Mold Remediation After Flood Damage in Ferndale Properties

5/19/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO stocks a vast inventory of drying equipment to mitigate storm damage in Ferndale properties. Here to Help®

Ferndale Flood Damage Restoration with SERVPRO®

Ferndale stands as the third most populous city within Whatcom County, Washington. Initially dubbed Jam, the City earned this moniker due to its proximity to a log jam along the Nooksack River. Ferndale is primarily connected by Interstate 5, the primary highway. Additionally, it is intersected by the BNSF Railway, facilitating freight transportation and accommodating Amtrak Cascades passenger trains. Ferndale boasts its share of notable residents, including actor Daran Norris and former NASA astronaut Wendy B. Lawrence. Annual events such as the Northwest Washington Fair and Ferndale Street Festival draw crowds from near and far, celebrating local heritage.

Following flood damage in Ferndale homes, the potential for mold growth becomes a pressing issue. Floodwaters provide an ideal environment for mold spores to proliferate, swiftly infiltrating and establishing colonies within affected properties. Groundwater can affect, in a very negative manner, the structural elements of your building. Mold causes warping, decay, and eventual weakening of wooden materials, consequently jeopardizing the structural stability of the building and posing potential safety risks. If furniture and upholstery are not adequately dried following water damage, mold can rapidly establish itself. Once mold takes hold, it becomes difficult to eradicate. It may necessitate professional cleaning or disposal of the items in question. SERVPRO plays a vital role in mitigating the risks associated with mold following flood damage.

Reasons why our expertise is indispensable

• Assessment and identification
• Specialized restoration equipment and techniques
• Safety and containment 
• Thorough water cleanup and drying
  

SERVPRO professionals use plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to establish containment barriers around the affected area. This containment prevents mold residues from spreading to unaffected areas of the property. This procedure also expedites water evaporation. Our technicians use designated pathways and entry points to avoid cross-contamination and access the contaminated area. We also employ proper personal protective equipment to prevent carrying mold residues to clean areas. Additionally, we thoroughly clean and decontaminate tools and equipment used in the remediation process to prevent the spread of microbes to other parts of the property.

SERVPRO of Whatcom County aims to restore the affected property to its pre-flood condition, making the flood damage disappear "Like it never even happened." Call us at (360) 733-1800.

Water Mitigation in Bellingham Homes is Fast with SERVPRO

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has air movers and dehumidifiers galore to help your Bellingham home recover from storm damage.

Bellingham Homeowners Trust SERVPRO with Water Mitigation

Water mitigation of your Bellingham home by professionals like SERVPRO involves actions taken in the aftermath of a storm to prevent further damage and protect the property. Extracting standing water on your property and drying the structure as quickly as possible is essential for mitigation.

SERVPRO techs use state-of-the-art equipment during water mitigation of your Bellingham property. Techs use commercial-grade pumps and extractors to remove water, even if it contains suspended solids. After removing the water, the SERVPRO restorers use large air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the structure.  

Using the Building Envelop During Water Restoration 

The atmospheric conditions after a storm are not ideal for drying. In such situations, the building’s envelope can profoundly affect the drying plan's effectiveness. The building envelope separates the interior of the building from the exterior.

However, buildings are not air-tight, and SERVPRO techs expect some air to leak into and out of the building. According to the ability of the envelope to keep outside conditions from affecting the drying environment, building envelopes are classified into-

• Tight envelope: Outside conditions have little to no effect on drying conditions
• Moderate envelope: The outside conditions somewhat influence the drying conditions inside the structure
• Loose envelope: Outside conditions significantly affect the drying conditions

Depending on the type of building envelope present, SERVPRO techs develop unique, effective drying strategies in the given conditions. 

Movement of Air Within the Structure

Air can enter and exit the drying environment in moderate, loose building envelopes. The infiltration and air exfiltration can affect the entire building, part of a building, a single room, a wall or ceiling assembly, or even an individual cavity.

SERVPRO techs anticipate these movements and use them to improve the efficiency of the drying system.

Call SERVPRO of Whatcom County at (360) 733-1800; our techs are available round the clock to help you.

