Always be prepared for the storm

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Items to have on hand incase of a storm, no matter the weather.

• A supply of water. The red cross recommends 1 gallon per person a day
• Non-perishable food. A can opener if canned goods
• Clothes for every season and good shoes
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• First aid kit and prescription medications
• Batteries
• Battery powered radio and flashlights
• Waterproof container for cash and any important papers
• Cash
• A generator if possible (never run it inside)
• Gas can with gas for generator
• Copy of home insurance

It is always important to be prepaid. Having all of these items stored together in a storage box allows you to be less stressed trying to find all of it in time of need. And the most important of them all is stay safe!

Wanting to board up before the storm?

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

We know Oregon has some pretty crazy weather and you can never TRULY be prepared for it. What will you do when the winds get so crazy it knocks out your windows, leaving glass and other particles on your business or home floor? Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley! Even if its at 3am on a Saturday or 5pm on a Monday, our crew is properly trained to handle an event like this promptly and with professionalism. We know you have a busy schedule, even though a board up is a temporary fix it will at least help you keep your business or home up and running until final repairs are done! Give us a call at 503-652-3997, we are ALWAYS here to help!

When the thunder rolls

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning

• Always take shelter during a lightning storm.
• There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Safe shelter can be found either in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit. Seek shelter immediately.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike in a severe storm before venturing outside again.
• Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, or golf carts. These will not protect you from a lightning strike.

Thunderstorms

• During thunderstorms, you should also stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.

Once the storm has passed and if you have damage, call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley, we are always here to help!

Summer storms

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

When most of us think about summer, we think about lots of sun and lots of heat. Because the weather is so pleasant, many of us spend more time outdoors, enjoying time with family.

But if it sometimes seems as though there’s also more rain during the summer, that would be because it’s totally true. During the summer, the two components needed for storms—moisture and warm air—are out in full force in many parts of the country. That means thunderstorms become more likely.

Take this info with a grain of salt. In our area this summer, we’re facing oppressive heat and very dry conditions, which have set us up for wildfire hazards. Our rainiest season comes a little later in the year, when October rolls around. File these tips away for the occasional rainy summer day—and keep them handy throughout the fall and winter! 

No matter the time of year, it’s important to heed weather warnings. Always pay attention to storm alerts and consider cancelling outdoor events if heavy storms are predicted.

Local weather forecasts will often be the most accurate. Invest in an NOAA Weather radio so that you can continue to access these vital weather alerts even if the power goes out.

During storms with heavy rainfall, flooding is always possible, so stay alert. Heavy storms can also bring intense winds, which can fell tree branches and send items outside your home flying. Keep your trees trimmed back, and when inclement weather is predicted, pull outdoor furniture and other items inside or secure them.

Dozens of people die every year in storm-related incidents, so caution is always the best choice. Keep an eye on the weather conditions and know what to do when they strike.

When lightning is in the area, go indoors. Even if you can’t see lightning, if you hear thunder, lightning is in the area. Stay inside until at least 30 minutes after you hear the last bit of thunder.

Your mother was right—you should stay away from windows and avoid bathing or showering during a storm.

Because severe weather can strike fast, plan ahead by creating an emergency kit and knowing the evacuation routes for your area.

In cases of intense rain, flash floods can occur. Never attempt to drive through flood water, since only a few inches of rain can have a disastrous effect.

Help your kids get prepared for the storm

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley, we believe in the importance of preparedness. With winter storms looming on our horizon, it’s more important than ever to ensure the children in your household are prepared.

In a report titled “Bringing Youth Preparedness Education to the Forefront,” created by the National Commission on Children and Disasters, the researchers asserted that children should not be treated the same as adults when it comes to disaster preparedness. They found that many preparedness training and education programs didn’t explicitly account for youth, while also asserting that children are not passive victims during a disaster event and therefore should be accounted for.

While the report was created from data collected in the early 2010s, it brings valid insight into how we can better prepare our community’s youth. Below, you will find resources for the children in your life to explore preparedness, often structured as a family activity. 

• Prepare for disaster with Ready Wrigley! Description: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created Ready Wrigley to provide young children, parents, guardians, and teachers with tips, activities, and a story to help the whole family prepare for emergencies.”
• Have your child play fun, interactive games that focus on responding and preparing for disaster events! Disaster Master| Build a Kit
• Help the children in your life cope after a storm event with Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day.

