Six Ways Homeowners Can Prepare for Storms

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Carrollton, TX, provides six steps for preparing for storms.

SERVPRO of Carrollton is able to respond immediately to storm damage emergencies. When a storm hits, the team’s dedication to being prepared means crews are ready to respond to residential and commercial calls, no matter the size of the loss. SERVPRO of Carrollton has the storm damage restoration experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore a Carrollton home or business. Before a disaster strikes, be sure to know where to turn for help. SERVPRO of Carrollton is the go-to choice when a storm causes damage to a home or business.

Six Strategies for Staying Storm Safe

Following these six storm safety tips can keep Carrollton families safe and storm-ready whenever severe weather strikes. Avoid the last-minute scramble for flashlights, batteries, and water. Proactive preparation eliminates fumbling around in the dark when the power grid goes down.

Step #1. Gather LED lights and batteries.

When the power grid goes dark, an alternative light source and sufficient batteries are essential for storm safety and survival. Go with LED low-voltage light sources such as flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns. LED lights last six to twelve times longer than old-fashioned flashlights that use incandescent bulbs.

Include solar-powered LED lights in the collection of backup lighting devices. On a full charge, these lights emit light anywhere from four to twelve hours, depending on the product. The rechargeable batteries will probably need replacing after three to four years. The LED bulbs will emit light for a decade, and higher quality LED bulbs may last for up to twenty-five years. Solar lights need at least six hours of direct sunlight to fully charge but can also be charged by artificial light.

Step #2. Keep a two-week supply of food and water in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Set aside a two-week supply of food and water for storm-related emergencies. FEMA offers the following recommendations. Store one gallon of water per day per person or ten to fourteen gallons per person. Focus on foods that are highly caloric, nutritious, and easy to store and prepare. Foods that require refrigeration, water, or special preparation do not work well as emergency food sources, especially when the water and power are off. Stock up on canned goods and dry mixes. Emergency staples store best in cool, dry, dark places.

Monitoring food expiration dates and using or replacing older items will ensure the food supply is fresh, tasty, and safe. Many storm preppers donate older canned goods to food banks. During COVID-19, these donations are much needed and greatly appreciated. However, many food banks are not allowed to accept dated or expired foodstuffs.

Purchasing and storing this much food and water may seem overwhelming, but homeowners are encouraged to do what they can, even if the supply is only for a few days.

Step #3. Storm-proof vital documents and records.

Storms and natural disasters can displace people from their homes. Sometimes homes and businesses are severely damaged or destroyed. Anticipating a worst-case scenario and preparing for it is always the best course of action. Recovering from a disaster is even more challenging if identification and ownership documents have been lost or destroyed. Important documents to safeguard include:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• Social Security cards
• passports and naturalization documents
• adoption papers
• wills, living wills, and powers of attorney
• property deeds and titles
• important DVDs, portable disks, and thumb drives

Options include storing these documents in a compact and portable waterproof and fireproof safe. Affordable safes can be purchased from many big box stores for under $100. Many important documents can be scanned or photographed with a cell phone and stored securely in the cloud.

Step #4. Create an evacuation plan that works for everyone.

Formulate an evacuation plan before evacuation is needed. Have an emergency response plan for when the danger is immediate, and seconds or minutes may mean the difference between life and death. Have a second plan for when the danger is hours or days in the future.

Devise an escape route that avoids low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Plot out alternate routes that bypass bridges, dams, rivers, and streams.

Select evacuation destinations beyond the range of the storm. When possible, stay with family or friends who most likely will not need to evacuate. If family and friends are not available, book an early reservation in a safe hotel or motel.

If a disaster shelter is the only option, bring along adequate disaster supplies. Since these shelters do not accept pets, prior arrangements to accommodate pets must be made.

If evacuation is by car, make sure the gas tank is full. Traffic jams are inevitable.

Step #5. Prepare a first-aid kit and keep it handy.

A first-aid kit provides the supplies needed in case of an injury. Gauze, assorted bandages, antiseptic, antibacterial ointment, tweezers, tape, eye wash, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, activated charcoal, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen are a good start. A storm-ready plan should also consider any special medications or health conditions.

Step #6. Identify a trusted damage restoration company to call in the event of storm damage to the home.

Vetting and selecting a reliable damage restoration company to provide services after storm damage means that when disaster strikes, help is only a phone call away. The emergency restoration team can be onsite immediately. Imagine searching for a property damage company at 2:00 am in the morning for emergency tarping and board-up services. Hundreds of people may be trying to call the same company looking for similar services. Having a service provider in place can bring peace of mind when the world seems to have turned upside down. The team of experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton can be on the scene about an hour after the initial call.

Trusting the restoration experts at SERVPRO of Carrollton for water, fire, storm, and commercial damage restoration is a foundational step in storm disaster preparedness. The company offers twenty-four-hour emergency service and responds faster to any size disaster. Highly trained restoration technicians make SERVPRO of Carrollton a trusted leader in the storm damage restoration industry. Locally owned and operated, the company is invested in Carrollton and the surrounding communities.

For more information about storm damage restoration in Carrollton, TX, contact the office by phone at (972) 446-0383 or by email at office@SERVPRO10952.com.