Navigating Storm Hazards: Florida's Spring and Summer Weather Challenges

4/29/2024 (Permalink)

As the Sunshine State gears up for spring and summer, Floridians know all too well the unique challenges that come with the changing seasons. While the warm weather and outdoor activities beckon, SERVPRO® of Central Brevard wants to remind you that it’s crucial to be aware of the storm hazards that accompany this time of year. From thunderstorms to hurricanes, Florida's weather can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and prepared:

1. Thunderstorms: Florida experiences frequent thunderstorms during the spring and summer months. These storms can bring intense lightning, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. With the potential for lightning strikes and localized flooding, it’s essential to have a plan in place and to seek shelter indoors when thunderstorms approach.

2. Hurricanes: Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, and these powerful tropical storms can wreak havoc when they make landfall. Spring and summer mark the beginning of hurricane season in Florida, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. It’s crucial for residents to have a hurricane preparedness plan, including stocking up on supplies, securing property, and knowing evacuation routes.

3. Flooding: Florida’s low-lying terrain and extensive coastline make it particularly susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall or storm surges. Even a brief period of intense rain can lead to flash flooding in certain areas. Homeowners should take proactive measures to protect their property, such as installing flood barriers and ensuring proper drainage around their homes.

4. High Temperatures: With its subtropical climate, Florida experiences hot and humid summers. Heatwaves can be especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children. It’s important to stay hydrated, seek shade or air conditioning when possible, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.

5. Tornadoes: While not as common as in the Midwest, tornadoes can and do occur in Florida, particularly during severe thunderstorms or hurricanes. Residents should be familiar with tornado safety procedures, including seeking shelter in a sturdy building or interior room away from windows.

In conclusion, spring and summer in Florida bring a mix of sunshine and storm hazards. By staying informed, having a plan in place, and taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your property, you can weather the storms safely. Remember, preparation is key when it comes to navigating Florida’s ever-changing weather patterns. Stay safe, stay informed, and be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings your way.

What Are the Most Common Types of Storm Damage?

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

Storm damage can occur in a variety of ways including flooding, wind damage, and even fire. Flooding rains can extensive amounts of damage to your home, lightning strikes can cause fires, and high winds can cause a number of structural issues .

But which is the greatest risk to your home and homes around the country?

The risk for each of these depends on the areas in which you live. If you live in low-lying areas or coastal areas prone to tropical systems, flood damage is going to be the mostly likely cause for concern. Inland areas, particularly in Texas and across the mid-west are most susceptible to wind damage from tornadoes. Fire damage from lightning strikes can occur anywhere at any time.

The Most Common Type of Storm Damage

Annually, flooding is the most common and extensive form of storm damage that occurs in the United States. Even during high wind events like tropical storms or hurricanes, the majority of the damage comes from the flooding rains from the storms and not the destructive winds.

Every year, insurance companies pay out more than a billion dollars to repair flood damage in the U.S.–and that number is only rising as property values increase and the number of homes in high risk coastal areas rise.

The amount spent on flood damage could continue to rise significantly in the future–especially if sea levels rise as predicted. If sea level rise occurs, thousands of homes in the United States will be at risk and potentially hundreds of billions of dollars will have to be spent to mitigate that damage.

Damage from flooding rains can penetrate every part of your home of business structure, requiring the gutting and replacement of much of the structural components inside, including walls, floors, ceilings, and more.

Call our professionals at SERVPRO of Central Brevard, when disaster strikes. (321) 638-4947

Flood Damage is a Serious Hazard in Merritt Island Homes

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Has your home been affected by recent flooding? Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 with water removal and remediation equipment to handle the task.

Stay Away From Black Water When Contending with Flood Damage in Merritt Island

One of the most dangerous threats from flood damage in Merritt Island comes from black water flooding. While all floods have the potential to cause harm to you and your household, you should be particularly cautious around any flood involving black water. We use the term black water to describe any floodwaters that are so murky and filled with contaminants that you cannot see more than a little bit into them. This post should help you to understand some of the dangers associated with this type of flooding and why you should let experienced SERVPRO technicians handle any work that involves navigating through these waters.

Contaminants in the Water

While we could spend an entire article talking about the many different things that can contaminate black water, instead, you should understand that these waters are one of the least predictable parts of the flood damage restoration process in Merritt Island, even for our most experienced crews. There is no telling what could lurk in those waters, and some, such as mold and other microorganisms, can cause health effects. Staying out of the water is the only surefire way to make sure that none of its contaminants reach you.

Debris and Sharp Edges

Some of the objects and debris contained within the murky depths of black water floods can have sharp edges that can cut through skin and fabric alike. Heavy duty work boots and gloves are the only way to prevent jagged metal, glass, and ceramics from piercing through the skin and potentially creating an open wound exposed to the filthy waters around you.

Trip and Fall Hazards

Wading through black water is dangerous even with protective clothing on because there may be a high risk of tripping over unseen objects and slippery surfaces, plunging you down into the water. Less than an inch of water can still pose a drowning hazard, and even if you can get back up, you never want black water near your eyes, nose, or mouth. To stay safe, let SERVPRO navigate these waters for you.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard can help you to deal with flood damage in your home whenever and wherever it may strike. Call us as soon as possible after a disaster at (321) 638-4947.

Managing Damaging Floodwater in Cocoa Attic Spaces

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

Attic flooding needs to be quickly investigated and the cause fixed. Contact SERVPRO to assess and remediate the damage. We are standing by 24/7.

Storms Cause Flood Damage in Cocoa Homes That Must Be Managed Quickly

Our community is no stranger to storm damage events resulting in flooding. Because this intruding water is always possible after torrential rainfalls, high winds, or hail, the roof can become ruined to the point of requiring repairs.

Roof Damage

One of the first steps in managing attic flood damage of Cocoa homes is to determine the extent of the impact to the roof. Vulnerabilities in the exterior of your home can allow continual water penetration under the right conditions, so board-up and tarping are important first steps when the team arrives. Through our general contractor license, we are also capable of completing build-back services like repairing the roof during this phase of restoration.

Attic System Degradation

An alarming issue with flooding in the attic is how quickly these materials can erode and deteriorate. In many cases, homeowners do not have this space finished for extra living areas, so exposed beams and materials like insulation could quickly be damaged by intruding water. Oversaturated structural elements can take longer to dry or might require replacement altogether.

Drying Up Floodwater

Early actions for the home after attic flooding is working to remove the water damage in this area. Clearing out trapped moisture can prevent degradation of the building materials. There are several tools involved in the recovery and drying of this confined space, including:

• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers
• Portable heaters
• Negative pressure machines
• Drying mats

Repairing the Damage

Another advantage to choosing our experienced team to help is our ability to manage repairs and reconstruction a property might require after flooding. The attic can become heavily damaged by prolonged exposure to floodwater, especially when this moisture migrates to the lower levels through the ceiling assemblies. We can remove ruined materials and replace them quickly to finish a job.

Storm damage and flood recovery are common threats to area homes, making the swift response of our SERVPRO of Central Brevard crucial. Give us a call now at (321) 638-4947.

The Necessary Cleaning Processes After Flood Damage in Your Cape Canaveral Home

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Don't delay once you realize there is storm damage, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard.

SERVPRO Enhances the Essential Role of Cleaning in Managing Flood Damage

Flooding outcomes vary greatly, so the response mounted should be adapted to counter the cleaning is one of the standard restoration procedures whether your Cape Canaveral property is affected by a major or minor incident. Cleaning takes different actions to be effective against all the problems caused by flooding. 

When properly done, cleaning can take care of more than just the soiling left after flood damage ravages your Cape Canaveral home. For instance, timely cleaning can minimize the physical deterioration of materials, thus saving you the cost of replacing or repairing them. It is easier to get such results from cleaning when working with a better-equipped team like SERVPRO.

The Four Common Actions You Have to Complete During Cleaning Include:

• Removing all the water
• Cleaning soils and residues
• Decontamination
• Deodorization

Removing water from the house is essential, otherwise cleaning would not bear fruit. In many cases, the flood water recedes on its own, leaving few areas of the house submerged. However, you cannot simply assume that all the water is gone because you do not see any pools on the floors. Our SERVPRO technicians inspect basements and wall cavities for signs of trapped moisture. We have portable extractors with storage tanks, so it is easy to remove distributed patches of water. 

Floodwaters are heavily contaminated and therefore contaminate most of the materials in the house. Some materials are easy to decontaminate through thorough cleaning and application of biocides. All sections of wood framing, including floor joists, studs, and ceiling rafters, are restorable, provided sufficient cleaning and decontamination is used. Our SERVPRO technicians spray broad-spectrum disinfectants on such surfaces before cleaning with detergents and physical agitation.

