Creating An Emergency Response Plan for Storms

9/17/2023 (Permalink)

Charlotte, North Carolina, with its vibrant urban lifestyle and picturesque surroundings, is no stranger to the unpredictability of Southeast storms. As a homeowner, being prepared for potential storms is essential to ensure the safety of your family and the protection of your property. In this informative guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a comprehensive emergency response planning checklist tailored to Southeast storms in the Charlotte area. By having a well-thought-out plan in place, you can navigate stormy weather with confidence and peace of mind.

Know Your Risk

Understanding the types of storms that typically affect the Charlotte area is the first step in emergency preparedness:

Research Storm Patterns: Learn about common storm types, such as hurricanes, tropical storms, thunderstorms, and winter storms, that can impact the region.

Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with local emergency management resources and websites that provide up-to-date storm information.

Develop a Family Communication Plan

Creating a family communication plan ensures that everyone is on the same page and knows what to do in the event of a storm:

Contact List: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, neighbors, and local authorities.

Emergency Meeting Place: Designate a safe meeting place where your family can gather if you need to evacuate your home.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that can sustain your family's needs for at least three days:

Food and Water: Pack non-perishable food items, bottled water, and a manual can opener.

First Aid Supplies: Include a first aid kit, prescription medications, and essential medical supplies.

Clothing and Bedding: Pack extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to stay warm and dry.

Secure Your Property

Take steps to safeguard your property and minimize potential damage:

Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim branches and shrubs that could become hazards during strong winds or heavy rainfall.

Anchor Outdoor Items: Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

Review Insurance Coverage

Ensure that your homeowner's insurance policy adequately covers storm-related damage:

Policy Review: Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for storm damage, including wind, rain, and flooding.

Flood Insurance: Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowner's insurance may not cover flood-related damage.

Create a Shelter Plan

Identify safe spaces within your home where your family can take shelter during a storm:

Interior Rooms: Choose interior rooms on the lowest level of your home, away from windows and doors.

Emergency Supplies: Keep your emergency kit and necessary supplies in or near your designated shelter areas.

Stay Informed

Staying informed about storm developments and local emergency alerts is crucial:

Weather Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts and notifications from local news sources, radio stations, and weather apps.

Emergency Radio: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio to receive updates in case of power outages.

Evacuation Plan

In the event of an evacuation, be prepared to leave your home safely and efficiently:

Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelters.

Transportation: Plan for transportation options if you don't have access to a vehicle during an evacuation.

Creating a comprehensive emergency response planning checklist tailored to Southeast storms in the Charlotte area is an essential step in safeguarding your family, property, and peace of mind. By knowing your risk, developing a family communication plan, assembling an emergency kit, securing your property, reviewing insurance coverage, creating a shelter plan, staying informed, and having an evacuation plan, you can face stormy weather with confidence and readiness. Remember, being well-prepared is the key to effectively managing the challenges that storms may bring, and your efforts can make all the difference in ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones.

Why You Should Have Your Electronics Cleaned After a Fire

8/13/2023 (Permalink)

While your electronics may appear unharmed on the outside, the fire's residual effects can continue to wreak havoc on these devices.

When a fire damages your home or property, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Amidst the chaos, it's important not to overlook the need for professional electronics cleaning. While your electronics may appear unharmed on the outside, the fire's residual effects can continue to wreak havoc on these devices. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons why having your electronics cleaned after a fire is crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring their safe and proper functioning.

Removing Soot and Smoke Residue

Even if your electronics don't appear directly affected by the fire, they can still be covered in soot and smoke residue. These substances contain harmful chemicals that can corrode delicate circuitry and components over time. Professional electronics cleaning technicians employ specialized techniques to carefully and thoroughly remove all traces of soot, ensuring your devices are free from potential damage caused by lingering residue.

Preventing Oxidation and Rust

Exposure to heat and smoke in a fire can accelerate the oxidation process and cause metal components within your electronics to rust. If left untreated, this can lead to permanent damage and render the devices inoperable. Professional cleaning helps mitigate the risk of oxidation and rust formation by utilizing advanced methods to neutralize any corrosive agents, providing your electronics with the necessary protection against long-term damage.

Ensuring Safe and Proper Functioning

The presence of soot and other contaminants can compromise the internal components of your electronics, affecting their functionality and performance. Dirty circuit boards, clogged vents, and damaged connectors can lead to overheating, short circuits, or even electrical fires. Professional electronics cleaning removes these contaminants, ensuring that your devices operate safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of malfunctions or future electrical issues.

