cleaning up and moving my things?

The answer is NO. 

An insurance adjuster does not need to witness the damage to process a claim, but will require you to document the damage if you decide to begin cleaning up. Take extensive photos and videos, while also listing damaged property and recording their condition and value. 

Adjusters are Likely Busy with Multiple Claims

If your property was affected by a storm, it is likely that neighboring properties are as well. This will result in a number of claims for insurance companies and it may take adjusters awhile to actually follow up on your claim. 

Further Damage Can Happen the Longer You Wait

The longer you allow damage to sit, the worse it can get, especially water damage. If you let the water sit too long it can result in mold issues. Mold damage can emerge between 24 and 48 hours after water or moisture is present. Make sure to take action as soon as possible to avoid this outcome. 

Flash Flood Emergency vs. Flash Flood Warning

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

Do you know the difference between a flash flood warning and flash flood emergency?

Flooding is something the Fargo-Moorhead area knows too well. Have you ever wondered, what is the difference between a flash flood emergency and a flash flood warning? The difference is important to know. Although it is unlikely to experience a flash flood emergency in the midwest, we do experience flash flood warnings.

Flash Flood Emergency

A flash flood emergency is a rare situation in which there is a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage to the affected area. It should be known that when a flash flood emergency is issued, any person in that threatened area should seek a safe place to shelter and sometimes will be required to evacuate.

Flash Flood Warning

The more commonly known, flash flood warning, is issued when there are dangerous floods happening or will happen soon. This warning lets people in the affected area know that some roads will be flooded, as well as homes and businesses. It is important to NEVER drive through a flooded road during these conditions.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

How do you prepare?

If there is a storm in the forecast, you may want to do some preparing beforehand. Preparing your home before a storm can minimize the risk of damage and reduce chances of needing restoration work. Follow these steps to protect your home:

• Ensure Doors and Windows are Shut

Before a storm make sure that your windows and doors are shut. If there are any cracks or openings, properly insulate them so that water or debris does not come into the home.

• Check Exterior of Home

If you have siding that is damaged or weathered, a storm can cause even greater problems for you. Check around the exterior of your home for any holes or cracks. Water could enter the walls through the damaged exterior, causing damage to the inside of a home.

• Clean Out Your Gutters

Gutters are often overlooked when preparing for a storm. It is so important to make sure that your gutters are clean from debris so that water can drain properly. Backed up water can lead to leaks and damage to the roof and walls of the home.

Evacuation Plan for Those Who Need Assistance

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Always make sure that you have an evacuation plan for your loved ones that may need assistance

Do you know and love someone who may have a disability such as deaf, blindness, or immobility? Maybe you know someone who is unable to move as quickly as necessary during an evacuation. Most of us can name at least one person that they know who might need assistance in case of an evacuation.

It is important to have a set plan for your loved ones in case of an emergency evacuation due to storm, fire, or flooding. Follow these steps to ensure the safety of those who need assistance:

• Have an emergency kit ready and accessible.
• If person has hard hearing, always have a backup battery for hearing aids
• Install a strobe light smoke alarm for those who are hard of hearing or deaf
• Have a backup cane in a safe place in case of an emergency
• Create multiple escape plans in case of emergency

Have Questions? Call SERVPRO of Fargo – (701)232-2455

Your Local Cleaning, Restoration, and Construction Company.

Red River Flooding Risk in Fargo?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Cass County.

Our local team in Fargo responds to many storm damage emergencies each year in Fargo. In May, a blizzard, multiple rainstorms, and melting winter ice caused river flooding across the Red River floodplain in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Manitoba. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observatory reports that Red River flooding is the worst in a decade.

According to the U.S. National Weather Service:

• The water level on the Red River at Pembina, North Dakota (near the U.S.–Canada border) crested at 52.27 feet on May 8; the flood stage there is 39 feet
• The Red River has mostly been dropping at Grand Forks after cresting just below major flood stage last week
• The Red River remained in the major flood stage at Oslo, Minnesota: river gauges measured 36.09 feet on May 11, while the flood stage is 26 feet
• According to news reports, water managers in northeast North Dakota remain concerned about the 65-year-old Bourbanis Dam, which has been battered by weeks of high water

Call Us Today!