No matter what storm event may lie ahead, these tools are a great way to start preparing every member in your family - you can even find resources for pet preparedness!

If you and your family end up sustaining property damage during a storm event, trust that SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley is ready to help you recover. Call us any time, any day at 503-652-3997.

Winter is coming, be prepaird for wind

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

No storm or flood damage is too big for our team!

With crazy winds and sometimes harsh snowy winters the weather here in Clackamas, OR is unpredictable. Here is a tree that has gone through the roof and caused structural damage. Don't let it get you down! Here at SERVPRO Milwaukie/Happy Valley we are ALWAYS here to help! We have an AMAZING clean-up crew and certified technicians that are ready to go 24/7 to clean up and restore your home as quickly as possible. We specialize in board ups to ensure no secondary damage occurs while making sure your safety and concerns are met. We pride ourselves in our customer service and make sure that you are kept in the loop with all work done on your home. No damage is too big for our team!

Storm in Milwaukie

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Storm in Milwaukie

During a wind storm in Milwaukie OR, this tree fell on top of someone's home. We we called out to access the situation and determine what proper steps needed to be taken. 

The picture shows the tremendous size of the tree along with its many branches. This damaged the roof and punctured holes which was allowing water into the home.

After the tree was removed and the home was tarped off we were able to see the extent off the damage. 

Our crew got busy packing out their belongings, cleaning and storing them until the home would be ready to move back into. Meanwhile the Office administration facilitated all the necessary paperwork and conversations with the adjusters to make it as easy as possible for the home owner. 

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley

503-652-3997

When you have storm damage call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Ground water from a big rain storm resulted in this flooded crawl space.

Ground water is a pain, especially when it gets high enough it starts seeping through your vents. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover a ground water claim because it is considered a natural cause. Ground water is easily contaminated.Ground water contamination is nearly always the result of human activity. In areas where population density is high and human use of the land is intensive, ground water is especially vulnerable. Just as ground water generally moves slowly, so do contaminants in ground water. Because of this slow movement, contaminants tend to remain concentrated in the form of a plume. Virtually any activity whereby chemicals or wastes may be released to the environment, either intentionally or accidentally, has the potential to pollute ground water. When ground water becomes contaminated, it is difficult and expensive to clean up. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley if you have ground water in your basement/ crawlspace. We are ALWAYS here to help!

Fun family activities that prepare children for storm events

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley, we believe in the importance of preparedness. With winter storms looming on our horizon, it’s more important than ever to ensure the children in your household are prepared.

In a report titled “Bringing Youth Preparedness Education to the Forefront,” created by the National Commission on Children and Disasters, the researchers asserted that children should not be treated the same as adults when it comes to disaster preparedness. They found that many preparedness training and education programs didn’t explicitly account for youth, while also asserting that children are not passive victims during a disaster event and therefore should be accounted for. To read the report in full, visit Ready.Gov here.

While the report was created from data collected in the early 2010s, it brings valid insight into how we can better prepare our community’s youth. Below, you will find resources for the children in your life to explore preparedness, often structured as a family activity. 

• Prepare for disaster with Ready Wrigley! Description: “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has created Ready Wrigley to provide young children, parents, guardians, and teachers with tips, activities, and a story to help the whole family prepare for emergencies.”
• Have your child play fun, interactive games that focus on responding and preparing for disaster events! Disaster Master | Build a Kit
• Help the children in your life cope after a storm event with Trinka and Sam: The Rainy Windy Day.

No matter what storm event may lie ahead, these tools are a great way to start preparing every member in your family - you can even find resources for pet preparedness!

If you and your family end up sustaining property damage during a storm event, trust that SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley is ready to help you recover. Call us any time, any day at 503-652-3997.

Source: FEMA, CDC, Ready.Gov, National Commission on Children and Disasters

Thunder and lightening hits close to home!

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Thunder and lightening hits close to home!

Lightning

• Always take shelter during a lightning storm.
• There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Safe shelter can be found either in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit. Seek shelter immediately.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike in a severe storm before venturing outside again.
• Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, or golf carts. These will not protect you from a lightning strike.

