Recent Storm Damage Posts
5 Tips for Preparing Your Business for Any Disaster
3/25/2021 (Permalink)
Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan.
5 Tips for Preparing Your Business for Any Disaster
When you're planning all of the logistics for getting your business up and running, it's important to add "prepare for disasters" to your to-do list. Disaster preparedness is an essential part of your long-term success plan. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses don't open again after a disaster. Here are five things you can do to be prepared to face anything that comes your way.
1. Prepare to Prevent
Some disasters can be avoided. Conduct regular maintenance and inspections of your property and address any issues quickly. Other disasters, such as natural floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, can't be avoided despite your best plans. Know the risks in Islamorada, FL, and prepare for those as best you can.
2. Protect Records
Don't leave records in a pile on your desk to deal with "someday." Use a physical safe that is water- and fire-proof or an online storage system that allows you to easily retrieve data from anywhere.
3. Keep Current Coverage
Check-in with your insurance company annually to ensure that your business preparedness plan is covered by the proper insurance policies. As your company grows, re-evaluate your needs and adjust coverage as appropriate.
4. Communicate Evacuation Plan
A disaster preparedness plan is only effective if it is widely known by your staff. Share your plan, practice it, and review it regularly. Ensure that it is a part of new staff orientation. Keep a current list of emergency contact numbers for each staff member in a safe place, as well as a second copy off-site or digitally.
5. Stay Up to Date
If it's been a few years since you last assessed your business preparedness plan, it's time for a refresher. Ensure that your plans are still relevant and up to date with the latest guidance. It's also a good idea to have the number of an emergency restoration company handy to get help as soon as possible in the event of a disaster.
Anything can happen to your business, but you can take measures to avoid lasting consequences. Disaster preparedness can help to solidify long-term success.
3 Cleaning Requirements After a Residential Flood
1/14/2021 (Permalink)
Home flooding in Design District, FL
Three Cleaning Tips to Remember if You Experience Home Flooding
Experiencing home flooding in Design District, FL, can be traumatic, and this is often compounded when you return home and realize the cleaning requirements that come in the aftermath of a flood. When you live in a flood-prone area, it's important to learn what you need to do to complete your flood clean and disinfect process.
1. Remove Contaminated Materials
Many household items can absorb floodwaters and become contaminated. Items such as furniture, rugs, and toys should be moved outdoors to dry. Some can be cleaned, but many typically need to be replaced:
- Mattresses
- Inexpensive furniture
- Stuffed animals
The cleaning requirements are generally too expensive or time-consuming to be worthwhile for these items.
In addition, drywall that has been soaked with floodwater needs to be removed and replaced. Floodwater contaminants can remain in damaged drywall indefinitely, even after it has dried. This process can be made easier with the help of a flood damage restoration service.
2. Disinfect Solid Surfaces
Kitchens and bathrooms contain many hard surfaces that should be cleaned using a flood disinfectant. This is not limited to counter and floor surfaces. Be sure to clean any glassware, cooking tools, and other hard containers. Chlorine bleach is an excellent EPA disinfectant for many surfaces, but requirements vary by material. For example, bleach should not be used to clean metal, as it may discolor the surface.
3. Protect Delicate Valuables
It can be devastating to realize that cherished photographs and other important papers might have been destroyed in a flood. Some of these items may possibly be restored, so it is important to properly care for them quickly. Gather your valuable papers and carefully wipe them clean and dry. Freeze them in plastic bags to prevent additional damage from occurring until a professional can restore them.
Home flooding can be difficult to recover from. Knowing what are the cleaning requirements and how to properly care for your home and belongings in the event of a flood can help you get back on your feet more quickly.
Is There an Easier Alternative to Sandbags?
11/13/2020 (Permalink)
A Quickdam is five feet long it uses absorbent material that will expand upon contact with water
A sandbag can be a handy item to have in a flood. In Downtown Miami, FL, they’ve been used in the past to save businesses and homes and still have a role today. However, they do come with disadvantages:
- Filling enough bags to build adequate flood dams is extremely laborious.
- Building dams incorrectly is a common problem.
- Removal is difficult and the bags often absorb toxins.
What Alternatives Are There?
Many options exist to avoid mass sand bag use. Most literally use water to fight water: you fill them temporarily with water as needed.