Flooding and inclement weather are very common threats to Red River Valley properties. If your home or commercial business has flooding or storm damage, our local team in Fargo can restore the storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Snow Squall Warning Issued for downtown Fargo?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Cass County.

Newswriter Barry Amundson reported on a snow squall that moved into downtown Fargo from the northwest on March 10. A snow squall could be described as a fast-moving blizzard. “Snow Squall” is a new term first issued in 2018 by the National Weather Service (NWS).

• It is a polygon warning, generally 30-60 minutes in duration, that is issued similar to severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings
• A snow squall is an intense, short-lived burst of heavy snowfall that leads to a quick reduction in visibilities and is often accompanied by gusty winds
• Sudden whiteout conditions and slick roadways can lead to high-speed accidents with large pileups that result in injuries and fatalities
• This new warning aims to bring better situational awareness to drivers and mitigate impacts related to these squalls
• If a snow squall warning is issued in your area, avoid or delay motor travel until the squall passes through your location.

Flash Freeze

Snow squalls are especially dangerous because they are accompanied by a flash freeze that causes a rapid change in road conditions, leading to multiple accidents.

Call Us!

When you have storm damage in your downtown Fargo home or commercial business, our local team in Fargo is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Super Snow Drifts in Fargo?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

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

Do you know that one neighborhood near Osgood Park has some snowdrifts nearly six feet high outside their homes? The same neighborhood reported snowdrifts of up to fifteen feet three years ago! Yikes! When a tree fell and damaged my home in the middle of the night during the last big storm, my insurance adjuster told me to call the professionals at SERVPRO^® of Fargo. The team arrived quickly and went to work. They boarded up the broken window and removed the tree. The next day they came back and replaced the window.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

When severe weather causes damage to your home or business, SERVPRO^® of Fargo’s technicians will arrive quickly to begin the cleanup and restoration process immediately. We respond to storm damage emergencies of all kinds during the winter months: broken windows, blown-in garage doors, roof damage from heavy snow loads, downed trees, and water intrusion are some examples.

Call Us Today!

If a storm damages your Fargo home or commercial business, SERVPRO^® of Fargo will arrive quickly to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Roof Collapse in Fargo?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

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

Do you know that fresh snow of more than four feet can cause your roof to fail? When you need help with a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® Here is some information from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety to help you determine how much the snow on your roof weighs:

Fresh snow: Ten to twelve inches of new snow equals one inch of water or about five pounds per square foot of roof space, so you could have up to four feet of new snow before the roof becomes stressed.

Packed snow: Three to five inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, or about five pounds per square foot of roof space, so anything more than two feet of old snow could be too much for your roof to handle.

• Total accumulated weight:Two feet of old snow and two feet of new snow could weigh as much as sixty pounds per square foot of roof space, which is beyond most roofs’ typical snow load capacity.

Ice: One inch of ice equals one foot of fresh snow.

Call Us Today!

When your Fargo home or commercial business has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to assist you. Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Winter Storm Safety Tips for West Fargo?

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

We mitigate storm damage 24-hours a day in Cass County.

West Fargo residents have been relying on SERVPRO^® of Fargo to restore storm damage for years. Here are some tips from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for staying warm and safe during a power outage.

• Some gas-fueled heaters, such as vent-less gas fireplaces, require some ventilation. Otherwise, if you don’t need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside your home.
• Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows
• Close off unneeded rooms
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors
• Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night
• Generators should be located at least twenty feet from any window, door, or vent and in a space where rain and snow will not reach them
• Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector

• Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.
• Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords
• Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet
• Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite

Call Us Today!

When your West Fargo home or commercial business needs help with storm damage, SERVPRO^® of Fargo has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to assist you. Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Disaster Preparation in Fargo?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Cass County.

Is your family prepared for an emergency? Severe weather and disasters can happen quickly and with little warning. SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage throughout the year. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross for speaking with your children about disasters:

Talking About Disasters

Find out which disasters are most common where you live, then visit our emergency resource library for specific tips on what to do and discuss. For example, if you live in an earthquake-prone area, your child should be taught to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.

Next, check at your children’s schools, daycare, or other locations where they regularly spend time. Find out what their emergency plans are so that you can reinforce them at home.