Unusual smells are common in a property after flooding. They can be caused by the soils deposited in the property or microbial growth processes. One common method of managing odors is using water-based odor counteractants that easily mix with cleaning solutions. 

SERVPRO of Central Brevard considers every flood damage restoration procedure crucial, thus dedicating enough resources to resolve it. Call us at (321) 638-4947. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

The Different Ways Flood Damage Physically Affects Cocoa Properties

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

If flood waters wreak havoc on your property call the professionals at SERVPRO of Central Brevard.

SERVPRO Provides All the Resources Necessary for Flood Restoration in Cocoa Properties

The flood damage left in your property can be categorized differently depending on how it develops. Some changes emanate from physical forces, while chemical processes trigger others. You can anticipate damages if you understand these issues.

Apart from anticipating the level of flood damage at your Cocoa property, understanding how different forms of destruction develop can ease the restoration or allow you to take preventive actions. The advanced training and experience that SERVPRO technicians have, help us readily identify problems.

The Damages You Have to Address After Flooding Emanate From:

• Changes like swelling of materials
• Contamination
• Moisture and soils trapped in concealed areas 

Since flooding is mainly a water problem, most of the damage is caused by moisture. Porous materials like wood tend to expand when they absorb water and contract when they lose the water. Unfortunately, these changes do not happen uniformly, so after flooding, you might end up with buckling hardwood floors or warping structural supports necessitating expensive rebuilds. Even when the changes in materials are minor, they are still inconvenient. For instance, you might notice subtle signs such as stuck windows or doors after a flooding incident.

Floodwaters are laced with many things, including chemicals and biological compounds. Such compounds settle on materials inside your house like carpets, insulation, and drywall, making them harmful even after extracting the water. Such contamination necessitates the teardown of materials even when they are structurally sound. Demolition is also necessary when water is trapped in concealed areas. One of the advantages of hiring SERVPRO to manage flooding is that we use controlled demolition approaches to remove contaminated materials or reach soils and water in cavities.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard cleans up and repairs properties, eliminating the effects of flood damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (321) 638-4947 when you need assistance.

Cocoa Beach's Flood Damage Professionals Explain Structural Drying

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storm flooding can quickly cause water damage. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

SERVPRO Technicians Have Drying Out Your Home After Flooding Down to a Science

Central Florida does not see as many hurricanes as other areas in Florida. However, it is still possible that a storm hits near Cocoa. Thunderstorms bring about many conditions that are possibly dangerous to your house. Flooding and broken windows due to high-speed winds many times are the sources of water damage inside your home.

The interiors of most buildings are not made to withhold excessive moisture. SERVPRO's flood damage technicians near Cocoa know that moisture needs to be 100% removed from your home within 48 hours. If moisture still exists more than two days after the storm, mold likely develops.

Since the presence of a fungus can cause health effects to certain people, our SERVPRO restoration crew takes all measures necessary to return moisture levels to what they were before the storm attacked your property. After the source of the moisture gets fixed so that water is no longer flowing inside the structure, we start extracting everything in the home that got wet. We use specialized tools that are designed to extract water from different types of materials, such as carpets or upholstery.

After our extraction equipment is unable to pull out more water, we begin the drying process. During drying, we test materials inside the affected area and materials that did not get affected. We then attempt to speed up the evaporation process so that the moisture levels in the wet contents are the same as the levels found in materials in unaffected regions.

To accomplish prompt structural drying, we set up a combination of air moving and dehumidification equipment. We align the air movers in a circular pattern so that they push air in a counterclockwise direction so that the dry air hits wet walls at a 45-degree angle. The dehumidifiers then pull out moisture from the air and exhaust warm, dry air to get used by the air movers.

Every drying situation requires different variations of air mover and dehumidifier setups. If you ever need to dry out your house after a storm hits, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 24/7.

When A Flood Causes Damage To Your Cocoa Home Call Our Experts

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

When storms occur, flooding can quickly result. Contact our certified SERVPRO team for effective flood damage remediation services.

Living Adjacent To The Atlantic Ocean Can Lead To Flood Damage Inside Your Cocoa Home

Intense storms can brew on the waves of the Atlantic ocean and cause flood damage to homes along the shore. Heavy rains and winds can lead to rushing waters in the streets and debris riding in the currents. Tree branches, rocks, stop signs, and other large objects can shatter a window and allow thousands of gallons of water into your home. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened in the case of your small home.

Storm Flood Damage 

When your Cocoa home suffers flood damage, it is essential for you to get help as swiftly as possible. The quicker the standing water is cleaned up, the less likely it is for the formation of mold damage to happen. Fortunately, there is help close at hand that can rush to your home.

While you wait for SERVPRO to arrive, you might wonder what you can do for your home to mitigate damage in the meantime. However, it is unwise to try and do any water removal on your own, as you do not know the state of the water that entered your home. Blackwater contains harmful substances such as bio-waste, chemicals, and even fuel. When it comes to flood water, it is always wise to stay away and let the professionals determine what needs to be done.

As SERVPRO arrives at your home, we can immediately begin to set up water removal equipment. With the sheer amount of water in your home, we can use a combination of portable submersible pumps and truck-mounted wet/dry vacuums and extractors. Once the water is removed, SERVPRO can determine where any flood cuts need to be made to the drywall and if any floors need to be removed. Afterward, our water restoration techs can focus on using drying equipment to return the structure of your home to an appropriate level of dryness.

Once your home has been dried, a rebuild can happen. The rebuild can be done by a contractor that we can help you find. Afterward, your home can be returned to its pre-flooded state.

When a storm causes flood damage inside of your home, get help immediately. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Central Brevard by calling (321) 638-4947. We're always open and ready to help.

Flood Damage Experts Nearby to Cape Canaveral

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Are you equipped to safely remove flood water? SERVPRO is! We are always available to dry and restore your home.

Stormwater Extraction is a Cornerstone of SERVPRO Water Cleanup and Restoration Services

Being close to the ocean makes Cape Canaveral susceptible to flooding. High-speed winds and excessive rain often cause damage to your home or condo. If water levels outside get deep, then the rainwater possibly leaks into your house from the bottom of door seals.

High-speed winds sometimes blow branches or other objects into windows or the exterior walls, causing a hole for water that allows moisture from the rain to enter your building. SERVPRO's flood damage technicians in Cape Canaveral have experience with mitigating water damages of all kinds. Rainwater sometimes presents challenges due to water contamination.

Often water coming from the outside has high contamination levels. Contaminated water can cause foul odors to exist inside a structure. In any water damage situation that does not involve clean water, our SERVPRO experts may test the water to figure out how contaminated it is. If the levels are high, soaked, porous materials inside the home may need replacing.

If the contamination levels are low, it is sometimes possible to mitigate the problem with extraction and drying. Many times we save your insurance company money (and you) by preventing costly replacement of building materials or contents. During the extraction process, we use specialized equipment to pull moisture out of your house.

After water gets extracted from any carpet, upholstery, or hardwood floor, we begin the drying step. Our goal is to create the ideal environment during a dry-out project to speed up the evaporation process. We start by taking moisture levels, temperature, and humidity readings using specialized instruments.

We then set up air movers and dehumidifiers that accelerate evaporation by circulating the area with warm, dry air. Sometimes other more specialized drying equipment or techniques get used for drying out specific building materials. For example, sometimes, we use injection drying equipment that pumps air into wall cavities drying out the wall's studs. This unique equipment, the Injectimatic, is on our trucks, ready for use when needed.

Sometimes water coming inside a structure from the outside causes damage to the building's HVAC system. Usually, the HVAC ventilation system is located in the attic or crawlspace and is difficult to access. If the vents are stainless steel, it is possible to dry and clean them. If the vents contain fiberglass insulation, the insulation gets pulled out and replaced.

If the ventilation system does not get cleaned, a mildew or mold smell may develop inside the house. For professional help with water damage in your home after a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 for help 24/7.

Does SERVPRO Provide Flood Damage Repairs to Cocoa Homes and Businesses?

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding threatens Florida homes year round. SERVPRO is equipped to extract the water from your home.

SERVPRO is Well Equipped to Respond to Flood Damage to Cocoa Residents and Business Owners

Our city of Cocoa is hit with many storms and heavy rainfall, causing sudden flooding and damage many times throughout the year. When windy conditions are present, damage to windows, the roof, and siding causes rain and floodwaters to penetrate buildings damaging the contents and the structure.