Some cover a doorway while others protect a city block. In approximate order of coverage size, they include
- QuickDam
- HydraBarrier
- AquaDam
- AquaFence
- Instee Levee Builder
A Quickdam is five feet long and can be put in front of doors for low floods. It uses absorbent material that will expand upon contact with water and fill an area.
Hydrabarrier is rapidly becoming a favorite. It’s 6-feet long and has a selection of heights available. It couldn’t be simpler to use: you attach a garden hose to it and the form-fitting barricade fills in minutes. Once it’s not needed, it can be cleaned and stored away easily.
Aquadam is designed to protect an entire commercial building. It will typically cost thousands of dollars, but it’s excellent protection for floods that are less than 3 feet deep at your building envelope. It should be considered mandatory for buildings in a flood plain.
Aquafence and Instee Levee Builder are ideal for either massive operations or community organizations. Expect them to cost 6 figures, but they can save on insurance premiums and get a business reopened in days, not weeks.
What If Your Sand Bag Dam Fails?
Flood damage can wipe out a business. Flood insurance is expensive and isn’t included in standard commercial insurance.
If some water has caused minor damage, a well-known and trusted licensed restoration company can fix that easily. For major damage, they’ll bring in a full team of technicians to tarp and board and get you reopened quickly.
Hurricanes Laura, Sally Delta, TS Beta, Be Prepared in October
10/22/2020 (Permalink)
Radar Tracking path of Hurricane Laura 2020.
With Winter around the corner, we at SERVPRO of West Miami would like to remind you that we aren’t out of Hurricane season just yet. Hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30th and October is the month where a hurricane is most likely to make landfall in Florida. Since 1950, at least 8 out of 15 hurricanes have made landfall in the state of Florida during October.
So, with October only half-way over, we strongly encourage you to be prepared for any hurricanes that might come. Below we will have a list of what should be included in your preparedness kit:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Portable Power banks (Portable chargers)
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
3 Steps for Cleaning Under Your House After a Flood
10/21/2020 (Permalink)
Protect yourself from future headaches by inspecting your crawlspace
How To Avoid Further Storm Damage
When you're cleaning up after a home flood in Homestead, FL, you may not give much thought to the spaces beneath your home — but you should. If you have a crawlspace, you should take as much time to clean it as you do other areas of your home. Mold can grow there and cause structural damage to your house. If you have discovered standing water in a crawlspace, there are a few things that you can do to avoid further storm damage.
1. Remove Standing Water
Whether there is a little or a lot, it is important to remove any standing water from a crawlspace as soon as possible. If you can safely do so, use a pump to clear water out of the area. Pumps are the most efficient option if you have had a home flood. For small amounts of water, it may be possible to use a shop vac, a broom, or even a few towels to soak it up.
2. Toss Ruined Objects
Anything that is stored in the crawlspace or that was a part of it, including insulation, should be removed and evaluated. If it can't be dried out, is damaged, or has mold growing on it, throw it away. Take photos of everything for your insurance company.
3. Dry Everything Well
Once all of the water and your belongings are out of the way, you can plug in a fan to help dry out the area. It will also be wise to use a dehumidifier to help with restoring any wood framing.
4. Consult the Pros
During the cleanup process, it's a good idea to call a water damage restoration company to assess your crawlspace and ensure that everything has been taken care of correctly. You should also check with your insurance company to see if they recommend adding any pumps or vents to prevent future flooding.
When it comes to a home flood, forget about "Out of sight, out of mind." Protect yourself from future headaches by inspecting your crawlspace and cleaning it promptly after flooding.
Three Types of Damage To Expect After Storm Flooding
9/13/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage in Islamorada, FL
Three Types Of Damage That Can Affect Your Business
After a heavy storm in Islamorada, FL you may find that your business has some problems with flooding which can result in water damage, mold growth, and wind damage. Fortunately, a local storm damage restoration service can help. Here’s what you may want to know about these three types of damage and how they can affect your business.
1. Water Damage
One of the first damage types associated with storms comes from water. Standing water can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold which have their own types of problems. It can also seep into the structure and lead to crumbling drywall, cracked tile, soften stone, and warp wood such as that in flooring or support beams. Fortunately, removing the water quickly may help mitigate large scale damage. A pump may be helpful in this process.
2. Mold Damage
Another type of damage comes from mold growth. Mold can grow when an environment is left damp for an extended period of time, often in areas of water damage. It roots into organic materials such as drywall and spreads by sending out spores. Mold colonies can weaken the structure around their growth.
