2024 Hurricane Prep

Recorded June 26, 2024 | Note: This is for informational purposes and should not be considered as official service provider instructions. This does not offer credit for CAMS.

Members of the Community Association Resource Group get together to discuss their hurricane prep tips, geared for community associations.

Dealing With The Aftermath of A Hurricane

Hiring a licensed, professional company is crucial, especially in the aftermath of a disaster like a hurricane. Unfortunately, natural disasters often attract opportunists and scam artists looking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals and businesses. Here’s why it’s essential to choose a reputable company like CARG member SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City:

Licensed Certified Building Contractors: They are uniquely able to provide comprehensive, efficient services from water restoration to rebuilds, restoring your property to its pre-disaster condition with minimal hassle and maximum convenience.

Expertise and Training: Look for technicians who have undergone extensive training and certification in disaster cleanup and restoration. This means they have the knowledge and skills to handle any situation safely and effectively. From water extraction to mold remediation, our team knows how to tackle the challenges of post-hurricane cleanup.

Proper Equipment and Techniques: Professional and qualified companies invest in state-of-the-art equipment and utilize industry-best practices for cleanup and restoration. This ensures that the job is done efficiently and thoroughly, minimizing further damage to your property.

Compliance with Regulations: Professional and qualified companies must adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding disaster cleanup and restoration. This includes proper disposal of biohazardous materials and compliance with building codes during reconstruction. Hiring a reputable company ensures that your project is completed legally and ethically.

Insurance Coverage: Reputable companies carry liability insurance to protect both themselves and their clients in the event of accidents or damages during the cleanup and restoration process. This provides peace of mind knowing that you’re not financially responsible for any unexpected incidents that may occur on your property.

Trust and Reputation: Established companies have built a reputation for excellence in their communities through years of reliable service and customer satisfaction. You can trust that they will prioritize your needs and treat your property with respect and professionalism.

Hiring a licensed, professional company like SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City is essential for ensuring that your property is properly cleaned up and restored after a hurricane. Don’t fall victim to scam artists; choose a reputable company with the expertise and integrity to get the job done right. To contact ServoPro of East Davie/Cooper City call 954-507-7930 or visit them online.

Navigating Stormy Waters: The Importance of a Public Adjuster During Hurricane Season and Beyond

As hurricane season approaches, community associations and businesses in coastal regions brace themselves for potential devastation. With the threat of powerful storms looming, it becomes increasingly crucial to prepare for the worst-case scenarios. One vital component of preparation often overlooked is securing the services of a public adjuster. These professionals play a pivotal role in helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex waters of insurance claims in the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes. Let’s delve into why having a public adjuster is essential not only during hurricane season but year-round.

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works on behalf of policyholders to evaluate, negotiate, and settle insurance claims. Unlike insurance company adjusters who represent the interests of the insurer, public adjusters advocate for the policyholder’s rights to ensure they receive fair and adequate compensation for their losses.

Why would you need a public adjuster during hurricane season? Public adjusters provide many things like expertise in insurance claims, maximizing your claims settlement, documenting evidence, and timely resolutions.

While the focus on public adjusters intensifies during hurricane season, our services are invaluable throughout the year for various reasons:

    1. Natural Disasters Beyond Hurricanes: While hurricanes pose a significant threat to coastal areas, other natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes can occur in different regions. Public adjusters provide assistance in navigating insurance claims arising from these events, ensuring that policyholders receive the support they need to rebuild and recover.
    2. Property Damage from Other Causes: Insurance claims may also arise from non-natural disaster-related incidents such as fires, burst pipes, vandalism, or theft. Public adjusters offer expertise in handling these claims, guiding policyholders through the process and advocating for their best interests.
    3. Complex Insurance Policies: Insurance policies can be complex documents filled with legal jargon and exclusions. Public adjusters help policyholders understand their coverage, identify potential gaps, and ensure that they receive the compensation they are entitled to under their policy.
    4. Mitigating Stress and Confusion: Dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster when emotions are running high. Public adjusters provide much-needed support and guidance, alleviating the stress and confusion associated with the claims process.

In conclusion, the importance of a public adjuster cannot be overstated, especially during hurricane season and in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their expertise, advocacy, and commitment to securing fair compensation for policyholders are invaluable assets in the journey towards recovery and rebuilding. By enlisting the services of a public adjuster, homeowners, associations and businesses can navigate the stormy waters of insurance claims with confidence and peace of mind.

Six Steps To Prevent Mold and Water Damage From Leaking Windows

By following these six steps, you can help protect your home from water damage and mold caused by leaking windows, often exasperated during major storms.

We’ve all experienced downpours in South Florida with 30 to 40 MPH winds, and the damages can be annoying and expensive. This wind driven rain finds it’s way through cracks in caulking on windows and the exteriors of buildings. The damages from leaking windows can be expensive and unfortunately, not covered by insurance:

    1. Inspect and Seal: Regularly inspect your windows for any cracks or gaps where water could seep in. Seal these areas with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent leaks.
    2. Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and directing water away from the foundation of your home. Proper drainage can prevent water from pooling near windows.
    3. Install Hurricane-rated Windows: Adding storm windows can provide an extra layer of protection against leaks and drafts.
    4. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 60% to discourage mold growth. Use dehumidifiers if necessary, especially in humid climates or during rainy seasons.
    5. Address Condensation: Wipe down windows regularly to remove condensation and prevent water from pooling and causing damage.
    6. Repair Leaks Promptly: If you notice any signs of leaks, such as water stains or dampness around windows, address them promptly to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Walking and inspecting the property at least once per year will help to eliminate mold issues in the future. If you think this has happened to you, make sure to call Servpro of East Davie / Cooper City at 954-725-6400.