SERVPRO provides flood damage clean-up and repairs to residents and business owners in Cocoa. We maintain a large inventory of equipment to enable our teams to respond to major events affecting residents of our city. We can also call on neighboring SERVPRO franchises if needed to mobilize additional resources.

We respond to flood events in less than four hours on a 24/7 basis. We can mobilize eleven trucks with equipment to remove the water inside your home or business. We have over 200 air movers and 50 dehumidifiers to remove moisture and dry your home or business. Not only are our teams ready to mobilize at a moment's notice, but we have also rehearsed and prepared for the disasters caused by storms and extensive flooding.

SERVPRO provides storm damage services to our city, including:

• Water removal services
• Storm water damage restoration
• Board up services for leaking roof from storms

Call SERVPRO of Central Brevard for flood damage and emergency services from water damage in Cocoa and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (321) 638-4947.

Merritt Island Residents Turn to SERVPRO for Flood Damage Restoration of Their Properties After a Storm

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

The Green Fleet means relief for Merritt Island homeowers and storm damage mitigation for their properties

How Can SERVPRO Assist Merritt Island Residents in Water Damage Restoration of Their Homes after a flood?

Located on the eastern Floridian coast, Merritt Island is one of the unique cities of Florida. First, it is not an ‘Island’ in the geographical sense, but a Peninsula! The city has a heavily residential area on one hand and a Wildlife Refuge on the other. The northern part of the island is still quite underdeveloped, with few places remaining as cattle pastures.

Merritt Island is perhaps best known as being the home to John F. Kennedy Space Center. Although space shuttles are no longer being launched from here, it still pulls in many visitors every year. The island also has one of the country's largest National Wildlife Refuge with an area of 140,000 acres. The Refuge has over 350 species of birds alone and some endangered species of animals such as Sea turtles and Indigo Snakes.

There is a lot on offer for visitors to do and see on Merritt Island. Some of the most visited sites in the area include:

• John F. Kennedy Space Center: A visit to the Center is nothing short of awe-inspiring. There is a lot to see here. From the US Astronaut Hall of Fame to the Rocket Garden, every exhibit is mesmerizing. The Center also offers a bus tour to visit the launch facilities of some of the country's first space flights.
• Black Point Wildlife Drive: A 7-mile self-guided drive is one of the best places to see the National Wildlife Refuge wildlife. The trail has 12 stop points on the way where you can spot some of the rarest birds in the world. Apart from birds, you can see alligators, otters, bobcats, and other animals too. The drive takes about 40 minutes.
• Klondike Beach: It's one of the most pristine beaches in Florida. There are no roads, and it is accessible only by bike or on foot.

Do Merritt Island Homes Always Require Professional Water Cleanup Services After a Storm?

A storm can wreak havoc on your Merritt Island home. The one thing that you don’t want to do after a storm is to neglect the damage or try and start the restoration process yourself. Rely on professional water removal services for a proper assessment and mitigation. Water cleanup and storm damage mitigation services are our expertise at SERVPRO of Merritt Island.

Our professionals work tirelessly to ensure that the water damage does not progress into any significant issues. We achieve this goal by focusing on the following as soon as our experts arrive at your Merritt Island property.

 SERVPRO follows a protocol to maximize efforts

• Extracting water due to leaking roof from storms
• Using state-of-the-art equipment such as hygrometers and thermal cameras to monitor moisture content during the water cleanup process
• Isolating the damaged areas to prevent any collateral damage
• We also offer move-out services to protect your belongings and speed up the restoration process

Call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 for reliable water cleanup and restoration service for your Merritt Island home.

Is Flood Damage Likely for Cape Canaveral Homes?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storm damage gets overwhelming, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard for assistance.

Our flood restoration team can help clean up Cape Canaveral properties after a disaster.

Flood damage can be an unfortunate reality for many homes during the rainy seasons along coastal Florida. With many Brevard County regions being lower-lying and saturated, flooding can be an inevitability after steady, heavy rainfall. Initial water removal services can help reduce the severity of flood damage, which includes the use of:

• Wet vacuums
• Submersible pumps
• Truck-mount extractors

What Preliminary Cleaning Benefits Cape Canaveral Homes? 

Muck-out cleaning removes debris, mud, silt, and other organic matter in your Cape Canaveral home. This debris and matter can be a hazard to those exposed and hide underlying structural concerns that must get repaired. Our responding technicians can shovel out muck and mud to evaluate the underlying building materials for further repairs and reconstruction as necessary.

Flood damage can leave contaminants and pathogenic threats to overcome with standing water and moisture concerns. Our SERVPRO of Central Brevard team is experienced in managing these conditions and preventing more significant loss. Call us today at (321) 638-4947.

What Happens After Storm Flooding in Cape Canaveral?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has it all-Big and Small Dehumidifiers to Mitigate Flooding Damage in Cape Canaveral

Restore Flood Damage to Area Homes with SERVPRO

Storm flooding is common in local neighborhoods. Reducing and eliminating the effects requires a rapid response.

SERVPRO specialists restore Cape Canaveral homes after flood damage with the latest equipment and training. Our goal is to quickly return each residence to its pre-flood condition.

What Steps Do SERVPRO Teams Take for Restoration?

• Extract Water and Remove Bulk Material – Technicians use commercial grade extractors to remove water as specialists dispose of everything too damaged for restoration.
• Provide Humidity Control – Teams set up dehumidifiers to lower the air moisture content for a comfortable environment and to increase the natural evaporation rate and fans to increase air circulation.
• Demolish Unsalvageable Materials – As they remove water, teams discover more property that cannot be restored. They carefully dispose of the soaked items to support humidity control.
• Clean Salvageable Materials – After removing the water, technicians use air movers and set up fans to dry items and then use antifungal cleaners to remove any soil or other contaminants left by the floodwater.

After a storm, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 for quick and thorough flood damage removal.

Merritt Island: An Area Rich in Old and Modern Legacies

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

It's rocket science! SERVPRO is your trusted choice for storm damage remediation.

Part of Merritt Island's Charm is its Unique Heritage

The story of Merritt Island is long and extends back into prehistory.  The first inhabitants of the area were likely American Indian tribes that primarily survived by small game hunting, fishing, and foraging.  These hunter-gatherers solely enjoyed the local environment until the Spanish arrived in Florida in 1513.  Through the progressing years, the Native American population waned as their Spanish interactions increased via shipwrecks, trade, and colonial settlement.  The end of the colonial years that followed transformed the region into one based on plantation agriculture dedicated to sugarcane, pineapple, and orange production.  In more recent years, the Merritt Island area has developed into a mecca for sun worshippers, retirees, and astronautical innovators.        

Merritt Island's Prehistory

Although not conclusively proven, the Merritt Island environs were, perhaps, first used by Paleo-Indians as far back as 12,000 years ago.  These early natives likely lived alongside and hunted massive beasts like:

• Bison
• Camels
• Giant armadillos
• Mammoths
• Mastodons

Also, there is even evidence to suggest that the extinction of these animals was at least partially due to the vigorous hunting efforts of Native Americans.  These early Central Florida residents' presence is made apparent by their hunting efforts and the various burial mounds, weapons, pottery, and other artifacts they left behind throughout the area.

Over the period between 10,000 and 2,000 B.C., the region that eventually became known as the "Space Coast" drastically changed due to overhunting, glacial melt, and the resulting rising sea levels.  Native hunting habits were also modified as mass extinctions of various animal species occurred.  Simultaneously, sea levels rose and created the barrier islands and lagoons present today.  Eventually, the different Native American groups occupying the Merritt Island area consolidated and formed what later became known as the Ais tribe.

Europeans Enter the Picture

Until 1513, the Ais controlled much of the peninsula on which present-day Merritt Island is situated.  In this fateful year, near Cape Canaveral, the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon first made contact with the local Indians.  Later, in 1605, adventurer Alvaro Mexia surveyed and mapped land on the peninsula given by the King of Spain to a nobleman named "Merritt." In the following decades, the Ais and other local tribes living on and around this land grant were decimated by several hardships, including:

• Diseases brought by European settlers
• Famine and malnutrition
• Increased conflict with Spanish explorers and settlers
• Warfare between the English and their Indian allies

These troubles took a toll on the Natives of Merritt Island and the rest of Florida. By the 1700s, few of these original inhabitants remained.

Period of Colonial Rule

Excepting the brief twenty-year period between 1763 and 1783, Florida remained in Spanish hands from 1513 until 1821.  Established in 1565 by the Spanish, St. Augustine became the first permanent European settlement in North America.  It was located a mere hundred miles to the north of Merritt Island.  On the peninsula itself, at least one major agricultural enterprise took shape.  The settling occurred between 1767 and 1779 when London merchant William Elliott established his sugar plantation, mill, and rum distillery in the northern part of the peninsula during the British rule.

