Storm Advisory for Southeastern Michigan

60 MPH Winds, Hail, Tornadoes Possible According to Recent Storm Advisory Warnings

Threats of thunderstorms, damaging winds 60 mph or higher and hail one inch in size expected to affect Southeastern Michigan today according to storm advisory. The expectation is for strong winds, hail and the potential for tornadoes in the area. Hazardous weather conditions may cause property damage. It is highly possible that homes will experience roof damage and broken windows, leading to water damage. Furthermore, Flood damage due to storms may also cause basement flooding.  The storm advisory warning will impact Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Monroe, Lenawee, Livingston, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties along with some northern regions.

How to Avoid Property Damage Before the Storm

Surveying your property before the storm is a good idea that will help you to avoid the pitfalls of property damage. For instance, you can store items not bolted down such as trampolines and bbq’s. Furthermore, patio furniture that is lightweight should be stored prior to a storm. Storage sheds can be anchored down with cables or chains. Branches that are dead or in need of pruning should be clipped and trees that are dead or dying should be removed to avoid disaster.

For those of you in the path of the storm, we are there when you need us. For instance, we specialize in flood cleanup, water extraction, hail damage to roof, and fallen tree services in Southeastern Michigan. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response. Our experts are always ready to serve day or night, 365 days of the year.

Southeast Michigan Storm

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Michigan Storm Brings Hail, 50 MPH Winds and Power Outages

 

Power outages for thousands due to southeast Michigan storm today.  Beware of hail and high winds reaching 50 mph.  Storms may also cause basement flooding in Monroe, Michigan and surrounding areas as well as  property and water damage from hail.

The wrath of the southeast Michigan storm will likely center on Monroe and Lenawee counties with hail to a half inch in diameter and wind gusts up to 45 MPH. The storm has the potential to cause flooded basements, flooded property, and water damage due to loss of shingles causing roof damage. To avoid potential property damage and injury, it may be wise to secure outdoor outbuildings with chains and cables and store things like patio furniture, trampolines and basketball hoops to keep them from becoming airborne.

An approaching cold front is to blame for continued showers early this afternoon gradually clearing with a high near 78 and breezy. Rain forecast calls for 50-70% precipitation throughout the holiday weekend.

For those of you in the path of the storm in high flood areas, we are there when you need us. Call Advance Restoration for 24/7 response to water damage due to flood. We provide immediate relief with water extraction pump out and drying. Our experts are always ready to serve.

First Frost Forecast For Michigan This Weekend

The Detroit Free Press reports that a blast of cold air will push temps into the mid-30’s. The cooler air will see metro Detroit experiencing its first frost around the first week of October, according to the report.

It’s official. Fall is here. Northern lower and parts of the Upper Peninsula are expecting lower temps beginning Friday evening producing the first frost of the season.

The fall season officially begins September 22. Changes in the length of daylight along with cooler temperatures will promote visible signs that fall is here as leaves turn to vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red.

News of our first frost brings to mind the need for winterizing our homes. It’s much easier to winterize before bad weather sets in. Frozen gutters can cause the fascia to pull off the house and ice dams can wreak havoc on your shingles causing roof damage.  An ounce of prevention can go a long way, here are some tips for winterizing your home.

First Frost Preparedness for Your Home:

  • Winterize your sprinkler system
  • Unhook hoses and insulate hydrants
  • Seal up any foundation vents
  • Change your furnace filters and turn on thermostats
  • Check weather-stripping around doors, windows, and garage doors
  • Clean out and apply heat tape to gutters, downspouts and eaves.

All too often, Advance Restoration sees the results roof leaks due to winter storm damage that could have been avoided. While temps are still fairly accommodating—there is no time like the present to winterize.

Michael Jordan Donating $2 Million

Former NBA basketball legend, Michael Jordan donating #2 million to aid in Hurricane Florence relief efforts of residents in North and South Carolina. Jordan, who played high school hoops in Wilmington, North Carolina, gave $1 million each to the Foundation For The Carolinas’ Hurricane Florence Response Fund and the American Red Cross, according to recent press releases.

Advance Restoration is mobilizing manpower, water extraction and dry-out equipment now to the east coast—we hope to see you there, Michael Jordan!

HURRICANE FLORENCE—What to do after the hurricane

Danger still exists after hurricane Florence, even though the driving rains and winds have subsided. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following safety tips for homeowners returning after the storm.

Is your neighborhood safe for your return? Stay tuned to local news on radio and social media for important announcements concerning the storm damage, for medical aid and other assistance such as food, water and shelter.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be aware of specific travel routes and assembly points authorities have established for residents in the area. Roads may be closed due to flooding or road damage.

You may not have access right away to your home. Emergency rescue, power crews and other personnel may be tending to special needs. Roads may be blocked, power lines down and people may be trapped and in need of help. Avoid driving, sight-seeing or entering a storm ravaged area unnecessarily, it is better to stay put and wait instructions regarding safe return.

Avoid downed power lines, even if they appear to be harmless.

Avoid metal fences and other metal objects near downed lines.

Do not use matches or lighters in a storm damaged area until all gas lines have been checked for leaks.

Consider having professionals such as licensed contractors inspect your home for damage and to help with repairs, especially gas and electrical lines.

Assume that standing water is not safe and use properly stored water for consumption or boil your tap water.

Remember to keep your radio tuned to a station issuing emergency bulletins for the latest information and to be certain that you have the all-clear to return home safely.

Advance Restoration wants to ensure everyone remains safe until the time is right to return to your home and when you do— We’re there when you need us to help with all your storm damage restoration needs.

