Recent Storm Damage Posts

The Importance of Spring Weather Preparation | SERVPRO® of Pewaukee & Sussex

3/10/2023 (Permalink)

img src =”sky” alt = "dark stormy clouds forming into a spring storm ” > SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex team is always here for you, if you experience any storm damage call us right away.

As spring weather is just within our grasp, it is important to start making the changes and preparations needed in order to keep your home dry and free of storm damage when the first spring thunderstorms come rolling in.

Storm damage can cause widespread issues really quickly throughout your home, so now is the time to address any issues that appeared over the winter season and get your home ready for the rain!

Keep It Flowing

Over the course of the winter season, any thaws we had may have felt nice, but they could have been contributing to ice buildup along your roof line and in your gutters. If your gutters can’t flow, water will back up onto your roof. Remove debris and clear the ice when you are able so your gutters can work properly for you.

If you haven’t been checking on your vents continually this winter, do it now! The vents leading outside from your furnace, dryer and even in your attic can become blocked or glazed over with ice or snow. Make sure you clear any blockages so the vents can do their job and simultaneously keep your family safe from danger.

It is also really important to do a thorough check of your outdoor water lines and faucets. Any exposed piping has the potential to freeze and expand if water was caught inside. If the expansion becomes too much, the pipe can burst and can be a massive water issue when the temperatures warm up.

Quickly Fix the Issues

If you do find any sort of damage around your home, now is the time to fix the problem! The longer you wait, the higher the risk of suffering severe damage. This includes inspecting your roof and doing any necessary repairs right away.

Look for missing shingles, broken gutters or visible damage due to a fallen tree or debris. It doesn’t take much for water to get into your attic and cause havoc throughout your house.

Get Ready for Impending Weather

With spring showers comes more rain, right? However the saying goes, we all know that springtime can be wet and rainy. If you have a sump pump in your home, make sure it is ready to work ahead of the first spring rainstorm. This can help keep your basement dry throughout the entire season and beyond.

In addition to preparing your home, make sure your family is prepared as well. Go over your storm safety plan and discuss where your safe shelter location is. If any boxes or storage items were put in this location for the winter, find a new home for them during this season. Finally, update and edit your emergency kit to reflect any changes to your family’s needs.

Remember, we are always here for you no matter what season it is! Just call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex if you experience water or storm damage, and we will work hard to return your home to its preloss state as fast and efficiently as we can.

Got water damage? We are here to help 24⁄7 and can restore your home quickly.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex your first call.

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage is a very real concern for all homeowners. When a storm is in the area, it can make everyone anxious. Unfortunately, experiencing some sort of storm damage is likely at some point during your lifetime.

That being said, just because a storm is coming our way doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to suffer damages! It all depends on the category of the storm, the location of your home in town and how well-built your home is.

In eastern Wisconsin, we are at risk of severe warm-weather events like tornadoes and severe thunderstorms as well as cold-weather threats like winter storms and freezing rain. We love the Midwest!

When one of these weather events comes to town, we are at risk of three major damages occurring:

Wind

Wind accompanies summer and winter weather. If it blows fast enough, it can cause widespread damage.

While it is true that tornadoes produce some of the highest wind speeds, wind from thunderstorms can be just as devastating. In fact, wind from storms can be over 100 mph.

Strong-enough winds can uproot trees and throw around debris in your yard. Stay inside and avoid windows until the storm has passed and the wind has died down.

Taking the time ahead of the arrival of any storm to clean up your yard and remove any trees or untethered furniture can help reduce your risk of suffering damage due to the wind.

Water

Water can be a great resource from thunderstorms if we are in need of rain for our lawns and gardens, but a lot of it can do incredible damage to your home.

It can leak through windows and down into our basements. And if your basement continually gets wet after storms, it can degrade your foundation and cause mold growth.