Thunderstorms

• During thunderstorms, you should also stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.

Once the storm has passed and if you have damage, call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley, we are always here to help!

Safety Tips for Generators

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Generator

According to Portland General Electric, a portable generator is the most common choice for homes. A portable generator can be useful when it comes to storm related power outages. Here are some generator safety tips from Portland General Electric that will help keep you and your family safe!

• Always operate your portable generator outside.
• Use only an outdoor-rated, ground extension cord to avoid getting shocked.
• Don’t try to power your house by using a doctored extension cord. It can cause damage to the wiring in your home and cause a fire.
• If using a gas-powered generator, use extreme cause as they can get very hot.
• Always keep children and pets away from generators.
• Turn of all equipment powered by the generator being shutting the generator down.
• Don’t overload your generator by following the wattage guidelines.

Are you Prepared

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a power outage or storm event? SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley has compiled a list of items that may be useful to you if you find yourself without power for a couple of days.

• A camping stove and propane

If you do not have a gas stove, then you should have easy access to a camping stove and propane. This will allow you to cook meals during a power outage. Please make sure that you use the camping stove outside only, no matter how cold it is!

• Candles and matches

Candles provide a cheap way to light up your house once the sun goes down. Having a good supply of candles and matches allows for you to have light to help keep some sort of normalcy during a power outage. Remember to never leave candle unattended

• Food

This may seem like an easy one, but it’s often forgotten about. You should have foods that you can cook on the camp stove or right out of the box: and they should be foods that you enjoy! Lots of snacks can help makes things seem more ‘normal’ during a power outage as well.

• Baby wipes

With no electricity, you most likely won’t have any hot water. Baby wipes can help keep you clean in-between showers.

• Full tank of gas and a car charger

Having a full tank of gas will allow you to run your car while you are inside of it to help warm you up. This also provides opportunity to charge your cell phone! But please, do not run your car within your garage.

Are you prepared for a storm?

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukie / Happy Valley has teams on-call 24 hours a day to respond and help you make it "Like it never even happened."

To conclude this year's Hurricane Prep Week we want to focus on the importance of getting your residential and commercial properties ready for all storms. We know we don't suffer from hurricanes here in the Pacific Northwest but we do experience storms and extreme weather so it's important to be prepared. 

In the event of storms with heavy winds

• Trim the trees and bushes around your property to prevent damage from snapped branches
• Board up windows to protect from flying debris. 

To learn more about preparing your property for storms and other extreme weather check out this site. 

If your commercial or residential property is suffering from storm damage or other extreme weather SERVPRO of Milwaukie / Happy Valley has teams on-call 24 hours a day to respond and help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Crazy Weather

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

We know Oregon has some pretty crazy weather and you can never TRULY be prepared for it. What will you do when the winds get so crazy it knocks out your windows, leaving glass and other particles on your business or home floor? Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley! Even if its at 3am on a Saturday or 5pm on a Monday, our crew is properly trained to handle an event like this promptly and with professionalism. We know you have a busy schedule, even though a board up is a temporary fix it will at least help you keep your business or home up and running until final repairs are done! Give us a call at 503-652-3997, we are ALWAYS here to help!

Tips for Power outage during a storm

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Being prepared for a storm is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and family. Portland General Electric has put together three easy steps to prepare you for a storm, whether is be due to wind, rain, ice, or snow!

1. Create an outage kit. You should gather things that your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if the power goes out, such as:
   1. Flashlights and batteries
   2. Car chargers for phones and computers
   3. Battery powered clock and radio
   4. Emergency phone numbers, including your power company
   5. First aid kit
   6. Can opener
   7. Bottled water
   8. Food that you can eat without needing to heat up or accessing the fridge
   9. Comfort items, such as game, blankets, and toys
   10. Extra blankets
2. Create a storm checklist of all the things that you need to take care of before the emergency of a storm related power outage brings
3. Review the storm safety tips/plan with your family

Hopefully these tips will help you and your family stay safe during a storm related power outage!

Are you prepared?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a power outage or storm event? SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley has compiled a list of items that may be useful to you if you find yourself without power for a couple of days.