Share What You’ve Learned

Talk about emergency preparation with your family so that everyone knows what to do. Discussing ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for younger children.

Involve your entire family in preparation activities, such as assembling a survival kit. Children can feel reassured knowing there’s a plan in place.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business experiences storm damage, SERVPRO^® of Fargo has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to assist you. We’ll restore your storm damage in Horace, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Damaged Rain Gutters in Fargo?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24-hours a day in Cass County.

When rain gutters are installed incorrectly, they can cause severe structural damage.  Routine inspection and maintenance can help you avoid costly water damage repairs. SERVPRO^® of Fargo shares these tips from home expert Bob Villa for determining if your rain gutters are sound:

Inspect your rain gutters for visible signs of cracking. Use binoculars to inspect for smaller cracks. If you see extensive cracking, replacement is required.

Inspect gutter seams for damage where two horizontal sections meet.

Inspect your home’s paint job. If there is evidence of paint peeling, it may point to rain gutter failure. Check the section of the rain gutter closest to the paint damage for leaks. If there are more than a couple of leaks, you may want to replace the rain gutters.

Inspect your home’s exterior wood elements for rotting windowsills or door jambs. You may have clogged rain gutters or inadequate storm drainage.

Inspect the exterior of the home for mildew damage. If there is moisture accumulating around or near the foundation, mildew can grow. This is a sign your rain gutters are not working properly.

Call Us!

When you need storm damage restoration services for your home or business, SERVPRO^® of Fargo has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 701-232-2455.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Tornado Warning in Briarwood?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

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

Tornado Warning Safety Tips for Briarwood

North Dakota gets about 32 tornadoes a year, and although we don’t see as much activity as other areas of the country, it is important to know what to do to stay safe. SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage emergencies each year and offers these tornado safety tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if you are under a tornado warning:

• Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of state, local and tribal officials. 
• Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls
• Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck

Call Us Today!

When you need emergency storm restoration services for your home or commercial business, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained restoration technicians are on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day in Briarwood. Call us today at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Storm Damage Prevention Tips for Mapleton?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

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

Storm damage happens in Fargo.

Can you remember the last time you inspected your home’s exterior for areas that could allow water intrusion into the structure?  SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage emergencies each year and offer these tips from the Insurance Information Institute for protecting your home from storm damage:

Water can be prevented from entering a structure’s exterior through routine inspection and maintenance and making repairs as needed.

• Caulk and seal windows
• Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
• Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris
• Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the structure
• Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the structure’s foundation

• Make sure water drains away from the building.Water is invasive and will find its way into a structure easily when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter into the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us!

When you need emergency storm damage restoration services, SERVPRO^® of Fargo  is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained restoration technicians are on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day in Fargo. Call us today at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Hailstorm in in Fargo?

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

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

SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to thunderstorm damage emergencies in Fargo and Cass County 24-hours a day. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes the size of a hailstone by comparing it to a known object. According to the NOAA, most hailstorms are made up of a mix of different sizes, and only the very largest hailstones pose a serious risk to people caught in the open. When reporting hail, estimates comparing the hail to a known object with a definite size are good, but measurements using a ruler, calipers, or a tape measure are best.

• Pea = 1/4 inch diameter
• Mothball = 1/2 inch diameter
• Penny = 3/4 inch diameter
• Nickel = 7/8 inch
• Quarter = 1 inch — hail quarter size or larger is considered severe
• Ping-Pong Ball = 1 1/2 inch
• Golf Ball = 1 3/4 inches
• Tennis Ball = 2 1/2 inches
• Baseball = 2 3/4 inches
• Tea cup = 3 inches
• Softball = 4 inches
• Grapefruit = 4 1/2 inches

Call Us Today!

Storm damage can happen at any time. When you need emergency storm damage restoration services SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained restoration technicians are on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day in Fargo. Call us today at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your storm damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Spring Flooding in Fargo?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in storm damage mitigation and restoration in Cass County.

Flood in Fargo?

SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in Fargo, and we know that our fast response helps to minimize further damage and higher repair bills. Here is some information about avoiding flood damage from The City of Fargo’s website:

·      Use the City’s Floodplain Map to examine your potential for flood risk.

·      Purchase flood insurance. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding. Allow thirty days for the policy to take effect.