The Birth of the Indian River Citrus Industry

A second significant agricultural endeavor occurred in the early 1800s, just after Florida officially became part of the United States in 1821.  In the late 1820s, the farming innovator Douglas Dummitt experimented with some native citrus groves on Merritt Island and planted additional ones.  Dummitt eventually developed new grafting techniques that enabled him to grow sweet orange varieties better.  He shipped his first fruit from the region in 1828. From that point on, his business developed into a robust enterprise.  His operation survived both freezes and the Second Seminole War.  Dummitt was so instrumental in developing and preserving the region's citrus-growing heritage that he has been called the "Father of the Indian River Citrus Industry."    

Modern Merritt Island   

Numerous internal improvements have enhanced modern Merritt Island.  Over the past few decades, its communities have been defined by their proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  Additionally, current residents have benefitted from the following nearby recreational resources:

• Cocoa Beach
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Merritt Square Mall
• The Savannahs Golf Course
• Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

However, while there are numerous benefits to living in our area, there are also some risks. SERVPRO of Central Brevard would like to remind you of the potential for hurricane-related flooding.  Also, know that we are always here to help you overcome flood damage.  Call us anytime at (321) 638-4947.

How Does SERVPRO Remediate Flood Damage?

Unlike clean water-related issues, flood damage is much more challenging to clean up.  It, therefore, takes professional expertise and specialized gear to properly remediate.  At SERVPRO, our technicians employ the following techniques and equipment to return your residence to its pre-flood state effectively:

• Rapid floodwater removal with high-powered extractors and wet vacs
• Professional clean up and disposal of hazardous wastes using EPA-approved methods
• Using cutting edge air movers, dehumidifiers, and Injectidry systems to thoroughly dry out the surfaces and air of your home's interior
• Employing technologically advanced foggers to treat impacted surfaces with EPA-approved disinfectants and antifungals
• Neutralizing foul floodwater-related odors with powerful deodorants

SERVPRO's highly skilled professionals work to clean and restore your home using these time-tested and systematic ways.  Using only the industry's most advanced equipment available today, we can often remediate flood damage more quickly and effectively than most other local services.  In the long run, all this serves to save you both time and money.

So, if one of coastal Florida's notoriously powerful storms ever affect you, remember that SERVPRO of Central Brevard is always here to help.  Call us anytime at (321) 638-4947 for flood damage cleanup and repair.

See our listing in the Florida Property Management Association

What Timelines Should We Prepare For After Flood Damage Affects Our Cape Canaveral Home?

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

We can also help take steps that help speed up the process.

SERVPRO Helps Homeowners Affected by Storms Understand the Implications of Various Damages Thus Reducing Frustrations

Timelines can be a thorny issue in the aftermath of a flooding incident at your Cape Canaveral home. While you may want your home clean and fully restored as fast as possible, various obstacles can develop interfering with your intended goals. One way to manage the situation is having the knowledge of the expected timelines for completing different restoration tasks.

What typical aspects of flood damage restoration in Cape Canaveral consume significant time?
    •    Full evaluation of the damage
    •    Preparing the loss site for restoration
    •    Performing the restoration processes
    •    Finalizing the restoration

Since most aspects of Cape Canaveral flood damage such as wet materials and soiled areas are readily identifiable, your recovery plans might not factor in the time necessary for a full evaluation of the property, yet it is a crucial process that helps reveal the full extent of the damage. For instance, noticing pools of water on the floors does not reveal how far the moisture migrates into the floor cavity or the percentage of materials affected by contamination beyond restorable levels.

Although it may seem to be a waste of time doing evaluations rather than embarking on immediate restoration, taking such a step eliminates the possibility of surprises cropping up later on in the process. Evaluation can also help reveal opportunities that you might otherwise miss. Our SERVPRO technicians can help speed up the evaluation by using various specialized equipment for simplicity. For instance:
    •    Thermal cameras reveal wetness in floor or wall cavities without demolition
    •    We use penetrative and non-penetrative moisture meters to get the actual level of saturation
    •    Luminometers help reveal contaminated surfaces

What sort of preparation does a flood-damaged property require?
You may expect that after evaluating the damage, renovation processes start immediately. However, doing so without taking some time to prepare the loss site might not be the best approach because it can delay some processes during the renovation or create fertile ground for accidents. Preparing the loss site involves a variety of tasks, including marking hazardous areas such as slick surfaces, moving obstacles out of the way, and setting up protective barriers, which can take some time.

When our SERVPRO technicians prepare your storm-damaged property for renovation, we set up a staging area within the house to hold the equipment we need for cleaning and other tasks. We consider various aspects that increase the convenience levels, including setting up the staging area close to a bathroom or another location where we can readily access water. We also bring utility equipment such as portable generators and heaters to supply power and heat at the loss site in case there is no power at the property.

How long does restoration of flood damage take?
Mitigating the effects of storm damage in properties can take varying periods depending on the total areas affected or the types of contents held in such areas. The time that is taken before responding to the loss incident also plays a role in the restoration timelines since materials keep deteriorating the longer they are exposed to moisture, soils, or other factors such as extreme temperatures since the disconnection of power from properties is common after most flooding incidents.

In case of building materials on the floors, walls, or other sections rot or deteriorate significantly in other ways, removal is necessary. Tearing down and replacing such materials takes longer compared to simple restoration through cleaning or drying, considering there is dust, shattered wood, and broken drywall to deal with. Our SERVPRO technicians can help expedite demolition and restoration of affected areas since we use a variety of equipment based on the suitability to handle a specific task conveniently. For instance, our tool-kits have simple and advanced tools for simplifying the job, including:
    •    Perforation rollers
    •    Pry bars and crowbars
    •    Rubber hammers
    •    Molding lifters

Does every restoration project require finishing?
Finishing helps guarantee that your property looks clean, feels clean, and smells clean. Whenever there is a flooding incident at your property, steps such as deodorization, repainting or refinishing surfaces in other ways help remove traces of the incident, “Like it never even happened.” Although it might be possible to occupy the house without or before some of the finishing processes, setting aside some time to complete them is worthy.

Time is a critical factor in the restoration of flood-damaged properties. SERVPRO of Central Brevard can help you understand the expected timelines for completing individual tasks or the entire project. We can also help take steps that help speed up the process. Call us at any time at (321) 638-4947.

Storm Awareness and Preparation in Brevard County

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

As Floridians, we are accustomed to dealing with all kinds of storm events.

Hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and storm surge, our regular afternoon thunderstorms, and even hail. Whether it comes out of the sky or from the ocean it makes its presence known in our lives multiple times every year. So here at SERVPRO of Central Brevard, we keep a close eye on the weather and are prepared to jump into action whenever the need arises. 

Each of these types of storms can cause their own unique kinds of damage. For instance, hurricanes can have wind damage, flooding, and even catastrophic structural damage. Afternoon thunderstorms can also cause wind damage and flooding, but numerous lightning strikes frequently cause structural damage and fires.  There are numerous combinations and we must all be vigilant and make sure we are prepared.

Now more than ever, during the current health crisis, early preparation is key. Necessary supplies can quickly disappear from stores during normal circumstances, when you put COVID-19 on top of that, not only are you going to deal with quickly emptying shelves but also long lines at checkout.  When survival instincts kick in even those at high risk, who should not be going out to seek supplies, will often do so anyway.  You cannot count on delivery services during these times simply because they will be overwhelmed, and supplies are likely to be short.

When preparing for a storm or hurricane event there are a number of necessary supplies we all need to have on hand to deal with the possible consequences of severe storm damage. In case of a power outage you will need flashlights, a battery-operated radio for weather updates and safety notifications, backup phone charger, and lots of batteries. Nonperishable food is essential as well as a supply of clean water to drink in case of city water contamination.  A fully stocked First Aid Kit is always a good idea to deal with minor or major injuries until emergency services can reach you.  Keep important documents such as ID and legal papers sealed in a waterproof bag so they will be safe and accessible if they are needed.  If you have pets you will need to have supplies stocked for them as well. Fill up the gas tank for all of your vehicles and make sure you have gas for a generator if you have one, fill your bathtubs with water to use for flushing toilets and cleaning, turn off your sprinklers, board up windows, secure outdoor items, and trim tree limbs.  It is also a good idea to take cash out of the bank in case of power outages cause stores to be unable to process cards.

These are just a few of the recommended items to make sure you have on hand in the event of a weather emergency.  Please see the attached Hurricane Supply Kit flyer for a more complete list of the supplies and actions we recommend.