Storm Water Damage Restoration in Bellingham Attics

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

Afraid your wood floors have been damaged by a Storm? No need to stress it, Let SERVPRO fix it.

Attic Storm Water Damage Restoration Needs

Storms and their respective damages to a house can be devastating, especially when structural breaches allow for water penetration into the attic. Roofs are particularly susceptible to several conditions that could ultimately lead to a flooded attic space, including:  

• Hail damage
• Fallen trees
• Ice dams
• Wind damage 
• Driving rain

Quick Roof Repairs 

When beginning storm water damage restoration in Bellingham attics, it is important first to locate where the water penetrates this space. Often vulnerabilities in the roof can allow moisture seepage or direct runoff into this upper region of your household. Temporary roof repairs like tarping or board-up services allow drying and restoration to begin in the attic without waiting for the full repair and reconstruction of a damaged roof to be complete. 

Clearing Water in Confined Spaces

The attic is a confined space, meaning that when it comes to removing water and even drying this portion of the property, the available tools from our inventory are limited by size and functionality. Wet vacuums are often a preferred extraction tool for their light weight and versatility with attachments and extensions. 

What Can Be Salvaged?

There is no mistaking the truth that many homeowners use the attic as a catch-all for seasonal items and possessions to get stored when they do not have a home in the main living areas. These contents can be at risk when stormwater gets introduced to this portion of the house. Part of our effective restoration and recovery plan is to evaluate the condition of stored items to determine what is salvageable and can be cleaned or dried. 

Providing storm water damage restoration for Bellingham homes and businesses can help in the greatest times of need. Our quick arrival ensures that areas like the attic do not require greater reconstruction. Give our SERVPRO of Whatcom County team a call at (360) 733-1800. 

Bellingham’s Notorious Stormy Weather Often Causes Flood Damage

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage restoration is a job for SERVPRO. We are ready 24/7 365 days a year.

SERVPRO Swiftly Repairs Flood Damage in Bellingham

Floods routinely threaten Bellingham homeowners because of the city’s excessive rainfall and bayfront location. Frequent storms often cause significant coastal flooding, while the nearly 4.5 feet of rain the area receives on average every year swells local waterways. Fortunately, when rising waters impact local homes, services like SERVPRO can help.

SERVPRO’s highly-trained and dedicated teams of flood damage professionals in Bellingham can usually return your residence to its pre-flood state in less time than other firms. Our biohazard remediation crews employ all of their expert knowledge when completing sewage cleanup, water removal services, water damage repairs, and overall flood restoration work. Some of the specific tasks SERVPRO technicians complete are:

• Locating and evaluating all of a home’s flood damage, then determining the expenses and efforts necessary to remediate the issues before the project is started
• Removing any standing water, sludge, or other debris that might have been brought into a residence by floodwaters
• Drying out interior air in open areas and hard-to-reach places like crawlspaces, behind walls, and in attics
• Restoring or replacing structural materials, including subflooring, floors, baseboards, walls, ceilings, framing, and insulation
• Examining, cleaning, and repairing electrical components like switches, wall outlets, and light fixtures
• Remediating HVAC system ductwork, restoring household contents, and thoroughly deodorizing all parts of a residence and its furnishings

Once these steps have been taken, flood-damaged homes have generally been returned to their pre-event state. Many times, SERVPRO performs these services so well that it is difficult even to detect that flooding has ever impacted your property.

With that said, keep your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Whatcom County in mind whenever you need assistance restoring flood damage. We are here and ready for your call at (360) 733-1800 seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.

Heavy Storms Bring Flood Damage to Bellingham Homes

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

We're Faster To Any Size Disaster--Call SERVPRO for rapid water extraction from your flood damaged Bellingham property.

Storm Flood Damage Assistance from SERVPRO 24/7 in Bellingham

Storms can come in without warning and negatively impact their path. You must cautiously proceed when you have floodwater coming into your Bellingham home. Rapid removal is best, which is why area residents look to SERVPRO for water removal services and restoration. We are available 24/7 with our disaster-ready teams so that you can have peace of mind your family home will be in good hands. The faster we can get in to begin water mitigation efforts, the easier it is to generate the best outcome.

