Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts

Storm Season 2022

Name: SERVPRO of Hernando County
Address: 1263 Deltona Blvd, Spring Hill, FL, 34606
Telephone: (352) 683-3730

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Technician taking a break next to a SERVPRO truck at a storm job site

Here in Florida, we have had quite the storm season! When we saw Hurricane Ian was going to make a direct hit, our team jumped into action and was ready for whatever happened. We didn’t get directly hit here in the Tampa Bay Area, however, that didn’t stop us from helping our fellow Floridians. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane Nicole passed through the Sunshine Sate as well.

Here’s a breakdown of what storm season looked like for Team George:

We responded to one of the sites most heavily impacted within 24 hours of landfall.
We had over 10 commercial large loss jobs running at one time, including the Braves Training Facility, multiple Publix’s, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, while also assisting local residents as well.
Many of our Project Managers and technicians worked around the clock, most putting in 15-hour days.
We are still actively working on jobs there, that’s 10 weeks and counting that our team has been putting effort into restoring the lives and homes of the people that need it most right now.

While our hearts are saddened that so many people’s lives have been affected by this, we are beyond grateful that so many people have trusted SERVPRO to help restore their community, and that we have the opportunity to help.

Thunder and Lighting Don't Have To Be Scary!

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

In the Florida summers, rainstorms are happen often, sometimes even daily. They are always accompanied by thunder and lightning. According to the Office of the State Climatologist, based at Florida State University, our state has more thunderstorm activity than any other part of the nation: In a typical year on the western half on the peninsula, more than 80 days show thunder and lightning. Also, “Central Florida's frequency of summer thunderstorms equals that of the world's maximum thunderstorm areas: Lake Victoria region of equatorial Africa and the middle of the Amazon basin. The Amazon and east African areas maintain their frequency of thunderstorm activity throughout most of the year, whereas the number of thunderstorms in Florida drops off sharply in the fall and does not pick back up until spring.”

Storms can develop rapidly and the skies have a tendency to open up during your planned outing. If you find yourself caught outside during a severe thunderstorm, here are a few tips to help keep you safe.

If you are in an open area, find a low place such as a ravine or valley.

If you are in water, get to land immediately and seek shelter.

If you are in a forested area, find shelter in a low area under a thick grow of small trees.
If you are in a car, keep the windows closed.

http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms

Storms in Spring Hill Are No Match for SERVPRO

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Storm season is approaching faster than ever. SERVPRO of Hernando Countyspecializes 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.

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. We are open to our community 24/7, so we can be there when you need us.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Spring Hill to Brooksville and beyond, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of1,650 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 at (352) 683-3730

Day 5

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

It might be hyperbole but in this moment, it feels like I will not communicate with co-workers like usual, ever again. Ever. In my industry, like many others, communication is critical. Today, I felt like I was screaming at Lisa (the SERVPRO dispatcher and, during COVID-19, the only other human physically in our office) as I tried to communicate through her office door. I needed to hand her critical paperwork, but had to ask if she felt comfortable if I could open the door to hand it over -- a weird position for both of us. I felt like the “close talker” from Seinfeld even though I was 6 feet away. I probably should have just texted her first.

My preference is verbal communication. I find emails and text messages easily misunderstood, especially if you do not know the other person well and cannot hear their voice or understand their tone and manner. I always think it's humorous when clients will not answer the phone and do not want to meet in person but when you text them, they text right back. This goes on for 10-15 minutes and when the point is finally made, I always think, "Why didn’t you just answer the phone we could have done this in two minutes?"

Anyway, for now, I will be texting, Zooming, Microsoft Teaming, Google Doc-ing and FaceTiming with the person in the room next to me. I guess I better get used to it because it appears this is how it's going to be for awhile. As a bright spot, for about $50 on Amazon I can get a decent bullhorn.

It's Storm Season

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

It is STORM season, but not the storm that us Floridians are use to involving hurricanes and tornadoes and their paths of destruction. This time it was the cold weather that caused us to go into storm mode. This year’s winter cold fronts affected Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and other southern locations with major freezes. With these major freezes came a lot of damage to large commercial buildings as well as residential homes due to pipes freezing over and bursting. This cause not only wet material but flooded basements as well. We sent a team to Kansas City to help out with the storm and for most of them being Florida Natives, being in the negatives and seeing snow was a new experience in and of itself. With almost 25 jobs in KS and most of them being large commercial buildings we considered making the trip out there well worth it and for some of our technicians, the experience was life changing.

