Recent Storm Damage Posts

Storm Prevention Tips From Seasoned Veterans at SERVPRO of Brandon/ North Riverview

9/7/2023 (Permalink)

Servpro staff loads truck for storm damage prep Employees load service truck with water damage restoration equipment before Hurricane Idalia.

When storm prevention in Riverview fails, our SERVPRO teams have the tools and manpower to handle your flood damage cleanup needs.

Flooding brings on the potential for severe damage to your Riverview Home, so it is best to have certain safeguards in place to limit the loss. When you have unavoidable damage to your property, SERVPRO can be there within hours to begin the cleanup process. Our crews work diligently to take away the stress and worry, while also ensuring to mitigate water infiltration in areas of impact.

Even when you are not in the direct path of a major storm or flooding, you could still suffer from flood damage in Riverview. Specific preventative measures may protect your home so that you will not have a costly cleanup bill or the need for extensive repair or replacement of building materials.

Pre-Storm/Flood Checklist

  • Move any outdoor furniture inside or under safe cover
  • Protect potential areas of water entry with sandbags or other flood protection materials
  • Apply sealants or coatings to your doorways, foundation walls, and windows
  • Make sure downspouts get pointed away from your home

Post-Flood Checklist

  • Ensure that all people and pets within the home are safe and free from hazards such as slip and fall or electrical dangers
  • Contact SERVPRO so that we can get a team out to your property to begin flood damage assessment
  • Take pictures detailing any damage and contact your homeowner’s insurance provider

SERVPRO develops a plan to safely and efficiently extract floodwater from your interior, ensuring that any hidden moisture and points of migration get addressed. We provide pack-out and off-site cleaning services to handle any items within the loss zone. High-tech moisture detection tools help us locate hidden moisture pockets so that we can target our drying and dehumidification equipment to the appropriate places.

Flood damage is no match for us at SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview. Call (813) 741-3473 to have a crew directed to your property should you get hit with excess water from a storm.

Click here for more information about Riverview.

Let the Professionals Handle Storm Damage in Your Riverview Home

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

lightning striking above two houses Storms can often bring large amounts of water into your home. Contact SERVPRO for trained technicians to mitigate the situation.

Flood Damage Technicians In Riverview Describe Applied Structural Drying

The time of year where thunderstorms strike often is starting to hit the Riverview area. When severe weather makes its way into your neighborhood, the chances of your home being a victim of flood damage increases. During a storm, water can build up on the ground outside and then find its way into your house. Thunderstorms can also bring about heavy hitting winds that can puncture the exterior of your building. Anytime moisture finds its way into your structure, it is wise to call in a professional flood damage restoration company such as SERVPRO.

When water gets into the interior of your Riverview home many different types of problems can occur. Our water restoration technicians or WRTs in Riverview know that flood damage can come in various forms. Once moisture gets into a building, the water evaporates into the air and starts to soak into your building materials and structural components. If items inside your house get saturated they can lose their structural integrity forcing them to be removed and replaced. If objects that are made out of organic substances like wood or paper get wet there is a chance that mold can develop.

In order to mitigate problems related to moisture and prevent other issues from occurring in the future, our SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians take measures to remove all water from your building as quickly as possible. We start by removing the water that is easily noticeable while it is in its liquid form through extraction procedures. Next, we implement applied structural drying or ASD procedures.

During the ASD phase, our WRT attempts to alter the environment inside your home and speed up the natural drying and evaporation process. To accomplish this our SERVPRO team uses a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. The air movers are set up in a way that they create air circulation in a counter-clockwise motion. The devices are aimed at wet surfaces like walls at a 45-degree angle so that they push wet air away from the damp surfaces so that more moisture can evaporate from the material. The dehumidifiers then pull water out of the air and dispense it in liquid form.

If you ever notice that water has entered your home after a thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 any day of the week.

Why We Are the Leader in Flood Damage Remediation In Mango

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Inside of storm damaged home Storms can cause significant damage to homes. This home had its roof ripped off and the ceiling panels were shredded. We are ready to help 24/7.

Even If It Is Only a Few Inches of Water in Your Mango Home, Flood Damage Needs Fast Action

When storms bring unexpected flooding into Mango homes, an inch or less of water may seem like a DIY job. However, suppose the water is not extracted correctly and the area professionally dried. In that case, it can set up the home for secondary damages such as warping of flooring, drywall buckling, and mold.

Flood damage remediation in Mango homes should ideally begin within 48 hours of water entering. Even in small quantities, flood water is automatically a gray water situation. Contacting SERVPRO as soon as possible gives homeowners the highest chance of saving as much of the building materials and possessions as possible. After 48 hours, or if the water contains contaminants such as sewage or toxins, it is designated as a black water flood. Stronger measures for water removal and cleanup are necessary.

SERVPRO technicians are IICRC certified and have certifications in various flood damage restoration science fields. Our technicians have the equipment to pump water from the home quickly; weighted extractors push water from the carpet padding so the subflooring underneath can be adequately dried and prevent secondary damage.

Drying a home is more than setting up fans. SERVPRO technicians know the angles for the air movers make all the difference in how quickly a home can dry in tandem with dehumidifiers. Digital moisture detectors confirm the house has reached optimum levels of dryness, so microbial populations are not an issue after the fact. We dispose of carpeting padding affected by gray water. Carpet and padding compromised by black water are removed from the home for your safety. Furniture can often be dried by raising on blocks for drying and wiping down with an EPA-approved anti-microbial cleaner to kill fungus and bacteria.

Once compromised materials have been removed and the area dried, the odor in the home usually diminishes greatly. SERVPRO technicians are certified in odor control and have numerous resources to disinfect and deodorize your home.

Handling flood damage in your home should never be a task you do on your own. Call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473; our emergency services are available around the clock to handle the cleanup and make your home a safe place.

Call the Experts of Flood Damage Remediation in Brandon

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded Road Flood damage in Brandon can be arduous without help. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Flood Damage Restoration Mistakes When Cleaning Upholstery In Your Brandon Area Home

There are nine specific methods SERVPRO uses to treat upholstery in your Brandon area home after a flood. The purpose of pre-inspection and pre-testing is to determine which way to use to provide you with the best possible results without fading colors or changing the texture of your fabric.