Preserving Data and Memory

In addition to the physical components, the data stored on your electronics may be at risk after a fire. Heat and smoke can damage hard drives, memory cards, or other storage devices, potentially causing data loss. Professional cleaners employ specialized procedures to carefully clean and recover data from damaged electronics, increasing the chances of preserving cherished memories, important files, or essential business information.

Insurance Claims and Loss Assessment

Having your electronics professionally cleaned after a fire is crucial for insurance claims and loss assessment purposes. Documenting the damage and taking proactive steps to prevent further harm demonstrates your commitment to mitigating losses. Insurance companies often require detailed reports and evidence of cleaning to process claims effectively. Hiring professionals for electronics cleaning provides the necessary documentation, ensuring a smoother claims process and more accurate loss assessment.

After experiencing a fire, the importance of professional electronics cleaning cannot be overstated. By removing soot and smoke residue, preventing oxidation and rust, ensuring safe functioning, preserving data, and aiding in insurance claims, cleaning your electronics becomes an essential step toward minimizing further damage and optimizing their longevity. Remember, time is of the essence, so make sure to reach out to professional technicians promptly to assess, clean, and restore your electronics. By doing so, you can safeguard your valuable devices, recover important data, and restore a sense of normalcy to your home or property after this devastating event.

Why It Matters to Have a Certified Water Damage Expert for Your Restoration Needs

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes and your property is affected by water damage, it's crucial to act swiftly and efficiently to minimize further losses. While you may be tempted to handle the restoration process yourself or hire just any contractor, there are significant benefits to enlisting the services of a certified water damage expert. In this blog post, we will explore why it matters to have a certified professional restore your property after water damage, and how their expertise can make a substantial difference in the outcome.

Expertise and Knowledge

Certified water damage experts possess specialized knowledge and training in handling various types of water damage scenarios. They understand the complexities of water damage restoration, including the different categories and classes of water damage, potential hazards, and appropriate mitigation techniques. With their extensive expertise, they can accurately assess the extent of damage, develop a comprehensive restoration plan, and execute it efficiently, ensuring your property is restored to its pre-damage condition.

Advanced Equipment and Techniques

Certified professionals invest in state-of-the-art equipment and utilize advanced techniques to facilitate effective water damage restoration. They have access to industry-leading tools such as moisture meters, dehumidifiers, high-powered extraction equipment, and specialized drying techniques. These resources enable them to identify hidden moisture pockets, thoroughly extract excess water, and restore the affected areas to a dry and safe state. By employing advanced equipment and techniques, certified experts can expedite the restoration process, reducing the risk of secondary damages such as mold growth and structural deterioration.

Comprehensive Damage Assessment

Water damage is not always limited to what is immediately visible. It can penetrate walls, seep into flooring, and infiltrate electrical systems, posing hidden risks to your property's structure and your health. Certified water damage experts are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments, identifying both visible and hidden damage. They use their expertise to detect potential issues that untrained individuals may overlook. By uncovering and addressing all aspects of the damage, certified experts can ensure that no lingering problems compromise the safety and integrity of your property in the long run.

Efficient Mold Remediation

One of the most significant concerns following water damage is the potential growth of mold. Mold can quickly spread and pose serious health risks to occupants if not promptly and effectively addressed. Certified water damage experts are well-versed in mold remediation techniques and follow established industry standards to safely remove and prevent mold growth. Their expertise in moisture control and effective drying techniques helps inhibit mold proliferation, safeguarding your property and the health of its occupants.

Insurance and Documentation Assistance

Dealing with insurance claims after a water damage incident can be overwhelming, especially if you lack experience in navigating the process. Certified water damage experts understand the requirements of insurance companies and can assist you in documenting the damage, providing accurate estimates, and communicating effectively with your insurance provider. Their expertise can help streamline the claims process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for the restoration expenses.

When your property suffers water damage, enlisting the services of a certified water damage expert is an investment in quality restoration and peace of mind. Their expertise, advanced equipment, comprehensive assessments, mold remediation skills, and insurance assistance can significantly improve the outcome of the restoration process. By hiring a certified professional, such as SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County, you can ensure that your property is restored to its pre-damage condition promptly and efficiently, minimizing further losses and protecting your investment for years to come.

