Tornado Rips Through Ocala, FL-Marion County

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Townhomes Damaged From Tornado in Ocala, FL.

On March 16, 2022 a strong tornado ripped through the city of Ocala, FL causing both residential and commercial damages. Winds destroyed roofs and toppled over trees on top of homes and commercial business in the city limits. SERVPRO of Ocala phones began to ring from many Ocala, FL. Families and business owners seeking our help. SERVPRO of Ocala, FL has been helping folks recover from all sorts of damages for over 47 years. Our resources we have to offer to the community consists of tree removal, emergency tarp over and board ups, plumbers, roofers, electricians, etc. from the years of making strong relationships with the local trades. When storms roll into Ocala, FL and bring with them damages of all shapes and sizes, SERVPRO of Ocala is there to start and finish the Cleaning, Restoration and Construction needs of both homes and business. Call SERVPRO of Ocala 352-732-6630

SERVPRO of Ocala Helps Flood Victims in Connecticut

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

When flooding happens you need immediate help

SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County sent crews to Connecticut to help with flooding when Hurricane Ida hit the state. SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County has always been there with manpower and equipment to send out on storm duty. As a proud member of the SERVPRO national storm team, our SERVPRO professionals are ready to travel and stay for months away from family to help others who have been impacted by storms. We hear stories from storm damaged states like Connecticut and the families and commercial business that tell us how much they appreciate the hard work and long hours our crews put in everyday getting their properties back to preloss condition. Storm damage like flooding and water damage needs immediate response and SERVPRO of Ocala's storm teams delivers it. 

Months Of Heavy Rain In Florida

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Heavy Rains =Flooded Florida Streets

This year 2021 has seen a tremendous amount of rainfall in Florida. In less than 5 minutes 1/2 inch of rain fell in and round Ocala, Marion County Florida. Breaking a record just in the month of February alone. SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County continues to receive calls from residential and commercial customers because of flooding, and heavy rain intrusion. Also the large amount of humidity is taking its toll in way of mold growth inside and outside of buildings. A few quicks tips on keeping all this rain water away from and outside of your homes and facilities is to make sure you have gutter systems on the buildings to deviate the water away from the structure and make sure they are are never clogged. Also stucco siding can crack over time and needs to be sealed and repainted to keep moisture from seeping in.  

Is Your Roof Damaged By Storm Driven Winds?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Missing Roof Shingles are a sure way of knowing you have storm damage from high winds

Entire Shingles Missing from the Roof
One of the easiest ways to tell that you have a wind damaged roof is the loss of entire shingles. If you find shingles in your yard or around your house, you’ll definitely want to have a professional come out and look at what else could cause you trouble. 

Cracks or Tears in a Flat, Rubber Roof
If you have a flat roof, look for missing pieces or tears in the material. Wind can lift up the material and rip it away or leave it with bubbles which hurts the integrity of the covering.

Damaged Soffit or Fascia
Like shingles, soffits and fascia keep water away from the roof, reducing the chances of getting a leak. When damaged, soffit and fascia can open your home up to water damage and stray critters snaking in. Wind can cause cracks, loose or bent areas or even blow off loose fascia entirely.

Chimneys
Is your chimney looking a little crooked? This should tip you off to a problem. Sometimes there is missing spots of lashing, which breaks the sealing around the chimney and lets in water.

Florida Lighting Capital of The U.S. in Ocala, FL.

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Florida Is Known For Lighting Strikes Which Causes Fire Damages

Here in Central Florida, SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County has responded to its share of fire damages caused by lighting strikes. Storms rumble in and out of our area all the time year after year. Beside the high winds and flooding rains, lighting strikes during storms are a large cause of fire damage. Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground. In the early stages of development, air acts as an insulator between the positive and negative charges in the cloud and between the cloud and the ground. When the opposite charges build up enough, this insulating capacity of the air breaks down and there is a rapid discharge of electricity that we know as lightning. (The actual breakdown process is still poorly understood.) The air breakdown creates ions and free electrons that travel down the conducting channel. This current flow temporarily equalizes the charged regions in the atmosphere until the opposite charges build up again.

