Stay Safe Outdoors After A Hurricane

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Keep away from floodwater

• Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
• Don’t drive through floodwater– it may be deeper than you think.
• If you have to be in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket — especially if the water is rising.
• Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs. If you touch it, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.

Stay away from power lines and dangerous materials

• Stay clear of fallen power lines. Call the electric company to report them.
• Watch out for power lines overhead.

Protect yourself from animals and pests

• Floods can bring mosquitoes that carry disease. Use insect repellent (bug spray) with DEET or Picaridin. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when you’re outside. 
• Stay away from wild or stray animals after a storm. Call 911 or your public health department to report them.
• If you see a dead animal, report it to local officials.

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/be-safe-after.html

When Flooding Occurs In Your Area!

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Here are some other tips to stay high and dry:

• Know your proximity to rivers, streams and dams
• During heavy rain, avoid underpasses, underground parking garages and basements
• Avoid hiking or camping if thunderstorms are predicted
• Develop an evacuation plan for your family
• Don't walk in water above your ankles; you can be swept off your feet in as little as 6 inches of rushing water
• Turn off the electricity and other utilities

Flooding can happen in the blink of an eye and we want to make sure you are prepared in case of this type of emergency! If anything happens to your home or business, we want to be the first person you call. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 

Hurricane Preparedness

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

• Board up windows and secure loose items like patio furniture
• Know where to go in the event of an evacuation and how to get there; establish an assembly point for family members to meet if separated, and choose one person everyone can contact with their whereabouts and status
• Take shelter in a sturdy building; avoid isolated sheds or other small structures, open areas, hilltops, the beach or boats
• If you are driving in heavy rain, try to safely exit the road, stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers
• Never drive into flooded areas; if flood waters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground
• Contact your local emergency management agency for information
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment, cords, metal and water
• Listen for warning sirens, stay away from windows and exterior doors, and seek shelter in a bathroom or basement
• Stay indoors until authorities tell you it's safe to go outside

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/hurricane

Storm Proof Your Home!

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Anyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area would do well to protect their property in advance of a flood. Because hurricanes often cause their damage when trees fall on property, homeowners can reduce the risk of damage by trimming trees or removing damaged trees and limbs.

Another easy step is to make sure rain gutters are fixed in place and free of debris. Reinforcing the roof, doors and windows, including a garage door, is also important.

Power generators can also be an important tool if the power is cut off for long periods of time. A power generator needs to be kept outside, as they produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.

People who are very serious about prevention may even consider building a "safe room" — a fortified room designed to withstand the punishing winds of a tornado or hurricane.

If you happen to have any water damage from flooding this hurricane season, give us a call. We are happy to help you in your time of need! 

Tropical Storm Makes Landfall

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Alberto set to make landfall on Gulf Coast

As Hurricane Season begins and the first Storm of the season makes landfall, I ask are you ready.  Thousands along the gulf and Southeast will be affected by the winds and rain of Alberto.  Many prepare their properties with storm shutters and sand bags as they get ready for the worst but pray for the best.  SERVPRO's National team of Franchises is preparing to as well to serve the people in the areas hit hardest by these events.  We are always here to help whether from the damage caused by wind or rising water.  We head into these areas to help put back to pieces.  If you find yourself affected by one of these storms don't hesitate to give us a call and let us serve you in your time of need.

The Storm Travels Inland

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Tornado's seen here can cause devastating damage to our communities.

With Hurricane Season upon us inland communities are faced with a different threat.  As the storms travel further from the coast, the turbulent air can cause an all to familiar foe.  An all to common danger is that of a spin off tornado coming from the bands of the storm.  Much like a hurricane a tornado can produce strong winds that damage trees and homes.  However, these weather monsters can spring up with little warning.  If you find yourself affected by one of these situations and are not sure what to do next, At SERVPRO we can help.  With services that range from water mitigation, to rebuild we can help prevent further damage by providing temporary coverage of roofs, or complete rebuilding options.  We built our business on serving our communities in times of need.  Let us help you in your time of need.

Flood Waters Rise

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Flood water devastate Maryland communities.

In any Hurricane situations one of the greatest dangers that face residents is not only wind and rain.  Many times rising floodwaters cause the much of the damage and heartache.  Although rainfall plays a role in this, so does the storms surge that pushes water not only onshore but up rivers and tributaries, causing floodwater to reach miles inland.  These waters not only damage structures as rushing water causes foundations to erode and break loose from the ground to which they are anchored,  but also carry with them deadly bacteria and disease.  In many cases what is left behind after the water subsides, can cause great problems of its own.  The trained professionals at SERVPRO have been specially trained for these scenario's.  Let us be there for you in your time of need.

Hurricane Season

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Satelite image Massive Hurricane seen here in Gulf of Mexico.

Around this great nation we look forward to Summer.  The kids are out of school and many have saved vacation days all year to cash in on a week or two during this time.  It is a time of rest and relaxation, and opportunity to make family memories that will last a lifetime.  Unfortunately it also brings with it a time of anxiety for many.  With the warm air of Summer also comes Hurricane Season.  These devastating storms bring with them wind, rain and flooding.  Preparation is the key,  secure your properties the best you can and get out of path of storm when possible.  SERVPRO we can help you to rebuild the damage and will be happy to do so, but cannot replace you life.  We hope that you never need our service, but are happy to be there for you in you greatest time of need.