Please be mindful and take each type of storm seriously. You never know when extreme weather will take you by surprise.

If you need help with your preparations, please do not hesitate to call us.  We offer a no-cost Emergency Ready Profile we can provide for your property to help you get back to normal as quickly as possible. And remember, if your property suffers damage in a catastrophic event we are always here to help.

How Can Flooding Affect My Furniture?

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says--Get Flood Insurance to Protect Your Cocoa Home

Technicians Restore Cocoa Homes After Flood Damage

Flooding in a Cocoa home is a challenging and multi-faceted disaster to clean up after. Water can permeate all types of surfaces while carrying chemicals, pests, and even sewage that can cause much more damage to the home than the average water damage incident.

If your Cocoa residence requires flood damage mitigation, SERVPRO technicians can use cutting-edge technologies in tandem with EPA-registered antimicrobials to return your home to a preloss state.

What Does Flood Damage Do to My Furniture?

• Finishes and stains. Finishes and stains can erode quickly with prolonged exposure to floodwaters. In as little as several hours to two days, finishes can be permeated, and furniture stains can spread to nearby porous surfaces, including carpeting.
• Frames and wood fixtures. Wood is a semi-porous surface, and while finishes can offer some protection, these sealants can eventually erode from prolonged moisture exposure and chemical runoff.
• Fabrics and fillings. Water damage can quickly and easily penetrate porous furniture and soak through the upholstery. In a flood situation, restoration is a challenging issue due to the presence of contaminants in floodwater.

SERVPRO Saves Your Home From Flooding

SERVPRO technicians can take care of loose water with a variety of commercial-grade extraction modalities as well as remove debris quickly and safely. These strategies can include:

• Removing flood-damaged drywall by cutting out portions starting several inches above the highest point of moisture contact.
• Manually eliminating sewage, pests, and chemical runoff with the help of EPA-registered biocide sprays.
• Floodwater extraction with the help of submersible, gas-powered sump pumps, truck-mounted extraction units, and portable, back-mounted extractors.

If an item is beyond salvaging, SERVPRO technicians get the permission of homeowners and adjusters before removing it from the property.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard serves homeowners with mitigation and restoration that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (321) 638-4947 to begin the cleanup process.

What Problems Do Flood Damage Incidents in Cocoa Cause in Properties?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding happens, SERVPRO is always on call to restore your home.

Assistance from SERVPRO Can Help You Identify A Wide Range of Problems in Your Property After Flooding Incidents 

After you find out that your home flooded, the next likely course of action is planning the restoration of affected areas. However, you may not be sure how to proceed if you do not understand the full extent of damages caused by the incident. Some issues, such as dirty surfaces, are apparent, but others like the spread of contamination are less apparent. SERVPRO technicians are available seven days a week to help Cocoa property owners assess damages and resolve problems. 

What problems should raise more profound concerns after flood damage affects Cocoa property? 

Experts classify the problems that develop after flooding in Cocoa into three main categories: 

• Obvious problems
• Hidden problems
• Secondary problems 

More significant concern should fall on the hidden and secondary problems since restoration efforts can neglect them. Hidden problems develop immediately floodwaters breach the house but may not be readily discernible from regular observation. Water penetration into subfloors, wall cavities, and other areas is a typical hidden problem. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you establish whether hidden problems are using superior inspection tools such as thermal cameras and borescopes. 

Secondary problems develop when you fail to address other issues, or your efforts fail to meet the minimum requirements. For instance, failure to remove standing water from the structure in time leads to the physical deterioration of some materials, which you could otherwise save. 

Wooden structural supports swell, while hardwood floors warp, buckle or develop other permanent damages. Secondary problems are avoidable, so our technicians help take steps that halt their development. For instance, we use sophisticated water extractors and set up dehumidifiers immediately after arrival at your property to stop material deterioration from excess moisture, "Like it never even happened." 

What flooding problems should I resolve first? 

Resolving a flooding situation in Cocoa requires an approach that addresses the bigger picture rather than individual problems. In many cases, focusing on specific issues is what leads to the development of secondary problems. For instance, if there is standing water on the lower levels of the house, all your focus might be on removing it, that you forget the need to board up any openings on the upper floors. If rodents or weather elements such as rainwater enter the house through the openings, you end up with a new set of avoidable damages. 

Our SERVPRO crew chiefs perform a preliminary evaluation of the damage at your property then they prepare a Loss Details report, indicating crucial information for general restoration. Some critical information added to the report includes: 

Structural information such as the construction year, number of floors and construction materials 

• The number of affected rooms
• Whether there is standing water
• Whether there is electricity 

The information in the loss details report guides our restoration crews on what to prioritize. We prioritize actions that help protect the structure, such as boarding up and installing roof tarps in areas where there are openings. We also set up dehumidifiers to minimize humidity levels in the air, limiting the secondary transfer of damages. 

Having the right information also helps in securing the resources necessary for the restoration. For instance, knowing the number of rooms and floors affected makes it easier to determine the equipment needed. At least one dehumidifier is necessary for each floor, while rooms require around five air movers for balanced drying. 

Are there problems that pose health risks? 

Flooding creates different hazards, including increasing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents due to slick surfaces. Various forces prevalent during storms can also interfere with the structural integrity of the house. The only advantage is that most of these problems are readily discernible. However, issues that threaten the well-being of your family might be harder to identify. 

A problem like contamination can prevail even after cleaning and decontaminating the property. Unlike soiling, which can be removed effectively through cleaning, trace contaminants remain within the structure of porous materials posing health risks. Our SERVPRO technicians remove all porous materials exposed to the floodwaters, including carpets, pad, drywall, and insulation, to eliminate the threat posed by biohazards and chemicals dissolved in floodwater. 

The risk of electrocution or other electricity-related injuries increases after flooding. After the water finds a way into electrical cables, sockets, and switches, it causes different problems. For instance, it can corrode wires interfering with the flow of power. Our technicians open up switches, sockets, and junction boxes to remove water during restoration. We also ensure that a qualified electrician inspects the power system after flooding incidents. 

Resolving all problems caused by a flooding incident at your Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach property takes considerable effort. Call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 to assist. We are available 24/7.

How Do I Prepare for Cocoa Home Flooding?

6/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Brevard offers mitigation and restoration services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call.

SERVPRO Technicians are Ready to Restore Cocoa Properties After Flood Damage

Flooding in Florida is not an unusual occurrence, especially with storm season just around the corner. Average precipitation in Cocoa alone is a whopping 53 inches a year, much higher than the US average of 38 inches.

SERVPRO crews are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to restore Cocoa homes affected by flood damage and return them to a preloss state.

What Essentials Should I Consider for Floodproofing My Home?

Commercial prevention measures like wet and dry floodproofing are almost impossible to apply to a home with a wood foundation. As a result, homeowners must focus on other prevention methods to keep damage to a minimum:

    •    Landscaping. Grading your yard, planting a rain garden, and implementing a drainage system is an effective way to lessen flood damage.
    •    Dry floodproofing techniques for vulnerable areas. Make sure that doors, windows, and other vulnerable areas have watertight seals to help keep water out.
    •    Raise your electrical components. Elevating outlets and switches at least one foot above the average depth of floodwaters can minimize the risk of damage to your electrical system.

What Does SERVPRO Use to Remove Floodwater?

SERVPRO technicians focus on extraction and sanitation in a flood scenario to prevent the spread of microbes during drying. SERVPRO can provide power sources to remove large quantities of floodwater from affected areas with no power with such tools as:

    •    Truck-mounted extraction units that can remove large amounts of standing water from homes
    •    Portable, back-mounted extraction units designed to eliminate floodwaters from hard-to-reach areas such as wall cavities and baseboards.
    •    Submersible, gas-powered sump pumps that are designed to extract water two inches in depth or higher.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard offers mitigation and restoration services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster when you call (321) 638-4947.

Did Recent Storms Flood Your Cocoa Home?

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Did flooding damage the drywall in your home? SERVPRO has the expertise for fast, effective remediation!

Flood Removal in Cocoa Can Include Inspecting And Mitigating Wet Drywall

Anyone who has lived in Cocoa for a decent amount of time knows that the area can see significant amounts of rainfall. When a storm comes in, the rain can pour down quickly and sometimes force you to have to conduct flood removal if moisture enters the interior of your house. Restoration after a storm takes its toll on your property can include extracting, structural drying, and possibly removing and replacing some of your building materials.