·      Make sure your electric panel board is at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation for your home

·      Make sure electric switches and outlets are located above potential floodwaters

·      Make sure your washer and dryer and furnace are above potential floodwaters

Make sure your fuel tank is anchored securely to the floor. If you have propane tanks that the propane company owns, you will need to write permission to anchor them.

·      Install a floating floor drain plug at the current drain location to prevent any future backup. When the floor drain pipe backs up, the gloat will rise and plug the drain.

·      Have a licensed plumber install an interior and exterior sewer system backflow valve

Call Us!

When you have a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® Our highly trained restoration technicians are on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day in

Fargo. Call us today at 701-232-2455.

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Fargo is Faster to Any Size Disaster

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

We mitigate storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Cass County.

At SERVPRO^® of Fargo, we know that out fast, 24-hour response time helps our customers save money. The longer water from storm damage remains unmitigated, the higher the cost of the repair may be as water is invasive and will seep into any area it can. Even one day of water damage left untreated can lead to a more costly and time-consuming restoration.  Here is a water damage timeline from our website that describes the damage water can do in a short amount of time:

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp

Hours 1 - 24

• Drywall begins to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish
• Furniture begins to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain
• A musty odor appears

Call Us Today!

When you have a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® We are trusted leaders in the restoration industry and can provide a full range of restoration and reconstruction services to mitigate any size storm damage emergency in Oxbow. Call us today at 701-232-2455.

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Blackout in Fargo?

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

We mitigate storm damage 24-hours a day in Fargo.

SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in the Fargo area and we like to provide our readers with helpful information to keep you safe when faced with a storm emergency. On The City of Fargo website there is helpful information on what to do during a blackout:

During a Blackout

• Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting-never use candles because they increase your risk of a house fire dramatically.
• Most cordless phones won't work if the power goes out, so be sure to have a standard telephone in your home. Cellular phones may not operate properly during a blackout because cellular networks may lose power to the towers that transmit your call.
• Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out. Leave one light on so you'll know when power returns.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. Most medication that requires refrigeration can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours.
• Don't run a generator inside a home or garage or connect it to a home’s electrical system. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to outlets on the generator.
• Listen to a radio for the latest information.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your storm damage in Fargo, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Frostbite in Mapleton?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies in the Fargo area 24 hours a day!

Frostbite Symptoms

Have you ever been exposed to freezing weather conditions and noticed your skin becoming very cold and red, and after that numb, hard, and pale? If you have, then you have experienced the first signs of frostbite! SERVPRO^® of Fargo responds to storm damage emergencies in Mapleton and other cities in Cass County, and we want you to stay safe and healthy this winter season.

Here is some information on frostbite and when to see a doctor from the Mayo Clinic:

Signs and symptoms of frostbite include:

• At first, cold skin and a prickling feeling
• Numbness
• Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
• Hard or waxy-looking skin
• Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
• Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases

Seek medical attention for frostbite if you experience:

• Signs and symptoms of superficial or deep frostbite
• Increased pain, swelling, redness or discharge in the area that was frostbitten
• Fever
• New, unexplained symptoms

Get emergency medical help if you suspect hypothermia, a condition in which your body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Intense shivering
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness and loss of coordination

Call Us!

When your home or business has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo has a team of storm restoration technicians on call to serve you 24-hours a day. Call us at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your storm damage in Mapleton, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

January Winter Weather Facts for Fargo

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies in the Fargo area 24 hours a day!

Winter is Here

January is the coldest month of the year for Fargo. Winter weather brings high winds, cold rain, freezing temperatures, blizzards, ice storms, and sometimes with little advanced warning. When storms damage homes and commercial properties in Fargo, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is ready to respond day or night. Our highly trained technicians are on call 24 hours a day, and upon arrival will board up and tarp any damaged areas to prevent further exposure to the elements and will immediately begin the cleanup and restoration process. Here are some January weather facts for Fargo:

• January and December are the months that get the most snowfall, averaging 11.2 inches of snow.
• Snow falls for about 8.9 days in January.
• Rain falls for about 8.3 days in January.
• The average relative humidity in January in Fargo is 73.1 percent.
• Fargo gets about 4.5 hours of sunshine each day in January.
• The average length of the day in January is 9 hours.