Hurricane Elsa July 2021 and SERVPRO Ready

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Hurricane Elsa's Track

SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County is STORM READY! Customers where blowing up our phones when Hurricane Elsa was making landfall the next day. SERVPRO of Ocala professionals visited areas face to face with our clients that we determined the storm might impact to make sure our customers would feel confident that SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County was ready to roll in once the storm rolled out. This type of customer service and dedications is what keeps SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County the most preferred restoration company in central Florida. Now going into our 47th year of servicing both commercial and residential customers. Our Office staff, Production staff, Restoration staff and Storm Marketing Consultants were and always will be STORM READY whenever the need arises. 

Storm Damage in Wildwood, FL

5/6/2021 (Permalink)

A sudden storm burst with high winds and rain pushed over this tree on top of a local house in Wildwood, FL.

Storms here in Florida come in all types of sizes, shapes and force. It doesn't have to be a Hurricane to be destructive. The photo shows a large old oak tree that had fallen on the house by a sudden burst of high winds and heavy rains. This type of storm can happen anytime day or night and take a homeowner by surprise. SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County is always prepared for such unexpected damages. Through our 46 years in business we have built solid relationships with many types of trades like tree removal companies and roofers, plumbers and electricians. One call to SERVPRO and we can bring to your doorsteps all the much needed talent to help make your damage "Like it never even happened." Call 352-732-6630

Are hurricanes strengthening more rapidly?

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ocala readying their vehicles for departure to Louisiana.

Hurricane Laura blew up quickly as it approached the Louisiana coast, intensifying from a tropical storm to a hurricane in less than 24 hours. By the time it made land-fall, it was a powerful Category 4 hurricane with 150 mile-per-hour winds. Based on preliminary report from the National Hurricane Center, Laura gained 65 mile-per-hour winds in one 24 hour period.

What makes Storm Blow Up?

Just like a pastry chef needs all the ingredients to successfully make a cake, storm like Laura need favorable conditions to form and rapidly intensify.

Three dey ingredients help a hurricane intensify rapidly.

• Warm ocean waters.
• Ample moisture, or water content in the atmosphere, to maintain clouds.
• Low vertical wind shear.

Large scale changes in ocean temperature like the El Nino Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, can also have an impact on hurricane activity.

As part of the SERVPRO Storm Team, SERVPRO of Ocala is ready to respond where needed to Any Size Disaster!

Lightning Safety

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Mother natures deadly light show.

With the recent Thunderstorms that have been rolling through, we here at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County would like to remind everyone about Lightning Safety.

Outdoor Safety

• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away.
• Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
• Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
• There is no place safe outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.
• If a person is struck by lightning, call 911. Get medical help right away.

Tornadoes

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

We are here for any storm damage you may incur. 352.732.6630

Being a recent transplant to this state I was well aware of the frequency of Thunder & Lightning Storms, and also Hurricanes but I never gave Tornadoes much of a thought. I recently learned that Florida has more Tornadoes per 10,000 square miles than any other state!

In Florida Tornadoes can strike any time of the year and are most common in the summertime. Summertime tornadoes tend to be very weak and are generally rated EF-0. Many of these tornadoes are waterspouts that move on shore and fall apart. The strongest Tornadoes are most likely between February-April usually within a squall line.

Here in the Ocala area we are in a moderate risk area. Not a lot of that activity happening here, but we here at SERVPRO of Ocala would like to pass on a few safety tips just in case.

• Get In- Get in a sturdy building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
• Get Down- Get as low in the building as possible.
• Cover Up- Flying and falling debris are a storm's number on killer. Use blankets, pillows, helmets, etc to cover up and protect yourself.

SERVPRO of Ocala is ready when storms hit!

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready to handle your storm damage needs.

Here at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County we have highly trained crews and specialized equipment to help restore your property to pre-storm condition.

Being that we are locally owned and operated we can respond quickly and with the right resources we can minimize the damage to your property.

If a major storm hits Ocala and the surrounding areas we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flood. With access to a network of over 1700 franchises across the country and Canada we can access equipment and personnel in quantities to get the job done. We also have access to elite disaster recovery teams that are place strategically across the United States.

Storm or Flood damage give SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County a call at 352.732.6630

Storm Season: What we do to Prepare!