Technicians performing flood damage restoration In your Brandon home often make six major mistakes when dealing with upholstery. Learning more about these mistakes teaches a technician to avoid making costly mistakes that often damage upholstery and drapery fabrics. 

Using a High pH (strong alkaline) Cleaning Agent: Drapery and upholstery fabrics and dyes are not as resilient as carpet. Working with a high pH solution often causes bleeding and fiber damage. Always use a neutral or slightly acidic agent if there is any doubt of color stability.

  • Using Hot Cleaning Solutions on Fabrics With Unstable Dyes: Hot solutions often cause severe bleeding. Therefore, we use more excellent solutions to retard bleeding and prevent fiber damage to materials like wool that respond poorly to temperatures exceeding 150 degrees F.
  • Overwetting The Fabric: Believe it or not, using too much moisture can cause streaks, yellowing, velvet pile crush, and fabric distortion. Avoid excessive drying times and damage associated with using the wrong tools or solution pressure over 50 PSI. 
  • Uneven Application of Cleaning Solutions: Regardless of the method, always apply cleaning solutions evenly. Use fan spray jets instead of conical jets for a more consistent application that helps avoid streaks. 
  • Incomplete or Uneven Extraction: Cleaning solutions and emulsified soils left behind often lead to streaks, yellowing, and rapid re-soiling. Use clean, dry towels or extractors to remove excess moisture and soils after shampooing and foam methods.
  • Removal of Cushion Covers: Never pull the covers off furniture cushions to clean them. Shrinkage and discoloration may cause mismatch results and lead to customer dissatisfaction. 



SERVPRO technicians are trained to avoid these mistakes and always strive to exceed any expectations you might have. We are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. We proudly provide cleaning & flood damage solutions to every member of our local community. 


Contact SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview for additional information about our services or schedule an initial home inspection today. (813) 741-3473.

What to Do When Storm Flood Damage Overtakes Your Brandon Interior

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO tech ripping out water damaged flooring Storms frequent our area and can bring flooding inside. SERVPRO techs are trained to completely restore your home.

Calling SERVPRO for Flood Damage After a Brandon Storm Gets Results Fast

Until you experience it, you may be unaware of all of the types of damage that could occur within your home after a treacherous storm. Brandon residents can count on the rapid storm response SERVPRO offers whenever disaster strikes. Whether you have flooding coming into your kitchen from the carport or you have taken on roof damage, we are here to help – We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

When our crew arrives at your Brandon home for flood damage assistance, we address safety issues right away. Our crew chief scopes the property to assess the damage and determine the best course of action for flood mitigation and cleanup. The plan generally includes:

  • Containment
  • Cleaning
  • Drying
  • Recovery
  • Controlled Demolition
  • Odor Control, and more

Contamination Control is Paramount

Floodwater is highly contaminated. As flooding surges through the area during a storm, it can pick up various biohazards like chemical waste and bacteria. We consider contamination levels and work on carefully treating the water and interior of your home to keep hazards to a minimum.

We take extra care during the cleaning and restoration process to salvage whatever possible items when it comes to content damage. Our technicians are qualified to help you decide what we can recover and what needs disposing.

Safety Always Comes First

If there are evacuation warnings during a storm, always obey them to keep yourself and your family safe. Our crew can handle entering your home to retrieve any essential items you may need, and we have experience and training to mitigate damage safely. DIY restoration and water removal after storm flooding is never recommended.

Call our team at SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview if you require help with flood damage after recent storms. You can reach us for emergency response 24/7 by dialing (813) 741-3473.

How to Deal With Storm Flood Damage in Riverview

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded living room with items floating everywhere Facing flooding after a storm? Team SERVPRO can help with water removal and flood damage remediation services. Contact us immediately.

Property Owners Should Hire an Experienced Firm Like SERVPRO to Handle Flood Damage in their Riverview Home

When your home requires restoration after a storm, you need to take several steps to restore it to its preloss state. A storm and the associated flooding can affect your home immensely, and you need to hire a restoration firm like SERVPRO. We are a respected flood restoration firm with the equipment and workforce to bring things back to normal.

We know how to save homes affected by storm flood damage in Riverview. Floodwater can ruin carpets, walls, fabric, and wood. It can also cause bacterial contamination. Having the situation fixed as quickly as possible is essential. SERVPRO can assist you in restoring your residence by doing the following:

  • Inspection
  • Removing debris
  • Water removal
  • Drying

Inspection

We can visually inspect the affected structures and contents and use non-penetrating moisture meters to find the moisture content of materials. These devices allow our technicians to determine if a structure is dry. They have sensors that produce readings when placed on a material’s surface.

Debris removal

This involves removing items that the storm and floodwater might have brought into your home, like sand, stones, leaves, and branches.

Water removal 

Our SERVPRO water restoration technicians (WRT) can use portable pumps to extract water from your flooded home. Removing water physically is 1200 times more efficient than dehumidification. We spend enough time extracting the water.

Drying 

Our SERVPRO technicians can use various ventilating or drying systems to direct airflow into wall cavities, to replace moist air with dry air. Some of the systems we use have vents that our technicians attach to air movers. Our technicians can direct air under cabinets, wall cavities, and other structural cavities by drilling small holes in the toe kicks under cabinets or walls and attaching the right drying system. We can also dry your home using specialty drying equipment designed to dry cavities.

In the event of storm flood damage, call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 for help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Are My Options for Fast Mitigation of Home Flood Damage?

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

a puddle of water on wood flooring in a living room When flooding happens, you need to react quickly. Contact SERVPRO to assess and formulate a flood damage remediation plan today.

SERVPRO Technicians Can Remove Flood Damage from Brandon Homes 24/7

Flooding can bring with it much more than just massive amounts of water. The waste, pests, silt deposits, chemical runoff, and other concerns can affect your home's safety and air quality. Fortunately, there is a professional team that is ready to mitigate the damage. 

If your Brandon home has endured flood damage, SERVPRO techs can remove water, sanitize your home, and dry both the structure and your belongings. SERVPRO teams coordinate with property owners and insurance adjusters to assist in the claims filing process while providing restoration compliant with your insurance policy. 