SERVPRO offers rapid solutions for your storm flood damage issues in Bellingham. Flooding can become hazardous and costly in the blink of an eye. We work carefully and in the most efficient way possible to lessen the restoration time while salvaging whatever is possible. We stock our Green Fleet with a wealth of industrial-grade tools, equipment, EPA-registered disinfectants, and cleaning agents to execute speedy restoration.

Once we arrive:

• We thoroughly assess all flooded areas to determine the right equipment, safety hazards, etc.
• Our tarping and board-up services help us cover a leaking roof from storms and other damage to your exterior.
• Disinfectants get sprayed over all standing floodwater to limit contamination
• Water removal services begin with trash pumps, truck-mounted extractors, and submersible pumps.
• Partial or complete content pack-out/move-out helps our crew sort items for cleaning or disposal and free up space to facilitate restoration.

The SERVPRO team performs controlled demolition and reconstruction for all areas requiring materials removal and replacement. This tear-out may entail carpet and carpet padding removal, subfloor replacement, new drywall, and all finishing touches to make it “Like it never even happened.” – General contractor license #: SERVPB*995NP

Get in touch with SERVPRO of Whatcom County for all your storm flood damage restoration needs! We are Here to Help around the clock, 365 days a year, at (360) 773-1800.

Rain Water Damage in Ferndale, Wa.

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

The rain found an opening and damaged the interior of the medical office.

A typical rain storm in Washington drops a heavy amount of water from the sky but also is generally accompanied by wind. Wind helps the water find pathways to the interior of your home or place of business.

This particular water damage occurred when the tar caulking on a flat roof failed ever so slightly and wind driven rain found the weak spot.

The vent through the roofing system was all the water needed to penetrate the defenses of the building and after a long weekend the morning crew was met with wet floors, ceilings and walls.

They immediately called the trusted Water and Fire - Cleanup and Restoration Professionals, SERVPRO of Bellingham, to dry out the structure and get them back in business as soon as possible.

We work hard to keep your business up and going. 

Frozen Pipes caused by freezing temperatures in Bellingham, WA

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes made for a wet kitchen.

The weather plays an enormous roles in dictating our lives. When it's beautiful outside we barbeque, play sports, go boating and enjoy our beautiful community, but when the temperatures drop and the rivers freeze over our lives move at a different rhythm.

The winter time gives us great skiing and a mazing sunsets, but it also gives us snow, ice and gray skies. When the temperatures get down into the teens for an extended period of time, usually, 3-5 days, we receive a lot of phone calls about frozen pipes and wet interiors. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham is proud to help when we are needed most, so when frozen pipes makes your life miserable please don't hesitate to call 360-733-1800 to help you get back to life as normal. We are here to help.

Wind and Rain in Bellingham, WA

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Wind Driven Rain in the Dining Room.

The Pacific Northwest is famous for many things. We have beautiful mountains, the space needle and the Seattle Seahawks! We are also well known for rain. Rain is easy to deal with as long as you have good drainage and a watertight roof. The real challenges arise when the winds starts to blow and force water into cracks, crevices and otherwise out of reach areas. It's not uncommon for SERVPRO of Bellingham to receive phone calls in the middle of the night as wind and rain batter the community. 

Our policy is yes and we will always help a neighbor in need, so if you roof has failed or water is dripping in your living room, please know that SERVPRO of Bellingham will be there to help. The winds of the Pacific Northwest are no match for the drying power of SERVPRO!

Storm Situation in Lynden, WA.

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Freezing Temperatures lead to Frozen Pipes

The late winter storm is becoming the new normal. The region of the Pacific Northwest has been hit hard the last three years by winter storms that sneak in late and coat our area in snow and chilly northeastern winds.

Our most recent late winter storm caused a large water damage in a partially remodeled loft above a garage. The project was about half way completed when the storm hit and frozen the mixer in the shower causing water to spray all over the unfinished floors and flowing down into the garage below. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham was able to address the damage quickly with minimal downtime. The project was only a few days behind schedule. Thankfully they were able to complete the project in time for parents to stay in the new loft.