• A camping stove and propane

If you do not have a gas stove, then you should have easy access to a camping stove and propane. This will allow you to cook meals during a power outage. Please make sure that you use the camping stove outside only, no matter how cold it is!

• Candles and matches

Candles provide a cheap way to light up your house once the sun goes down. Having a good supply of candles and matches allows for you to have light to help keep some sort of normalcy during a power outage. Remember to never leave candle unattended

• Food

This may seem like an easy one, but it’s often forgotten about. You should have foods that you can cook on the camp stove or right out of the box: and they should be foods that you enjoy! Lots of snacks can help makes things seem more ‘normal’ during a power outage as well.

• Baby wipes

With no electricity, you most likely won’t have any hot water. Baby wipes can help keep you clean in-between showers.

• Full tank of gas and a car charger

Having a full tank of gas will allow you to run your car while you are inside of it to help warm you up. This also provides opportunity to charge your cell phone! But please, do not run your car within your garage.

What to do if you have storm damage

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

We know Oregon has some pretty crazy weather and you can never TRULY be prepared for it. What will you do when the winds get so crazy it knocks out your windows, leaving glass and other particles on your business or home floor? Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley! Even if it's at 3 am on a Saturday or 5 pm on a Monday, our crew is properly trained to handle an event like this promptly and with professionalism. We know you have a busy schedule, even though a board up is a temporary fix it will at least help you keep your business or home up and running until final repairs are done! Give us a call at 503-652-3997, we are ALWAYS here to help!

When a storm hits!

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen to anyone at anytime and you never are truly prepared, regardless of business or home. Water can damage your personal items or business items which can cost tons of money. Here at SERVPRO Milwaukie Happy Valley, we have the machines and products to properly clean your belongings, restoring them to preloss condition. If belongings are not able to be restored we will let you know to talk to your insurance adjuster for reimbursement. If you are not going through an insurance company, it may be harder to find coverage for reimbursement of belongings and chances are you will have to pay out of pocket. On the bright side, we always do the most cost effective way to save you money. Nothing is done without your approval.

Storm Damage in Clackamas County

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

With crazy winds and sometimes harsh snowy winters the weather here in Clackamas, OR is unpredictable. Has a tree gone through the roof and caused structural damage? Don't let it get you down! Here at SERVPRO Milwaukie/Happy Valley we are ALWAYS here to help! We have an AMAZING clean-up crew and certified technicians that are ready to go 24/7 to clean up and restore your home as quickly as possible. We specialize in board ups to ensure no secondary damage occurs while making sure your safety and concerns are met.We pride ourselves in our customer service and make sure that you are kept in the loop with all work done on your home. No damage is too big for our team!

Generator Safety Tips

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

According to Portland General Electric, a portable generator is the most common choice for homes. A portable generator can be useful when it comes to storm related power outages. Here are some generator safety tips from Portland General Electric that will help keep you and your family safe!

• Always operate your portable generator outside.
• Use only an outdoor-rated, ground extension cord to avoid getting shocked.
• Don’t try to power your house by using a doctored extension cord. It can cause damage to the wiring in your home and cause a fire.
• If using a gas-powered generator, use extreme cause as they can get very hot.
• Always keep children and pets away from generators.
• Turn of all equipment powered by the generator being shutting the generator down.
• Don’t overload your generator by following the wattage guidelines.

Storm Related Power Outage Tips

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Being prepared for a storm is one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and family. Portland General Electric has put together three easy steps to prepare you for a storm, whether is be due to wind, rain, ice, or snow!

1. Create an outage kit. You should gather things that your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if the power goes out, such as:
   1. Flashlights and batteries
   2. Car chargers for phones and computers
   3. Battery powered clock and radio
   4. Emergency phone numbers, including your power company
   5. First aid kit
   6. Can opener
   7. Bottled water
   8. Food that you can eat without needing to heat up or accessing the fridge
   9. Comfort items, such as game, blankets, and toys
   10. Extra blankets
2. Create a storm checklist of all the things that you need to take care of before the emergency of a storm related power outage brings
3. Review the storm safety tips/plan with your family

Hopefully these tips will help you and your family stay safe during a storm related power outage!