Insulation Solutions for Your Home 

  • Spray foam insulation - Spray foam insulation is useful for reducing heating and cooling costs, and it is also highly resistant to water. Use spray foam in areas particularly vulnerable to leaks and flooding.
  • Create interior wall gaps - Adding a gap in the wall cavity limits moisture wicking up your insulation and reduces replacement costs.
  • Consider fiberglass batts - Fiberglass insulation is not only nonporous, but it is easily removable in the event of a flood. 

SERVPRO Saves Flood-Damaged Walls 

After extracting any immediately present floodwaters in your home, SERVPRO technicians can focus on mitigating further damage to structural materials from moisture. One method used for preserving wall cavities is the use of flood cuts made several inches above the highest point of moisture absorption. We remove baseboards and drywall below the cut so that IICRC-certified technicians can remove insulation, as flood damage can compromise sanitary conditions in your home as well as affect your insulation's R-value. 

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview is proud to serve the community with a cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (813) 741-3473 to have an emergency response team at your home within hours.

World Class Tools Make Flood Damage Remediation in Brandon Push Button Easy

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

a flooded living room with furniture floating everywhere When flooding brings excess water into your home, time is of the essence. Contact our experienced flood damage remediation team right away.

An Experienced Provider for Flood Damage in Brandon That You Can Reach Anytime

Heavy rainfall in a city area can cause road overflow. Sewer systems that struggle to cope with excess water begin to pour out, moving raw sewage and other pathogens picked up along the way downstream. We refer to this as Black Water, and it can be hazardous if it enters your home. The first thing you should do after you notice the signs of Black Water is to phone a professional who can safely remove and dispose of it.

We operate a 24-hour call line so that homeowners with Flood Damage in Brandon can reach us in an emergency. SERVPRO technicians go through an extensive training procedure to ensure we can actively mitigate damage as soon as we arrive on site. Where Black Water is concerned, it may be necessary to remove and replace sections of drywall to ensure the home is safe to return to and that any workforce arriving has a safe space to work.

The jobs we can carry out onsite include restoring power to your property, removing possessions or furniture to designated clean zones as well as performing emergency board-ups. The experience we bring to each job is invaluable in carrying out these procedures and is of enormous benefit to homeowners who can rely on a professional experience when using SERVPRO.

Storm Damage Clean Up and Remediation

Since flood water can frequently contain harmful pathogens, a thorough cleaning operation using chemical-based sanitizers is essential. Being able to remove carpets for separate treatment or other fittings is within a SERVPRO technician's remit, and using advanced equipment, many of these items are salvageable. We always work toward a restore over replace method, which means inspecting, cleaning, and restoring many items you may have thought needed replacement.

Personal possessions can be ravaged by a flood and are often the priority for homeowners. SERVPRO has external cleaning facilities and, where necessary, can pack out your possessions for the deep restoration procedure. With ultrasonic cleaning tanks and mechanical washing machines, we have a great track record of success restoring valuables and sentimental items.

Experience is essential in dealing with natural disasters. Contact SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 anytime, day or night.

How Does SERVPRO Handle Floodwater in Brandon Homes?

8/15/2021 (Permalink)

a house with water up to its windows from a flood Flooding can affect both the contents and structure of your home. Make sure to contact SERVPRO to evaluate the situation and remediate any damage.

Brandon Homes with Flood Damage Can Count on SERVPRO for Professional Storm Cleanup

Storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding. Homes can get flooded fast. The floodwater that enters the home is considered black water. It is highly contaminated with everything from debris to bacteria. SERVPRO professionals understand how to deal with biohazardous water.

Powerful Tools Restore Homes to Pre-loss Condition

When Brandon homes experience flood damage, it is vital to seek professional flood restoration services quickly. The contaminated water is a health risk, and the microorganisms rapidly increase. Letting it sit is not a good idea. The moisture can also cause secondary damage. Water is caustic and destroys structural elements such as wood over time. Mold is another example of secondary damage. We come on the scene prepared to mitigate the situation. We use:

  •   PPE – We use the proper PPE to work with black water. Homeowners should never try to clean this up on their own.
  •   Antifungals and Disinfectants – SERVPROXIDE is an excellent example of EPA-approved products we used to sanitize homes.
  •   Professional Water Extraction Tools – Trash pumps, truck-mounted pumps, and submersible pumps are used depending on the flood situation to extract water fast.
  •   Commercial Air Movers and Dehumidifiers – Drying the facility is a precise science. You need the correct ratio of air movers to dehumidifiers and our techs are well-trained in what to do.

Further water restoration takes place in the form of controlled demolition, removing debris, and repairing the home. You can count on SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview for high-quality water damage services. Contact us at (813) 741-3473 for more information.

When A Flood Plagues Your Brandon Home, The Team to Call Is SERVPRO!

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

palm trees swaying in strong wind, heavy rain Storms are no stranger to our area. Regardless of the amount of water that enters your home, SERVPRO can remove the water and restore your home.

Cleanup Following Flood Damages In Your Brandon Home

Brandon homeowners want fast and effective cleanup following disasters that affect their homes. This is not always something that they can get. With a widespread situation like flooding throughout the service area, many homes and properties become affected simultaneously, leaving many homeowners and business owners at a loss with how to recover their property's damages without waiting a long time to accomplish it. Our franchise offers fast responses, even in the face of widespread disasters through our area, to provide effective mitigation to prevent substantial reconstruction requirements once restoration work officially begins.

Flood damage cleanup in your Brandon home might not be something that you initially think about when you assess the damages on your own for the first time. Many homeowners even mistakenly believe that they can resolve the situation independently to save them time and money, but this often results in inadequately dried areas of your home affected by the flooding that remain susceptible to degradation and mold growth. Overcoming these potential hazards requires our SERVPRO professionals and their advanced equipment.

Water Removal Services

Once our team arrives at your property following flood damage, our estimator begins to assess the full scope of the situation to determine the initial steps that must occur to preserve the home as much as possible. Often in widespread flooding situations, removing carpeting and making flood cuts through drywall can help our technicians access areas requiring concentrated drying efforts to eliminate the likelihood of heavy fungal growth.