Wind Blown Water Damage in Everson, WA

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged caused by wind driven rain

Early Sunday morning and the on call phone is ringing. No doubt someone has been affected by the high winds and rain form the night before. To tell you the truth it's still raining and the wind has only partially died down. 

Our technician is on the scene before breakfast is served and a plan of action is already underway. The first step is to stop the water from coming in. Once the leak has been addressed the professionals at SERVPRO of Bellingham are ready to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fast action, excellent communication and a science based drying plan helped limit the damage to this home while also leaving the customer overly confident in our abilities and willingness to get the job done.

Call SERVPRO of Bellingham anytime for all of your fire and water clean up and restoration needs 360-733-1800.

Rain, Ground Water, Flooded Basements.

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Blaine, WA.

The recent rain has us thinking about flooded basements.

Flooding of basements can occur any time. While most often flooding occurs during big rains or rapid snowmelts in the spring, it can occur even during dry weather.

There are a number of reasons why basements flood. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup. 

Groundwater is water that is naturally located below the ground’s surface. The groundwater level can be, at times, above the level of the basement floor. In some locations, groundwater can be above the level of the floor at all times.

Gravity moves water from high to low. If either the groundwater level or sewer level around your home is above the basement floor, gravity will try to move that water into your basement. A crack in the foundation floor, for example, provides gravity with a perfect path for water to be pushed into the basement, but have no fear. We are here to help.

When water finds it way into your basement you know who to call. SERVPRO of Bellingham 360-733-1800.

Storm Damage in Bellingham.

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Rain Storms drop lots of water and cause lots of damage

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live, raise children and do business. We have four seasons and moderate high and low temperatures. What we do have in large volume is wind and rain.

The smallest leak in a roof can result in a huge amount of damage and the added ingredient of wind only compounds the problem. SERVPRO of Bellingham fields many calls throughout the fall and winter from our good friends with roofs, windows, doors and, well, any structure. 

This particular project was a surprise for the new tenant. We were called to assess the problem and address the drying of the structure. What we found when we arrived certainly meant that some work was getting done that day. We also performed some demo and cleanup. 

The Rain was so heavy it crushed the ceiling

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

The ceiling came down from the weight of the wet sheetrock and insulation.

Heavy rains are part of life in Bellingham, Washington. We are lucky to have excellent roofs and roofers, but sometimes materials fail.

We were recently called to help a customer that had the ceiling in the kitchen hanging from the rafters and sitting on the counters. The first step in dealing with water damage is to make assessment of the situation and game plan to getting the drying process moving in the right direction. This particular home had a unique problem. Most of the demolition that typically takes place had already been done by the water weight of the rain.

The material was removed the drying took place. Our crew left the job with a load of wet sheet rock, carpet and insulation. plus a happy customer with an amazing story to tell. 

Separation is in the Preparation

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Snow in the Pacific Northwest can cause massive damage.

The freezing level has fallen and the dark clouds have moved in. Now what?

We here in the Pacific Northwest are always ready for rain but always ready for snow. Here are a couple things to keep in mind as the fluffy wet cold white stuff starts to fall across our region.

Let's think safety first.

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Sufficient heating fuel, like dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm

Next do you have a plan?

• Make a family emergency plan — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
• Listen to a NOAA Weather or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service and be alert to changing weather conditions

Be smart and think about everyone and everything in the family.

• Minimize travel, but keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather
• Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water

These few steps will help minimize any hardship as the snow storm closes in on us. 

Storm bring water damage in Ferndale, WA.

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

The Staircase is Hit Hard by Water Intrusion from a Storm

The winter rain storm brought seasonal highs in rainfall and an extremely high water table. Our office fields many calls during these times and the issue is often times water intrusion in the basement caused by Hydrostatic pressure. 

Hydrostatic pressure can easily drive groundwater into the basement through gaps and cracks in the masonry. High water pressure can also cause seepage through solid concrete. Hydrostatic Pressure refers to a water pressure and is a major cause of basement water problems.