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley Wildfire Prevention Tips

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

I know that it is still the rainy season is still here in the Clackamas, Oregon area, but it is never too early to focus on how to prevent wildfires. SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley wants to provide you with a few tips on how you can help prevent wildfires.

• Never leave a fire unattended. To extinguish a fire, douse it with water and stir the ashes until it is cold.
• Do not discard cigarettes, matches, and smoking material from moving vehicles or on the ground. They need to be 100% extinguished before being thrown out.
• Follow your city/county ordinance regarding burning in your yard. If burning is allowed, never leave it unattended. Keep a shovel and water nearby just in case.
• Do not set fire works off near anything that is flammable.

How to Walk on Ice

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

With the crazy weather we have had lately in the Clackamas, Oregon area, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley wants to leave you some tips on how to walk and travel on snow and ice safely.

• Plan Ahead
  • Leave yourself some time to move slowly and safely when walking on ice and snow. Check the roads before driving to your destination to ensure that you can make it there without being a hazard to yourself and others
• Wear Shoes that Provide Traction
  • Choose shoes that will be safe for walking in snow and ice. Footwear that is made from rubber has better traction than plastic or leather soles. Never wear heals when walking on ice or snow.
• Use Special Care when Entering/Exiting Vehicles and Buildings
  • Going from indoors to outdoors during snow or ice can create fall hazards, that is why you should move slowly and use a handrail when possible. Don't walk with your hands in your pockets. 
• Walking Safety
  • You should bend over slightly to keep your center of gravity over your feet and take short steps for stability.

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley is just one of more than 1,700 other SERVPRO franchises. This works to your advantage if you experience a large loss due to a storm.  SERVPRO has Disaster Recovery Teams strategically placed throughout the country on standby in the case that a storm hits our area. In the Pacific Northwest that include wild fires, snow and ice storms, and flooding.  Our Disaster Recovery Team, just like SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

If you have residential or commercial water, fire, or mold damage due to storm related events, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley.  There is no storm related disaster that is too big for SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley to help you with. We will make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Flood Water Prevention Tips from SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to heavy rainfall.  Unfortunately, heavy rainfall can lead to an increase chance of flood water getting inside of your home resulting in water damage.  Luckily, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley has a few tips for you to help prevent flood water from getting inside of you house.

• Know if you are in a high-risk flood zone.
• Keep sand bags handy to help divert water away from your house.
• Confirm that your sump pump works correctly.
• Reseal your basement to keep water from seeping in
• Make sure that drains move away from your house

You’re not always going to be able to prevent flood damage to your house which is why you have your locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley. We are available for all of your water damage needs at 503-652-3997. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Clackamas, Oregon Power Outage Supplies

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Clackamas, Oregon and surrounding areas are expecting (AGAIN!) snow this week. Are you prepared for the power outage that may accompany it? SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley has compiled a list of items that may be useful to you if you find yourself without power for a couple of days.

• A camping stove and propane

If you do not have a gas stove, then you should have easy access to a camping stove and propane. This will allow you to cook meals during a power outage. Please make sure that you use the camping stove outside only, no matter how cold it is!

• Candles and matches

Candles provide a cheap way to light up your house once the sun goes down. Having a good supply of candles and matches allows for you to have light to help keep some sort of normalcy during a power outage. Remember to never leave candle unattended

• Food

This may seem like an easy one, but it’s often forgotten about. You should have foods that you can cook on the camp stove or right out of the box: and they should be foods that you enjoy! Lots of snacks can help makes things seem more ‘normal’ during a power outage as well.

• Baby wipes

With no electricity, you most likely won’t have any hot water. Baby wipes can help keep you clean in-between showers.

• Full tank of gas and a car charger

Having a full tank of gas will allow you to run your car while you are inside of it to help warm you up. This also provides opportunity to charge your cell phone! But please, do not run your car within your garage.

Ice Dams in Milwaukie, Oregon

3/1/2019 (Permalink)

With the recent winter weather that we have been experiencing in the Milwaukie and Happy Valley area, SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley wants to warn you about ice dams. Ice dams are chunks of ice that form in the margins of your roof. As weather warms up these ice dams melt and can seep into your shingles or the siding of your house causing water damage. If you do have water damage from ice dams, you get to make the choice on the restoration company that helps you out and your first choice should be SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you when disaster strikes. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Ice Storm

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Icy roads and power lines down.