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

We are ready, give us a call at 352.732.6630

With the storm season already in full swing here in Florida I thought I would let you know what we here at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County are continuously doing to stay prepared in the event that you may experience any storm damage.

Our already highly skilled crews are involved in daily training to keep them at the top of their game.

All of our equipment is checked to make sure it is all in working order and there is no damage such as frayed cords etc.

As equipment is brought into the warehouse from completed  jobs it is cleaned per CDC guidelines for Covid-19 with EPA approved agents.

All of our vans and trailers are loaded with equipment and materials for board-ups, tarps for roofs etc.

With the possibility of Isaias rolling into town later this week or early next week you can rest assured the we here at SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County are prepared to respond quickly to any damage you may incur.

Short Storm Burst Can Damage Trees and Houses-Ocala, FL

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Trees and Homes can be Damaged After Short Storm Burst

SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County responded to calls from homeowners whose houses were damaged by a quick storm known as "Microburst" Microbursts, also called "down bursts," are a sudden downward burst of wind from the base of a thunderstorm. The air can rush towards the ground at speeds of 60 MPH before impacting the surface and spreading out in all directions. Winds at the surface can exceed 100 MPH in the strongest microbursts, often causing extensive tree and building damage. Here in Florida the ever changing weather can conjure up these microburst and sometimes reek havoc on property because of falling trees and limbs. Strong winds can also drive rain into homes causing water damages. As part of the National Storm Teams, SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County are always prepared for sue events.

Hotels in Ocala, FL. Full With Hurricane Dorian Evacuees

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

Ocala Florida was inundated by thousands of people fleeing from Hurricane Dorian when the storm turned a deadly category 5 Mandatory evacuation orders caused residents to head north on interstate I-75 and the  Florida  turn pike. SERVPRO of Ocala has been in business in Ocala Florida since 1974 and we have the years of experience and training to help families and businesses recover from major hurricanes like Dorian. Also we are part of the SERVPRO National Storm Teams and can stay in touch with our local SERVPRO franchises all across Florida including South Florida where these folks have fled from hurricane Dorian seeking shelter in our fair city of Ocala. Our local insurance professionals, property managers, commercial businesses including Hotels know that they can call on SERVPRO of Ocala any time day or night to respond quickly to get their lives back to normal after a disaster.

SERVPRO of Ocala Storm Teams Hurricane Damage

7/7/2019 (Permalink)

Homes Close to Water Suffer Hurricane Damage

Homes like the one in the photo that are very close to the water can suffer the most water intrusion. Living close to water can be both beautiful and risky. The SERVPRO of Ocala storm team encountered a good number of home like the one pictured having sustained a good amount of water intrusion from winds driving the water into the homes that are the closest to water. While the outside of the home does not show much damage the after effects of so much water getting into the home caused a great amount of material damage. When the houses sets for days because the owner can not get back in, mold growth is what takes place. Now beside water damage mold is causing further destruction. More demolition of walls, cabinets, counter tops doors, etc. now needs to be performed to start the drying and then disinfecting of the damaged areas. SERVPRO of Ocala is proud to be part of the SERVPRO national storm teams and come to the aid of folks in times like this. 

Drying, Cleaning and Sanitizing After A Hurricane in Panama City, FL.

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Drying, Air Scrubbing and Sanitizing

After a hurricane like Michael the one Florida suffered in 2018, it takes a lot of hard work, expertise and the right equipment to get a structure back to a safe and normal living environment. SERVPRO of Ocala storm teams are experienced in restoring building that have bio hazard damage due to contaminated water intrusion. Flooding due to a hurricane brings in the water that is contaminated. The water also sets and fills into porous material that soon corrodes. Mold begins to grow and soon the indoor environment becomes unhealthy. SERVPRO of Ocala crews are trained to do as much as they can after a hurricane to get the home clean enough to start the rebuilding process. The photo shows the equipment used to keep the air in a cleaning mode while the dehumidifier is drying the structure and the disinfectant is applied. This is just one small area of the home that is seen in the photo that is being treated. Imagine how much work equipment and sanitizing efforts are needed to complete the entire square footage of this Florida home.  

Hurricane Preparedness Tips from SERVPRO of Ocala in Ocala, Florida

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Season in Ocala, Florida- Are You Ready?