Grade your property, and if you do any landscaping, make sure your yard slopes away from your home to prevent water from pooling near your foundation. You can also research building a rain garden! Rain gardens are a great place for all of that unwanted water to flow to.

Your gutters need special attention as well! Blocked gutters can’t function properly and can let water pool on your roof that will eventually leak down your walls.

Impact

When it comes to impact damages, they can be costly and devastating. “Impact damage” come in the form of a fallen tree or some other type of object being thrown into the side of your home.

To prevent this kind of damage, do your best to keep your property free of any external hazards like dead trees or large hanging limbs. Tie down or otherwise secure furniture and other objects left outdoors during a storm to keep them from becoming projectiles.

Overcoming weather-related disasters of any kind is expensive. In fact, in 2021, it was reported that Americans suffered $145 billion in damages to their homes.

If you do discover damage to your home or property after a storm, call us at SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex right away. Our dedication to your restoration will be unmatched, and we will get you back into your home right away.

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, it’s important that you know who to call! Contact us today at (262) 696-6336 to get your storm damage restoration started faster.

Making a Plan/Kit For You & Your Pets for an Emergency

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Examples of kit items Examples of kit items

Make a Plan, Be Prepared. 

Being prepared for an emergency event is a very responsible task you can do for you, your family, and your pets.

Make a Plan
-Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
-How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
-What is my shelter plan?
-What is my evacuation route?
-What is my family/household communication plan?
-Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
-Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.

Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:

-Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
-Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
-Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
-Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
-Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
-Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
-If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
-Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
-If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger.


BUILDING A KIT:
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
-Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
-Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
-Flashlight
-First aid kit
-Extra batteries
-Whistle (to signal for help)
-Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
-Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
-Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
-Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
-Manual can opener (for food)
-Local maps
-Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.

Your pet kit should include:

-Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
-Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets)
-Medicines
-Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
-First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
-Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
-Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
-Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
-A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
-Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)


Being safe and prepared is not only a good idea, but a safe one.

*Source: ready.gov

What equipment is used to extract water from my Pewaukee, Wisconsin home after a Water Damage?

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Carpet Wand extracting water caused by a flood in a Pewaukee residence Carpet Wand extracting water caused by a flood in a Pewaukee residence

Water Damage Caused by Flooding

Once your home or commercial property gets water damage due to flooding, our crew will come out to access the damage. We will need to extract the water from your property because extraction is a critical step to removing moisture from a structure. The more excess water restorers remove with extraction equipment, the less time they will spend to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. Various types of extraction tools are used to remove water from flooring. These are:

  • extraction units
  • light wands
  • deep extraction tools
  • submersible pumps


Extraction Units

Extractors can be portable units or large truck-mounted units. 

A portable extractor is extremely flexible since it can be taken into almost any area of the structure. They do require electricity to operate, so power will have to be provided from the facility or a generator.


Truck-mounted extractors offer a more powerful vacuum compared to portables. They run off the work vehicle’s fuel, so no on-site power is needed

Light Wands

Light wands or “carpet wands” are used for water extraction. The light wand is appropriate for the initial water removal and extracting water from glue-down carpet. It is also effective in removing residual water on the surface of carpets after a stationary tool has been used. When the pad is being removed, the light wand is appropriate since you are not trying to remove all the water from the pad.

Deep Extraction Tools

There are various types of deep extraction tools that can be attached to an extractor.


Self-propelled extraction tools are powered by an independent motor that moves the unit over carpet at a consistent rate. These devices compress carpet and pad, squeeze out water, and remove water through the vacuum system of an extractor.

Stationary tools are able to extract water from carpet and pad using only the weight of the water damage restoration professional standing upon the device. A vacuum system is attached to the device, pulling water through a series of tiny holes in the base of the unit. Stationary tools are available in various sizes.

If you have water damage due to a flood in your Pewaukee or Sussex home, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.

262.696.6336.

Hurricane Prep Week Day 4

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Prep Week Day 4 Hurricane Prep Week Day 4

Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready. 