3. Wind Damage
Another type of damage that can be seen after a storm comes from the winds. Most often people think of the damage the wind can do to a roof if there are any loose shingles. However, the wind can also pick up loose debris such as small stones, branches, or items left on the law, and blow them into the structure. Additionally, the wind can tear loose any overhanging branched from nearby trees.
After a storm, you can expect to see water damage, damage from mold growth, and damage caused by high winds. Your local restoration team should be able to assess and repair each of these damage types, and soon have the company property looking “Like it never even happened.”
How To Cover the Cost of Flood Damage Repair
8/12/2020 (Permalink)
Flooded home in Summerland Key, FL
How To Pay For Flood Damage Before It Happens
There are many reasons your home in Summerland Key, FL, can flood. Broken pipes, overflowing toilets and leaking appliances are common culprits. A bad storm can also cause significant flooding. If you don't have flood insurance when this happens, though, you may have a lot of out-of-pocket costs. Knowing how you're going to pay for flood damage before it happens is important.
Flood Policy
Many homeowners have a separate flood policy in addition to their homeowner's insurance, particularly if they live in a flood plain. You can get coverage for the house, personal property, or both. The building property policy mainly covers elements of the structure:
- House and foundation
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Installed carpeting or flooring
- Built-in bookshelves or cabinets
- Major appliances
- HVAC units
A personal property policy may be necessary to cover items such as clothing, rugs, small appliances and food that are ruined by a flood. You not only have to think about drying out your home but also disinfecting any surfaces touched by the contaminated water. Flood restoration specialists can assess your property and give you an estimate of the cost of repairs to use in your insurance claim.
Federal Assistance
If you do not have flood insurance, you may be eligible for federal assistance. When you apply for a FEMA grant, an inspector shows up to look at the damage within a few days. From there, your application can be considered. If approved, you may be compensated for the cost of restoration, temporary lodging, or other expenses associated with the disaster. Even if you wait to apply for the grant until after the repairs have been completed, you may still qualify. In this case, pictures and videos of the original damage as well as an itemized list of the work that was done to fix it may speed up the approval process.
Flood damage from a storm is costly. If you don't have flood insurance, there may be other options that help you cover your expenses.
Mitigate Damage After a Flood
4/29/2020 (Permalink)
A flooded home in Miami, FL
Mitigate Damage After a Flood
While a flash flood or unexpected flooding from a burst pipe can’t be planned for, homeowners in Miami, FL, who live near wetlands or flood-prone zones know the importance of flood insurance. Even with the added coverage, minimizing the flood damage is key to getting your home back to normal and ensuring a smooth claim.
Extra Peace of Mind
Every flood insurance policy may be different, so it is vital to completely understand your specific coverage. In general, this additional policy will assist with repair or replacement costs for the following directly affected by floodwaters:
- Electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems
- Kitchen appliances
- Carpeting
- Cabinets and permanent paneling or bookcases
- Foundations
- Detached garages
- Electronics
- Furniture
Although there is the relief that your property and belongings may be covered, homeowners still need to safeguard against additional damage from happening.
Minimize Secondary Damage
Regardless of how the waters came about, they often lead to mold damage. Once your home has been deemed safe to enter, assessing the damage and making temporary repairs may be necessary. It is important to work with your insurer to verify what can and can’t be done. Taking pictures of the damage, as well as the repairs made, is an important way to catalog the situation.
Removing water and circulating air are imperative to reducing mold growth. If possible, use fans and open doors and windows to let in fresh air. Nonpermanent items that have been affected by floodwaters should be removed from the home. This may include rugs, furniture, electronics, and clothing. Again, take pictures of all affected items. While working with your insurer, the sooner you call a flood, storm, and mold remediation expert, the easier it is to mitigate further damage.
While flood insurance may ease the restoration burden, taking quick action can help reduce damage to your home and make the process go more smoothly.
5 Things to Include in a First Aid Kit
4/9/2020 (Permalink)
A first aid kit should be kept on hand to deal with injuries
Things To Consider Including In A First Aid Kit
Protecting your employees at your Key Colony Beach, FL, business can be important for anyone. While a storm damage restoration service can help make repairs to the property, you may also want to be prepared for injuries. This could mean keeping a first aid kit on the property. Here are a few things to consider including in that kit.
