3 Major Storm Threats to Your Home | SERVPRO® of Rapid City

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

When you suffer storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Rapid City your first call.

Whenever you get a severe weather alert on your phone or from our local weather channels, it can be nerve-wracking! Storms can cause widespread damage if they are severe enough, and no one wants to be on the receiving end of storm damage.

Wind, water and impact damages are some of the most common storm damage complaints we see, so let’s unpack the risks associated with all three!

It’s never a guarantee that you will experience damages after a storm, just like you can’t be sure that your home will be fine. Whenever Mother Nature is involved, there is risk for damage. It all depends on the strength of the storm, your location in town and the materials with which your house was constructed.

In Rapid City, we see severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter storms throughout the changing seasons. When it comes to each system, it is important to have a plan in place!

Wind

Wind associated with tornadoes can cause some of the most widespread damages, but so can straight-line winds from thunderstorms! If the downburst of wind is strong enough, wind speeds can easily reach over 100 mph.

When wind blows that quickly, it can bend trees with ease and throw around heavy objects without much trouble. And the wind itself can rip shingles off the roof. If an incoming storm comes with a wind advisory, it is best to stay inside and away from windows in order to stay safe.

If you are given enough of a heads-up before the storm hits, take the time to clear any yard hazards like dead branches or tree limbs and tie down that patio furniture or pull it into your garage. Removing any potential hazards can help you avoid damages!

Water

No one wants water in their home, and that’s especially true when it comes to water damage after storms! Basement flooding can be catastrophic, and it can also be a perfect environment for mold to grow.

If you choose to do any landscaping close to your home, make sure that it is angled away from your foundation so that water doesn’t flow backward into your basement. You can also research what it takes to build a rain garden in your yard to help encourage water to flow into a productive place!

Keep your gutters clear and properly functioning as well. If your gutters get backed up, the water will pool up on your roof and can seep into the eaves of your house.

Impact

Perhaps the scariest of all is “impact damage.” If large trees or other heavy outdoor objects get tossed into your house or roof, it can be incredibly destructive and costly.

Do your best to keep your property clear of any obvious hazards and remove any dead or dying trees promptly. Doing these things won’t eliminate your risk of impact damages, but it can significantly reduce it.

If you do suffer storm damages, the cost to overcome them can be severe. In 2021 alone, Americans experienced $145 billion in damages. That’s painful for your house and your wallet!

At SERVPRO of Rapid City, we are your trusted professionals when it comes to storm damage repair. Call us day or night, and we will be there for you to get started on your restoration 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 to get your storm damage restoration started faster.