Disaster Preparedness - What You Can Do

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Cobb is here to help! We are here tp preform emergency water extraction, removal and drying services for your home or business 24/7.

Severe weather has the potential of causing damage to your Cobb County property and belongings. SERVPRO of East Cobb specializes in storm mitigation, restoration and cleanup. When Mother Nature’s wrath damages your home or business make sure you call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Cobb. We understand the stress and confusion that comes from such an experience. SERVPRO of East Cobb offers emergency services like emergency tarping and board up services for damaged or compromised roofs, walls and windows, as well as emergency flood water extraction, water removal and drying services.

If your home or business has been affected by flood or storm damage call SERVPRO of East Cobb. We can make flood and storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Our team of highly trained storm restoration specialists are available 24-hours a day, every day, to help Cobb County home and business owners mitigate and restore their water damaged properties. SERVPRO of East Cobb is an IICRC Certified Firm with the experience of servicing thousands of Marietta and Kennesaw homes and businesses over the past ten years. 

When disaster happens it is best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Part of being prepared is asking yourself the right questions, so you know what you can do to better prepare yourself for a natural disaster like a tornado, hurricane or flood event. SERVPRO has put together the following bullet points to ask yourself to insure that you are prepared for whatever may happen.

What to Ask Yourself?

In order to be fully prepared, you should have all pertinent and proper information in a written plan for easy retrieval. Some key questions to consider when creating a personal emergency preparedness plan includes:

• Do you have an escape or evacuation route in place?
• Do you have a designated meeting place in case of separation?
• Does everyone have a list of contact information including family members out of state who can serve as a point of contact?
• Do you have a disaster supply kit with necessary supplies?
• Do you have a first aid kit that includes necessary prescription medicines, over the counter medicines and basic medical supplies?
• Do you have enough non-perishable food and bottled water?
• Do you have access to important family documents, including insurance policies, bank, credit card and loan information and family records such as birth certificates and social security cards?
• Do you have an inventory of valuable household goods?

Disaster Supply Kit 

A well equipped disaster supply kit should include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Water - A large enough supply to provide each person with one gallon daily for  drinking and sanitation.
• Food - Enough to last 3-7 days. Food needs to be non-perishable or canned food. You will also want to include a non-electric can opener and paper plates and plastic utensils.
• Clothing - Remember it may be warm, however, you may be working and cleaning and may prefer pants or long sleeves to protect your skin. You will also need sturdy, closed-toe, non-slip shoes if available.
• First aid kit including antiseptics or sanitizers and bandages, over the counter and prescription medications.
• Toiletries including toilet paper and hygiene items. Hand sanitizers are also good to have on hand.
• Extra flashlights and batteries. Oil lanterns also provide a good source of light, if available.
• Battery operated radio with extra batteries so you can listen to NOAA Weather service announcements.
• Bedding including sheets, blankets and pillows.
• Emergency phone numbers and contact information including insurance agent and family contacts.
• Important documents should be kept in a waterproof bag or plastic sealed container and should include insurance, medical and family records, birth certificates, social security cards, bank account information and a complete home inventory analysis.
• Pet care items including food, leash and carrier or cage.
• Cash - You will want some cash and small bills on hand as banks may not be open.
• Tools - Tarps, plastic sheeting, trash bags, duct tape, etc. for cleanup purposes and to help make minor repairs.
• Fuel - Fill your vehicle’s fuel tank ahead of time if time permits. You may also want to fill approved fuel containers with fuel to store.

*Do not wait until it is too late; prepare now to help protect your family in an emergency or disaster situation.

Emergency Do’s and Don’ts

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until SERVPRO of East Cobb professionals arrive. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of successful restoration:

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the structure when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a safe dry place.

Don’t enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

Don’t use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you’ve enjoyed this blog and would like to read more SERVPRO of East Cobb Storm Restoration Blogs check out the following links: “How to File a Flood or Water Damage Insurance Claim in Marietta or Kennesaw, GA”; ”Storm and Flood Damage Repair in Kennesaw and Marietta, GA”; “Spring Cleaning & Springtime Storm Safety Tips for Cobb County”; “What To Do If Your Smyrna, GA Home Experiences a Flash Flood”