Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts?
2. What's my shelter plan?
3. What's my evacuation route?
4. What's my family communication plan?

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
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1. It is important to make sure your sump pump is in working order. 
2. After heavy rains, check the sump pump inlet screen for any blockages. Blockage is one of the leading causes of sump pump failure.
3. Occasionally, test sump pump by filling the pit with water and watch to see if it is pumped away.  If not, you may have a problem.
4. Check the float control to make sure it is free and not restricted or hung up.
5. Replace the battery backup every 2-3 years. 

Have A Flooded Basement?
Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle – (302) 392-6000

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

Damage from Cold Weather or Winter Storm?

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle (302) 392-6000

Summertime is the right time for picnics, gardening, outdoor events, and damaging storms. Everything from thunderstorms to tornadoes can wreak havoc on your property and enjoyment of the warmer season. Take matters into your own hands to prevent storm damage to your home, and be sure to call in the professionals at SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle when needed.

LEARN MORE on what you can do to help prevent storm damage.

Flooding can cause unpleasant odors. The main culprit is mold, which creates musty odors that permeate your entire building. If the floodwater results in sewage loss within your building’s septic system, the smells will be even worse. The best way to remove these odors is to hire a professional water damage remediation company.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (302) 392-6000

Allow the Faucet to Drip

If you are afraid a pipe will freeze, you can open the faucet fed by that pipe just a bit so the faucet drips slightly. Allowing the faucet to be open like this relieves pressure in the system. Allowing the faucet to be open will prevent this pressure from building up and thus keep the pipe from bursting. If the faucet is served by both hot and cold water pipes, open both faucet taps slightly, or set a single-handle faucet to warm.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle has the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle at (302) 392-6000

Flood damage is rarely a light load on a home; in most cases, flooding causes a severe, negative impact. The most damaged element is often your floors. Floors are completely submerged during floods, causing water to seep in and wreak havoc.

Related Article:How Water Damage Affects Your Floors

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000 for all your water damage and flood cleanup needs

Ignited materials in the roof or walls may start with a slow burn before turning into a full house fire. A lightning fire is particularly dangerous for this reason, and you should always take steps to ensure the safety of your home and family.

• Call your local fire department or 911 if you smell smoke. The fire department can perform an inspection and search for issues.

• Inspect your roofing and siding for damage from the strike itself.

• Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle at (302) 392-6000 for your emergency board-up and/or fire and water restoration needs

Pick the smallest room in the house and designate it as the warm room.

Cover the walls and windows in blankets, towels, curtains, space blankets… whatever you have. Now, shut all the other doors. If there are doorways seal off the room and keep the heat in with you. A small room with low ceilings will keep the heat from drifting up or away. Family members and pets will all generate body heat and warm the room.

Cold Temperatures Bring Risk of Frostbite

If you thought it couldn't get any colder, think again. Mother Nature will continue to freeze the northern tier just in time for the new year.

At these temperatures, frostbite can happen in less than 15 minutes on exposed skins. Make sure to wear layers and carry extra warm clothes, food, water and jumper cables in your car if you must travel.

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

New Castle County Business Owners

Businesses in New Castle County are urged by the NOAA’s National Weather Service to stay on top of local warnings and forecasts.  

As a business owner, you should know the primary winter weather alerts and what to expect if one of these is issued in New Castle County.

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000 for all your commercial cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs! 

SNOWFLAKES COME IN ALL SIZES

The average snowflake ranges from a size slightly smaller than a penny to the width of a human hair, but according to some unverified sources, they can grow much larger.  Witnesses of a snowstorm in Fort Keogh, Montana, in 1887, claimed to see saucepan-sized crystals fall from the sky.  If true, that would make them the largest snowflakes ever spotted, at around 15 inches wide!

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE can immediately respond to winter storm and flooding conditions.

Keep Toasty All Winter Long

The crisp snap of autumn weather is a reminder that even colder days lie ahead. Get ready for them by performing a few simple chores now that will keep you toasty all winter long.

CLICK HERE for “7 Things to Do Right Now for a Warmer Winter”

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE is here to help you prepare for and deal with the winter weather.

Keep Your Family Snug and Cozy

Leaky windows can make the inside of your home feel downright chilly. The permanent solution to drafts is to replace old and leaky windows with new, energy-efficient versions. Not everyone, however, can afford the substantial cost, and for those who are renting a home, expensive projects simply don't make sense. But there are some quick and easy fixes that can make a big difference in both your comfort level and your heating bills. 

CLICK HERE for “8 Easy DIY Projects to Help Dispel Those Drafts”

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

Immediate Action is Crucial

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

CLICK HERE for “Tips to Help You After a Storm or Flood in Delaware City, DE”

Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000

Winter Storms & How To Prepare

A winter storm is an event in which varieties of precipitation are formed that only occur at low temperatures, such as snow or sleet, or a rainstorm where ground temperatures are low enough to allow ice to form. 

You Can Prepare

• Learn the winter storm risk in New Castle County.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• Sign up now to receive text messages and emergency alerts in our area.

CLICK HERE for tips on ”Winter Storm Disasters: Facts for Families

Winter Weather Warnings, Watches & Advisories

Your local National Weather Service office knows the local area and will issue Warnings, Watches or Advisories based on local criteria.  Click here to learn more about Winter Weather Alerts and What They Mean

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs! 

Tree Maintenance & Care

Heavy snow and high winds can knock down tree limbs, taking out power lines, damaging siding, and can easily crash through roofs and even crush a car. 

Getting your trees trimmed can help prevent this type of damage, as well as keep your trees healthy and looking great.

Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302) 392-6000 for all your cleaning, water damage, fire damage and mold remediation needs! 

No Job Is Too Large

When you are dealing with storm, flood, and water damage, immediate action is crucial. You should choose the company with storm damage experience and expertise that has the resources and equipment to handle the job. SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

Have Storm or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today (302) 392-6000

If Your Sump Pump Fails, Your Delaware City Basement Could Begin to Fill with Water

If you have a basement, your sump pump is often your last line of defense against flooding.  It works by safely diverting water away from your house and is especially important during times of heavy rain when it puts your Delaware City, DE home at risk of water damage. 

If your sump pump fails, you could find your basement under water.  When this happens, it is important to act fast! Water damage can be a progressive issue and if not dealt with in a timely manner, this could lead to structural damage, mold and much more.

Have Water or Flood Damage?
Call Us Today – (302) 392-6000

Emergency Alerts Sent to Your Mobile Device Can Help Keep You Safe During a Disaster in New Castle County, DE

Emergency Alerts are sent by authorized government alerting authorities through your mobile carrier. Government partners include local and state public safety agencies, FEMA the FCC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service. Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency.

Emergency Alerts can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download in app or subscribe to a service.

When disaster hits your property and you need restoration services, call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE at (302)392-6000

Preserving Precious Keepsakes

Storm and water damage affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (302) 392-6000

This New Castle County, DE Basement Flooded When The Sump Pump Stopped Working.

Sump pump failures are one of those things that you don't think about until it is too late. It's important to have a backup system in place. Consider one or more of the following options as a backup system:

• Secondary Electric Pump
• Battery Backup Powered System
• Hydraulic Pump
• High Level Alarm

If your Delaware County property has experienced water damage or mold from a sump pump failure call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle, DE  (302) 392-6000