Call Us!

When your home suffers a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® We have a team of restoration technicians on call to serve you. Call us at 701-232-2455. We’ll restore your property damage in Fargo, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Treeing a House in Horace?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

We are storm damage restoration specialists on call 24 hours a day in Fargo.

Oh No, Storm Damage!

I love the sound of the wind whistling and rustling through the tree branches outside my window. It makes me respect Mother Nature to know that I am at her mercy, and I hunker down and appreciate it when I don’t have to go outside on stormy, windy days. I’ll never forget the time when a large tree branch fell during the night, missing most of the house and landing on top of the family station wagon. The tree branch crushed the car like a sardine can and damaged the roof of the house. It’s a wonder I didn’t hear the crash, and it’s a miracle that no one was hurt!

The people of Horace know they can count on SERVPRO^® of Fargo to send out a team of storm restoration technicians anytime, 24 hours a day. They also know that we have the equipment, training, and experience to safely clean and restore any size of property damage caused by a storm, and we have been doing so for years!

Call Us Today!

When you find your home or commercial business requires storm damage restoration, SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Here to Help. ® Call us at 701-232-2455. We’ll clean and restore your storm damage in Horace, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Evacuation when Medical Supplies Are Needed for your Well-being in Fargo

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fargo wants you to be prepared for any storm or disaster.

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Fargo.

Some of these items can be kept in a waterproof container (your emergency kit). Medications probably cannot, but you can have them ready to bring with you.

SERVPRO of Fargo suggests having these items prepared in the event you would need to evacuate your home in Fargo. 

• Copies of medical insurance & Medicare cards
• Warm blankets
• Extra clothing, especially socks & undergarments
• Bottled water
• Batteries for your electronic devices
• Written contact list

Some people in Fargo will also need to consider the following:

• Make sure that at least one other person can get your medications &  supplies
• Have at least a week-long supply of prescription medicines
• A list of all medications, dosages, and allergies
• An extra pair of glasses or extra contact lenses 
• Hearing-aid batteries 
• Games & activities for children

If you have pets in Fargo, consider these items:

• Pet food and toys 
• Toys or comfort objects
• Vet information

Some shelters will not or cannot allow pets. Ahead of an emergency, find out which ones will allow your 4-legged loved ones. All shelters allow service animals.  

SERVPRO of Fargo is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.fema.gov/ 

Winter Storm in Oxbow?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

We mitigate storm damage in Fargo.

Storms Happen Suddenly

North Dakotans are tough. They have seen lots of major weather events including floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and thunderstorms. SERVPRO^® of Fargo has seen firsthand the damage storms cause to homes and businesses in Oxbow, and our  24 hour emergency services team of highly trained and experienced storm restoration technicians is ready to respond to your call day or night.

Natural disasters can happen suddenly that can compromise basic services and confine a family to their home. The City of Fargo website offers many storm preparedness tips including:

• Emergency notifications and know how to get emergency information from multiple locations and know why the sirens sound.
• Sign up for Cass Clay Alerts, the City of Fargo’s emergency notification system. You must sign up to receive the alerts.
• When a siren sounds, go indoors and turn on your TV or radio to a local channel to find out the threat and what to do to protect yourself.
• Have a communication plan in place so everyone in the family knows what to do and how to contact each other for different types of emergencies.
• Emergency supply kit for your home and car that should include everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours.

Call Us

SERVPRO^® of Fargo mitigates storm damage no matter how big the job is. Call us at 701-232-2455. We’ll clean and restore your property damage in Oxbow, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO of Fargo relies on science when helping Harwood

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fargo residents don’t blame mythological gods for storms!

Storm Damage

Lightning, high winds, and heavy rain can all cause storm damage in Harwood homes and commercial or community buildings. SERVPRO^® of Fargo is an expert in restoration from storms, floods, and other kinds of damage.

No matter how frightening a particular storm might be, we’re storm damage restoration specialists, and that science can explain the causes.

Storm Mythology

The mythology is scary. The gods were impulsive and often bratty.  If there were a “most wanted” list for storm creation, these beings would be on it.

