How SERVPRO Aided the USS N.C. Visiting Center in its Time of Need

When a hurricane strikes, it is essential for those of us who are apart of the Large Loss and Natural Disaster Recovery Teams to be ready to respond at any given time. In the case of Hurricane Florence, it struck the "USS North Carolina Visitor Center, and we were called to help." Hurricanes bring intense rain and winds; in fact, these storms can only be classified as such if the wind speed of the ocean-based storm is at least seventy-four miles per hour. However, it is the wind-speeds of the storm that allows for severe damages to happen.
 
The visiting center, a thirteen thousand square foot building, "suffered catastrophic damage" under the pressure of the hurricane. In fact, "over 60%" of the roof alone sustained severe damages. As the roof of the visiting center was torn up, damaged, and exposed, the storm was able to flood the building underneath it. Upon receiving the call, SERVPRO of South Miami rushed to gather a team swiftly that could get our "dehumidification equipment on site." Once there, it was our goal to "assess and limit damages."
 
Upon traveling to the visiting center, our team of IICRC-certified technicians ran into some difficulties. All of the roads in the immediate area had sustained flooding. To get our team and equipment on site, in time to reduce costs and damages, we knew we needed a quicker way. Our solution was to hire "a charter boat" that could carry our equipment and "get [us] to the job site faster."
 
Once there, our team of highly trained technicians got to work. We used wet/dry vacuums, and portable submersible pumps to remove water from inside the building. Afterward, we made flood cuts to determine how much of the drywall needed to be removed. However, removing water and performing demolition is not enough to ensure that microbial growth cannot occur. We also had to use machines, such as desiccant dehumidifiers and air movers, to encourage evaporation and bring the moisture levels back down to an acceptable degree.
 
All the while, SERVPRO stayed on site, determined to make sure that we could tackle any situation that arose during the remediation process. We are honored to be apart of a large community, and we always strive to serve it as best as we can. In the end, our efforts and swift response "saved tens of thousands of dollars," but for us, it was more important to help a symbol of our community recover swiftly.
 
If your property or business suffers intense damages during a hurricane, never wait to get help. Phone SERVPRO of South Miami by calling (305) 269-8900. Any time or day of the week, we are here to help restore your property to its preloss state.