If moisture enters your structure after a rainstorm, it follows gravity and starts accumulating on your floors. As a part of flood removal procedures in Cocoa, a professional mitigation company such as SERVPRO can start the process by seeing where the water traveled. We can figure out which items got wet by using moisture sensors to detect the presence of H2O in your flooring drywall or ceilings. Once we figure out what got wet, we can then come up with a plan to remove all the moisture in your house and return it to the way it was before the storm, "Like it never even happened."

As a part of the initial estimate and inspection process, our SERVPRO technicians can also test the presence of moisture inside your drywall and wall cavities. Drywall is gypsum material with a paper coating on the front, back, and its longer sides. We can find out what portions of your drywall that got yet by using a non-penetrating moisture meter.

Once our SERVPRO team figures out what sections of your walls got negatively affected, we can then use a penetrating moisture meter to get the exact moisture content of your drywall material. We can also use the penetrating meter to test the presence of water in your wooden studs. To figure out how wet your studs or drywall got as a result of the storm damage, we can also test parts of your walls that did not get wet. Testing unaffected areas also help us establish a drying goal.

If a rainstorm ever gets the walls inside your home wet, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 24/7.

More about Cocoa.

We Act Fast In Merritt Island After A Flood Disaster

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

The water soaked into the drywall panels after a strorm damaged this roof. Our technicians arrived right away and completed a controlled demolition.

Is the Flooring a Loss From Flood Damage in a Merritt Island Home?

One of the worst types of water damage that can hit a Florida home is flood damage. Groundwater is not the same as rainwater coming into your home, and it can bring a whole host of issues from mud, debris, chemicals, and even sewage into the house. Even a small amount of water under an inch can leave behind extensive damage in a home.

When Merritt Island homes have flood damage, homeowners need to get the water off the floor as fast as possible to limit loss. SERVPRO technicians are local and arrive quickly on-site to start the water extraction and begin the restoration process.

Common Problems with Flooring

After exposure to groundwater, carpet and padding is a loss. It cannot return to a sanitary standard for reuse. The issue is that wet carpet is extremely heavy. To avoid potential injuries, the technicians extract the water and cut the carpet into manageable-size strips for disposal. Vinyl and laminate flooring tend to delaminate when prolonged exposure to moisture occurs. If this is the case, the technicians remove the floorcovering and inspect it for restoration and reuse potential.

Wood flooring can recover from water damage if the cleanup efforts begin quickly enough. Wood swells and readily absorbs water, and the drying process includes the use of specialized drying equipment to remove the moisture. Each situation is unique to the conditions in the home, and afterward, the technicians can recommend any followup measures needed, such as sanding the boards and restaining.

Subflooring Gets Attention

SERVPRO technicians scope the property to determine all areas of flood damage migration. If water affects the subfloor, they have the equipment to address it and ensure this area gets completely dried, meaning back to preloss moisture content levels. When using their air movers to dry the property, the technicians deploy LGR (low grain refrigerated) dehumidifiers to increase the rate of evaporation while also capturing airborne water molecules.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 when you need cleanup and restoration from flood damage. The certified technicians are available 24/7 to come to your property and make the loss, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Merritt Island.

Eliminating the Smell after Flood Damage Affects Your Merritt Island

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will help you get your Merritt Island home odor damage under control.

Don’t let your Merritt Island home be consumed by odor after water damage.

Flooding is a severe problem that you might want to resolve as fast as possible. However, some aspects of the damage left can linger after you finish the primary restoration process. Bad odor is one such problem, and it can result from a wide range of issues, including wastes such as raw sewage dissolved in the floodwater, the scent from cleaning agents, and decaying materials.

Why does water smell after some time?

Removing all traces of smell left over after a flood damage event in your Merritt Island property requires a clear understanding of why the smell occurred in the first place. Even clean water can smell when left to stagnate over extended periods. Distinct odors such as the smell of rotten eggs can indicate the presence of raw sewage if you have not cleaned the area properly or the presence of hydrogen sulfide that is emitted when bacteria break down the natural sulfates in water. Some finishes or detergents can also leave smells that dissipate over time. Knowing the source of the smell helps determine which steps to take.

Cleaning to remove soiling and material deterioration 

The first step in eliminating odors after a flooding event is cleaning to remove all soils and deteriorated materials from the property. Various processes are necessary for cleanup processes, including the use of cleaning agents to break down soils chemically, agitation for manual removal and abrasion for stubborn soils, or deteriorated materials. Our SERVPRO technicians also remove carpets, pads, insulation, and other porous materials.

Deodorization 

Once cleaning is over, there is a need to perform a comprehensive deodorization exercise. Various steps can help with deodorization, including direct injection if the odor is concentrated within a small section, spraying or fogging. Our SERVPRO technicians use ULV foggers, which atomize the deodorizing agent so that it can penetrate deep into materials. The deodorizer used can be a combination of both a masking agent for immediate concealment of the odor and a neutralizer that pairs with the odor particles destroying them.

Restoring a flooded property to look and smell fresh takes effort. Call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To learn more about Merritt Island, click here.

Our Technicians Can Save Your Flood Damaged Cape Canaveral Home

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

You can give us a call anytime disaster strikes for our fast and confident response to protect your investment.

Protecting Saturated Structural Supports In Cape Canaveral Homes

Structural damages can be devastating to Cape Canaveral homes contending with flooding. Apart from potential contamination and the saturation of the contents within the property, structural compromise can lead to injuries and the failure of installed construction materials. Protecting your property from this degradation and deterioration involves a swift response from qualified professionals like our SERVPRO team. We can handle all aspects of flood damage with efficiency because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Though flood damage in Cape Canaveral homes can occur in various ways, our focus must begin with the effect to the structure itself once our content management team has removed at-risk items from the area. While much of the damage to structural elements is unknown until our professionals can remove any standing water and begin drying out saturated materials, we have sophisticated discovery devices that can help to identify the presence of water damage to supports like wall studs, framing, joists, and other elements throughout your home.

As you might expect, the degradation of these supports can lead to the structural collapse of the installed materials nearby, so addressing these threats is a priority of our SERVPRO team dispatched to your property. With our fast response and rapid drying efforts, we can often preserve installed structural elements and joists from requiring removal and reinstallation. Depending on the type of flooding, we might also need to expose these damaged materials to apply our industrial-grade line of disinfection products. These prevent bacterial growth and reduce the possibilities of mold growth as well.

Flood cuts made in surface materials like drywall and paneling give our technicians access to the framing and studs beyond it. We have low profile air movers and multiple dehumidification units to dry out the saturation without the need for full panel removal of the sheetrock. Our combination of rapid drying tools can help to make even wall cavity moisture “Like it never even happened.”

We know that flooding can be a stressful time for your home, and our SERVPRO of Central Brevard team can help however you need. You can give us a call anytime disaster strikes for our fast and confident response to protect your investment. Call us today at (321) 638-4947.

For more about Cape Canaveral click here.

Guaranteed No Stress Storm Damage Remediation in Your Merritt Island Home

8/4/2019 (Permalink)

Storm damage can accumulate quickly. Call the remediation specialists at SERVPRO today for help.

Is Water Knocking at Your Merritt Island Door?

When we think of flooding, we think of torrential rain and the wind tearing down trees and branches. Our minds automatically go back to images shown in the nightly news where full neighborhoods are underwater and people are scrambling to get to safety. However, when you live in a coastal community, all it takes is a slight rise in water levels and a few clogged drains for water to reach your patio or front door. Suddenly, being a victim of flood damage is not as far-fetched as you once thought. 

When you live in Merritt Island, flood damage can happen quickly, and it does not have to be devastating. A regular summer storm can leave you in need of professional services for the removal of water and restoration of your home. SERVPRO is here to help as soon as you call our 24/7 hotline, where our staff is ready to jump into action. Our certified technicians are knowledgeable of the latest techniques and methods to restore your home with minimal disruption to your daily life. 

As you wait for our team to arrive, you can take a few steps to prevent the spread of flood damage through your home. Floodwaters bring debris and unwanted bacteria with them, which is why acting quickly is your first line of defense. Isolating the problem area from other parts of your home is essential to controlling the damage as much as possible. Our SERVPRO technicians are experts at restoring and salvaging your personal belongings, but some items should not remain in your home. For example, porous materials such as upholstery and carpets need to be removed for the sake of your health. Our team helps you in the removal process, but you can get a jump-start before our arrival. Try to handle items with protective personal equipment such as gloves and separate them from undamaged objects. 

The SERVPRO crew arrives with a variety of equipment built to tackle your water extraction job. If the water level is high, we may use truck-mounted pumps and complement its work with handheld extractors or submersible pumps. Regardless of the size of your flood damage, we can help you contain and restore it, so it is a thing of the past. 