These processes allow our equipment like air movers, dehumidifiers, and air scrubbers to dry out the damage and improve indoor air quality effectively.

If you want to find an excellent option to choose when the time comes to return your house to pre-flood condition, give our SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview team a call anytime you need us at (813) 741-3473.

Worried About The Challenges Flood Damage Restoration In Brandon Might Pose?

4/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO appliances working in a house Team SERVPRO has the tools and experience to tackle your flood damage emergency. Call our certified technicians today for services.

SERVPRO Technicians Are Fully Outfitted To Deliver Water Removal Services in Brandon

For a long time, Brandon has been known as a bedroom community for Tampa. It is also the origin of many distinguished businesses that have operations all over the country. The family-oriented chain restaurant, Beef O'Brady's, is one such establishment. It has branches all over the southeastern United States. 

Brandon is a Census Designated Place that traces its founding to John Brandon and his family, who arrived from Mississippi in early 1857. In 1858, he bought 40 acres of land in what was then the New Hope area. Later he added another 160 acres and named his land Brandon. Initially, development in the area was gradual, but it picked up pace in the mid-1900s when it was estimated that a new family moved into the town every day. 

What Attracts People to Brandon?

Growth has been tremendous in the area, changing it from a small alcove in the 1960s to the current vibrant community with over 100,000 residents. The proximity to major highways and family-oriented communities like Riverview, Valrico, and Fishhawk is one of the main attractions for people to the area, especially those looking for set up families.  

Apart from the favorable setting of the general area, there are specific attractions in the immediate vicinity that continue to draw people, including museums, parks, and entertainment joints like:

  • Dinosaur World

The open-air museum is located on Harvey Tew Road and is part of a chain in three locations, including Texas and Kentucky.  It features 150 life-size sculptures of dinosaurs set within native vegetation. The facility started operating in 1998 and was the first in the chain. Apart from the sculptures, there are fossils as well in the museum and trained paleontologists.

  • Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

The facility located off Interstate 4 opened in 2004. It pays tribute to Rock music in different ways. For instance, there is a collection of Rock and Roll memorabilia like musical instruments and clothes on display. Rock music videos are shown on screens, including one set in a waterfall, while song lyrics are displayed on walls. It has a gaming complex and hotel. Its 190000 square foot casino ranks 6th in the world in terms of size. 

  • Paul Sanders Park

A small park, great for kids to play and explore. It has several old oak trees, which offer shade for people looking for a place to relax.

Which Tools Does SERVPRO Use to Ease Flood Damage Restoration Challenges?

A flooded property poses different challenges that may hinder the restoration effort. Typical problems include deep pools of standing water or water containing solid residues. In many cases, the floodwater finds a way into wall or floor cavities. Such issues delay water clean up and other restoration processes.

As a seasoned flood damage restorer, SERVPRO prepares for any challenge that might arise. Part of the preparation involves having the right equipment and especially various extractors on hand to address any difficulties. We choose extractors based on the vacuum lift capacity, portability, and ability to handle wastewater. We have standard extractors that have vacuum lift and heating capabilities that facilitate cleaning during water removal. We also have self-priming pumps that remove solid-filled water and slurry conveniently. With our service, you do not have to worry about

  • Cleaning up after a sewer backup
  • Water clean up
  • Flood restoration

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview is a reliable partner when addressing flood damage. Call us at (813) 741-3473.

Are Carpets Ruined After Flooding?

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment and technician and vehicle SERVPRO understands how serious flood water can be to your property. Our experts can have your home back to its original state.

We Can Often Recover the Carpets of your Riverview Home Following Flooding

Floods can bring contaminants, dirt, and soil into your home. Even after removing the standing water and drying a property, these stains can remain on surfaces, particularly those porous materials like carpets.

Performing flood damage restoration in your Riverview home relies on expertise and effort. SERVPRO technicians are trained to recognize different carpet damage types from absorption to agglomeration and water exposure. Using tried and tested methods, we can often return carpets and textiles to a preloss condition. At the end of service, one of our crew chiefs can guide you through the property to explain the outcomes of restoration and effective restoration of materials.

  • Burn tests and chemical tests are performed as standard to avoid further damage.
  • Our hot water extraction techniques are effective at removing soils from carpets, textiles, and other porous materials.
  • Roto machine buffering can restore the luster of wet carpets in the property.

Restoring rather than replacing materials is more cost-effective. Contact SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview for flood damage restoration at (813) 741-3473.

Veterans Group Provides Support to Riverview Military Vets

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Two men sitting on a bench. Take you loved ones out to the Veterans Networking Group to network with other veterans.

Learn New Skills to Assist Transitioning to Civilian Life in Riverview

The Veterans Networking Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. The group represents an excellent opportunity for veterans to network with other veterans, meet with representatives of various service groups, company recruiters, and coaches to help with career changes. Many veterans benefit from the information they gain about:

  • Changes in trends in the workforce
  • Hiring practices
  • Available job opportunities
  • Building a network of career contacts

Transitioning from the military to civilian life after many years of service can be challenging for many. Finding jobs, rejoining local communities, and starting a new career can be difficult. The VNG, along with members, attempts to ease the process for their members.

The Veterans Networking Group is sponsored by the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce. While the chamber has many areas of interest, the Military Affairs Committee focuses on serving military members, past and present. Former members of the military support the committee in meeting their objectives of supporting the local military community. Former military members are encouraged to join and provide help.

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview provides flood damage services to Riverview residential and commercial business customers and the surrounding area. Call (813) 741-3473. We respond 24/7 to help with all your flood damage needs.

SERVPRO Mitigates Tropical Flooding in Brandon

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicle and equipment If your home needs water mitigation or storm damage repair, contact our certified professionals at SERVPRO right away.

Brandon Residents Count on Professional Storm Cleanup to Restore Their Homes

The story of Brandon starts with John Brandon. He, his wife, and their six sons arrived at Fort Brooke in 1857. They traveled from Mississippi and were able to purchase forty acres of land. The area was known as New Hope. John would marry again later after his first wife died, and their home was located on what is now the corner of Victoria Street, named after his wife, and Knights Avenue. 