Remember, water damage restoration is not a task to be taken lightly. By relying on certified experts, you can have confidence in the quality of work performed and enjoy a smooth recovery process.

Tackling Roof Leaks: A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Repairing a Leaking Roof

7/10/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can leave a roof leaking, address the damage quickly to prevent future damages.

A leaking roof can be a homeowner's nightmare, causing damage to the interior of a house and potentially compromising its structural integrity. When faced with a roof leak, it's essential to act swiftly and efficiently to minimize the damage and restore the integrity of your home. In this blog post, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean up a leaking roof, ensuring a thorough and effective recovery process.

Ensure Safety First

Before starting any cleanup efforts, prioritize your safety. If there is water pooling or if the leak has caused a significant structural compromise, consider evacuating the affected area and contacting a professional roofer to assess the situation.

Identify the Source of the Leak

Locate the exact point where the water is entering the building. It may not always be directly above the visible signs of the leak, as water can travel along internal structures. Inspect the roof and look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or any other potential causes of the leak.

Contain and Remove Standing Water

If there is standing water on your roof or in the affected area, use buckets, mops, or wet/dry vacuums to remove as much water as possible. It's crucial to prevent further water damage to the interior of your home.

Dry and Dehumidify

Use fans, dehumidifiers, or open windows to facilitate airflow and speed up the drying process. Remove any wet or damaged materials from the affected area, such as insulation, drywall, or carpeting, to prevent mold growth and further damage.

Repair the Roof

Once the area is dry, it's time to address the underlying cause of the leak. Depending on the issue, you may need to replace damaged shingles, repair flashing, or seal any cracks or gaps in the roof. If you're unsure about the repair process, it's advisable to consult a professional roofer for expert assistance.

Check for Interior Damage

Inspect the interior of your home for any signs of water damage. Look for water stains, peeling paint, or sagging ceilings. If necessary, repair or replace damaged materials to restore the aesthetics and structural integrity of your home.

Take Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of future leaks, consider implementing preventive measures such as regular roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and addressing any potential issues promptly. It's also advisable to maintain good attic ventilation and insulation to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.

Dealing with a leaking roof requires a prompt and systematic approach to prevent further damage and restore the affected area. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can effectively clean up a leaking roof, identify the source of the leak, repair the roof, and address any interior damage. Remember, safety should always be a priority, and if you're unsure or uncomfortable with any aspect of the cleanup or repair process, it's best to seek professional assistance. With proper cleanup and maintenance, you can protect your home from the perils of a leaking roof and ensure a secure and comfortable living environment.

Air Purifiers and Mold: Can They Really Help?

5/7/2023 (Permalink)

While air purifiers can help to improve indoor air quality and remove mold spores from the air, they are not a substitute for proper mold remediation.

Mold is a common problem in homes and businesses, and can cause damage to property if left untreated. While there are many methods for removing mold, such as cleaning and dehumidifying, some people wonder if air purifiers can help as well. In this blog, we will explore whether or not air purifiers are effective at removing mold particles from the air.

How Mold Spreads Through the Air

Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can spread throughout a building and land on surfaces where they can grow and multiply. These spores can also trigger allergies or cause respiratory problems in some people. When mold is disturbed, such as during cleaning or remediation, these spores can become airborne and spread even more.

What are Air Purifiers?

Air purifiers are devices designed to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air. They work by drawing air through a filter, which captures particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Some air purifiers also use technology such as UV-C light or ionizers to kill bacteria and viruses in the air.

Types of Air Purifiers

There are several types of air purifiers available on the market. The most common type is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which captures particles as small as 0.3 microns. Another type is an activated carbon filter, which removes odors and chemicals from the air. Some air purifiers also use a combination of these filters, as well as additional technology such as UV-C light or ionizers.

Do Air Purifiers Help with Mold?

While air purifiers can be effective at removing many types of pollutants from the air, including mold spores, they are not a complete solution for mold remediation. Air purifiers can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of mold spores, but they cannot eliminate mold completely. If you suspect mold in your home or business, it is important to address the source of the problem and take appropriate remediation measures, such as cleaning and dehumidifying.

However, air purifiers can be a useful tool in conjunction with other mold remediation methods. For example, using an air purifier in a room where mold is present can help to capture and remove mold spores from the air while the mold is being cleaned. It is important to choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter to ensure it can capture mold spores.

