The Storm of the Midwest

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

This is a local highway that flooded due to the rain making it impossible for anyone to travel until the drain was unclogged.

In late June 2022, St.Louis and surrounding areas experienced a storm of a lifetime. The amount of rainfall was historic. In days leading up to the storm, a blanket of hot, humid air draped over the St. Louis area, contributing to an atmosphere heavy with water vapor. as of 7 AM St. Charles county, where SERVPRO WOW is located, had received 8-10 inches of rain and the rain continued. A record 9.07 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period. it was recorded as once in a 100-year event. 

SERVPROs in or around this region had activated the Wilson storm team to come and help with the abundance of water damage calls.

SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville took care of 48 different homeowners affected by the storm. We had at least 200 calls from homeowners in need of mitigation. Most of these homeowners had to be sent to the storm team for help. We want to extend a huge thank you to all the other SERVPRO franchises that signed up to help our region and thank you to our loyal customers that waited for SERVPRO to come out and make it like it never even happened!

Thank you team Wilson Storm team!

Types of storms

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

a tornado in Joplin, MO back in May 2011

Knowing the types of storms and the potential damage that could come with these storms can help you be prepared for them to happen and what to expect. 

1.) Flooding: Floods occur due to rain and other water rising faster than the drains can handle. Flash floods can leave buildings and roads under several inches of water in a matter of minutes. About 90 percent of all U.S. natural disasters involve flooding. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) says one inch of floodwater can cause as much as $25,000 in damage to a home.

Ways to prepare for a flood are to pack an emergency kit, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, waterproof your basement, pay attention to flood alerts, and most importantly make sure your homeowner's insurance covers flood damage. If not covered, you could be stuck with the cost of mitigation and repairs. you can also purchase separate flood insurance if you are in a flood-prone area.

2.) Snowstorms: Heavy snow may seem more of an inconvenience than a cause of damage to your home however, heavy build-ups of snow can lead to collapsed roofs or gutters, and blocked drains can cause flooding.

3.) Tornadoes: Tornadoes are extremely dangerous, from the high winds often more than 300 mph, to the debris carried by these high winds. High wind speeds can damage and remove shingles, potentially exposing your roof's sheathing and underlayment. This can leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Missouri is in tornado alley. Tornado Alley is a loosely defined area of the central United States where tornadoes are most frequent.

Stay Safe and Be prepared! 

Have you been affected by a storm and need our help? Give SERVPRO WOW a call! 

(636)-856-9700

Things To Do Before The Storm Hits

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Types of storms to prepare for.

Storms are always unpredictable and can be troublesome if not correctly prepared for. Here are some tips to help you prepare for what the storm may bring and minimize the damage a storm can cause.

Trim your tree branches and clear left debris. Always put away lawn furniture and toys. 

Look over your equipment manuals to ensure that you know beforehand how to operate the equipment safely and efficiently.

Look at your inventory of equipment and decide if you have all the necessary to help you after the store. Run and service the equipment before the storm and double-check that you have the appropriate extension cords.

Make sure you have enough and the right fuel needed for your equipment. if your equipment requires batteries make sure that you have enough batteries for all the equipment and double-check that the batteries are all charged.

How to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting during a winter storm.

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

In this picture, you will see a homeowner trying to thaw his frozen pipe.

During the winter months, there can be some issues like your pipes freezing and the pipes can also burst which can cause you water damage and no one wants to deal with a winter storm when it's 20 degrees or colder outside. Here are some tips to prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter. 

Before winter you can take some precautions such as installing pipe insulation, sealing visible cracks, and applying electrical heating tape to easily accessible pipes. 

Things you can do during the winter to prevent frozen pipes are set the heat in your home to at least 55 degrees when you aren't home, open cabinets regularly to let the warm air circulate, let your faucets drip, and keep your garage door closed to conserve the warm air in your home. 

In the case that all of those options fail and your pipe does burst, you want to call someone you trust that will be able to take care of the water damage the right way. Here at SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville, we have years of water damage affiliated with a pipe burst.

Call us today and let us help you!

636-856-4176 

Windy night in the suburbs

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Demo of affected materials performed by the technicians.