SERVPRO of Central Brevard is your best ally when flood damage happens. Call us at (321) 638-4947 and let us leave your home, “Like it never even happened.” 

Click here to see more about Merritt Island. 

Flood Damage Can Leave Your Cape Canaveral Home Damp From Trapped Humidity

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Call us to discuss your home's specific issues and to learn more about how we can help you deal with moisture from flood damage and other sources.

Storms And Flood Damage In Cape Canaveral Can Leave Your Home Damp From Trapped Humidity

Cool breezes during and after a rain shower can fill your home in Cape Canaveral with humidity. Closing windows when the air outside becomes either too warm or too chilly lets this newly introduced humidity stay inside. Mold and other microbes can begin growing in areas that contain excessive amounts of dampness, such as clothing and other highly absorbent substances.

Your property in Cape Canaveral doesn't need to sustain direct flood damage to experience many of the same effects. SERVPRO wants you to know that the same services can help protect your home from smaller incidents that can spread damage and decay within your property. A roof that leaks, a cracked foundation, and incorrectly sealed windows can let rainwater into a house and start destroying its interior.

In places where flood damage has already started taking its toll on materials, such as disintegrating walls, SERVPRO can remove the damaged area. Doing so keeps the moisture in those sections from affecting non-damaged elements and also helps reduce the amount of time our drying machines need to run to finish the job. Open spaces in walls also make it easier to dry out the interior portion of a wall, reducing the chances that microbial problems develop.

Throughout your house, trapped humidity can make the air uncomfortable to breathe. Because air that becomes too dry also poses problems for both many furnishings and materials in the typical house as well as for occupants, we monitor the drying process with moisture meters. These devices can test any of the materials in your home, helping us correctly dry out the humidity inside your home.

We pinpoint damper areas and differentiate those from places that do not contain excessive moisture, placing our drying equipment where it can perform the most efficiently. Air movers can whisk moisture out of walls and floors, pushing water vapor out of your home. Using containment methods, we can also dry specific sections of your home that always seem damper than other areas and then help you maintain a drier atmosphere by installing a low-maintenance dehumidifier.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard Wants to help you keep your home near the Kennedy Space Center or the Patrick Air Force Base within acceptable moisture levels. Areas can become excessively damp because of natural air movement patterns in your property. Call us at (321) 638-4947 to discuss your home's specific issues and to learn more about how we can help you deal with moisture from flood damage and other sources.

Click here for more about Cape Canaveral.

A Few Tips to Help Navigate Through Merritt Island Flood Damage Restoration

12/16/2018 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your home, contact SERVPRO right away. We make haste to start the water removal and remediation process.

Flood Removal Services for Soaked Residences on Merritt Island

Flooding can happen at almost any time to homes on Merritt Island, especially in lower areas. Recent construction and changes in landscaping on your property or neighboring properties can cause floodwater to pour into your home.
 
Residents can rely on SERVPRO for experienced technicians for flood removal services in Merritt Island. Our technicians receive intensive education and training and earn various IICRC certificates in how to handle flooding situations. From your floors and up, we understand what needs attention, and in which order, to make your home “Like it never even happened.”
 
Flood removal services start with extraction teams removing the water and picking up any debris. We understand that your home may still not have electrical power when we arrive, so we bring generators to power our equipment and machinery. Removing the water with our pump truck and smaller units both require power. Other, smaller units, like our moisture meters and infrared imaging cameras, run on batteries, which we keep charged at all times.
 
Silt can cause a great deal of havoc in cleaning things up, so we use specially equipped vacuums. These have HEPA filters that keep any pathogens from escaping into the air. Although damp, this does not weight these microorganisms from becoming airborne. Like mold and its spores, microorganisms from a flood can cause health effects. Because we also want to protect ourselves, we wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while we work on flood removal efforts in your property.
 
Thorough flood removal work helps protect your property from the effects of such microorganisms, including mold and mildew. Many homes experience a surge in the growth of these microbes, but flood removal and consistent drying methods help keep such hazards to a minimum.
 
Although we remove the majority of flood debris during our initial time on the job, cutting away saturated materials can create additional debris. We work in teams and continually bag the waste up and remove it from your home, keeping the area free of any unnecessary hazards.
 
SERVPRO of Central Brevard can help your family recover your home and get everything back to normal. Our flood removal equipment is always ready to help make sure we remain Faster To Any Size Disaster in Cocoa Beach, Viera, and Sharpes, so call us at (321) 638-4947 when your residence sustains flooding.

Click here for more about Merritt Island.

Storms in Merritt Island Pack a Punch, but They Are No Match for SERVPRO

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Flood water from a recent storm caused indoor flooding. SERVPRO was able to remove the water and dry the affected areas to mitigate damage.

SERVPRO Flood Damage Merritt Island

Flooding is, unfortunately, part of life for Merritt Island residents. The weather that hits our community also provides perfect conditions for outdoor sports, and having Cape Canaveral in our backyard is a plus for many residents.  

Preserving Merritt Island homes after flood damage requires homeowners to remove standing water and take other steps quickly. At SERVPRO, our restoration teams train to restore every local home to its pre-flood condition so residents can return to their homes and begin rebuilding their lives.  

When the water in a home is from outside flooding, it contains contaminants like soil, animal feces and urine, fertilizer, and other particles dangerous to property and health. To reduce the risk to homeowners and our personnel, technicians wear protective clothing and then spray standing water and affected property with a powerful anti-bacterial agent.  

Next, team members use pumps to draw out the water. They pump the contaminated water into the nearest sewer. If an opening is not available, they pump it into a tank truck for recycling at a water treatment facility. To remove water from carpets and off floors, SERVPRO specialists perform the same action using extraction wands.  

Since we cannot guarantee carpets are clean or safe after a flood, technicians remove them. Next, they spray the floors underneath them with another anti-bacterial cleaner. Once the cleaner dries, they draw off the rest of the water with air movers, dehumidifiers, and fans.  

For furniture and other personal property, technicians lift it off floors and onto blocks or remove it to another location. They clean upholstered furniture and fabrics with another anti-bacterial cleaner and wipe down wood and metal surfaces using sponges, cloths, and the same cleaner. Once completed, they use fans and air movers to increase circulation and dry them without further damage.  

At SERVPRO of Central Brevard, our goal is to restore every home to a clean, safe condition as quickly as we can do so. Every potential customer is also one of our neighbors, and we treat every residence with the care and respect it deserves. Call us at (321) 638-4947 today.

Merritt Island is the home to Adam Kissiah who developed the Cochlear Implant.  Adam was an engineer at NASA and was inducted into the Space Foundation’s U.S. Space Technology Hall of Fame.  Click here for more of his story. 

Staying Prepared For Hurricanes And Flood Damage In Merritt Island

9/13/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Brevard is ready throughout every hurricane season to mitigate and repair damages from large storms in the area.

Staying Prepared For Hurricanes And Flood Damage

Preparing for a natural disaster can often take significant time, investment, and planning to get right, but could make the difference between life and death if things take a turn for the worse. September is National Preparedness Month, and with the amount of flood damage Merritt Island has seen over the years, we at SERVPRO feel it is vital to help the community prepare for the worst and recover back to its best.

Your top priority when facing flood damage or another disaster in Merritt Island should be to ensure the safety in your household. In many ways, this can be one of the easiest parts of your preparation efforts. Make sure you have multiple evacuation routes and plans ready so that you can adapt to unexpected conditions and events. Also, be sure to maintain a small cache of essential items such as first aid supplies, glow sticks, high-power flashlights, clean drinking water, and anything else you can think of that your household would need if worst came to worst. Keep these items stored together in a portable, water-resistant container (a plastic storage bin should do just fine) so that you can grab them and go with only a moment's notice.

In addition to protecting your personal safety, you should also be financially prepared for a disaster. Few hurricanes and floods come without cost, but if you are careful, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs even if you have homeowners' insurance. Many insurance policies exclude flood insurance, which is typically offered in separate packages. While this cost may be difficult to accept beforehand, it is well worth the investment to avoid a lump sum charge of many thousands of dollars after getting unlucky during one hurricane season. Call your insurance provider if you're unsure of whether or not you have flood insurance, and take steps to protect your property against future threats.

SERVPRO of Central Brevard is ready throughout every hurricane season to mitigate and repair damages from large storms in the area. If you have any questions about how to protect your home, call us at (321) 638-4947.

Click here for more about Merritt Island.