While air purifiers can help to improve indoor air quality and remove mold spores from the air, they are not a substitute for proper mold remediation. If you suspect mold in your home or business, it is important to address the source of the problem and take appropriate measures to remove it. However, using an air purifier in conjunction with other mold remediation methods can help to improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of mold spores. When choosing an air purifier, be sure to select one with a HEPA filter to ensure it can capture mold spores.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County for Fire Damage Mitigation and Reconstruction

4/20/2023 (Permalink)

ERVPRO can help ease the burden by providing assistance with insurance claims.

Experiencing a fire in your home or business can be a traumatic event. Once the flames have been extinguished, the damage left behind can be overwhelming. It is essential to work with a trusted restoration company to mitigate the damage and begin the process of reconstruction. SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County is a leader in the industry and can provide the expertise and resources needed to get your property back to its pre-fire condition. Here are some reasons why you should choose our SERVPRO team for fire damage mitigation and reconstruction:

24/7 Emergency Response

Fires can happen at any time, day or night. SERVPRO understands the urgency of the situation and offers 24/7 emergency response services. Their team of experts can arrive on-site quickly to assess the damage and begin the mitigation process.

Experience and Expertise

SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County has been in the restoration industry for many years and has a team of highly trained professionals who specialize in fire damage mitigation and reconstruction. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex situations, ensuring that your property is restored to its pre-fire condition.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

SERVPRO utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to clean up and mitigate fire damage. Their equipment includes air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and industrial-grade cleaners, among others. This advanced equipment enables them to remove smoke and soot particles, deodorize the property, and prevent further damage from occurring.

Comprehensive Services

SERVPRO provides comprehensive services for fire damage mitigation and reconstruction. They can handle everything from boarding up the property and removing debris to cleaning and restoring the property's contents. They also offer reconstruction services, so you don't have to work with multiple contractors to get your property back to its pre-fire condition.

Insurance Claims Assistance

Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task, especially after a traumatic event like a fire. SERVPRO can help ease the burden by providing assistance with insurance claims. They can work with your insurance company to ensure that the claims process is smooth and that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

In conclusion, experiencing a fire in your home or business can be a stressful and overwhelming event. However, working with a trusted restoration company like SERVPRO  of West Mecklenburg County can help ease the burden and ensure that your property is restored to its pre-fire condition. With their 24/7 emergency response, experience and expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, comprehensive services, and insurance claims assistance, SERVPRO  of West Mecklenburg County is an excellent choice for fire damage mitigation and reconstruction.

How To Repair Important Documents After Water Damage

3/20/2023 (Permalink)

Document restoration is important to recover your belongings after a fire or water loss.

If you've ever had a home or business with water damage, then you know that it's not an uncommon problem. Water can cause a lot of damage to your building and belongings. It can also ruin important documents and photos, but luckily there are ways to repair them.

What is Document Restoration?

Document restoration is the process of salvaging damaged documents. The damage could be caused by water, fire, or smoke, but whatever the cause it's important to restore your documents as soon as you can so that they can be used again.

If you have suffered from water damage there are many steps you can take to restore your valuable information before it becomes irreparable and lost forever. There are three main techniques used during content restoration: vacuum freeze, gamma irradiation, and digitization services.

Vacuum Freeze

Vacuum freeze is a powerful drying technique used in content restoration. It is the only technique that is approved by National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the General Services Administration (GSA).

Vacuum freeze works by freezing the document and removing any moisture through a high-pressure vacuum chamber. In this chamber, the moisture is converted into vapor. In the right conditions, the condensation will turn into ice inside the chamber, removing the moisture from the document in question.

Gamma Irradiation

Gamma irradiation is a method of disinfection that can be used to treat documents, photos, books, and other paper products that have been damaged by water and sewage damage. This process involves safely exposing the object to radiation to kill any bacteria and viruses that might be present after a water loss.

Digitization Services

Digitization services are used to convert paper documents into digital files. Digitization can also be used to convert photographs and other printed materials into digital files, which can then be stored on a hard drive or flash drive. The use of digitization services is particularly useful if you have large amounts of paper documents that need to be converted into digital copies.

Who Can Help With Document Restoration?

If you're looking for a professional to help with document restoration, SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County can assist. As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO has the training, expertise, and equipment necessary to get your documents back in shape quickly.