This homeowner had a tree fall on her room during heavy rain and wind storm, but she knew exactly who to call. SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville was ready to help her in her time of emergency. Upon arrival, we made sure to get the hole in her roof tarped. once tarped we accessed the damage inside of the home. There had been a lot of water damage and affected materials such as most of the drywall and flooring. Before starting demo the office staffed contacted her insurance and verified that all of the work was covered. She was very happy with our work that she left us this kind review:

"Timely, knowledgeable, and efficient, these guys have the tools to get the job done! You will want them in your court in your time of need. I wouldn’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Western O’Fallon/Wentzville again. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

Call us and let us help you!

636-856-9700

Out of business due to storms!

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

This door buckled due to a heavy storm.

This stormy weekend in Missouri left this daycare with some water damage. SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville was flooded with calls the weekend of the storm, one of them being this local daycare. Upon receiving the call our crew went out to the location and began the work. As you can see by this photo the rain was heavy and very strong that it bent the door of the daycare in and flooded one of the rooms with rainwater. The technicians began by extracting the standing water. After water extraction, they set up 20 air movers, 2 dehumidifiers, and 1 air scrubber in the appropriate areas. They also demoed some of the affected materials such as cove base, drywall, insulation, and door trim. After the floors were dry the technicians got to cleaning some contents, power washing the floor, and treating with anti-microbial to prevent microbial growth down the road. The building was dry within 3 days and this business was grateful for our rapid response time in order to get their business up and running. 

Heavy rains and wind has homeowner calling for our help!

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

A stormy night caused damage to this homeowner's roof and water damage to some rooms in her home. Our team worked diligently to help the customer out in her time of emergency and to prevent any further damage from happening. 

The technicians quickly jumped into action and began with cleaning and discarding any debris the storm had caused in the home and placed the appropriate equipment where it needed to be in order to dry the structure properly and avoid mold growth. All while making sure the homeowner understood every part of the process. 

This picture shows the debris left by the storm before the roof was tarped. The technicians made sure to cover any contents in the room before performing the demo needed. The roof was torn out and a reconstruction company was recommended to help replace the damage. 

Do you need help with storm damage? Call SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville today! (636)-856-9700

The Dangers of Storms

4/28/2021 (Permalink)

Storms can be extremely dangerous and frightening. You and either your family, friend, or coworkers safety should be priority number one. Be on the lookout for major problems in your area. If you think your home has been structurally damaged due to a storm, consider getting a hotel room or staying at a family or friend's house for a few nights up until a professional says it is safe to return. As you probably know, there are several types of storms. Flooding causes a lot of risks to your home and safety. According to the NSSL, flooding causes more deaths than lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes combined. They can lead to serious damage to drywall, support beams, and foundations. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours after a flooding occurs so, getting a SERVPRO professional out to your location as quickly as possible is crucial.  

Winter is Coming

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Winter has arrived and so has the crazy Missouri weather. A lot of snow and storms in our very near future. As I'm sure most of you probably know, heavy rain, hail, and snow can be very harsh on buildings. It will loosen the shingles on roofs, cause moisture that will get through the protective layer of roofs causing moldy, saggy roofs and leakage leading to even more mold around the inside of the building. If you experience this, it's very important to have a trustworthy, reliable, fast operating restoration company come out to your location as soon as possible to assess and combat the problem. SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville can be that company for you. Our rapid response time, hardworking crew, and customer service over all mentality is exactly what you need to get your building back "Like it never even happened."

Storm Season Preparation

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

are you ready?

As we inch closer and closer to the long awaited conclusion of 2020, it's time to start thinking and preparing for that second wave of storms we here in Missouri expect towards the end of each year. Here is how SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville recommends you prepare your home for storm season.

• Trim the trees in your yard.
• Clean your gutters and waterproof your home
• Get a back up sump pump
• Secure things such as patio furniture
• Install storm shutters
• Put together an emergency kit that will help in case of power outage
• Put together a "to-go" emergency kits filled with contacts or items you might need if you are out of your home
• Compose an inventory sheet for things around the house
• Consider getting a generator

Do these things and enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with it.

