Recent Tornado, Heavy Rains & Wind Damage Lash Mercer County, NJ

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Flooding presents a serious risk to your home and your safety in Mercer County, NJ. According to the U.S. National Severe Storms Laboratory, floods kill more people every year than lightning, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. On June 14, 2024, a tornado (landspout) hit Lawrence Township, Mercer County which flipped cars and uprooted trees.

When it comes to structures, floods and winds can lead to dangerous contamination and damage to drywall, support beams and foundations. You are at risk for mold within the first 24 hours of a flood, so it’s vital to stop the water from flowing and start remediation quickly.

Different types of flooding come with different risks. River floods and flash floods are common when snow melts and have been known to completely overwhelm structures. Coastal floods and storm surges are even more dangerous, and usually lead to evacuation warnings. These can destroy homes entirely, so it’s best to listen to weather reports and plan ahead. Debris flows, which are often made up of heavy mud and plant material, can crush houses and sweep them away.

High Winds, Tornadoes and Hurricane Damage

High winds can occur virtually anywhere, and thousands of tornadoes and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year.

Damage from wind can be widespread and can affect not only your residential property or business but also surrounding landscapes and improvements.  Be alert to the potential for falling trees and power poles and damaged power lines and take precautions to be ready for emergency action steps. After the storm, examine your property for structural damage to the home, including windows, siding and roofs. In the most extreme scenarios, roofs can be destroyed.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready and available, 24/7, to address your storm-related damages, including damage caused by excessive water; mold; high winds.  We are highly trained professionals with state-of-the art mobile equipment prepared to provide rapid response to mitigate loss of personal or business property.

Call us at 609-894-8555.  

SERVPRO is proud to serve our local Bordentown/Pemberton community, Burlington County and Mercer County, NJ

Winter Storm Preparedness: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Bordentown NJ Home

1/7/2024 (Permalink)

As winter descends upon us, it's crucial to fortify our NJ homes against the harsh elements that come with the season. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to prepare your home for winter storms, ensuring safety and comfort for you and your loved ones.

1. Insulation and Draft Sealing:

• Check Windows and Doors: Inspect for gaps and leaks. Seal any cracks with weather stripping or caulk.
• Install Storm Windows: Enhance insulation by adding storm windows to minimize heat loss.

2. Heating System Maintenance:

• Inspect Furnace or Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection to ensure your heating system is in top condition.
• Replace Filters: Clean or replace filters to maintain efficient airflow.

3. Roof and Gutter Care:

• Clear Gutters: Remove leaves and debris to prevent ice dams that can lead to water damage.
• Inspect Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles. Repair any issues to prevent leaks.

4. Pipe Protection:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation to prevent freezing. Pay extra attention to pipes in unheated areas like basements and attics.
• Let Faucets Drip: Allow faucets to drip during extremely cold nights to prevent pipes from freezing.

5. Emergency Power and Lighting:

• Generator Check: Ensure your generator is in good working order. Test it periodically.
• Stock up on Batteries: Have a supply of batteries for flashlights and emergency lighting.

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is prepared to address any water, fire, and mold disasters in your Bordentown NJ home.  We are available 24/7 for emergency response to your needs. Call 609-894-8555.

Tornadoes, Extreme Thunderstorms and Heavy Winds Hit Mercer & Burlington Counties in Early Spring 2023.

4/2/2023 (Permalink)

Storms are traumatic events that cause undue property damage whether from wind, tree damage, water or fire. Communities in both Mercer and Burlington Counties, NJ have experienced severe weather patterns in early spring/2023 risking property damage.

 SERVPRO offers safety, security and restoration measures. Homeowners and businesses need reputable companies to provide quality services to assist with the mitigation, clean-up, and restoration of their property.  

SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is always available to provide solutions for everyone. Here’s  what sets us apart from the competition:

Top 3 Services SERVPRO Provides:

1. Disaster Response: SERVPRO will respond to any local disaster and enlist the help of convenient franchises to provide necessary services.
2. Mitigation and Clean-up: SERVPRO will do everything from surveying the damage to doing a total clean-up of the area. We are a full-service restoration company.
3. All in One: SERVPRO is always available to provide comprehensive restoration solutions. We work closely with insurance agents and adjusters to provide a timely and quality response to any property damage.
4. Professional & Highly Trained. Our team has numerous certifications in water and fire damage restoration.  We are in industry leader in restoration services.

Disasters are unpredictable, stressful events. If your home or business experiences a disaster, call SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton at 609-894-8555 to mitigate any storm damage. We are available 24/7.

2022 Coastal Hurricane Season is Quiet—So Far

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season update: This has been a very quiet hurricane season to date with one early named storm, but don’t let your guard down just yet.