Day 4 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an evacuation plan. You should plan your route and have an alternate route in case the first one is not accessible.  You may have to evacuate quickly, so you should practice with your household and your pets. You should also remember that you may not have to drive hundreds of miles to evacuate, only far enough away from the evacuation area. 

Hurricane Prep Week Day 2

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Prep Week Day 2 Hurricane Prep Week Day 2

Being prepared for a disaster such as a hurricane can make all the difference in safety as well as damages. Each day this week we will be posting tips that can help you be prepared for a hurricane or any other major event. There is always comfort in having peace of mind knowing that you are ready.
Day 2 of Hurricane Prep Week is about having an emergency kit ready at work, in your car, and at home. This could include a backpack, water, non-perishable food, a blanket, etc. The best place to store the kit is somewhere that you will go to take shelter. Having all your materials in one place and storing them in your shelter location means that you don’t have to worry about getting prepared when a warning is issued. You’re already prepared and can just focus on getting yourself to your shelter. To learn more about what to put in your kit visit https://www.weather.gov/owlie/emergencysupplieskit

Flood basements in the Pewaukee and Waukesha Area

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

This Pewaukee's basement flooded due to heavy rains This Pewaukee's basement flooded due to heavy rains

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Pewaukee or Sussex basement could flood, including: 

  • A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
  • Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
  • Storm sewer backup
  • Sanitary sewer backup
  • Foundation drainage failure
  • Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
  • And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - 262.696.6336.

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

  • We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
  • We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
  • We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
  • Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
  • We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
  • Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 262.696.6336

Water Damaged Home in Hartland, Wisconsin

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Drying Chamber for Wood Paneling Drying Chamber for Wood Paneling

As you can see in the photo, a property had flooded due to a recent storm event. SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex set up a drying chamber around the wood paneling and the drywall that was behind it.  When you need to isolate a certain area for drying treatment, then this is where drying chambers come into play. They allow you to manipulate the humidity, airflow, and temperature. The affected area becomes limited to external, environmental factors due to the polyethylene barrier that surrounds it. By reducing the volume of the drying area by creating your chamber, it can speed up drying time as well as save you from pulling out additional materials if not needed. 

If your property has suffered a water damage, give SERVPRO of Pewaukee and Sussex a call today at 262.696.6336. 

Decent Snowfall Expected in Waukesha County

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Snow Falling Snow Falling

Waukesha county and south eastern Wisconsin is expected to get a decent accumulation of snow. The winter weather advisory will go into effect at 6 PM on Monday, January 25. The snow will start to accumulate from early Monday evening and continue until Tuesday evening. Expected snowfall is anywhere from three to six inches. This snowfall could impact travel- making it difficult. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute so drive with precaution. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.  If you do succumb to nasty weather conditions, just remember to pull over, put your hazards on, call for help and stay in your car until help arrives. 

Preparing for a Winter Storm Event

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Snow and Ice Snow and Ice formed on trees

Living in Pewaukee, Wisconsin you and your family have to be prepared for the wild weather that we experience- especially in our winter months! Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

Things to consider:

  • Check your tires and check tire pressure.
  • Get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up. 
  • Keep your fuel tank full. 
  • Program your radio for traffic reports and emergency messages.
  • Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle: flashlight, batteries, phone charging bank, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, first-aid kit.
  • Load your car with winter travel gear: tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, road flares.

If you do end up stranded be sure to engage your flashers, call for help and wait in your car until the help arrives. 

*Source: wsdot.com

Making a Plan/Kit For You & Your Pets for an Emergency

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Examples of kit items Examples of kit items

Being prepared for an emergency event is a very responsible task you can do for you, your family, and your pets. 

Make a Plan

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?
  4. What is my family/household communication plan?
  5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. 

Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:

  • Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
  • Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
    • Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
    • Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
    • Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
  • Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
  • Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
  • Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
  • If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
  • Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
  • If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger.