Regulate Your Water Consumption For Healthier Lawns and Plants

When Should You Water Your Lawn?

The best time for lawn irrigation is in the early morning hours. Watering during the day wastes water to excessive evaporation. Watering in late afternoon or late morning may be detrimental if it extends the time the lawn is naturally wet from dew. This extended “dew period” can accelerate disease and pest occurrences.

How much water does your St. Augustine Grass Need?

As a general rule of thumb your lawn should receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (Including irrigation and rain).  Oftentimes residents leave irrigation on automatic regardless of rainfall which leads to fungus, pests and disease.  If we receive more than 1.5 inches of rain in a week manually turn your irrigation off if you have established grass and plants and hand water any new plant material.

With Good Watering Habits and Our Lawn and Ornamental Pest Control Services Your Neighbors will be GREEN with Envy!!

4-Evergone is a proud member of CARG; please Email Us to schedule an appointment.

Top Ten Causes of Water Damage

No one wants to have to deal with water damage in South Florida homes. Unfortunately, Floridians know that water damage comes with the territory of humid climate and heavy rains. As a homeowner, it is understood that there are certain inevitable unforeseen costs. Things break and need repairs, time wears on various parts of the home, and so on and so forth. Water damage, however, is one of those typical house issues that no one wants to deal with. From costly repairs to the headache of restoration, avoiding water damage is of course preferable.

While some water damage is unavoidable, a lot of typical issues actually stem from situations that could have been avoided. Knowing the most common causes of water damage in a home is the best first step in prevention. If you are aware of what to look out for, you may be able to spot a potential issue before it becomes a big problem. The following are some of the most common causes of water damage in a home:

    1. Sewer lines are backed upc
    2. Pipes are leaking
    3. Windows leaking from heavy rains
    4. Toilet leaks
    5. Issues with gutters
    6. Faulty or malfunctioning appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, sinks, and washing machines
    7. Problems with HVAC
    8. Built up pressure in supply lines of washing machines
    9. Water buildup in crawl space
    10. Roof leaks

With an understanding of what commonly causes water damage in the home, a homeowner is best equipped to be on the lookout. Plus, noticing water damage early does a lot more than simply save in repair costs, it is actually good for you and your family’s health. When left untreated, water damage can quickly lay the foundation of mold growth. Not only will this add to the repair and restoration needs, but it can be damaging to the health of those who live in the home.

With this in mind, it is important to regularly check the above water damage hotspots. Knowing what to look for means being proactive in prevention and maintaining your home. As always, if you do spot water damage in your home we are here for you. Call 954-741-4321 or 954-725-6400SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City’s repair and restoration team today to learn more!

Don’t Let Water Damage Dampen Your Spirits!

Living in Florida means growing accustom to heavy rains and unpredictable hurricanes. As we make our way into the heart of the summer season, it is more important than ever for Florida property owners and renters to be aware of the threat of storms and storm damage that can result. Hurricane season is tricky in the Sunshine State, since longtime residents tend to take them less seriously than they should. Being prepared, however, is by and far the best defense against a major storm or hurricane.

Safety is the most critical thing to be mindful of when a big storm is coming. Ensuring that your home and your family are well protected and prepared with things like non-perishable food items, bottled water, first aid kit, batteries, and flashlight is paramount.

After you have made sure that your family is safe, however, it is also important to protect your home. The following are some important storm damage tips for Florida residents:

    • Check your entire home for structural damage and be as thorough as possible.
    • Take photos of any damage to your home, including your roof, both interior and exterior.
    • Contact your insurance provider, those with a homeowner’s policy or a flood insurance policy may be covered for storm damage repairs.
    • Be present during the inspection of your home with the adjuster.
    • Know the difference between a public adjuster, an insurance adjuster, and an insurance adjuster from your insurance company.
    • Add 954-741-4321, SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City’s phone number into your cell phone now. This will alleviate you searching for storm damage repair and restoration professionals information during a crisis.

Even the most prepared homeowners can be shocked at the aftermath when a storm strikes. As such, it is important to be able to trust professionals following a major storm. Call SERVPRO of East Davie/Cooper City, the storm damage specialists dedicated to providing service to our community. 

Community Association Hurricane Playbook

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Is your association ready for hurricane season? Prepare your best offense and get ready to align your defense!  The panel discussion above covered these and other areas:

  • Landscaping and property prep and clean-up
  • Insurances and credits | Do you have everything you need?
  • Claims and the claims process -Disaster recovery and potential after-effects
  • Having a plan in place for your association/facility
  • Prepping your pools and pool decks

Panelists: Adam Greenstein (ServPro),  Katherine Zaensi (Prime Claims), Lia Hartwig (Avaclear Pools) and Charles Infantino (GRC Landscaping).

Click HERE to view and download the new Hurricane Guide that was referenced by Adam Greenstein, during the discussion.