SERVPRO of West Somerset County is a franchise location whose page lists water damage, fire damage and mold remediation, storm recovery, reconstruction, and specialty and general cleaning, including carpet and upholstery. It names Hillsborough, Somerville, Bedminster, Branchburg and Manville among areas served, and lists IICRC certification and 24/7 emergency service.

Listed since 10/07/2020

Water, fire and storm damage near Belle Mead

Central Somerset County sits among the Raritan and Millstone river valleys, and the remnants of Hurricane Ida showed what that means. In early September 2021, localized totals approached 10 inches in a day, and the Raritan reached a record 27.4 feet. Manville, Somerville and South Bound Brook took heavy damage, and satellite images showed whole neighborhoods under water.

Flooding is only one of the ways a storm reaches a house. Wind brings down limbs onto roofs, and the same summer thunderstorm that overwhelms a creek can leave a wet attic. Fire losses in this area look like they do anywhere: a kitchen fire, a dryer or a chimney, followed by soot throughout the house.

What the work involves

After a flood, crews remove the water and anything porous that floodwater has touched, because river water is contaminated. After a fire, the job is sorting contents, cleaning soot from surfaces and treating odor, often with repairs to follow. After wind damage, the first step is a temporary roof cover to keep more water out.

Whatever the cause, ask who will meet the adjuster and what will be documented first. The adjuster's visit and choosing a company explains both, and what can be saved after a fire helps set expectations for belongings.