Overhead Door of Permian Basin Blog!

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has devastated the Gulf Coast of Texas. Seeing the photographs of people's homes flooding  is terrifying and saddening. The amount of water Houston and other Gulf Coast cities experienced is more than most structures can bear. However, the team at Overhead Door has some tips on how to handle garage flooding if it does occur in your home.

Garage Flooding Do's and Don'ts

DO Try to Be Prepared

Preparation is the best thing you can do to keep your garage organized. Many homeowners use their garage as storage instead of vehicle parking. Make sure that you keep boxes, tools, and other items securely stored off of the ground. Additionally, protect your garage from water seepage by repairing cracks and installing weather stripping where you can.

DON'T Wade in the Flood Water

There are multiple reasons to avoid flood waters, especially in your garage. Not only is most of the water contaminated due to broken sewer lines, there are other unseen dangers. Broken glass, sharp objects, and chemicals could be swirling in the water. Many people keep oil, pesticides, and fertilizers in their garages. All of these things should keep you from wanting to wade out.

DO Consider Making a Flood Cut

After the water is done rising in your home, consult a contractor to assess the damage to your garage. Most flood water is likely to be contaminated, so a flood cut on your garage wall may be necessary. A flood cut is the removal of drywall 12-18 inches above where the water stopped. In some cases, the remainder of your walls can be saved. However, in high water, the entire garage may need to be gutted.

DON'T Forget About Electricity

There are many electrical appliances in your garage. If you can, safely switch off the break to this area. Electricity can easily pass through water. To avoid injury, it's important to stay out of your garage until the water goes down, especially if you have low-lying electrical outlets. Also, don't string extenstion cords over flooded waters.

Overhead Door sends our love and support to those impacted by this weekend's deadly storms. We're proud to be a Texas business!

Get those packed lunches ready and the backpack supplied - it's time for back to school! Getting the kids back into a school year routine can be a bit hectic. However, the staff at Overhead Door provides these back to school garage safety tips so your family is protected, even during the running around before classes begin.

Always Pay Attention

Even if you're in a hurry, make sure that you're aware of your surroundings as you back in and out of the garage. When people are running late, it's easier to skip routine safety precautions. Before moving your vehicle, make sure every person is accounted for and safely secured inside. Be sure to also watch out for pets entering and exiting the garage area.

Watch the Garage Door

Kids are bound to forget a few items, especially during the first few weeks of getting back into a schedule. If your child has to go back inside for something, teach them to wait until the garage door is full opened before entering. Additionally, before you start to close the garage door when you leave, be sure that children have safely exited the area.

Conduct Sensor Checks

The eye of your garage's safety sensor can go out after years of use. Be sure to schedule a routine garage safety check with Overhead Door to make sure that it's working properly. 

Invest in Added Security Options

If your children are allowed to walk home from school, consider the OHD Anywhere™ app for your phone. That way, you know when they've arrived or if they've come home when they shouldn't. Additionally, it's helpful on school days when you're running behind - especially if you've forgotten to shut the garage door when you left.

Teach Outside of the Classroom

Take the opportunity to teach your children about garage safety, especially younger kiddos. It's an opportunity to share valuable information and help them learn to be more alert and cautious about their surroundings.

Do you need a back to school garage door check to make sure everything is in working order? Schedule your appointment with Overhead Door today. Our fast, friendly technicians can help you make sure it's in the right condition.