Lightning Damage in Hernando County?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s talk about lightning. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to your Weeki Wachee home or business and unfortunately are extremely unpredictable. Often you will not see signs of the damage at first due to the damage hiding in attics or inside walls. We suggest that after lightning strikes your home or business that you call the fire department immediately even if you do not see obvious signs of damage. It is also good to remember to call your electrician after a lightning strike to run an electrical diagnostic test.

According to the NFPA from 2007-2011 the U.S. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning.

Lightning bolts are estimated to reach up to 50,000 degrees.

SERVPRO of Hernando County has experienced the aftermath of a fire caused by a lightning strike. The odor, the charred insulation within the attic or walls. SERVPRO of Hernando County has an experienced team to handle any size fire or water loss.

If your home has been hit by lighting count on SERVPRO of Hernando County to make the fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Florida Heat Can Be Brutal

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s talk about something all Florida residents are familiar with. HEAT! As we all know, summers are brutal in Hernando County, FL. With heat index’s reaching up to 115 degrees at times, it can be extremely dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Below we’ve listed the type of heat warnings and what they mean.

Heat Advisory

In order to receive a heat advisory in Florida you must have a heat index value of 108 degrees or higher for at least two hours. For an excessive heat warning, the heat index needs to reach 113 degrees or higher for at least two hours.

A heat advisory means that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. The issuance of a heat advisory is important to raise public awareness that these precautions need to be taken. Heat advisories are also used to trigger other actions and regulations such as no evictions, no turning off of power, changing outdoor work requirements, etc.

Excessive Heat Warning

A heat warning means that some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken. Studies in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. have indicated that mortality begins to increase exponentially as the heat increases or stays above a heat index of 104°F.

In addition to raising public awareness, the issuance of a heat warning will alert hospitals and officials to take certain actions to prepare and respond to an increase in emergency calls, and activate programs to check on elderly and the home-bound. In some cases cooling centers can be open or designated and donation programs activated for fans and air conditioners. As in the case of an advisory, certain regulations may change such as turning off people's electricity, evictions, and outside work requirements.

While all of us Floridians are used to our hot summers, we must practice safety whenever there is any kind of warning or advisory.

Wind Damage Effects On Your Home

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

High winds can occur virtually anywhere, and thousands of tornadoes and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year. Severe winds are defined as exceeding 50-60 mph and are categorized as follows:

Straight-line winds: This broad category includes all winds not associated with rotation
Downdrafts: These winds are small columns of air that sink quickly toward the ground
Downbursts: These winds, which can be as bad as tornadoes, are a result of strong downbursts and are usually associated with thunderstorms
Microbursts: These small, highly concentrated downbursts can exceed 168 mph and can be wet or dry.
Gust fronts: These occur when cold air clashes with warm air from a thunderstorm
showers or thunderstorms
Tornadoes: These destructive vortexes can exceed 300 mph and travel over dry land
Cyclones and Hurricanes: In the U.S., these tropical storms rotate inward toward areas of low atmospheric pressure and are most common near the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern seaboard.

Damage from wind can be widespread and can affect not only your structure but also surrounding landscaping and asphalt. Be aware of the potential for falling trees and poles and damaged power lines and take care of these problems right away. After the storm, examine your property for structural damage to the home, including windows, siding, and roofs. If you find that your home has suffered damage, SERVPRO of Hernando County is your company to call. With over 25 years of experience, we can make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Day 16:The Day We All Became Epidemiologists

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

The number of expert epidemiologists has risen 3,000,000% in the last 45 days. Traditionally, this is an academic career path that takes nearly a decade of studying, a keen sense for numbers and statistics, requires tremendous discipline and patience and extreme focus. Esteemed within the public health community, these professionals investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in human populations. Prior to the outbreak, I knew what an epidemiologist did in general terms but I had never talked to one, didn’t know one and had probably never used the word ‘epidemiology’ in a sentence. In the last month and half, I have met and talked to dozens of them. They have honed their craft over the last month by skipping the traditional 7 -10 years of education for 60-second sound bites and regurgitating headlines. Why read the article when you can get the gist from these great memes? I jumped on the bandwagon too and registered for a six-week online course, “Learn the Complexities of Virus Origins, Mutations and Vaccines to Cure Them." They guarantee you pass or your money back. Three easy payments of $49.99, couldn’t turn it down. I cannot even begin to count the number of mistakes I have made in my business. Once I bought an F350 for $4,000 and sold it two weeks later for $700. (Turns out you should check for oil leaks.) I paid a monthly software subscription for three years that we never used – not once. (Turns out watching money literally burn would have been a better use.) I have sent crews to Ohio for flooding in residential basements. Turns out if you live in Florida, there is no reason to go to Ohio for anything. All of this to say, the recovery and the people leading the efforts are going to be challenged, make mistakes and it will not be perfect -- but it will all be okay. The path to any outcome is generally not linear. On the bright side, Ohio is off my bucket list, and in five weeks I can give you an accredited opinion on the virus and pending vaccine.