Ice storms

• Ice from freezing rain accumulates on branches, power lines and buildings. If you must go outside when a significant amount of ice has accumulated, pay attention to branches or wires that could break due to the weight of the ice and fall on you. Ice sheets could also do the same.
• Never touch power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you would run the risk of electrocution. Remember also that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the precipitation.
• When freezing rain is forecast, avoid driving. Even a small amount of freezing rain can make roads extremely slippery. Wait several hours after freezing rain ends so that road maintenance crews have enough time to spread sand or salt on icy roads.
• Rapid onsets of freezing rain combined with the risks of blizzards increase the chances for extreme hypothermia. If you live on a farm, move livestock promptly to shelter where feed is available. Forage is often temporarily inaccessible during and immediately after ice storms. Animal reactions to ice storms are similar to that of blizzards.

Thunder and Lighting Safety Tips

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

Thunder and lighting strike close to home

Lightning

• Always take shelter during a lightning storm.
• There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. Safe shelter can be found either in an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• If you can see lightning or hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit. Seek shelter immediately.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning strike in a severe storm before venturing outside again.
• Do not ride bicycles, motorcycles, tractors, or golf carts. These will not protect you from a lightning strike.

Thunderstorms

• During thunderstorms, you should also stay away from items that conduct electricity, such as corded telephones, appliances, sinks, bathtubs, radiators and metal pipes.

Once the storm has passed and if you have damage, call SERVPRO of Milwaukie Happy Valley, we are always here to help!

Ground water

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Ground water was the result of this crawlspace flood

Ground water is a pain, especially when it gets high enough it starts seeping through your vents. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies will cover a ground water claim because it is considered a natural cause. Ground water is easily contaminated.Ground water contamination is nearly always the result of human activity. In areas where population density is high and human use of the land is intensive, ground water is especially vulnerable. Just as ground water generally moves slowly, so do contaminants in ground water. Because of this slow movement, contaminants tend to remain concentrated in the form of a plume. Virtually any activity whereby chemicals or wastes may be released to the environment, either intentionally or accidentally, has the potential to pollute ground water. When ground water becomes contaminated, it is difficult and expensive to clean up. Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley if you have ground water in your basement/ crawlspace. We are ALWAYS here to help!

Heavy Snow Storm

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Home damage caused by snow

It does not happen often but when it does we are NEVER prepared for the aftermath. Crazy snow storms can cause damage to our homes in ways we never thought would happen. Frozen pipes can cause burst pipes which can cause a water damage. Ice dams can also cause a water damage. When the ice builds up on the side of the home or roof , once it starts to melt it can drip down the siding of your home seeping into a small hole or crack that you did not even know you had. Also, leaving snow on your roof can cause your roof to cave in due to the amount of weight the snow is putting on it. If you have damaged caused by snow call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/ Happy Valley we are always here to help!

Board up

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Board up after crazy storm!

We know Oregon has some pretty crazy weather and you can never TRULY be prepared for it. What will you do when the winds get so crazy it knocks out your windows, leaving glass and other particles on your business or home floor? Call SERVPRO of Milwaukie/Happy Valley! Even if its at 3am on a Saturday or 5pm on a Monday, our crew is properly trained to handle an event like this promptly and with professionalism. We know you have a busy schedule, even though a board up is a temporary fix it will at least help you keep your business or home up and running until final repairs are done! Give us a call at 503-652-3997, we are ALWAYS here to help!

Tree Through Roof

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

No storm or flood damage is too big for our team!

With crazy winds and sometimes harsh snowy winters the weather here in Clackamas, OR is unpredictable. Here is a tree that has gone through the roof and caused structural damage. Don't let it get you down! Here at SERVPRO Milwaukie/Happy Valley we are ALWAYS here to help! We have an AMAZING clean-up crew and certified technicians that are ready to go 24/7 to clean up and restore your home as quickly as possible. We specialize in board ups to ensure no secondary damage occurs while making sure your safety and concerns are met.We pride ourselves in our customer service and make sure that you are kept in the loop with all work done on your home. No damage is too big for our team!