Historical data shows peak season from Mid-August through Mid-October however August 2022 has not had one named storm, which is only the 5^th time this has happened since data has been recorded, and the first time since 1997.

The Sahara Desert sand of the Africa coast has not allowed storms to develop and move west into the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

Hurricanes form when the Ocean temps are in the 80’s, converging winds and abundant moisture.  Let’s hope we can continue to dodge the stormy season and avoid the major disturbance and havoc of the hurricane season.

However, if a natural disaster strikes, the experienced team at SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we have prepared for expected damage from storms like Hurricane IDA and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response help to reduce damage and mitigate costs associated with restoration. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams are prepared with equipment strategically located in case of flood or storm emergency in our area including:

Choose SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton, a local company that specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Call us at 609-894-8555 for immediate relief. We are available 24/7.

Tips on Preparing Your Mercer County Home for Flash Flooding

8/7/2022 (Permalink)

Summertime typically means lots of sunshine, but the heat can also bring unexpected heavy thunderstorms to the Mercer County, NJ area, as we have already experienced this summer.

 Whether you live in Hamilton, Trenton or Ewing, heavy rains can spell trouble.  While these summer storms typically don’t last very long, they can lead to flash floods. By definition, a flash flood involves flooding that starts within 6 hours of heavy rainfall but often occurs as soon as 3 hours after the storm. Urban areas are prone to this type of flooding, as land use, and topography do not allow water to be absorbed into the ground quickly.  Suburban areas may also be affected by this type of flooding where lawns and permeable landscapes saturate very quickly causing increased water run-off.

           Floods may result from heavy rain, storm surges, coastal storms, and dam overflows.  In just 6 inches of moving water, you could risk serious injury as well as your home.  In as little as 1 foot of moving water, vehicles can be swept away.  If there is a flash flood watch or warning in your area be prepared to act and evacuate.   It’s just smart to have a plan in place in case your home or business is impacted by unwanted water.

 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Flash Flood:

• All electrical sockets, switches, and wiring should be elevated at least a foot above any predicted flood levels. This prevents your home from becoming a safety hazard in the case that there is a flood.
• Waterproof your basement. While this may involve an expense, it is worth it if you live in a flood zone and will prevent future damage to your home.
• Once a flood watch occurs, move furniture and valuable items to a secure location.

   Flash flooding may occur in any location.   

In case your home experiences water damage due to an unexpected flood, call SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton at 609-894-8555. Our is ready to mobilize to mitigate the harmful effects of flash flooding

NOAA Predicts Another Active Atlantic Hurricane Season in 2022 Which Can Impact Burlington & Mercer Counties, NJ

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

June 1 is the official beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. 

Can this season bring more severe weather than we have recently experienced in New Jersey? The Atlantic Hurricane season officially runs from June 1- November 30 and this year predictions have it as being another active season with severe weather including high winds, heavy storms, and, flooding annually impacts the central New Jersey region of Burlington and Mercer Counties.

At present the La Nina winds have the ocean a tad colder, but meteorologists believe this is an anomaly with typical La Nina returning in mid to late June. La Nina weather patterns create high westerly winds which create less vertical wind shear, and more hurricanes.

A typical season sees 13-19 Named Storms. Named storms must have winds of more than 39 mph, Hurricanes more than 74mph winds and major Hurricanes 111mph wind.  Weather patterns change as the summer progresses. August accounts for 24% of all storms recorded. For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.

Early in the season, meteorologists look at tropical depressions that are forming in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, close to land, while later in the season the pattern changes and they watch for storms that develop off the coast of Africa.

The NOAA is using cutting-edge tools, upgrading the Global Forecast System, the first in 40 years, to predict and alert Americans of the impending storms.

How to prepare for a Hurricane

Planning and preparing for a hurricane is the responsibility of all levels of government, local, state and national as well as both the private sector and the public. Being prepared is the way to lessen the devastation that one event can have on a community.

Be prepared by:

• Having cash on hand
• Review Insurance to ensure you have adequate coverage
• Establish a family communication plan
• Establish a family evacuation plan
• Stay tuned to local news (battery operated radio)
• Have food and water
• Emergency lighting in the event of power outages

“Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver life-saving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms.”

Heed warnings by local officials and to ensure your family’s safety.

When emergencies happen, SERVPRO of Bordentown/Pemberton is ready to serve. We are ready to mobilize and assist with storm damage cleanup and restoration.

Call us at 609-894-8555, for 24/7 emergency mitigation services

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2022/05/05/4-things-to-watch-for-in-the-2022-atlantic-hurricane-season/?sh=50e127fb59fd