Stormy Weather Coincides with Flood Damage on Merritt Island

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Stormwater and Contaminated Sewage Need SERVPRO for Safe Removal and Cleanup in Merritt Island--Call SERVPRO

Contaminated Stormwater Requires Professional Removal and Cleanup--Call SERVPRO

Storms that affect Merritt Island can cause area homes to sustain severe damages. Flooding in our area does not need to come from rising water levels in local bodies of water. Instead, this disaster can happen when storms hit our area after coming in from the Atlantic and before hitting the mainland.
 
Because Merritt Island homeowners can also find themselves dealing with flood damage when downed utility poles or trees land on their roof during a rainstorm, SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency services to area residents. Our crews are made up of dedicated individuals who earn certifications from the IICRC, ensuring our customers receive effective mitigation services, regardless of the amount of damage their property experiences.
 
Because flood damage is capable of causing both property damage and potential illnesses in people, we are highly engaged in our work and the processes it involves. Even water from overhead could contain surprising amounts of undesirable elements if unknown rodent infestations or other vermin existed in enclosed spaces in the roof. Safety gear includes rubber gloves and boots, face masks and respirators, and full body suits that keep pathogens away from our skin. Eradicating the pathogens and other harmful aspects of flooding inside your house requires skill and expertise, in addition to caution, but doing so helps ensure your family does not come into contact with any of these problems after we complete the job.
 
Part of our work in accomplishing this goal involves getting your home dried out, which protects it from water damage, microbial infestations, and continual malodorous scents. We start extracting the water as soon as possible, first with large pump trucks and then with smaller units that remove water from alongside mopboards and within other harder-to-reach places.
 
Removing carpet from rooms and hallways eliminates a great deal of water as well as the parasites and pathogens left there. Airing out your home while using a desiccant machine ensures that any moisture gets trapped in the machine, condensed and contained or drained, and reduces the amount of new materials needed to restore your home. Deodorizing methods can include long-lasting gel packs placed in inaccessible areas and thermal fogging with odor-neutralizing agents.
 
SERVPRO of Central Brevard restores homes on the mainland, including Viera and Rockledge, ensuring that the families in our communities have a safe and dry home that protects their health instead of threatens it with possible contamination from flood damage. After stormy weather leaves your home drenched and unlivable, call us at (321) 638-4947 so we can make things “Like it never even happened.” again.

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Flood Damage Experts In Rockledge Discuss Tropical Storm Related Problems

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

After removing flooring affected by flood damage, our technicans can set-up fans such as this to dry the area.

SERVPRO can address various types of flood damage

The entire state of Florida including Rockledge is prone to get hit by tropical storms and hurricanes. If a tropical storm comes into your neighborhood, it is possible that flooding occurs. When the area outside of your home gets filled with water, it is likely that moisture and debris come into your house.

Whenever moisture enters a structure, multiple problems can take place. Water that comes into a home as a result of flood damage in Rockledge can saturate contents and building materials ruining their structural integrity. Excessive moisture can also cause microbes to develop into a mold, which can cause health effects with some people.

Water that comes in from the exterior is often contaminated, and restoration must be done differently than if the moisture source is clean. First, our SERVPRO technicians test the water's contamination level and see if it is grey or black water. Most rainwater coming into a building is category two or grey water unless the water is muddy then it is considered black water or category three.

If water and debris from the tropical storm get into your home, our SERVPRO technicians disinfect the affected area to inhibit harmful bacterial growth. The debris brought in from the storm gets removed in sealed plastic bags so that microbes do not spread elsewhere. Since the water is not clean any non-porous materials that got saturated are discarded including the carpet and pad.

Extraction and drying can sometimes save some materials that did not get very wet. If there is some standing water inside the house, it gets removed using a sump pump and released into a sewage drain. Once all ruined materials get disposed of, structural drying takes place to dry out the remaining moisture in building materials.

Depending on the situation, the exposed subfloor and wall studs can get sprayed with disinfectants and anti-microbial chemicals. If bacteria or mold severely contaminate the structural components, they can be sprayed with a specialized sealant paint. Any time you need assistance with rainwater removal, call SERVPRO of Central Brevard at (321) 638-4947 24 hours a day.

For more information on hurricane preparation in Rockledge, click here.

Irma 4 months later

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

So here we are towards the end of January 2018 and the effects of hurricane Irma are still being felt.

In most ways life has gotten back to normal however we still see the signs.

Many place still have tarps on their roofs, peoples belongings piled up on the curb for trash pick up.  Some hotels are still full up with those who still can't live in their homes, and those who lost electricity for an extended period of time are fighting the after effects of water and high humidity.  Our office is still working on and receiving mold calls every day.

One of SERVPRO's storm teams is still settled on Cape Canaveral, their job almost finished.  I'm sure they will be glad to get to finally go home.

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but as with life, this is marathon not a sprint! 

Effects of Irma over a month later

10/31/2017 (Permalink)

This is a photo of the drive way and car port

Hurricane Irma swept through Florida on September 11th 2017.  Now here we are on October 31st and the effects of this large storm are still being felt.

Our office of SERVPRO of Central Brevard was called to do an evaluation of a home that had been flooded twice since the hurricane. We have been in many, many homes since then and what I did not expect, because of  how long it has been since Irma shocked me. Here I was in the middle of Rockledge,

with no rivers or lakes within several miles and as I drove up to the home the road was still flooded almost up to 2 and half feet.  As a matter of fact the water(please see the photo) was still all the way up to the car port of this home.  Needless to say this job will require a storm cut of 2 feet in most of the homes drywall(in some cases higher)- not to mention demo of cabinets and bathrooms--

Irma the Terrible!!

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Merritt Island road full of water and debris

Since hurricane Irma swept through the state of Florida on Sept 11th 2017- SERVPRO of Central Brevard has been responding to call after call for help. The call volume has been off the charts.  Several challenges had to be overcome such as roadways that we not usable due to either flooding or  large amounts of debris scattered about.  Downed power lines caused several cities in our area to be without power for almost a week.

But we banded together with those in our communities and with the help of SERVPRO storm teams that arrived from other states-The people were getting their homes and businesses dry and their lives back in order. Although there was tremendous amounts of damage we were blessed with not having anything extremely catastrophic in our area, It is going to take some time but with plenty of determination and hard work our community start to look "Like it never even happened."

Bunker Down

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

It seems that Central Florida residents are prone to "bunkering Down" these days when a hurricane comes to town.  It might have to do with hurricane fatigue from the early 2000's- I know many people who evacuated 5 or more times-and came back to very minimal damage.

This past October of 2016 powerful Hurricane Matthew caused major damage up and down the coast. However Brevard county residents were spared the kind of damage our neighbors in Volusia  county received.

But even with the very strong storm headed our way a very small percentage of coastal residents headed the evacuation order.

Taken from the 2010 census there are about 90,000 Brevard county coastal residents and only about 3500 of them checked into shelters.

Regardless of evacuation fatigue or not- I think more residents need to take the evacuation a little more to heart.  Matthew could have very well turned out very different if that little "wobble" didn't happen.

Hurricane Matthew debris cleanup costs for Brevard County

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Brevard County will be paying  about 12 million to contractors who hauled away debris from Hurricane Matthew.

The two month long debris cleanup ended with 820,854 cubic years of material.

That is more than 2 1/2 times the amount of debris that was estimated to be produced by the storm.

About 90% of that was vegetation with the remainder being construction and demolition debris like fences and docks.

The county hopes to get most of the costs reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency- 

For declared emergencies FEMA would pay about 75% of the costs while the state would add another 12.5 %- which would leave Brevard county on the hook for only $1.5 million on the $12 million total cost.

For now the yard waste is being stored in six sites in the county waiting to be turned into mulch.

Hurricane Matthew debris pickup update

10/27/2016 (Permalink)

Who is picking up my debris? Why is it taking so long?
We have estimated that Hurricane Matthew generated over 300,000 cubic yards of debris in 24 hours; that is equivalent to almost 3 months of yard trash normally collected in the County. This does not include the large number of fences, docks and other construction debris. It is going to take some time for this to be collected. Waste Management, Inc., your normal waste collector, will pick up all containerized waste as usual. They are a few days behind due to the volume of waste generated over the last couple of weeks. The County’s debris contractors are picking up the large piles set out in the public right-of-way. No collection can or will be made from private property.  Unfortunately a large number of communities from South Florida to North Carolina suffered the wrath of Matthew and all these communities are hiring debris collection trucks making the market very tight. We currently have over 40 extra trucks and crews on the roads.

The County landfills are open as usual for the public to drop off waste if you choose to do so. There is no charge at the landfill for yard trash from residents.

2016 Hurricane Information

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

2016 storms and names

Its never too late to start preparing!!