The Community Grows

Brandon would go on to donate land for New Hope Church, the town's first church. The church did double duty as the first schoolhouse as well. The Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad rolled through the community in 1890. It brought excitement and a brand-new depot to the area. When the FC&P surveyed the land, it was named Brandon, after John Brandon. John’s brother James built the Stowers Funeral Home and it is a famous historical landmark.

Moving Into the 20th Century

Dan Galvin would go on to open the first general store. A new school was built in 1905, and teachers were allowed to board with Victoria Brandon, John’s second wife. Her son Lovic moved into the area and opened a general store as well. 

Her other son, Mark, started the Valrico First Baptist Church in 1915, in the neighboring area of Valrico. In 1930 the church moved to Brandon and became the First Baptist Church.

Need for a Bigger School

A central, larger schoolhouse was needed by 1914. The area was growing, and children had outgrown the current school. The Brandon Grade School was built. Interesting facts surrounding the school include:

  •   Today, it is McLane Middle school
  •   It originally included grades 1 – 12.
  •   The first principle was John T. Bushong.
  •   119 students were enrolled in 1919.
  •   In 1923, four seniors graduated.

The Census Comes to Town

In 1923 the first census was taken in Brandon. At that time, there were 100 residents. The city continued to develop with some minor setbacks during the Great Depression. Developments included:

  •   In 1927, Clarence Hampton started building businesses along Hopewell Road.
  •   Hampton built the first gas station.
  •   Kingsway Poultry Colony began.
  •   The poultry farm closed during the Depression until 1946.
  •   In 1946, Bill and Ann Hollash started Brandon Egg.
  •   The egg farm was sold to Bells Shoals Baptist Church in the 90s.

Local Residents Work the Packing Plants

There were two orange packing plants in Valrico, and that is where most Brandon residents worked. The town square consisted of a post office, school, train depot, and grocery store. For fun and entertainment venues, folks took the train to Tampa. 

World War II Comes Along

Farmland was a blessing to Brandon residents during WWII, as they could grow their own food. The town saw little growth during that period. But with the end of the war, new developments came along, including a drug store and soda fountain.  The famous Scogin’s Variety Store was opened in 1950, and in 1953 the first doctor came to town. Other events in the 1950s included:

  •   Yates Elementary was built in 1954.
  •   Mann Junior High School followed in 1957.
  •   Brandon Grade School became the 1st Brandon High School.
  •   Brandon became a bedroom community of Tampa.
  •   Subdivisions start to develop.
  •   The Brandon News was started in 1958. 
  •   The Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1959. 

The population in the early ’60s had grown to approximately 8,000. Explosive growth meant new roads, the first shopping center, more schools, and the Brandon Swim and Tennis Club. A library, housing developments, and golf course followed soon after.

Into the Future

Soon it is the 70s, and there are over 430 commercial businesses in Brandon. The population has soared to 40,000, and there are three malls at this point. Hillsborough Community College moves to the city in the mid-1970s.  A cultural center and hospital are now part of the landscape. 

During the 1980s, things expanded even more rapidly. Thousands of residents moved to the area. In 1986 Interstate 75 means easier access and more traffic, and enhanced growth even more.

Storms on the Horizon

Today it is a bustling, thriving city with over 100,000 residents. But like many Florida cities, it is prone to be hit by tropical storms. This year has been a challenging year for much of the US when it comes to storms. Hurricanes and tornadoes brought torrential rains and flooding to many areas. No home is exempt when storms rage through and leave havoc behind. When this happens, professional help is needed to clean up impacted locations and provide fast mitigation. SERVPRO is here to provide that help. 

Storm Damage Cleanup You Can Trust

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview takes its job very seriously. We understand the impact tropical flooding can have on homes and families. Your residence is damaged, you may be displaced, and the stress is incredible. While we cannot alleviate it all, SERVPRO can assist in relieving some of that stress. Our team provides emergency flood mitigation that includes:

  •   Emergency procedures such as ensuring electricity is off.
  •   Floodwater containment to prevent contaminated water from spreading.
  •   Dealing with black water immediately as it is excessively contaminated.
  •   Water extraction using trash pumps that can handle debris. 
  •   Sanitizing surfaces with antimicrobials and antifungals.
  •   Drying the premises with industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers.
  •   Cleaning structural elements and content that can be salvaged.
  •   Disposal of material that cannot be saved.
  •   Restoring damaged areas.
  •   Returning your home to preloss condition whenever possible.

Your home is not just a building you go in and out of every day. It is where you enjoy meals with your family, rest, and make memories. It is a haven at the end of a hard day. SERVPRO knows that because we are homeowners in the Brandon area as well. 

Our goal is always to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” Let us deal with the stress of getting your house cleaned, repaired, and restored. We work alongside your insurance company as well. Contact us at (813) 741-3473 for more information on tropical flooding mitigation. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

A Heavy Storm Left Homes with Flood Damage in Our Area. Where Can Property Owners in Brandon Seek Help?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Living room and Dining Room Flooded A flooded property can be restored to its former glory when action is taken immediately.

SERVPRO Technicians are Qualified to Offer Flood Damage Restoration in Brandon Homes.

Floodwater in your Brandon property can be not only devastating but also deep-rooted. The water can cause structural damage to your property, severe health effects to your family, and odors. Thankfully, SERVPRO’s team of experts can help restore your home to its pre-damaged state.

What happens when floodwater seeps into my walls?
After storm flood damage occurs in Brandon residences, the water can seep behind drywall and beneath the flooring. The wall structure can deteriorate, and mold colonies may form. A musty odor accompanies mold growth. Mold can grow on furniture, carpet, and clothes. However, if you contact us immediately, the flooding occurs, we can help minimize the chances of mold growth and other secondary damages.

How do technicians treat mold growth?
We have a team of technicians with decades of experience and expertise in mold remediation. Our team has access to approved and advanced products that help us remove mold. We can use phenols or formaldehyde products to clean the affected area. These disinfectants destroy 99 percent of microorganisms they come across. Since mold and direct contact of these products can cause severe health effects, our SERVPRO team wears protective gear such as:

    •    Splash goggles and safety glasses
    •    Chemical resistant gloves
    •    Rubber boots
    •    Full-body suit
    •    Respirator

Can electric wiring be flood damaged?
If your electrical wiring is exposed to floodwater, corrosion can occur, and mold colonies can form in the internal components. This often happens to poorly-maintained wiring. If we learn that floodwater seeped into wiring components, we recommend that you hire a reliable electrician to inspect them before switching on the main power supply.

