2011 First Potential Flood Alert Issued To “Dixie Alley”
The major focus for weather related home disaster has been tied into severe cold weather, heavy amounts of snowfall and blizzard like conditions. This trend has the potential to change dramatically this week for a large portion of the South as looming low pressure system is being driven northward from the Gulf and packs the potential of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and large amounts of rainfall.
Early projections indicated that as much as six inches of rainfall could fall in this region, levels that can easily produce flash flood conditions. This region suffered major flood damages in Nashville, Memphis and Oklahoma City in 2010 and has just begun a full recovery from last years unexpected storm damage. One of the challenges that property owners in this area and further north will face this spring is the rising water table, driven upward by heavy amounts of snowfall that have fallen throughout the better part of 2011. Snowfall is going to significantly raise the levels of many rivers, adding to conditions that are likely to lead to flooding problems this year.
Jarvis’s national disaster response team is in the early stages of planning water damage emergency response throughout the country in preparation of what looks to be a very busy year with flood disasters. We encourage local municipalities, schools, property managers and homeowners to begin creating a disaster response plan and coordinating emergency cleanup services, should large scale flooding occur this year.
Upcoming temperature swing could be problematic for homeowners
The month of February has been brutally cold for a large part of the country. The midpoint of the month has seen a nice uptick with temperatures and thoughts of spring around the corner. With the potential for temperatures to climb in the mid fifties this weekend, most homeowners are likely thinking the days of winter storm problems are behind them. The bad news is that following this weeks temperature spike, we are expected to see an equally dramatic shift towards colder and freezing temperatures. This swing could begin to present numerous challenges for property owners. The number one area of concern will be the roof of your home. Melting snow will turn to water and if not draining correctly could create new ice dams, straining your gutters and roof line.
In addition to your roofing system, you will need to begin paying closer attention towards your homes sump pump system. Make sure that it is cleaned out of debris and working properly as the warmer weather will begin to see a rise in the water table, and the melting snow and rain will begin to try to find its way into your home basement. For residents of the Midwest, it would be uncharacteristic to not expect more snow in the future all the way through the month of April. Winter may be winding down, but should not be taken for granted and can still present problems for property owners who let their guards down.
New videos overview the fire and water damage restoration process
The first video overviews the response process for water and flood damage emergencies. The video highlights the use of high tech restoration equipment such as the Injectidry drying system, that allows water to be extracted from hardwood floors, drywall, etc. Numerous Jarvis employees are featured in the video including Bill & Matt Jarvis, Don Wilgus (head of marketing) and John Ingoglia (VP of operartions). Jarvis water damage restoration team responds to local water damage emergencies and large scale national flood disasters, such as the flooding in Cedar Rapids Iowa in 2008.
The second video overviews the response for fire or smoke damage emergencies. The video highlights Jarvis personnel cleaning and repairing properties from fire damages. Jarvis offers a number of services related to fire and smoke damage disasters including, boarding up and securing a property, roof tarping, contents packout and cleaning and complete property reconstruction. The fire and smoke damage repair teams have experience with residential and fire damage services, working with all major insurance companies to minimize disruption and help restore your property as soon as possible.
Digging out of the snow and bracing for colder weather
Weather continues to keep the restoration industry busy this year. The massive snowstorm that barreled through the Midwest this week left a trail of damages in its path. Communities in Milwaukee and Chicago likely received the worst of the storm damages as upwards of eighteen inches of snow fell in their respective cities. Complicating the cleanup process has been the sudden drop in temperatures and excessive wind. Much of the snow blanketed area is now facing sub zero temperatures and the present weather system could linger well into next week.
The massive snowstorm stranded hundreds of motorists along the Ohare freeway system in Chicago who were forced to be rescued by snowmobile late on Tuesday. The snow also caused substantial amounts of property damage, collapsing several roofs and buildings due to its weight. Ice damage is now a significant threat to power lines, tree limbs and home gutters. As ice continues to accumulate, especially in Southern states not prepared for the cooler temperatures, disaster possibilities will increase.
Locally in Iowa, Illinois and Michigan the cold weather continues to pose a major challenge for property owners who suffer unexpected pipes bursting in their homes. The projected storm and power loss peaked interest in the rental of power generators. Jarvis has one of the larger inventories of generators available to rent in the Michigan area, ranging from 25-400kw. All generators can be delivered to customer locations, and include professional installation.