Don't Let Spring Showers Disrupt Your Home

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes, hail, lightening, thunderstorms, fluctuating temperatures, the risk of flooding – Spring, oh what a season! Many Spring Hill homeowners are excited about the spring awakening, but they won’t get to see our May Flowers if the home is not prepared for these April showers! There are certain steps homeowners can take at the beginning of April to ensure the home can withstand heavy showers and potential rain storms.

Time to Prepare

When you expect rain showers, there are some things you can do to help prepare. Weather changes by the minute in Hernando, so you need to be prepared for whatever type of rain mother nature throws at us. When rain is intense, water can permeate materials that are not durable. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and be sure your materials are up to date, and not rotten or compromised.

That inspection should also include your roof. Do you have missing/ loose tiles or shingles? If tiles or shingles are not secure, rain, especially wind driven, can enter your home and cause some serious damage. Don’t worry tho, if you do encounter any issues during this springs storm season, call SERVPRO of Hernando County!

Sandbags to Prevent Flood Damage

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Using Sandbags to Prevent Flood Damage

Sandbags are a fantastic resource when expecting a flood near your Weeki Wachee home or business.

What is a sandbag and how are they helpful?

A sandbag is a sack made or burlap or woven plastic that is filled with sand or soil and used for multiple purposes, but mainly for flood control. They are an excellent choice for the construction on levees, barricades for erosion control, flood walls, and traffic control. Sandbags may be used in cases of emergencies when rivers threaten to over-flow or levee or dam is damaged. Quick action and bags on-hand could save countless dollars in personal and property damage.

What size sandbags are best for homes and business’s?

You should use sandbags that are about 14-18” wide and 30-36” deep. They should be filled half full for easy stacking and will weigh approximately 30 lbs.

SANDBAG DON’Ts . . .

Sandbags should never be used to build a fortress around the perimeter of one's property. Doing so can actually trap flood-waters between sandbag walls and structures, leading to further damage.
Do not use garbage bags, as they are too slick to stack. Do not use feed sacks, as they are too large to handle.

Tree Pruning Can Prevent Property Damage

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain mixed with high winds can wreak havoc on weak and stressed trees, causing branches to snap or trees to uproot. Take a stroll around the outside of your home. Are your trees ready for the next storm season?

Hurricane season seems to be approaching faster each year — and with those hurricanes sometimes can come property damage. While high winds can be scary and dangerous, they are not the only culprit to damage to your home. Property damage can also be a result of falling trees and flying landscape debris. The key to minimizing your risk against property damage is storm preparedness.

Unfortunately hurricane-resistant landscape isn't a real thing but with proper care and timely maintenance overseen by a certified and licensed arborist, your trees can survive the storm!

Pruning is a Vital Component to Hurricane Damage Prevention

You may not have to worry about a strong and rooted tree falling over, but weak limbs buried around the canopy may cause problems. Broken, dead and damaged limbs can be torn from trees during a storm and turned into dangerous projectiles.

Regular pruning done by an arborist over the course of the tree’s life can create a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches with an open canopy that allows wind to flow freely through.

Trees to Watch Out For

Trees with dense canopies, dead or dying trees, trees with codominant trunks, new plantings and young trees

Consult a certified arborist to see if these, or any other tree hazards, exist around your home.

Offseason: Ready for Whatever Happens

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Here in Florida, especially on the Gulf Coast, storm season is something we take very seriously. But at SERVPRO of Hernando County, we are even thinking about hurricanes and tornadoes in the off season.

Officially, hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin - which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and our backyard, the Gulf of Mexico - begins June 1 and goes through November 30 each year. The season peaks in mid-August through late October, and those dates coincide with our operation’s busiest time of year. In fact, our company handbook outlines hurricane season and encourages the team not to plan non-refundable vacations, weddings or the births of children during that time frame. (Just kidding!)