One such issue occurred in the staircase leading to the basement of a home in Ferndale, WA. Our guys were able to help pinpoint the problem and assist in the remedy by using FLIR technology and many years of experience in this area. The first clue was the sloughing paint along the trim line of the stairs. This insight helped our client quickly address the issue and our crew got right to work.

Rain Storm in Lynden, Washington.

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

The roof was compromised during heavy rains and was leaking in the kitchen.

Most businesses have busy seasons and SERVPRO of Bellingham's busy season starts with the heavy fall rains. Our summers are beautiful and mostly dry, but fall hits hard and rain becomes the norm.

One gray fall day our office was contacted by a concerned family with a wet kitchen ceiling. We dispatched our certified water techs to figure out the problem. 

The wet ceiling and heavy recent rains lead the technicians to the attic for a close look at the roof's underbelly. It didn't take long for the crew to realize the issue. Almost directly above the bulging kitchen ceiling a steady drip of water had damaged the sheet rock below and the beginning stages of microbial growth had formed. 

Assisted by the roofer on the outside and SERVPRO of Bellingham on the inside, our clients were able to get back to life as usual in a dry, safe, healthy home.

A High Tide in Blaine Washington.

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

A basement flooded by storm water in Birch Bay Washington.

The old adage that "A high tide raises all boats" makes sense if you are a boat or on a team, but if the tide gets too high it only means you are going to need to call SERVPRO of Bellingham to dry your home and help get your life back to normal.

A King Tide hit our shores at the same time as a storm surge powered by high winds. The resulting damage was felt immediately and for many hours before the tides receded back into the ocean leaving behind unprecedented damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

We were onsite before the storm was over and stayed on with a number of customers to help get the water out and begin the process of drying. Our crews spent days extracting water and setting drying equipment in crawlspaces. 

In the end, SERVPRO of Bellingham helped make it "Like it never even happened."  

Rain Water Damages Wood Floor in Entry. Bellingham, WA.

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

The driving rain of Northwest Washington. We don't get down pours. Our wind driven rain comes in on an angle. Poor planning and design can lead to some unhappy home owners.

Our, unsuspecting client came home after work to find a large puddle of water near the front door. Initially, it was a mystery and we were called to help diagnose the problem. We extracted the water and began to dig into the cause. No water lines were near the issue and the line had yet to be drawn from the rain storm to the damage.

We worked the issue and found that the wind driven rain had forced itself into the home through an imperfectly sealed and door that also lacked protection from the rain. The home owner was thankful we had diagnosed the issues and was able to make thenecessary changes to the entry to erase the issue.

We also saved the hardwood floor!

Snow Storm in Whatcom County

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Working to keep business in business.

All Hands On Deck is defined as "A call for all members of a ship's crew to come to the deck, usually in a time of crisis."

At no time is this term more applicable to SERVPRO of Bellingham than during a storm situation. Our most recent storm situation was over the winter when a cold front blasted us with sustained freezing temperatures and an unrelenting wind. 

Our crews worked all of hours of the day and throughout many weekends to assist our community in their time of need. 

We worked side by side with other trades to keep our local businesses in business. In these difficult times it truly takes a village and SERVPRO of Bellingham is proud to be a part of this amazing community. 

Freezing Temperatures and Burst Sprinkler Systems in Bellingham, WA.

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Frozen Sprinkler System in Bellingham, WA.

SERVPRO of Bellingham is known for Fire and Water clean up and restoration. We are also on the front lines when it comes to storm situations.

We have the experience, equipment, technology and work force to assist in many difficult situations. 

The Pacific Northwest has a fairly mild weather pattern, so when temperatures dip below freezing for extended periods of time our buildings are a great risk of having burst pipes, frozen supply lines and solid drain pipes. 

A local hotel was struck by frozen sprinkler lines in the attic. The low points in the dry system where the water pooled had frozen solid and broken the seal where the pipes are joined. The break in the seal created a change in pressure which in turn set off the system. Pressurized water flooded the pipes and found the broken joint sending water down onto the rooms below. 

The sprinklers were shut down and SERVPRO of Bellingham was immediately contacted. Our crew was onsite in under 30 minutes and the drying process had begun. 