How do you dry wooden floors?
Wooden surfaces can absorb lots of water, and if not dried properly, the moisture can lead to wood rot and warping. Our technicians can determine the severity of water absorption using advanced moisture meters after extracting the excess water. If the wooden floor is not damaged, we can use a portable electric heater to direct heat towards the surface. The equipment has heat exchangers that transfer heat from hot coils to air streams. Heating the surface increases the rate of evaporation. This can speed up the drying process of your wooden floor.

A flooded property can be restored to its former glory when action is taken immediately. Contact SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 for effective restoration services. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

How Can I Prevent Storm and Flood Damage in My Riverview home?

8/23/2020 (Permalink)

flooded laundry room in home Flood damage is hard to deal with because of how much it affects your home. Contact SERVPRO for professional mitigation and remediation services.

When Storm Prevention in Riverview Fails, SERVPRO Has the Tools and Manpower to Handle Your Flood Damage Cleanup Needs

Flooding brings on the potential for severe damage to your Riverview Home, so it is best to have certain safeguards in place to limit the loss. When you have unavoidable damage to your property, SERVPRO can be there within hours to begin the cleanup process. Our crews work diligently to take away the stress and worry, while also ensuring to mitigate water infiltration in areas of impact.

Even when you are not in the direct path of a major storm or flooding, you could still suffer from flood damage in Riverview. Specific preventative measures may protect your home so that you will not have a costly cleanup bill or the need for extensive repair or replacement of building materials.

Pre-Storm/Flood Checklist

  • Move any outdoor furniture inside or under safe cover
  • Protect potential areas of water entry with sandbags or other flood protection materials
  • Apply sealants or coatings to your doorways, foundation walls, and windows
  • Make sure downspouts get pointed away from your home

Post-Flood Checklist

  • Ensure that all people and pets within the home are safe and free from hazards such as slip and fall or electrical dangers
  • Contact SERVPRO so that we can get a team out to your property to begin flood damage assessment
  • Take pictures detailing any damage and contact your homeowner’s insurance provider

SERVPRO develops a plan to safely and efficiently extract floodwater from your interior, ensuring that any hidden moisture and points of migration get addressed. We provide pack-out and off-site cleaning services to handle any items within the loss zone. High-tech moisture detection tools help us locate hidden moisture pockets so that we can target our drying and dehumidification equipment to the appropriate places.

Flood damage is no match for us at SERVPRO of Brandon/North Riverview. Call (813) 741-3473 to have a crew directed to your property should you get hit with excess water from a storm.

Click here for more information about Riverview.

How Do I Recover After Tropical Flooding Invades My Brandon Home?

4/19/2020 (Permalink)

flooding in home We are here for you 24/7, so if you need our help, call us at (813) 741-3473 today.

Have SERVPRO Storm Damage Specialists Return Your Brandon Condo to its Pre-Flood Condition

No type of flooding is pleasant, but as the result of a hurricane, it can also be accompanied by high winds. Combined, these two can tear apart and soak the interior of your home in a very short amount of time from the foundation to the roof.

How is Tropical Floodwater any different from other floodwaters?
Tropical flooding in your Brandon condo came from the outside. That means it contains soil and other contaminants picked up by the storm. The groundwater may also have a high concentration of saltwater, which greatly adds to the potential damages. These contaminants are not present with flooding from a broken pipe or failed appliance in your condo.

Quick removal of water is always important, but SERVPRO understands that this storm flooding leaves much of the contamination on the walls, floors, and other property inside the home. That means additional damage to include the risk of mold spreading through your home or rental property.

So how are you going to return my condo to its condition before the flooding?
Our first steps to restoring your condo are water removal and structural protection. Several team specialists begin working in the residence immediately after arriving on-site to draw out any standing water. This action reduces the level of flood damage and prevents damage to property not directly affected by the flood. Depending on the size of your condo, we can usually draw out the water completely in several days using specific tools:

    •    Commercial-grade pumps to remove floodwater about an inch or deeper in the condo
    •    Extraction wands to remove floodwater less than an inch. Our response teams also use these to draw water out of carpets and from between floorboards

As this happens, other team members work to secure the home against further damage. Structural protection includes the following:

    •    Boarding up damaged doors and windows to reduce the possibility of trespassing and vandalism
    •    Covering damage to the roof and eaves to reduce and prevent further damage from both storms and animal intrusions
    •    Isolating and sealing cracks in the foundation to prevent water from entering the residence
    •    Spraying or wiping down surfaces touched by the floodwater with an anti-bacterial agent that not only cleans them but also greatly reduces the health and mold threat

Does all of the Water Damage have to be Replaced?
No, many items can be dried and restored. Each of our teams has Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRTs) to take specialized actions to dry personal and structural property:

    •    They use fans and air movers together to draw out moisture from the interior of the condo so that drywall panels can be cleaned and left in place
    •    WRTs also use the same devices to dry wood surfaces on dining room sets and other furniture. The careful application helps eliminate water spots and prevents lacquer and other veneers from running or streaking
    •    For clothing, they use anti-bacterial detergents and commercial-grade washing machines in our inventory to clean and disinfect items soaked by the floodwater

Carpets, however, always require replacement. We cannot 100% guarantee that it is safe to use again, even after replacing the carpet pad and shampooing it with the strongest cleaner in our inventory.

What about the Condo wall framing and other support structure? Can it be saved?
Yes, we also have Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ADTs), who are trained to preserve the residence. They use devices from our equipment inventory to draw out water before it can rot or otherwise damage framing and more:

    •    Box fans to increase air circulation throughout the condo, sending damp air outside
    •    Air movers to direct warm air across surfaces to carefully dry them without causing splitting, cracking, or other damage
    •    Desiccants to draw moisture out of wall framing and other structural supports. Desiccants are particularly useful to keep moisture down to a safe level in laundry rooms and the sub-floor year-round.