During the off season, our team balances the daily workload of emergency services response along with preparation for storm response. We focus on training and maintaining industry certifications throughout the spring, allowing the team to ready themselves for the months ahead, and also take time to step back and reflect on how we can improve our preparedness for the next time. Over the years, we’ve added to our standard operating plan a fully-stocked consumables and equipment trailer, locked and ready to be hooked up to a truck and heading out to help at any time. This tactic has allowed us to increase response time dramatically, eliminating any downtime almost completely and making the mobilization as fast as possible and helping clients minimize secondary damage. Warehouse Manager Doug reliably monitors and restocks the inventory as needed so the trailer is always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Every year in early June, we take a moment as a company to gather with our families for a day of fun. This gives a chance for the company leaders to thank our families for their sacrifices throughout the year, and in advance for bearing through our busy season. Often our crew can be gone for days and even weeks on end, whether they are responding out of town to a storm event or working long hours locally when our own local neighborhoods are facing weather damage.

We want our clients and community to know that we are ready for whatever happens, year round. And we won’t be on vacation when a storm threatens Spring Hill!

Time To Prepare Again- Staying Safe From Seasonal Storms

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

It is that time of year again, we are headed into the late summer which brings all sorts of wild weather. Tampa Bay’s predicted forecast is lined with storms every day and a beautiful show of lightning every night. Residents of the Gulf Coast are often struck in awe by the works of mother nature unfold, however it is important to be proactive and take steps to ensure you are prepared for the potential aftermath of a disaster.

For the Atlantic Basic- the region that includes the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean- hurricane season is classified to run its course from June 1st through November 30^th. However, anyone living in the Dade City and Land O Lakes knows our peak time of hurricane season is roughly mid-August to late October. While we know this is what we claim to be out busy time period, deadly hurricanes can happen at any time and it is potentially lifesaving to be prepared.

Consider the tips listed below when preparing for a potential storm system heading your way and how to recover afterwards:

BEFORE THE STORM

Create your emergency supply kit and a communication plan
Unplug all electronics and appliances
Secure outdoor items that might blow away or cause damage
Shutter windows and doors. If there are no shutters, close window shades, curtains, or blinds

DURING THE STORM

Employ a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for official updates
Avoid corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use
Do not touch electrical equipment or cords
Stay away from windows and doors

AFTER THE STORM

Do not drive through a flooded roadway
Stay away from storm-damaged areas, especially downed power lines

Staying Prepared

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

In 2017 when Hurricane Irma hurled down the Gulf Coast, those who did not take not get pre-stocked of the recommended items to have in a hurricane kit later understood why those items are so crucial.

Heading to the store right before such a mass storm event was an expected to hit, ended in desperation. Stores were packed from wall to wall with people wanting the same items, but all the shelves were empty. It took over a week to get products in again and become fully stocked.

This is why for this reason, and so many more, the crew at SERVPRO of Hernando County has create our own individual hurricane ready kits BEFORE the peak season hits. We have dedicated to do this not only this year, but for all the years to come. Even though we have hopes a deadly hurricane doesn’t occur, we stay ready for whatever unfolds.

After a disaster hits there is the potential you need to survive on your own for multiple days to come. Getting ready for a hurricane does not mean just for when the weather is happening, but for the aftermath and what follows. When surviving on your own, you need the essentials such as water, food, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

Do you have your kit ready? Below is a list of the important basics to have stocked and ready to go. Majority of items listed are at low cost and pretty east to locate, but most importantly all of these items could save your life or a loved one. To look deeper and gain more details on how to stay prepared, check out ready.gov .

Recommended items for basic emergency supply kids include:

Water (one gallon per person per day)
Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
Manual can opener
Battery operated radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Clothing
Dust masks or bandanas
Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Hygiene items
Important documents
Cash
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container

IF A DISASTER STRIKES, WILL YOU BE READY?

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Centuries later, these wise words from one of our nation’s founder are still salient – especially today. This week we reach the climatological peak of hurricane season, with Hurricane Florence bearing down on the east coast and several more storms brewing in the Atlantic.

With that in mind, preparation is key. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts. (Try this one from the National Weather Service, or turn to your local news outlets.) https://www.weather.gov/subscribe/
Develop and test emergency communication plans with family and work places.
Assemble or update emergency supplies. See this list from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative. http://hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists/
Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
Collect and safeguard critical documents.
Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Act now to protect yourself, your family and your property. Over here, preparation is our middle name - SERVPRO of Hernando County stands ready to assist you 24/7. Contact us today at (352)683-3730.

Storm Response

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of Hernando County can handle any size disaster. Our team will work endlessly to ensure our customers are happy, having one objective in the aftermath of disaster, to make their loss “Like it never even happened.”

The SERVPRO of Hernando County team is ready to handle any size loss. With nearly 1,700 franchises nationwide, we have access to numerous highly trained personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery teams are strategically placed throughout the country, SERVPRO of Hernando County being one of them, to respond when needed. Our teams have a proven track record for success, assisting with cleanup of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage caused from hurricanes.

