Preparing for the Storm

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Know what to do during an impending storm can help reduce harm to your family and your property.

Storms can be frightening, and cause a lot of damage to our personal property.  Thankfully with today's technology, we generally do get some warning, which can give us a chance to prepare.

   What to do as storm approaches:

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.

- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

-- Clear gutters of debris.

-- Reinforce the garage door.

-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

-- Fill a bathtub with water.

-- Get a full tank of gas in one car.

-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.

-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.

-- Leave a note to say where you are going.

-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.

We can only do so much to prepare for an incoming storm, and our primary concern is to keep our loved ones safe.  If you experience property damage during any kind of storm, do not hesitate to call upon our Team here at SERVPRO®. Our Cleaning and Restoration Specialists will help make it "Like it never even happened.”