***Contact anyone you know outside the area of the Hurricane before and after the storm***

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days) Fill up bathtubs
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery or Crank Type operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener -Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Coolers and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation (When to leave-How to leave-Where to go)

Securing Your Home

•    Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
• Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
• Reinforce your garage doors? (See if you have a Wind Load sticker on your Garage Doors)
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.

Power Outages

• Gas: Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm.
• ATMS: Have extra cash on hand in the event no ATMS in your area are accessible or working.
• Cell Phones: Charge your cell phone and limit use after power is out.
• A/C: This can be the most uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm. Try to prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering up your windows on the inside.
• Food: Turn your fridge temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water that can be frozen if you expect a power outage.

Treating Mold After Hurricane Storm Damage

6/26/2019 (Permalink)

Treated Home For Mold After Hurricane Damage

This home in Panama City, FL suffered severe hurricane water damage during Hurricane Michael in 2018. After the stormed passed the home sat for weeks water logged. SERVPRO of Ocala was one of many, many SERVPRO storm teams in Panama City FL. helping hurricane victims recover. Our crew was welcomed by the residents and knew it would be a complete rebuild of the home. All the drywall had to be removed. After SERVPRO of Ocala storm team removed all the contents they begin the drying of the structure. Then the disinfecting happens. SERVPRO of Ocala will be treating the structure to clean mold and mildew. SERVPRO of Ocala crew's goal is to work hard to clean dry and sanitize the home so the residents can feel positive about rebuilding. The photo shows this one area of the entire house that has been treated with mold remover and prevention of mold. Although the home had to be gutted, the homeowners were very thankful of our SERVPRO of Ocala crews and all their hard work. 

Hurricane Storm Damage-Panama City, FL

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

After Effects of a Hurricane

The SERVPRO of Ocala crew helped out this Panama City Florida homeowner by removing all the contents and placing them in a storage unit in the driveway. However as with most storm, flooding damages the drywall, insulation and all wet material had to be removed as well. The crew then treated the house with antimicrobial, disinfectant to sanitize. Then drying equipment was placed. The crew came back every day to monitor their progress in drying the structure. The homeowners were very grateful our team of SERVPRO storm professionals where there to help and we are happy to start the rebuilding process for the families that suffered storm damage.

SERVPRO of Ocala Storm Team-Panama City, FL.

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Helping Another Hurricane Damaged Home

Up and down many Panama City Florida neighborhoods the SERVPRO of Ocala storm teams found home after home that suffered hurricane storm damage of some type. This home had roof damage that caused the strong winds to drive in the rain in one side of the house. As a result wet damaged material had to be removed so drying equipment could be placed. Along with that disinfectant was applied to prevent mold and kill bacteria. There is always many types and sizes of damage due to a strong storm like this hurricane. The SERVPRO of Ocala storm team has years of experience helping families recover from such a damage.  

Hurricane Preparedness Seminar

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mike Webb-SERVPRO of Ocala Marketing Mgt./Consultant

The Atlantic Hurricane season begins on June 1-November 30 and many communities are informing their homeowners and businesses on how to prepare for a possible storm. This year as in the past, Mike Webb, SERVPRO of Ocala Marketing Manager and Consultant has been invited to share with many interested groups SERVPRO of Ocala's advise on tips to get ready for this season's storms. Mike has teamed up with local Insurance Agencies, Community Association Managers, Property Managers and Real Estate Professionals to host Hurricane Preparedness Seminars in the hopes of helping to keep life and property safe from harm.

Tree Damage from Local Storm

2/18/2019 (Permalink)

Local Storm Causes Damage

When a local violent storm passed through Marion county Florida, many homes were damaged including this one in the photo. The local homeowner called SERVPRO of Ocala to respond. we did with recommending trusted tree removal services. Then we tarped over the roof until permanent roof repair could be done. Next we took care of the water intrusion from the wind and rain. Finely after completely drying and sanitizing the home, we begin the rebuilding services. The homeowner was very happy and surprised how quickly SERVPRO of Ocala was able to bring all these services to the aid of the homeowner. Many of our clients know that one call to SERVPRO of Ocala can result in us taking the lead and making sure the resident or commercial customer gets all the services that need.