Whether it’s a major storm event, or faulty appliance to a busted pipe in your Spring Hill home, SERVPRO of Hernando County will be there with one call to (352)683-3730.

Preparing For When A Hurricane Strikes

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Before:

Prepare your evacuation plan, including pets, transportation routes and destinations.
Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed and clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Consider building a safe room.
Stay informed! Listen to NOAA weather radio or check local forecasts and news reports regularly.
Cover your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters. Tape DOES NOT prevent windows from breaking.
Bring in all outside furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
Turn off propane tanks.
Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Fill the bathtub or buckets with water to use for cleaning and flushing toilets.
Keep your gas tank at least ¾ full at all times.
Keep your emergency supplies kit, including water, and copies of important documents, in a waterproof, portable container, in an easily accessible location.

Evacuate under the following conditions:

If local authorities tell you to evacuate, follow their directions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, which are particularly hazardous no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
If you feel you are in danger.
If you live in an area below sea level.

During:

If you choose not to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Notify out-of-are contacts of your decision. Close all interior doors and secure and brace exterior doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
Don't be fooled by a lull in the storm- it could be the eye of the storm and winds could resume.

After:

Be aware of flooding and tornadoes.
Stay out of flood waters, if possible.
Stay away from downed power lines.
If you evacuated, do not return to your home until the local authorities say it is safe.

Lightning Safety Tips

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time in Hudson. Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when the storms strike!

Outdoor Safety:

If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or 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 safe place 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 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.

Indoor Safety:

Turn off computers. Stay off corded phones, computers, and other things that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. You can use a cell or cordless phone.
Do no wash your hands, bathe, shower, do laundry, or wash dishes.

Fun Fact:

Lightning may strike as far as 10 miles from any rain.

Hurricane Season Is Here.

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

It may seem early, but hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and ends November 30. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business. Why take the risk? Call a SERVPRO® of Hernando County. Working to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

How Much Do You Know About Water Spouts?

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard that saying “We live where you vacation”? Living in beautiful Spring Hill, Florida, we know that statement to be 100% true. As we enter mid-May beautiful weather is nothing new to the Hernando County area and neither are the late afternoon thunderstorms. One moment the sun is shining and the next you look out your window and you'll see a waterspout, one of the many joys of living in Florida.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are two types of water spouts, fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado and are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair-weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair-weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.

Whether your Spring Hill home experiences storm damage from a tornadic water spout or your average everyday early spring thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of Hernando County, we are here to help.

http://www.noaa.gov/

Hurricane season is here - are you ready?

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Swaying palm trees, sandy beaches, hot sun… and hurricane season! It’s a simple fact, living near the Florida coast – and other people’s vacation hotspots like Weeki Wachee and Hernando Beach –means there is always a chance that a summer storm will come barreling through. And when it comes to hurricanes, preparation is everything!

SERVPRO of Hernando County makes safety our top priority. We hope you do, too. So, we want to know, what is in your hurricane safety kit?

Check out the list below for recommended items by Ready.gov to include in your basic emergency supply kit:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation
At least a 3 supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food
Local maps

Beyond the basics, consider the following: cash in case credit cards or ATMs cannot be accessed, games and puzzles for kids to pass time, solar-powered cell phone chargers, extra infant formula and pet food, and family documents stored in a portable, waterproof container.

As always, be safe, prepared and have SERVPRO of Hernando County's phone number on speed dial during this year's hurricane season.

https://www.ready.gov/kit

Who’s name will make the cut? The 2017 storm name list is here!

6/8/2017 (Permalink)

Living in Spring Hill, when I speak of Hurricane Sean I’m usually talking about the devastation throughout the house caused by my almost two-year old son. As he runs amuck, his high-spiraling winds cause books to fly off their shelves, toys to flood each room, and illegible messages in magic marker all over our microfiber couch – which is why I keep SERVPRO of Hernando County on speed dial. This year, it may mean something a little more.

According to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, storms are given short, distinctive names to avoid confusion and streamline communications when two or more tropical storms occur at the same time.

This is news to me. I always assumed they were named after unruly children.

It’s always fun to see if our name or the name of someone we know is on the list and this year is no different. The wait is officially over and the list of names for the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season have been posted.

Here are the names that will be associated with the upcoming tropical season: Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irma, Jose’, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Phillipe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, and Whitney.

Tropical Storm Emily has a ring to it, but I’m warning you, you’re going to have to hunker down for a Hurricane Sean.