Tawhiri

The Maori god of wind and storms made a major fuss when his brothers won an argument against him. Modern-day sibling rivalry has nothing on the destruction he caused. At SERVPRO of Fargo, we hope that Tawhiri was a calmer dad than he was a brother. Tawhiri had 13 cloud children; some were dark and stormy, and the others were light and fluffy. He had 3 other offspring: Rain, Mist, and Fog.

Thor

Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir (Old Norse for “Destroyer”) created thunder whenever he threw it at someone who annoyed him. Everyone at SERVPRO of Fargo likes best how Mjolnir returned to Thor’s fist after he threw it. Imagine applying that magic to car keys and sunglasses.

Call Us Today

Call us at 701-232-2455.

SERVPRO of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Emergency Kit for Evacuation for the Deaf, Blind, and Service Animals in Fargo

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Fargo is Here To Help

Storm Damage & Evacuation in Fargo

Low vision or hearing loss may make a power outage more difficult in Fargo.
Evacuation may also be more difficult.
SERVPRO of Fargo has these tips:

Have an evacuation emergency kit ready. You can also use it at home.
For people who have low hearing or deafness in Fargo, consider the following:

• Extra batteries for hearing aids
• TTY
• If you Sign, have a pen and paper for people who do not know Sign
• Backup batteries for any augmentative communication devices

For people who have low vision or blindness in Fargo, consider the following:

• Use large-print or Braille on labels
• Magnifiers or other assistive devices
• White cane (if you use one)

Storm damage makes life more difficult for service animals too.

For people who have service animals in Fargo, consider the following:

• Food, water, and other supplies
• Tell emergency responders that your service animal travels with you
• Shelters and other buildings may not refuse entry to a service animal

Links:
https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

Be prepared for power outages from storms in Fargo

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

When storm damage strikes, trust SERVPRO of Fargo

Managing Without Power in Fargo

SERVPRO of Fargo has seen storm damage lead to power outages.
A power outage can:

• Disrupt communication
• Make transportation difficult
• Shut down water pipes
• Close businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, banks, ATMS, other services
• Lead to food spoilage
• Lead to contaminated water
• Disable medical devices

During a power outage in Fargo, be sure to:

• Keep freezer & refrigerator doors closed. It will reduce the chance of food spoilage
• User generators only outdoors and away from windows
• Disconnect appliances/electronics. Power surges can destroy equipment
• Have already set up plan to refrigerate medicines
• For people who use power wheelchairs, have a backup battery. You may also need a
  manual chair
• The local power company should already know that someone in your home relies on
  medical devices
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home or business
• If travel is safe, go to another location for proper heating or cooling
• Check on your neighbors.

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/index.html

Thunderstorm preparedness in Fargo

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Although you cannot prevent thunderstorms, you can prepare for them.

Thunderstorms are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous.  They can cause severe damage to your home and property in Fargo. Thunderstorms include lightning and can:

• Include winds over 50 MPH
• Create hail
• Cause flash floods
• Cause tornadoes

In most places, a thunderstorm can happen at any time of the year, and at any time of the day.

SERVPRO® of Fargo knows you cannot prevent a thunderstorm, but you can prepare:

• Know the risk for thunderstorms in Fargo
• Sign up for your community’s warning system 
• Cut down or trim trees that may fall on your home or office
• Install surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system

SERVPRO of Fargo repeats the warning, “When thunder roars, go indoors”.  You don’t have to wait for the thunder. If there is a thunderstorm warning, go inside. Once there:

• Unplug appliances
• Do not use landline phones in office or home
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings

If you can’t get inside a building:

• If you are swimming or in a boat, get to land immediately.  Find shelter
• If you are in a car, don’t touch anything metal
• “Turn around. Don’t Drown. '' Avoid flooded roads. 6 inches of moving water can knock you down. One foot of moving water can sweep away your car. 

A lightning strike during a thunderstorm can leave a wake of destruction in its path. This can range from minor electrical issues to fire damage. Lightning is also a major cause of injury or death from weather-related dangers.  Most people survive being hit by lightning, but they often have long-term problems. 

SERVPRO^® of Fargo is Independently Owned and Operated.

Links:

https://www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1527866280447-8ee0ba123e9a7b91c75b97dfb62cb657/ThunderStorm_May2018.pdf