Can you help me with my insurance company?
Yes, we can provide much of the information you need. SERVPRO has extensive experience with each major agency here in Florida, and we carefully follow their recommendations to help ensure you receive the most out of your policy. Our team leaders keep a detailed log on all of our actions and a list of what we restore or replace for their review. The CCIS Contents Claim Inventory System greatly assists our customers with their insurance claims.

At SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview, we understand the need to return every residence to a dry, clean, and safe condition. As a locally-owned operation, many of our customers are also our neighbors, and we try to treat each one like they just down the street. We are here for you 24/7, so if you need our help, call us at (813) 741-3473 today.

For more about Brandon click here.

Flood Damage In Your Brandon Home

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

flood damaged home Call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 to help manage an incident, “Like it never even happened.”

Correct Response Helps Minimize Flood Damage in a Brandon Home

Heavy overnight rain brought flooding over different areas in Brandon, causing jitters among property owners as the rising water engulfed some of the properties. One of the homeowners called SERVPRO to help save contents and restore affected parts of their home structure.

Various factors influenced the flood damage in the Brandon home, including its location in an inclined area. The groundwater mostly swept through the house, leaving heavy soils, including silt and mud. However, most of the water drained out immediately. The main task our SERVPRO technicians had to do was cleaning up and disinfecting the property. Floodwaters contain various contaminants, including biohazards and chemicals collected as the water flows over different areas. Application of an EPA registered disinfectant all over the property before starting the restoration processes helped with the management of the contaminants.

The home required extensive cleaning to restore preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO technicians started the process by removing the solid materials such as mud and silt on the floor before proceeding with other cleaning steps.  If we had taken a different approach, cross-contamination of other areas would have occurred. Removing mud and silt is mostly a manual process. We bring shovels to flood damage loss sites to handle such removal.

The floodwaters had affected parts of the house with porous materials such as the living room, which was carpeted. We had to remove and dispose of such materials since it is not possible to restore sanitary levels in such materials through cleaning. Our SERVPRO technicians removed the carpet and pad, cutting them into small square pieces for easier disposal. We also made flood cuts on the walls to access porous materials, including drywall and insulation. The flood cuts also helped with the drying process by easing the circulation of air.

Flooding can cause extensive damages in a property within a short time. Call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 to help manage an incident, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Brandon click here.

We Have The Best Drying Practices In Brandon After A Flood

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water stains on a ceiling after a storm We have the equipment, training, and experience to restore your home to pre-damage condition after a flood. We respond 24/7 so call us right away.

How to Dry Your Brandon Residence Thoroughly After Flood Damage

Data from the federal emergency management agency (FEMA) shows that flooding is a significant cause of property damage. It may happen when you least expected and catch you off guard. When flooding occurs, your safety and that of your loved ones is the priority. You can turn to SERVPRO for high-quality flood restoration services.

Our team can handle the flood damage in your Brandon residence so that you can concentrate on other important matters. Our restorers are skilled and equipped with advanced flood restoration equipment. We also use advanced strategies to restore flood-damaged homes to their preloss state. We offer a comprehensive consultation where our team inspects the affected home and assesses the destruction. We can provide you with a detailed restoration plan, enabling you to make an informed decision about your home.

Floodwater can continue causing damage the longer it remains in your home. Our SERVPRO crew can set up water removal equipment to remove the water. After removing the water, we can set up air movers and dehumidifiers in your home to eliminate the moisture. Identifying hidden moisture is also vital because it can cause mold infestation. Our restorers use various types of moisture detection equipment to check for moisture in the structures and contents of a house. They include:

  • Thermo-hygrometers
  • Penetrating and non-penetrating moisture
  • meters
  • Moisture sensors
  • Thermal imaging cameras


To eliminate the moisture, we can use desiccant dehumidifiers to dry your property. This equipment releases dry, warm air in high humidity conditions to remove moisture from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers use chemicals known as desiccants to absorb moisture. Desiccants have a high affinity for water and they absorb moisture from the air a dehumidifier processes. As the air passes across the desiccant material, it is heated and this causes it to release the water it contains. The moisture-laden air is then vented out of the building.

Our team can also dry the inside of walls using structural cavity drying equipment. We can remove the baseboards and drill small holes through the drywall. We then push air into the cavity behind the walls, speeding up the drying time. This process is also useful for drying different kinds of insulation without having to remove the drywall.

By using advanced drying techniques, we achieve faster drying times that minimize the risk of mold growth. The reduced drying time also helps minimize restoration expenses and you can return to your home sooner with minimal disruption.

Eliminating moisture quickly also allows for porous materials like drywall and wood to be restored fully without swelling. The fabric in drapes, upholstery and other furnishings also dries faster. Furthermore, quick drying can help prevent the rusting of metals in hinges and doorknobs. It can also prevent electronics from sustaining flood damage due to high humidity levels. 

When you need flood restoration services, contact SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473. We offer 24-hour emergency services and can handle the flood damage to make it seem, “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Brandon.

We Discuss How To Avoid Shock Risks After Flooding In Your Brandon Home

11/23/2019 (Permalink)

flooding in home after storm Give our crew a call anytime that you need us at (813) 741-3473.

Avoiding Shock Risks After Flooding in Brandon Homes

Most Brandon property owners can convey an understanding that water and electricity do not mix well. Flooding can introduce several inches or even feet of standing water into the lower levels of your property, and as such, can allow for dangerous scenarios involving active electric service in your home. Health risks and hazard assessment are a vital stage of job planning before mitigation and emergency recovery services can begin.

Flood damage in Brandon homes can infiltrate the wiring system throughout your house. Conducting this electricity through standing water and saturated surfaces can become a legitimate threat to both our customers and our technicians. Safeguards need to get implemented to reduce these risks and to provide the right opportunity to fix the problem.

One of the vital steps that our SERVPRO technicians can take when we recognize the potential for electrical hazards is to de-energize circuits. In situations where entire floors or levels of a house have fallen victim to flooding concerns, severing power to the whole house might also be advisable. If the damage remains in one specific region of the residence, you can isolate these breakers at the panel and cut the power to this quadrant of the structure.

Because service to the house might require temporary disconnection, our SERVPRO team must be able to provide portable power solutions to begin vital extraction work immediately. For smaller damaged areas, our portable generators can provide the right continual power supply to run electrical sump pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers. For larger recovery areas, our trailered generators can provide a much higher potential pool of available power to run many units simultaneously in different regions of the house.