Faulty Sump Pump

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

parts of sump pump

Summer 2020 is nearing its conclusion. In comes that unpredictable Missouri weather. Sump pump failure is what SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville gets called to take care of the most. We highly recommend that you check on your sump pump at least once a year. Just make sure there is no mud or anything that could impede water flow. I personally have had to deal with a sump pump failure caused by a couple of ping pong balls that rolled in. Not fun. Also, make sure that your sump pump is less than 10 years old. This is the typical life expectancy for these devices. Unfortunately, nobody is 100% safe from a sump pump malfunction which is why we are here. If you find yourself in a situation where your sump pump is spitting water all over your basement, SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville is just one call away from making it "Like it never even happened."  

Bring On The Storms!

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

heavy storms

There are a lot of ways storm water can make its way into your home. High winds and harsh rains can ruin your roof, your pipes could burst, your sewer could overflow, your sump pump could malfunction, water could create cracks in your foundation, and more. None of these are fun to deal with so the best thing you can do is have a reliable company that can tackle these issues at the ready. That's where SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville comes into play. We are a local restoration company that specializes in remediating storm damage. If you have any unwanted water in your home, no matter how it got there, and no matter how much, you can count on SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville to come in and make it "Like it never even happened."

Assistance Needed in KC

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

This area of the home was heavily affected by a recent storm in the KC area.

Kansas City was recently hit hard with some pretty severe storms. About 8 inches of rain were accumulated in just a mere 24 hour period. You may be thinking to yourself, "That's quite a bit of rain, surely multiple structures were damaged and surely reinforcements were needed". This was exactly the case and is where SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville came into play. Just because we mainly operate in the Western O'Fallon/Wentzville area does not mean that we are not willing to branch out and assist our neighboring territories if need be. What are neighbors for, right? This photo is just one of the homes that we came out and provided with our services. As you can see, the storm did a pretty harsh number on this one. We were more than happy to come in and make it "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville is always here to help no matter where the help is needed, no disaster is too small or too big for us to help the home owner or business.

When Storm Water Is Too Much For The Sump Pump

4/11/2020 (Permalink)

Failed Sump Pump

In Missouri we definitely have our share of rain in the spring.  When the spring storms come rolling in you want to be sure to keep an eye on your sump pump.  The extra water is going to make it work overtime.  By checking on it you could save yourself a lot of money and heart ache.  When a sump pump stop doing its job it will fill up with water and quit pumping the water out of the house.  When that happens you end up with a basement full of water.  SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville can be there to help you get it cleaned up but what we would really love is for you to check on your sump pump and keep the water outside where it belongs.  The last thing anyone wants is a basement full of water.

Here comes the winter

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Get ready for the winter storms

Here in Western St. Charles County we always know that behind every beautiful fall is a snowey cold winter.  Although it is Missouri so who knows when that will happen.  Snow always look so pretty and is fun to play in.  But it can also do some serious damage to our homes.  Some things we need to remember as the weather gets colder is to be very careful with those space heaters.  Do not leave them unattended,  do not have them on around children.  If knocked over or if they have anything laying on the they can cause a fire so easily.  And make sure to clean your chimney before starting a cozy fire.  over the summer birds will build nest in your chimney.  When these nest catch on fire at the very least it will cause major smoke damage to your house.  Always unhook your hose from the house.  If this is not done you will end up with busted pipes and water damage.  SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville will always be there to help you out but we would love to see you take percaustions to prevent you from needing us. 

Cold weather is coming

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Hot Chocolate in the fall

As we enter the fall season and colder weather we know here at SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/ Wentzville that means snow storms and busted pipes.  There are a few things you can do to try and prevent that.  First of all please be sure that you disconnect your garden hose from the side of your house.  And for all you snow birds out there and vacationers.  Turn off your water supply to your house when you leave.  If you do not know where that is you will want to find that out.  You should know where your water shut off is and you should clearly mark it with a tag of some kind.  Call 314-608-8119 if you need us to bring you a tag.  this is just good knowledge to have.  if you were having any kind of water issues like a broken pipe the 1st thing you want to do is shut off the source.  I hope this was helpful.

When you crawl space fills with water.

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

When The Crisis Nursery Has A Crisis.

