Hurricane Preparation

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

The anticipated path of the hurricane

As many of our folks in the the south east prepare for Hurricane Mathhew, many residents and business owners are facing wind damage and water-damaged structures caused by massive flooding. SERVPRO is here for you in your time of need.

"The first 24 hours after a storm causing widespread flooding and water damage are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage," said Don Turner, SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team director. "A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate, however, there are steps residents and business owners can take to help minimize damage until professional help arrives."

• First and foremost, do not operate any equipment that requires electrical power in areas that have standing water or moisture.
• If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream, or river, if it is seawater, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. For this type of damage, avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
• Take the greatest caution while entering your home, and wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing when dealing with flooded areas.
• Throw away all foods - even canned goods - that have come into contact with flood waters.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for drying. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Only open windows to promote drying if the air outside is less humid than the air inside.
• If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

SERVPRO will respond as quickly as possible as areas become accessible, however residents are encouraged to remain patient due to the extreme volume of claims anticipated throughout the region.

SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including: 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, 2011 North Dakota Floods, 2010 Tennessee Floods, the 2010 New England Floods, the 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike.

About SERVPRO
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.