When a disaster occurs at your home or business, there is an emotional toll and feeling of uncertainty that accompanies property damage – damage that can result from fire, water, storm, or mold.

Many people who experience the unforeseen circumstances of property damage have never encountered the situation before, leaving them with several questions about what to do and where to start.

Disasters and property damage can be caused by a variety of events. Weather conditions in the Northwest can be unpredictable, bringing sudden rises and drops in temperatures. One of the main causes of property damage that we see is frozen pipes. When temperatures get below freezing, water will freeze in pipes, expand, causing them to burst and water will begin leaking when it thaws. When a pipe bursts, significant water damage often ensues. If this is left unmitigated mold begins to grow, which requires thorough remediation and removal. Northwest weather also involves heavy snowfall, sometimes resulting in ice damming. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing water from draining. This water can leak into a home, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.  Regular roof maintenance is important as it is the first line of defense against weather. Having clean, clear gutters and a roof free of loose or damaged shingles can prevent many property damage disasters. Having a well-maintained heating system also reduces winter fire hazards and keeps us warm. Regular filter replacements also maximize heating system performance.

Water damage can still occur in summer, but a larger concern in the hot months is fires. Fires can start for any reason – in the kitchen, from a candle left burning, fireworks, to wildfire, or electrical. Summer is a great time of year to clear your gutters and inspect the chimney. Cleaning clothes dryer vent pipes and lint filters is also important, as 17,000 clothes dryer fires are reported each year. When enjoying outdoor celebrations or activities, ensure proper firework safety and prior to BBQing, clean grease from your grill and grease traps as this will significantly reduce the risk of a fire.

As the Northwest continues to grow, the local restoration industry continues to grow along with it. When disasters occur, many people don’t know what to do. That is where a professional disaster restoration company comes in. Restoration companies provide assistance and support to get your home or business back to pre-loss conditions. It is important to choose a restoration company that communicates with you during every step of the process. This is key when navigating the insurance claim, from mitigation through the end of repairs. No matter what insurance company your policy is under, you have the ultimate choice in who you use for your restoration contractor.

As always, in the unfortunate event that your home or business experiences a property loss, Disaster Response is here for you. With an office in Clarkston, WA, Disaster Response is truly local, and part of the LC Valley community just like you. Our goal is to provide the best restoration experience possible in the event of an unforeseen disaster, communicating with you every step of the way until your home or business are restored to pre-loss condition.  For 24/7/365 emergency service, we are here to take your call at (844) 315-3100 or our local Clarkston office at (208) 503-7190. You can also find us online at www.TeamDR.com.