The workers at the Crisis Nursery heard a noise coming from the floor.  They decided that they should get a hold of someone to check it out.  As soon as their maintenance opened the crawl space they were shocked to see that there was water almost to the top.  They called SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville right away and we got to them withing 1/2 hour of the call.  It was a good thing that we were that quick because had we not been the water would have damaged the entire floor from underneath.  Our guys got in there and extracted all the water right away.  Because of that there was minimal damage.

Get The Flood Out

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Setting up water extractors

We have had a lot of rain here in the Western St. Charles O'Fallon/ Wentzville area.  We had a client call us when they discovered 29 inches of water in the crawl space of their business.  With all of this rain the sump pumps are working on over time and that will cause them to just not be able to do the job any longer or just break all together.  Please check your basements.  This could have caused so  much more damage had they not caught it before the water came up through the floor.  We were able to come in through the window and down into the crawl space with extractors and get the water out. and followed that up with putting in what is called a desiccant dehumidifier.  This type of dehumidifier works best when we are dealing with extreme temps rather it be extremely cold or extremely hot.  

Have a Storm Plan

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Escape plan

How have you prepared you and your family for a storm?  Here are a couple things you can do to be ready for a storm.  Make sure your cell phones are charged and go over an escape route.  In the event that a storm hits your house know how you would get your family to safety.  It could be a tornado that takes your roof off, a bolt of lightning that catches your house on fire or even a rain storm that is flooding your basement.  You need to have an idea as to what you are going to do to get you and your family to safety.  It is even a good idea to practice the different plans if you have small children.

Storms Bring Bugs

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Standing Water Attracts bugs.

Spring storms really bring out the bugs.  When the water is standing the mosquito's are bad.  How many of you really hate the smell of bug repellent?  I do for sure.  Try this DYI bug repellent.

Start by adding 1/4 cup of distilled water to a small spray bottle.

Measure and add two teaspoons of both witch hazel and vodka. These help disperse the essential oil in the water and also help the scent stay longer on your skin.

Add 25 drops of peppermint essential oil and shake to combine.

Shake the bottle well before each application. Spray homemade bug spray on any exposed skin before going outdoors. Reapply every 2 hours while you're outside. 

Missouri Storms

4/12/2019 (Permalink)

Missouri Weather!

Something that I think all of us can agree on living here in the Wentzville, O'Fallon area is that if you don't like the weather today wait a few hours it could change.  We had a crazy cold and snowy winter.  That caused a lot of broken pipes and flooded basements.  We then went right into our wet rainy spring not to mention all of the snow melt from not just around here but also north of us, causing our sump pumps to work overtime and just not be able to get the job done so we have had a lot of flooded basements.  Spring and fall are both times that we have heavy winds causing roof damage resulting in wet attics.  With our dry hot summers there is a big worry of fires.  So here in Missouri no matter what the storm is SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon / Wentzville can make your home "Like it never even happened."

Prepare your home and yourself

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Be sure your drain system for your house is working properly.

We had a pretty bad winter here in Western St. Charles County.  But really it was even worse north of us.  The weather is starting to look better, and we are all itching to get outside.  But we have not made it out yet.  Spring in Western O'fallon and Wentzville are known to bring some heavy rain along with winds.  This can be very damaging to your home if you do not get it ready.  So, it is a good thing you want to get outside because I am going to have you put a few things on your to do list to help prevent you from having to call SERVPRO.  The heavy snows may be long gone for the winter, but the effects are just starting to roll down.  When the north gets as much snow as they did were do you think it goes when it melts?  If you guessed down the Mississippi you would be right.  We are more than likely going to experience some major flooding in our area this spring.

So lets get started on that to do list as soon as possible.