Build a Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list or download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners-Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List (PDF)  to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.

Your pet kit should include:

  • Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
  • Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets)
  • Medicines
  • Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
  • First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
  • Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
  • Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
  • Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
  • A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
  • Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)

Being safe and prepared is not only a good idea, but a safe one.

*Source: ready.gov

What Equipment is used to Extract Water from my Pewaukee or Sussex Home After a Flood?

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Carpet Wand Carpet Wand extracting water cause by a flood in a Pewaukee residence.

Water Damage Caused by Flooding

Once your home or commercial property gets water damage due to flooding, our crew will come out to access the damage. We will need to extract the water from your property because extraction is a critical step to removing moisture from a structure. The more excess water restorers remove with extraction equipment, the less time they will spend to evaporate and dehumidify the remaining moisture with drying equipment. Various types of extraction tools are used to remove water from flooring. These are:

  • extraction units
  • light wands
  • deep extraction tools
  • submersible pumps


Extraction Units

Extractors can be portable units or large truck-mounted units. 

A portable extractor is extremely flexible since it can be taken into almost any area of the structure. They do require electricity to operate, so power will have to be provided from the facility or a generator.


Truck-mounted extractors offer a more powerful vacuum compared to portables. They run off the work vehicle’s fuel, so no on-site power is needed

Light Wands

Light wands or “carpet wands” are used for water extraction. The light wand is appropriate for the initial water removal and extracting water from glue-down carpet. It is also effective in removing residual water on the surface of carpets after a stationary tool has been used. When the pad is being removed, the light wand is appropriate since you are not trying to remove all the water from the pad.

Deep Extraction Tools

There are various types of deep extraction tools that can be attached to an extractor.


Self-propelled extraction tools are powered by an independent motor that moves the unit over carpet at a consistent rate. These devices compress carpet and pad, squeeze out water, and remove water through the vacuum system of an extractor.

Stationary tools are able to extract water from carpet and pad using only the weight of the water damage restoration professional standing upon the device. A vacuum system is attached to the device, pulling water through a series of tiny holes in the base of the unit. Stationary tools are available in various sizes.

If you have water damage due to a flood in your Pewaukee or Sussex home, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex.

262.696.6336.

Storm Damage at your Pewaukee or Sussex Property

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Hurricane Cristobal Projected landfall path for Hurricane Cristobal

Tropical Storm Cristobal

Tropical Storm Cristobal is expected to track into Wisconsin on Tuesday, bringing heavy rains and gusting winds. Only three tropical systems are known to have found their way into Wisconsin, so this is a very unique event. The expected path appears to have Cristobal tracking into the state from southwest to northeast. That could mean areas could get 1 to 2 inches of rain with the possibility of localized flooding. There's also the potential of severe weather on Wednesday, which could mean tornadoes in the area. 

SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex has years of experience in mitigating water damages. If your Pewaukee, Wisconsin and surrounding area's home encounters a water damage due to the upcoming storm, please do not hesitate to call us. 

SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex 262.696.6336.

Sump Pump Failures in Pewaukee

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Sump Pump Sump Pump located in a homeowner's basement

Sump Pump Basics

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level.

Sump pumps are used where basement flooding happens regularly and to solve dampness where the water table is above the foundation of a home. Sump pumps send water away from a house to any place where it is no longer problematic, such as a municipal storm drain or a dry well. 

Why do Sump Pumps fail?

  • Sump Pump is having to constantly run
  • You have an overworked Sump Pump
  • Sump Pump loses power
  • Clogged Sump Pump
  • Clogged discharge lines
  • Your Sump Pump is Defective
  • It was installed incorrectly 
  • Lack of Maintenance 

What happens if my Sump Pump fails and causes damage?

If you your sump pump does fail and floods your basement causing water damage, then give us a call! SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. 262.696.6336.