When storms hit SERVPRO is there for you.

Flooded basement in Bellingham, Washington.

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Leaves and Rain made for a clogged drain.

Heavy rains and strong winds are the hallmark of storms in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the issue with our beautiful landscape is the amount of leaves on the trees. In a storm situation the leaves fall and get blown all over the place. Typically, the rain and the wind is just part of a normal day, but couple those wind and rainy days with a bunch of leaves blocking drain and you have a situation perfect for flooding.

The roads flood, drain get plugged and eventually homes start to flood as the rain has nowhere to go. 

SERVPRO of Bellingham was recently called to help clean up and dry out a finished basement that flooded due to heavy rain and a drain plugged with leaves. We quickly got to work and created a drying environment that expedited the process. The homeowner was happy to have called SERVPRO because our crew work knew what to do and helped them get back to life as normal.

The ceiling came down after a rain storm in Ferndale, Wa.

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

A third floor unit with a leaky roof.

Washington State is known for natural beauty, mountains, the Puget Sound and rain. The most common call we receive after a rain storm is for a wet ceiling. In the most extreme cases the ceiling is not only wet, the ceiling is no longer up and has now found a new home on the ground. A ceiling that has come down due to heavy rains and a leaky roof is not only scary but difficult to impossible live with. The roof needs to be repaired and the home needs to be dried out. We have the trained professionals and truckloads of equipment to make this problem "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Bellingham works hard to help our customers get back to life as normal.

Storm Related Roof Leak in Bellingham, WA.

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bellingham dries ceilings.

A perfect white ceiling can easily be taken for granted. The same can be said for a water tight roof. SERVPRO of Bellingham was called late one Sunday evening at a time most people refer to as after hours, but the funny part about that is that SERVPRO of Bellingham is always open and ready for any type of disaster...even a roof leak. 

Our on call technicians were able to quickly diagnose and advise the owners of the steps necessary to address this problem. Contacting a roofing professional to remedy the roof is the first step. Then we can begin the drying process. 

We've scene it all over the past 41 years and we will see even more over the next 41 years.

Heavy Rain and High Winds in Bellingham, WA.

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

A roof leak, wet insulation and a dropped ceiling in Bellingham, WA.

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to live, raise children and do business. We have four seasons and moderate high and low temperatures. What we do have in large volume is wind and rain.

The smallest leak in a roof can result in a huge amount of damage and the added ingredient of wind only compounds the problem. SERVPRO of Bellingham fields many calls throughout the fall and winter from our good friends with roofs, windows, doors and, well, any structure. 

This particular project was a surprise for the new tenant. We were called to assess the problem and address the drying of the structure. What we found when we arrived certainly meant that some work was getting done that day. We also performed some demo and cleanup. 

Snow Storm

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

The green truck awaits a winter sprinkling of snow

The freezing level has fallen and the dark clouds have moved in. Now what?

We here in the Pacific Northwest are always ready for rain but always ready for snow. Here are a couple things to keep in mind as the fluffy wet cold white stuff starts to fall across our region

Let's think safety first.

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways
• Sand to improve traction
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
• Sufficient heating fuel, like dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm

Next do you have a plan?

• Make a family emergency plan — Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency
• Listen to a NOAA Weather or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service and be alert to changing weather conditions

Be smart and think about everyone and everything in the family.

• Minimize travel, but keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle
• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather
• Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water

These few steps will help minimize any hardship as the snow storm closes in on us. 

Ice Dam

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

The water damage that resulted from the melting snow and the subsequent ice dam.

The dreaded ICE DAM. Our weather here in Whatcom County was the perfect breeding ground for an ice dam.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on a roof and prevents melting snow/ice (water) from draining off the roof. With nowhere else to go, and with freezing at night and melting during the day, the water will eventually back up behind the dam and ultimately leak into the home causing severe damage to roof shingles, ceilings, walls, insulation, and more. If damage from an ice dam goes unnoticed in an attic, there is also a potential for mold/mildew to form.

Thankfully our weather is rarely perfect for ice dams, but when it is know that SERVPRO of Bellingham is here to help.