1. Inspect your roof and your siding. In heavy winds if you have loose siding or shingles, they will more than likely blow away.  When that happens, you may end up with a lot of damage inside your home.
2. As a rule, Shredded bark of mulch is a better landscaping to have than rock in the event of heavy winds. Bark or Mulch will do way less damage than rock if picked up and thrown around by winds. Butt there are really pros and cons both ways for that.  I just thought I would point that quick tip out.
3. Clean up and trim any shrubs and trees. In the event of high winds weak branches could break and fall on your roof or through a window. Dead and loss branches in the shrubs can also do some damage.
4. Check your cutters and down spouts. If your draining system for your house is not working right than all the prep in the world won’t help you.  I am sure you cleaned out all your leaves in the fall but get up there and make sure that they are still there.  And If you have not taken down your Christmas lights for goodness sake do that while you are up there.  Also check and make sure nothing is loose.  Now check the down spouts.  Are they secure?  Are they pointed away from the house?  Do they come at least 3 ft away from your house?
5. And of course the sump pump. Your sump pump is going to do some major work this year. A lot of people hardly ever go into their basement.  You need to go down and check on your sump pump and be sure it is working properly.
6. Last but not least get yourself ready. Make sure your flashlights have working batteries. And go over an action plan with your family.  Better safe than sorry!

If all else fails know that SERVPRO of Western O’Fallon / Wentzville is there for you.  Call us any time of the day or night.  We are ready 24/7/365.

storm damage can lead to Mold

3/21/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO Western O'Fallon / Wentzville in case of emergency!

In Western O'Fallon / Wentzville we see all sorts of weather patterns.  It looks like we made it through the bad winter storms and heavy snows however now is when the melting snows from our friends in the great north are coming down and flooding our area.  All of our sump pumps are working overtime to keep our basements dry.  We also are going to start in with spring showers.  This is the time when sump pumps tend to die on us due to over use.  I would suggest that you go to your basement and check on that about every other day.  In the event that it does stop working keep in mind that SERVPRO O'Fallon / Wentzville can help.  If water is not properly cleaned up and thoroughly dried it can and will turn into mold.  Mold grows and spreads fast.  One of the biggest problems with mold is that you don't always see it.  You may not realize it is there until it makes you sick.  So as you can see it is very important to keep a close eye on your sump pump.

Be Prepared for Snowstorms this Winter in St. Charles County

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Hwy 40 WB and Hwy K exit early Thurs morning (11/15/18). The snow plows were out, but the snow kept coming making it hard to keep the roads clean.

We are currently in our first snow storm of 2018 here in St. Charles County. While the kids are enjoying their snow day and snowball fights, we still need to recognize that some these storms can be dangerous, and we need to be prepared. Unfortunately, some storms can come along with ice or last several days making leaving the house no longer an option. Here are a few tips to help make sure you are prepared  for when/if we do experience a bad storm:

• Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. Keep the gas tank full.
• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
• Know your area’s risk for winter storms. Extreme winter weather can leave communities without utilities or other services for long periods of time.
• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
• Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.
• Use generators outside only and away from windows.

Source: Ready.gov

Lightning Preparedness

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

"When thunder roars, go indoors"

Don't let the calm before the storm fool you

While Missouri hasn't had as much severe summer weather as usual, it is important to brush up on storm safety. Severe weather safety is especially important during the warmer months. Did you know that most lightning strikes occur in the summer months, especially July, during the afternoon and evening? Your chances might be relatively low for being struck by lightening, but Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards.

Lightning Safety Tips:

1. If you hear thunder, remember the phrase "when thunder roars go indoors". Lightning always accompanies thunder. 
2. If caught outside avoid the following: Open areas, high ground, standing or leaning on concrete floors/walls, and any metal objects. All of these are areas most likely to be struck by lightning. 
3. Avoid water; do not bathe or swim. Lightning is very likely to strike open bodies of water and travel through the metal plumbing in your house.
4. Try not to use stoves, dryers, washer, or any other electronics plugged into the wall during a storm with lightning. This is because lightning can travel through electrical systems.
5. Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.

Please remember that lightning can travel 5-10 miles away from the thunderstorm and strike the ground without storm clouds looming overhead. The storm doesn’t have to be overhead in order for you to be struck so always listen for thunder in the distance when there's moderate risk for severe weather.

If lightning strikes your home, you can trust SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville with your storm restoration needs. Call 636-856-9700 to make your home look "Like it never even happened".

Are you Prepared for Severe Weather?

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action.

SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville knows immediate reaction to the disaster is important to helping you get your life back to normal. Though our atmosphere has been calm over the St. Louis area, we can't turn a blind eye to living on the edge of tornado alley. Missouri often faces severe weather due to its position in the country. The Midwest region is in a location where warm fronts and colds fronts often meet, creating severe weather patterns from time to time.

What is a thunderstorm exactly? A thunderstorm is a rain shower during which you hear thunder. A thunderstorm is classified as “severe” when it contains one or more of the following:

• Hail (one inch or greater)
• Winds in excess of 58 mph 
• Structural wind damage 
• Tornado

What should you do during a thunder storm? 

• Use a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from local officials. 
• Avoid contact with corded phones. Use a corded telephone only for emergencies. Cordless and cellular telephones are safe to use. 
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage. 
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. 
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area. 
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas. 
• Avoid contact with anything metal—tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles. 
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

After the storm is over

• Never drive through a flooded roadway. 
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas to keep from putting yourself at risk from the effects of severe thunderstorms. 
• Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or to local radio and television stations for updated information or instructions, as access to roads or some parts of the community may be blocked. 
• Help people who may require special assistance, such as infants, children and the elderly or those with access or functional needs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately. 
• Watch your animals closely. Keep them under your direct control. 
• If you have storm damage to your home or property, call your SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville at (636)856-9700. Timely mitigation is key to minimize secondary damages caused by severe storms

Severe Weather Emergency Kit

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

When severe weather strikes, will your family be prepared?

SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville recommends that every homeowner have supplies on-hand for all natural disasters with a moderate possibility of occurring where you live.

Your Storm Emergency Kit should include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day) 
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply) 
• Manual can opener 
• Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• First aid kit m Whistle to signal for help 
• Clothing 
• Dust masks or bandanas 
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Local maps 
• Hygiene items 
• Important documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information 
• Cash 
• Fire extinguisher 
• Matches in a waterproof container

Tornado Safety

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado alley is Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and South Dakota. Missouri and Iowa are also included in this group often

Tornadoes can occur almost anywhere on land with favorable atmospheric conditions. These favorable conditions that tornadoes often form in are areas where a weather system with warm moist air, clashes dangerously with cold dry air. This clash of a cold front and warm front creates an instability in the atmosphere, therefore creating strong rotations of air columns. Tornadoes are one of the most dangerous weather disaster on land. The wind from tornadoes destroy both man-made and natural structures, uproot trees and electrical poles, and hurl debris around at deadly speeds. In the United States, tornadoes are most common in the great plains and Midwest states but they can happen anywhere. 

How to stay safe during a tornado

• If you are in a building, find a safe place inside such as a basement or interior room on the floor closest to ground level without windows that you and your family members can fit it. 
• If you find yourself in a tall building such as a skyscraper, try to find a safe hallway closest to the interior of the building and without windows. Do not try and make it to the ground-floor/basement if you are stories in the air; you most likely will not have time to make it there safely.
• If you live in a mobile home where tornadoes occur often, it might be best to invest into a storm shelter. It is best to find a sturdy building if nearby, but if there is not shelter it is best for you to get out of the mobile home and lay on lower or flat ground.
• If you are caught driving in a tornado, it is NOT safe to seek shelter under overpasses or bridges. If you are far enough away from the tornado and there are not many other motorists around you, you may drive away from the tornado at right angled directions. If you are close, park the car off the roadway and cover yourself inside the car below the windows or exit the car to seek lower ground and lay flat covering your head from debris. 
• If you get caught outdoors away from buildings in a tornado, it is best to get away from trees and seek shelter in lower ground while laying flat and covering your head.

It's important to know the difference between watches and warnings.

• A tornado watch is issued when there are favorable conditions in the atmosphere capable of creating a tornado.

• A tornado warning is an alert to warn the general public that a tornado has touched the ground in the area or is going to. This is the time to get in a safe place.

If you find yourself with storm damage following a tornado or another natural disaster, call SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville at (636)-856-9700

Storms & Floods

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

When Storms or Floods hit , SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville is ready!

Storm Damage

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Western O'Fallon/Wentzville.

SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

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.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Western O'Fallon/Wentzville, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of1,650 Franchises across the country and eliteDisaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today636-856-9700