Protecting our technicians and customers after a flood loss incident is a primary focus in how we plan and execute recovery tasks. With the threat of electrical hazards in floodwater and damaged wiring, our SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview team must proceed with caution. We rely on our safe practices to efficiently restore your home to preloss conditions. Give our crew a call anytime that you need us at (813) 741-3473.

For more about Brandon click here.

Call Us If Your Brandon Residence Has Flood Damage

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

yellow damage warning sign in front of damaged roof “Like it never even happened.”

What to Do When Your Brandon Residence Has Flood Damage

Many factors can cause flooding in Brandon and the surrounding communities. Tropical storms and hurricanes can unload sustained and heavy rainfall that overwhelms drainage systems, leading to flooding in homes. Massive and sudden rain may also cause flash flooding, which can move debris, rocks, and even vehicles.

Flooding can severely damage homes and other personal property. When there is flood damage in your Brandon residence, you should do a few things to deal with it. They include:

Begin the recovery process soon enough
If you do not extract floodwater quickly enough, the drying process can be more complex and time-consuming. Mold growth becomes a real risk, and it can ruin the building materials in your home and cause serious health risks. Therefore, you need to start the recovery process as soon as possible.

Boil tap water
Flooding may contaminate the water supply with food waste, chemicals, and microbes. It is not always possible to tell if tap water is pure or impure by its color or odor. Therefore, boil water for drinking or cooking until the health department confirms its safety.

Look out for hidden hazards
When water submerges the floor of a house, hidden risks could wait beneath the surface. They include sanitation issues from broken pipes, potential electrical shock, unstable flooring, unseen debris like broken metal or glass objects, and ruptured gas lines. Professionals can inspect the property on your behalf to ensure its safety.

Contact the professionals
You may not clean up and dry your property properly own your own. Without advanced moisture detection tools, some moisture can remain in your home and continue causing damage even after you have removed the floodwater. Therefore, the best solution to restore your home is to seek the help of SERVPRO franchise professionals.

Post-flood decontamination and recovery are big tasks, but with our help, you can tackle them quickly. We have state-of-the-art water extraction tools like electric submersible pumps, which eliminate suction lift limitations. Our technicians can also use inspection devices like luminometers to test water and surfaces for organic contamination. We can use these meters to identify contaminants in your home. Our SERVPRO crew can also dry your property using structural cavity drying equipment.

After a flooding incident in your home, call SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview at (813) 741-3473 for help. We can deal with the flooding disaster to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Brandon click here.

When It Comes To Professional Flood Damage Restoration In Brandon, Our Crew Is Your Best Option!

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview is standing by to assist you after flooding in your home.

Flood Damage Restoration In Your Brandon Home

Flooding is the most common natural disasters in the U.S., occurring across the country. Anyone, however, living in lower elevations than a nearby body of water such as an ocean, stream or lake, or especially at risk. Being prepared for the possibility of flooding in Brandon is the best way to keep you and your family safe.

When you’re dealing with flood damage in your Brandon home as some severe storms, you want to dry and clean your home as quickly as possible. For this, you need the help of someone who knows their way around flood damage restoration, such as SERVPRO. As a professionally trained remediation company, we waste no time getting to you when you call for help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Floods can happen in various ways. The most commonly seen is when the ground in the area can’t absorb the rainfall when debris is blocking a waterway, seawater is pushed inland during a storm by strong winds, or when a human-made structure fails, such as a sewer or dam.

When hardwood flooring is present in your home, SERVPRO staff’s drying strategy focuses on the prevention of cupping, buckling, or warping from becoming permanent. How long the water was on the floor determines the effect of the water on the flooring. Cupping and warping, if not severe, can be taken out by sanding as part of our process of refinishing.

Usually, we cannot refinish a hardwood floor until the moisture content level is stabilized to an equilibrium moisture content under twelve percent. It can take a couple of months for your hardwood floor to acclimate before they are ready to be sanded and refinished. If done beforehand, they can crown or cup as drying continues.

When you have a flood warning in your area, the best thing to do is to leave the area if possible. You can prepare your home before going by letting authorities know you’re going to a safer place, moving valuables and electronics to higher areas such as the second floor, countertops, or beds, and using a waterproof container to store any vital medical supplies and documents.

SERVPRO of Brandon / North Riverview is standing by to assist you after flooding in your home in Mango, Brandon, or Riverview. When the storms have subsided, reach out to us right away by dialing (813) 741-3473 so we can get your property dry and safe again quickly.

Click here for more about Brandon.

Slow the Flow of Storm Water With Smart Landscaping

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding damage after storm in Riverview, FL

Have you ever seen a school science demonstration of water being poured into two equal containers of soil, but one has plants growing and one does not? In the box void of vegetation, the water runs out the bottom nearly as quickly as it flowed in. In the box containing rooted plants, only a minimal amount of water trickles out. This experiment shows the importance of proper water management around your property. Learn how you can become one with the flow, using easy landscaping projects to prevent storm run-off from causing outside flooding around your home in Riverview, FL.

  1. Slow the flow. Apply a deep layer of heavy mulch to slow rain drainage, giving it time to filter through the soil instead of pooling or running off to problem areas.
  2. Cultivate plants. Installing plants and shrubs at the base of your home can help slow the flow of water and prevent outside flooding. If you have a particular area where water tends to pool during storms, consider making a rain garden. This shallow basin is not a bog or a pond, but it uses plants to filter the rain water and facilitate its travels to the water table.
  3. Be a water mover. During the next rain storm, check the flow of water from your roof. Look for areas that need rerouted and consider adding rain chains, moving gutters, or adding flexible extensions to downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
  4. Keep water captive. Add a rain barrel to the end of a downspout and feel good about your impact on the environment when using that recovered water to help take care of your plants.

Outside flooding can cause damage to structures on your property.

When water damage happens, it can quickly lead to mold trouble since mold spores are abundant in the environment and reproduce quickly. Professional water mitigation specialists can help clean up flood water and ensure materials are dried thoroughly to prevent your minor problem from becoming a major one.