Document restoration refers to the process of preserving damaged documents. In this article, we discussed the different techniques used by experts in their work and how they can help you recover your important documents after water damage. If you have any questions or need help with restoring your documents, please contact our SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County team today!

Stay Prepared for A Water Damage Emergency

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

Stay prepared for a water damage emergency after a storm.

Water damage emergencies can happen at any time, and they can be costly to fix. However, there are many things that you can do to prepare yourself for these emergencies. Water damage is not only a threat to your home and property, but also to your family’s health and well-being.

Plumbing

You can't just assume that your pipes are in good working order. Plumbing is a complex system, and it's easy for things to go wrong without you noticing. So check for leaks regularly, especially if you've had plumbing issues in the past. Check for leaks under your kitchen sink or bathroom vanity by placing a bowl of water overnight on the floor underneath where the pipe enters into the wall.

If you suspect any plumbing problems, schedule for an inspection from a plumber so they can catch any problems before they get serious enough to cause damage to your home or property.

Roofing

In addition to checking your roof regularly for signs of damage, leaks, and mold—which can lead to water damage—you should also look for any other signs that something might be wrong with your roofing system. For example, if you notice a heavy accumulation of snow on top of your roof during the winter months or hear loud noises coming from it when there is no wind, this could indicate that there's been some kind of damage that needs attention. Similarly, if you see any discoloration in areas where there was previously no discoloration (or vice versa), then this may indicate a leak has occurred somewhere in the system.

Additionally, you'll want to keep an eye out for any cracks or holes in shingles or flashing around chimneys and vents as well as any sagging shingle ends which could indicate problems with either the nails holding them down or the wooden structure underneath them

Tree and Scrubs

Trim trees and shrubs regularly. The shorter you keep them, the less damage to your home or property they can cause if they fall in a storm.

Water Detector

Another way to prepare for a water damage emergency is by investing in a water detector. Water detectors can be installed in the basement, garage and other areas of your home or business that are prone to leaks. They can detect leaks in the walls and floors, as well as ceiling leaks. In most cases, these devices will send you an alert when there is any moisture present so that you can take immediate action before it becomes a major problem.

Adequate Insurance

In order to be prepared for a water damage emergency, it is important that you have adequate insurance coverage. Insurance can help you recover from a water damage emergency more quickly, as well as help with the financial loss incurred during such an emergency.

If you do not have insurance coverage on your home or business, it is highly recommended that you obtain proper insurance prior to any major events that may cause extensive damage or loss of property. The last thing anyone wants is to be stuck with the bill after something happens!

Disaster Plan

It is important to have a plan for what to do in case of a water damage emergency. You don't want to be caught off guard and unprepared. Here are some steps that can help you create your plan:

• Know how to turn off water valves around the house and outside
• Know where all of your fire extinguishers are located (and how many there are)
• Make sure all smoke detectors—including those in kitchens and garages—are working properly, with new batteries installed if necessary
• Review your insurance policy and list all items covered by it in case of loss or damage caused by flooding from burst pipes or other sources of water supply disruption.

We hope these tips have been helpful for you in your preparations for water damage emergencies. If you’re still not sure what to do, seek help from a professional in water damage restoration.

How Do I Know I Have Mold Damage?

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

Here are some signs that will help you determine if there is a mold problem in your home.

You've been noticing some strange things happening in your Brookhill, NC home, and you think it might be mold. You need to take action now if you want to keep your home safe from the dangers of this fungus. Here are some signs that will help you determine if there is a mold problem in your home.

Visible Mold Growth

Mold is often black, brown, or green in color. It can grow on almost any surface and is usually visible if you know what to look for. Mold may be found anywhere in your home including: showers and tubs, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms.

Mold spores are microscopic and float around in the air all the time. They can be transported into your home on clothing, shoes or pets’ fur as well as by wind currents that carry them through open windows or doors. Once inside they can grow on just about any damp surface such as wood paneling or carpeting if it has been wet long enough for mold spores to begin growing.

Water Stains

Even if you're not sure what to look for, you can tell if there's a problem with mold or mildew by looking at the walls. If they have water stains, that means there has been some water damage in your home. And even though these stains may be small and inconspicuous, they could indicate an underlying problem with mold growth.

If you do see evidence of mold on your walls or ceiling, it's best to act quickly before the mold spreads and causes more damage. This is especially important if you live in areas where the weather gets very hot during the summer months—mold loves the heat!

