Servpro deploys Disaster Recovery Team in response to Flooding in the Florida Panhandle

SERVPRO®
Published: May 19th, 2014

Gallatin, Tennessee - May 1, 2014 – A historic rainfall event dumped more than 10 inches of water on the western Florida panhandle and parts of coastal Alabama, causing widespread flooding throughout the area. Some areas saw as much as 26 inches of rainfall. Servpro's Disaster Recovery Team has been activated to assist residents and business owners in flood affected areas.

"The most important thing right now is for citizens to stay informed and listen to their local authorities," said Don Turner, Director of Servpro's Disaster Recovery Team.

After the water begins to recede and authorities determine it is safe for residents to return to their property, Turner explains there are several steps that can be taken to prevent additional damage from occurring.

"The first 24 hours after a water damage or flood are so crucial to keeping final costs of the damage down," said Turner. "A lot of flood situations require professional equipment and knowledge of the science of drying to mitigate. By taking these steps, property owners can help minimize damage until the professionals arrive."

• If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. 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.
• Do not attempt to operate any electrical equipment while standing in wet or damp locations.
• 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.
• Place fans at 45-degree angles to walls and move large furniture away from walls to create the best air circulation.
• If your home has a crawlspace, be aware excess moisture in this area can often foster mold growth.

Servpro's Disaster Recovery Team mobilizes from across the country, as needed, to support large storm events. Servpro's Disaster Recovery Team has responded to large loss and storm events across the country, including: 2014 Polar Vortex, 2013 Colorado Floods, 2013 Alberta, Canada Floods, 2013 California/Idaho Wildfires, 2012 Hurricane Sandy, 2012 Hurricane Isaac, 2011 Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

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 the United States and Canada, the Servpro System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

SOURCE  Servpro