HUNGER AWARENESS

As we move into October leaving September’s hunger awareness month behind, it is important to remember that hunger, for some, is a way of life.

At Advance Restoration, we deal with tragedy day-in and day-out in the form of property loss due to extreme situations of all kinds. But these tragedies can be fixed, for that reason don’t compare to the tragedy of hunger experienced by people here at home and around the world. We need more hunger awareness.

Even in the wealthiest communities, there are people who need help with access to healthy food. Take this opportunity to support your local food pantry and be on top of hunger awareness.

Did you know…

$50 Distributes 150 meals to agencies serving hungry people

$100 Distributes 300 meals to agencies serving hungry people

$300 Your gift will provide over 900 meals to agencies serving hungry people

Here are just a few of the pantries in the region that could use your help:

Oakland County

Macomb County-Macomb Food Program

Genesee County

St. Clair County

Most food pantries now provide not only canned or boxed foods but fresh produce to their pantry clients. Items besides food are also in high demand such as toiletries, household supplies, and emergency items for the homeless such as blankets. All 501c3 organization donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

Please give what you can.

Thunderstorms—Calming Your Child’s Fear

With the threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms in southeast Michigan and across the country the time is rife for a discussion with your children about thunder and storms.

Fear of storms are common for children, and the best way to handle those fears is to communicate openly and simply with your kids. The best time to talk to your kids is ideally before a severe storm occurs so you can help to prepare them for what they will experience.

When your community’s sirens sound and your family prepare to take shelter in the basement or other safe place, you can prevent panic and fear while waiting for the storm to pass by bringing books, games, flashlights, and even snacks to help distract them. Many experts suggest buying an age appropriate book that takes the mystery and fear out of storms, such as Nature’s Fireworks: A Book About Lightningby Josepha Sherman.

Children may get scared, emotional or withdrawn depending on how they cope with the fear and uncertainty that surrounds a storm, flood, or power outage. They may want to watch the storm or talk incessantly about what is happening outside. As parents, we can help our kids weather the storm by exhibiting calm behavior for them to mimic—children oftentimes learn by your example. Limit media with graphic images about storms, these images can be scary to kids and accelerate their fears. Refocusing your children’s thoughts away from what’s happening outside will result in fewer meltdowns.

Use the current storm as an opportunity to teach your child how to stay safe when they are outside in a storm with common sense advice about going inside when lightning strikes, not to stand under a tree to protect themselves from a fallen branch or large object during high winds that can sometimes accompany storms, and to stay out of the water

It is important to offer kids as much reassurance as possible and remind them that they are in the family’s “safe” place. Calmly redirect children when their words or thoughts turn back to fear about the storm. Remember, your kids learn by watching you, so remain calm and they will learn to do the same.

Refocusing their attention by playing games, reading a book, or having an age appropriate teaching moment will help your kids weather thru the storm.  Although scary, storms can also provide a good excuse for a warm cookie, a cup of hot cocoa, and bonding time with family.

Recipe To Warm A Winter’s Night

Stay Warm with Our Melting Snowman Recipe

Grab your kids or the kid inside you and create this fun and easy recipe for a melting snowman. This recipe turns your hot cocoa into a sweet and creamy delicious delight! It is certain to calm those frozen pipes.

You will need:

  • Marshmallows
  • Pretzel sticks
  • Candy corn
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Extra long toothpicks (4 inches)

Use the toothpick to poke holes for the arms, legs, and nose, and then push pretzels and a candy corn in the snowman.

Poke small holes for the buttons with the same toothpick and push mini chocolate chips into the holes.

Place some mini chocolate chips in a sandwich baggie and melt in your microwave (30 seconds at a time until melted). Snip off a tiny corner of the baggie and “pipe” the chocolate out to draw eyes and a mouth on the snowman.

Make sure to let small kids know that there is a toothpick inside the snowman before they start eating it. The toothpick could become a choking hazard and we wouldn’t want that!

Stay warm and have fun making marshmallow snowmen for your cocoa! Go outdoors and build an actual snowman then come inside for this toasty drink.  If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it and best wishes for the season from Advance Restoration.

Water Damage Causes — 5 Most Common

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Many factors contribute to the destruction of water leakage in your home or business. Water can literally destroy hardwood flooring, drywall and important documents and electronics. Three of the most common water damage causes are outlined below along with and some helpful tips for staying dry.

Rusted plumbing and Water Damage

Copper and steel pipes used in older home construction put your pipes at a higher level of risk. Rust accumulates and can block the flow of water in pipes allowing rust to take hold and weaken the structure of pipes causing erosion and consequently leaks.

Tip: Have a professional plumber give your pipes a tune up every 2-3 years to make sure the connections are secure and pipes are in good condition.

Extreme temperatures

Changes in temperature that are extreme can cause pipes to crack, burst and leak. While we know this is common in consistently cold climates, burst pipes can happen with any type of temperature change that is extreme enough even in warmer climate zones.

Tip: Hot water temperatures can weaken your pipes over time so stay away from higher heat settings for this reason and protect your pipes by insulating them from the elements.

Natural Settling of Foundation

The natural settling of your home or property can cause cracks in the wall of your foundation causing water to seep through causing flooded basements or crawl spaces. Pipes can be displaced during times when settling is taking place causing them to weaken, crack, or even break leading to damage or flooding.

Tip: Checking the walls of your foundation once a year can help to ward off any issues. If you find cracks upon inspection, contact an expert to determine how widespread the issue is and repair damage a timely manner to ward off unwanted water disasters.

Looking for help with water damage? Contact the experts at Advance Restoration.