College Gymnasium Damaged by Storm

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

Large Desiccant Dehumidifier in use by SERVPRO of Ocala

SERVPRO of Ocala responded to a large storm damage when water poured in through the roof of this college gym. This size and type of water damage called for a trailer mounted Desiccant Dehumidifier.

Desiccants are commonly used to dry dense materials (hardwood floors, plaster and lath walls, etc.) due to the large vapor pressure differentials they can create between the surface and the air. Desiccants excel at large loss drying, because they can be made in virtually any size.

 Large desiccants are often self-contained dehumidification systems, utilizing onboard generators and running on propane or diesel fuel.( as shown in photo) When large catastrophic events occur, such as hurricanes, large desiccants can provide a means of dehumidification when little or no power is available.

Hurricane Storm Season-2019

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ocala is ready, Are You?

 Your friendly Professional Team at  SERVPRO of Ocala Florida is well aware of this time of year when everyone has their eyes on the tropics and the possibilities of Storms and Hurricanes. Last year Hurricane Michael devastated Florida with residential and commercial property damages. Our SERVPRO of Ocala storm teams where in Panama City Florida for months helping families start the recovery process. Even still in June, 2019 we are seeing the after effects brought on by the wind and water causing Mold. Be ready for any storm or hurricane by having SERVPRO of Ocala 24/7 emergency number at hand to call and get the trucks rolling out to your property. Call 352-732-6630 and be connected with a live professional SERVPRO of Ocala consultant ready to help!

When Storms or Floods hit Ocala, SERVPRO is ready!

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Hurricane's Elsa's Track

SERVPRO of Ocala and SERVPRO of South Marion County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

 Storm Trackers:

SERVPRO of Ocala always monitors approaching storms and hurricanes like Hurricane Elsa. This means we are ready and able to Respond Quick after the storm rolls out.

Faster Response:

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

If and When storms hit Ocala Florida, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Ocala and South Marion County              (352)732-6630

SERVPRO of Ocala Strom Crew Leaves for Tennessee

1/16/2018 (Permalink)

Homes in Tennessee Frozen

Once again SERVPRO of Ocala has been asked to help out our SERVPRO Storm Teams in and around the great state of Tennessee. The winter ice came so fast that temperatures fell from 64 to 23 in One day!The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency declared a state of emergency and law enforcement at every level urged people to stay off the roads and hunker down at home. Most schools and organizations were closed for the day, but law enforcement across the region said they still faced a high volume of wrecks. Our SERVPRO of Ocala Crews has so far helped over 10 Families and 1 Hotel get beck on their feet. We are very proud of our crews as they leave behind family and Ocala needs to look after others.

SERVPRO of Ocala helps Crystal River after flooding

9/12/2016 (Permalink)

Flooding and wind damage in Crystal River Florida. September 2016

This photos show just a portion of the aftermath of Hurricane Hermine. SERVPRO of Ocala has been in the area helping residence since Friday September 2nd 2016 Local insurance agents and adjusters have been in contact with SERVPRO of Ocala asking for our help to get homes and commercial building restored. Many local Crystal River residents have used SERVPRO fo Ocala over the years and many have heard of our Franchise because we have been in the area for over 40 years! Our crews have been working day and night because of the horrific damage caused by the rain and storm surge. One local large retreat and dive shop was almost completely shut down but our crews responded so fast with temp. walls and drying EQ that they did not have to cancel reservations nor close the restaurant.

SERVPRO of Ocala Storm Team

8/19/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ocala crews loading trucks to help Louisiana flood victims.

Crews from SERVPRO of Ocala load trucks getting ready to leave out today to offer help to the homes and businesses flooded in Louisiana.....Approximately 280,000 people live in the areas that flooded, according to an analysis the chamber released Friday. In those flood-affected areas are 110,000 homes worth a combined $20.7 million and more than 7,000 businesses — about one in every five businesses in the region — that together employ more than 73,000 people. Our local Ocala teams are trained and approved to handle major storm, flood, fire and wind damage all over the USA. SERVPRO of Ocala is proud to be part of the SERVPRO storm team and glad we could send out our teams to help all the families and commercial get back up and running.