Power Outage Preparation

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

With our severe weather in teh Southeast, power outages are a regular occurance. There are several
ways to help you and your faily during a power outage, and a few steps that can easily help make the
time wihout power easier on you, your appliances, and your home.
-Always make sure there are adequately charged mobile phones readily available; this goes for extra
batteries as well, in the needed sizes for your equipment., such as flashlights, radio's, etc.
-Make sure gas tanks are full, (Remember, gas stations rely on power to pump gas!).
-Sign up for weather alerts, and early warning systems, this is both easy and helpful when preparing for
an incoming storm/power outage.
-Have flashlights available for every family member, with extra batteries on-hand. Headlights are also
useful.
-Avoid using candles or an open flame for lighting your home during power outages. They can be toppled
over, especially if there are pets and/or young children in the home. This is a major fire hazard and can
cause not only extensive damage, but possible loss of life.
-Have non-perishable food, and water for every member, with extra. In some cases, power may remain
off for an extended period of time.
-Check medications; this is especially important for senior citizens and those family members that rely on
medications for comfort, pain, allergies, diabetics, etc. Also check with your medical professional on how
to store or if certain medications need to be refrigerated. (Of course, keep your refrigerator closed during
the power outage).
-Unplug your appliances to avoid possible lightning damage.
-Reach out to family, neighbors prior to the storm if possible, share information on where you will be,
(storm room, basement), and what you have on hand in case there is an emergency need.
-Never use gas buring range to warm your home.
-Only use generators outside (Carbon Monoxide can kill).
-When power has been restored, check your fridge with a thermometer to see what foods need to be
discarded.
Also, after the storm, always remember to:
-Check with neighbors after the storm

Thunderstorm's in the Southeast

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone here in the South understands our severe weather season; springtime storms can cause
havoc on homes and businesses, some of his damage can be minor, and of course, some can be major.
Roof's blown-off, hail damage, lightning strikes, falling trees/limbs, etc., can not only damage your car, or
you, they can also cause significant damage to your home, or your business.
There are a few steps to take that can help minimize the damage and can also possibly save your home,
your business and in some cases, your life.
Seek covered shelter suring a thundersstorm, be prepared.
Always have an emergency kit easily available when thunderstorms approach. This kit can include;
flashlights (more than one), fresh batteries, water, first aid kit, non-perishable snacks, blankets, a radio
and a working cell phone.
The above kit can help you call for help, keep you warm while help is on its way, keep you nourished
during a power-outage, keep you informed of any other storms approaching, render light first-aid, as well
as reaching out to family and friends in an extreme emergency.
If your power goes out, the food in your emergency kit can keep you prepared and fed. If your fridge
temp prises above 40-degrees for more than 2-2.5 hours, or more, the items should be discarded.
Unplug your electronics or plug them into a surge-protector. As lightning strikes a home, it can render all
of your electronics uselass as it sends a powerful electrical currnet thru your house's system. Simply
unplugging, or switching to a surge-protector cord can save your TV's, computers, plug-in appliances, all
they way down to your favorite stereo system. It is worth the effort.
Always stay away from power lines, especially downed power lines from storm damage. These are
extremely dangerous and can cause severa damage and even death if contact is made.

Severe Weather Damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

Many people enjoy watching passing storms from their porch of covered structures. What about happens when a severe storm passes over that is a little too close for comfort? Strong storms can produce straight line winds that can cause trees to fall and roofs to be damaged. What would you do if this were to happen to you?

After the storm has passed and if it is safe to do so, inspect your house for signs of storm damage. If there is damage to your home, contact your insurance provider to see if they can help provide you with a tree removal company. If possible and safe, remove any limbs you can from the structure. Take as many pictures as you can for documentation for your insurance company. After the fallen tree and debris has been removed, your roof may need to be tarped or boarded up by a licensed contractor. Once the tarp has been installed you may need to contact a structural engineer to ensure the house is still sound, as well as contact your local SERVPRO to schedule a moisture check to see if any water has made its way into structural materials that need to be dried out. 

The water mitigation process could possible include demolition of any wet sheetrock, flooring, or any personal items that are deemed unsalvageable. Should Storm damage affect your home, contact your local SERVPRO to assist with the mitigation and reconstruction process. 

Keep an Emergency Kit Handy

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

This year has been filled with the unexpected, one thing that we have learned is that it pays to always be prepared. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.

Your basic emergency supply kit should include these recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Walker & Winston Counties is here to help.