Portland’s “Storm Season” is more than just a few rainy days. From the wind-driven “Pineapple Express” systems to sudden ice storms, the Pacific Northwest weather can be brutal on residential and commercial roofs. When a storm compromises your property’s envelope, water doesn’t just “leak” in—it invades.
When you have a roof leak during a storm or a flooded crawlspace after a heavy downpour, the first 24 hours are critical. This is the window of time where you can prevent permanent structural rot and the onset of mold growth. At 911 Restoration of Portland, we are on call 24/7 during storm season because we know that emergency water extraction cannot wait for Monday morning.
Immediate Action Steps for Portland Homeowners
- Prioritize Electrical Safety: This is the most important step. If water is dripping from a ceiling light fixture or if there is standing water near electrical outlets, do not enter the room. Go to your main breaker panel and shut off power to the affected area. Water and electricity are a lethal combination, and storm-damaged homes are prime locations for accidental electrocution.
- The “Tarp and Tape” Strategy: If a fallen tree limb has damaged your roof or a window has shattered, the priority is stopping the inflow of water. If it is safe to do so (and the storm has calmed), a heavy-duty tarp should be secured over the damage. However, never climb on a wet roof during a windstorm. 911 Restoration provides emergency board-up and tarping services to secure your home immediately upon arrival.
- Extract the “Bulk” Water: Standing water is the enemy. Every minute water sits on your hardwood floors or in your carpets, it is migrating deeper into the subfloor and the wall studs. If you have a shop-vac, you can begin to remove the visible water, but remember that this is only a temporary measure. A shop-vac cannot pull moisture out of the “pores” of the building materials like our industrial truck-mounted extraction units can.
- Protect Your Valuables: Move furniture, electronics, and sentimental items to a dry area or a higher floor. If furniture is too heavy to move, place aluminum foil or wooden blocks under the legs to prevent “wicking”—the process where the wood legs suck up water and ruin the furniture while also staining your carpet.
- Document Everything for Insurance: Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of the damage from multiple angles. In Portland, storm damage claims can be complex, and having “before” evidence of the water levels and the damaged property is essential for getting your full claim payout.
Q&A: Storm Recovery
Can a storm cause a "Category 3" flood if it’s just rain?
Yes. Once rainwater touches the ground and flows into your home (surface water), it picks up dirt, bacteria, and lawn chemicals. This is considered Category 3 water. Additionally, if the rain causes a river or stream to overflow into your home, it is definitely considered Category 3 and must be treated as a biohazard.
My roof only leaked a little bit. Can I just let it dry naturally?
In the Portland winter, nothing “dries naturally.” Our outdoor humidity is often 80-90% during storm season. If water gets into your attic or your insulation, it will stay damp for weeks, which is the perfect environment for “Black Mold” to grow and for roof rafters to begin rotting. Professional drying is always necessary.
How long does the drying process take after a storm?
A typical drying cycle takes between 3 to 5 days. We use moisture meters to monitor the progress daily. We don’t remove our equipment until we hit the “Dry Standard”—a scientific measurement that ensures the wood and drywall are at a safe moisture level to prevent future mold growth.
Does 911 Restoration help with fallen trees?
Yes! Our storm damage restoration service is comprehensive. We can coordinate the removal of fallen trees from your structure, secure the property with board-ups, and then handle the full water extraction and structural repair.
Why should I choose 911 Restoration over a general contractor?
General contractors build things; we restore things. We have specialized equipment—like thermal cameras and LGR dehumidifiers—that most contractors don’t own. We focus on saving as much of your original home as possible, rather than just “tearing everything out,” which saves you money and time.
Conclusion: Weathering the Storm with a Fresh Start
A major storm can leave you feeling helpless, but recovery is closer than you think. At 911 Restoration of Portland, we pride ourselves on our 45-minute response time and our “Fresh Start” philosophy. We handle the mess, the stress, and the insurance paperwork so you can focus on getting your family back to normal.
When the clouds roll in and the water starts coming in, don’t face the storm alone. Call 911 Restoration of Portland at (503) 308-7906. We are your local storm recovery experts, ready to provide a Fresh Start 24/7/365.
