Severe Storm Readiness Tips for Homeowners From SERVPRO®

SERVPRO®
Published: March 19th, 2012

Disaster Recovery and Damage Restoration Franchisor Says Knowledge and Preparation Can Help Property Owners Weather Violent Storms

GALLATIN, TN--(Marketwire - Mar 16, 2012) - The announcement comes over your TV or radio: there's a storm headed your way. What can you do to help protect yourself, your family and your home?

According to SERVPRO^®, the answers to those questions lie in understanding the difference between a storm watch and a storm warning; in knowing where to seek shelter if you're caught by a storm; in taking precautions as storm season approaches to minimize the potential for storm-related property damage; and finally in knowing where to turn for prompt, professional help if your home or property does sustain damage.

"While violent storms can strike anytime, the return of warmer weather typically marks an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms with their accompanying wind, rain, lightning and even hail," said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of Servpro Industries, Inc. "Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when there is the potential for severe weather. A storm 'warning' means that the danger is imminent. We hope that the following tips* will give homeowners the information they need to help keep themselves, their family and their property safe when the first storm warning hits the airwaves."

The Basics

• Put a family communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather radio.
• Remove dead trees and branches that could fall on your property or home.
• Repair roof leaks, clear clogged gutters and fix broken or loose doors and windows.

Before the Storm Hits

• Postpone outdoor activities and secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle -- not the rubber tires -- can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces.
• Close shutters, if available, and secure outside doors. Close window blinds, shades or curtains. Unplug electronic equipment, including appliances, air conditioners and computers.

During the Storm -- In Your Home

• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Don't wash your hands, take a shower, or do dishes or laundry. Minimize contact with bathroom fixtures.
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls, and stay off of porches

During the Storm -- If You're Caught Outdoors

• Seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
• Avoid natural lightning rods, like tall, isolated trees, and contact with anything metal, like tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you're driving, pull off the road, put on your emergency flashers, avoid touching any metal or other conductive surfaces inside the car and wait for the storm to pass.

After the Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• If possible, assemble your family and others at your agreed-upon meeting place and listen for further instructions from NOAA or your local radio and TV stations. Keep your pets under your direct control.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

* Storm tips provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

"If your home, property or furnishings sustain damage from wind, water or fire, a professional disaster mitigation and restoration specialist like SERVPRO^® can help set things back to normal, 'Like it never even happened,'" said Isaacson. "Our cleanup professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide the immediate response and advice that helps limit secondary damage and potential health risks."

SERVPRO^® franchise owners specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate fire or water damage for both commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO^® also offers mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning and other home-maintenance and restoration services.

For more information on severe storms or other emergency situations, visit the FEMA website at www.ready.gov. For more information about SERVPRO^®, please visit www.servpro.com.

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 situations. Providing coverage in 48 states, the SERVPRO^® system has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Contact:

Kim Kramer
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Servpro Industries, Inc.
(615) 451-0200 ext. 1644
KKramer@servpronet.com