Discoloration on Walls

Mold can cause discoloration on walls, and it can also happen on other surfaces as well. In fact, mold can cause discoloration to a wide range of materials—including wood, drywall, and even paint. If you see any signs of mold growth in your home, then it's time to call in an expert.

Mold Test to be Sure

Mold can be hard to detect, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. You might think that the black spots on your wall are just dirt or maybe water stains from a leaky pipe. However, these could actually be signs of mold infestation! The only way to know for sure is by testing for it—but how?

You can test for mold with a mold inspection kit, which you can purchase online or at home improvement stores like Home Depot. Each kit will include everything needed to take samples from different areas throughout your home, including swabs and Petri dishes that can be used to send off samples for testing in a lab. Once the results come back from the lab, this information can help guide decisions about how best to deal with the problem before more serious issues arise down the line.

Mold can be dangerous to your home. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, do not try to fix it yourself. Contact SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg County immediately so we can evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take.

The Most Vulnerable Areas of Your Home

12/19/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg if you need storm damage restoration in your home!

The Most Vulnerable Areas of Your Home

During a storm, your Brookhill, NC home is not only at risk of damage to the outside structure but also to the inside. The most common areas that can be damaged from high winds or flooding are around doors and windows, roofs, decks and patios. These are all things you can fortify with some quick fixes before the next big storm hits!

Roofs

Roofs are the most vulnerable part of your home, being exposed to all the elements. Roofing materials like asphalt shingles also offer protection, but you may need to take additional measures to make sure your home is safe during a storm. Guttering can act as an extra barrier against high winds that could blow debris onto your roof and tear off shingles or laminate sheets.

Windows

Windows are often the first part of a house to be hit by a storm. Because of this, they can be reinforced with storm shutters or other reinforcements to help protect them from damage. However, even with these measures taken, windows remain one of the weakest points in a structure's overall structure.

If you're worried about your windows and don't want to do any work on them yourself, there are companies that specialize in window fortification who will come out and do it for you quickly and efficiently. 

Doors

If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t thinking about your doors as the most vulnerable part of your home as a storm approaches. However, they are; doors are easily damaged and offer little protection in the case of a strong storm. The best way to avoid serious damage is to reinforce or replace existing doors with steel frames and deadbolts or add a storm door to protect against winds.

While reinforcing existing door frames with steel rod or other material is relatively inexpensive, replacing them entirely can be expensive depending on which type of door is used. Storm doors cost between $100-$200 depending on size but may be worth considering if they offer enough protection from wind damage that could otherwise cause significant damage inside the house.

Deck and Patio

If you're looking to protect your home during a storm, one of the most important things to consider is the deck and patio. These areas are often overlooked by homeowners because they're not as obvious or visible as a garage door or roofline. 

However, decks can be very vulnerable in strong winds and even minor storms.

Check for build quality. If your deck was built with cheap materials or poorly assembled, it may not withstand strong winds at all. You should also check for loose or missing boards on the deck itself; if these have been stripped off by high winds in past storms then there's a good chance that future storms could cause damage as well. 

Be sure to check screws and bolts for rusting or cracking; if these are worn out then it could mean trouble for your deck in an upcoming storm season!

Preventing Damage

There are a few ways you can fortify these vulnerable areas to prevent post-storm damage. Some of these steps may seem like common sense, but they can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your home:

• Install storm windows and doors. If you have older windows or doors that aren't as strong as they used to be, now is the time to replace them with ones that are more resistant to wind gusts and high winds. Not only will this help keep your home safer from the elements, but it will also save you money down the road on air conditioning bills during hot summer months!
• Get an awning for your front porch. An awning is just what it sounds like—a canopy overhanging from a building's facade that gives shade from both direct sunlight and rainwater (and sometimes even snow!). By installing one, not only do you get extra protection against bad weather conditions; but also it adds curb appeal too!
• Install shutters on any windows where sunlight would come through normally without being blocked by something else first (such as curtains) so nothing gets trapped inside when moving objects around happens outside due to heavy winds blowing through town right after sunset tonight."

The most important thing to do is prepare before the storm arrives. If a storm is heading towards your Charlotte home, prepare as much as possible ahead of time, and call SERVPRO of West Mecklenburg if you need storm damage restoration in your home!