1. Band aids
In many cases, professionals recommend having a variety of band aids available. A range of sizes should be present for use on a variety of possible injuries. You may also choose to have butterfly bandages present for holding closed deeper wounds, while special padded bandages can be used for blisters.
2. Gauze Dressings
Gauze dressing can be useful for wrapping a number of injuries that can’t be covered by a regular bandage. You may also want to include medical tape and a pair of scissors in the kit to allow the cause to be trimmed to various sizes.
3. Gloves
Another thing that should be included in a first aid kit is a box of disposable medical gloves. These should be worn by anyone providing first aid as a proper safety practice.
4. Tweezers
It's often recommended to have a pair of tweezers in the kit. These can be used to hold cleaning pads, or remove splinters. You may want to have a wide head and a fine point pair in the kit.
5. Creams and Cleaners
Another thing to include in an emergency kit is reams and cleaners. Creams may include antibacterial or anti-itch ointment while rubbing alcohol swabs should be present to help clean any wounds.
Remember, if your property is damaged you can contact a restoration service for help, but a first aid kit should be kept on hand to deal with injuries. Include items that can be used to treat a number of minor injuries, and be ready to contact medical help for any serious problems.
Making a Building First Aid Kit
1/23/2020 (Permalink)
Preparing a first aid kit for your building is important
Here Are Some Things to Include in Your Emergency Kit
Preparing a first aid kit for your building is important for the typically minor but common injuries that can occur in a workplace due to a storm or other emergency. Storm damage experts can help restore damage to the workplace, so managing safety of employees is most important. Here are some things to include in your emergency kit.
Bandages
Bandages are the most common thing used in the majority of first aid kits. Having some of different sizes and fabrics should have you covered for most minor abrasions. These bandages can be easily found and are very inexpensive. Because you can go through them quickly, buying a good amount of them upfront may be a good idea.
Disinfectant
Disinfectant comes in several different forms, including:
These can all be useful in different situations. Before putting a bandage on any wound, you should make sure it is clean and disinfected. Bandages should be sterile, but anything the skin was in contact with before and during the incident can cause infection later.
Gauze and Medical Tape
For a burn or a larger wound, gauze with medical tape can be crucial. This can help contain the blood to a small area, and can also prevent it from coming into contact with something that can cause infection.
Gloves
The person applying first aid should wear gloves, to prevent the spread of germs and infection. Having several pairs of disposable gloves in your first aid kit is a good way to help prevent contamination.
CPR Mouthpiece
Having a mouthpiece for administering CPR is recommended, in case someone goes into cardiac arrest and needs emergency resuscitation. This will help keep both the victim and the person administering CPR safe from contamination.
These are just a few of the things you should have in your first aid kit in Design District, FL. Make sure you add items that you feel are necessary. Depending on your workplace, there are certain items you may need that wouldn't be seen in a typical first aid kit. Put in whatever you feel you might need in an emergency.
Flood Damage Tips
12/16/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has experience restoring homes affected by storms and flooding.
What to Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT to Do After Flooding
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use television or other household appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
- Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.
Ways to Prevent Water Damage from Spreading
11/15/2019 (Permalink)
Flood damage in a Key West, FL home
When everything is saturated and seems ruined after your home floods in Key West, FL, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. While you want to get a flood cleanup professional there as soon as possible, you know the importance of contacting your flood insurance company first. While they usually arrive quickly, there a few things you can do to prevent further flood damage without affecting your claim.
Keep Insurance in Mind
Before you do anything, ensure the home is safe to enter. If it is, take photographs of the exterior and interior so that there is proof of all the damage for your flood insurance company. If possible, create a detailed list of all your belongings and gather any receipts you may have saved to make the process go as smoothly as possible. It’s also important to discuss what can and can’t be done with your insured before you begin any cleanup.
Mold Prevention
Depending on your insurer, there are usually a few things that can be done to prevent damage from spreading. One of the most common issues that comes with any type of water issue is mold damage. Below are a few ways to keep it from spreading during the wait.
Remove and sort anything saturated with water such as clothing, rugs and furniture.
Clean and disinfect walls, doors, shelves, baseboards and other elements of the home that have come in contact with water.
If possible, open windows and run a dehumidifier to dry out the home.
Check the furnace and water heater for damage or standing water. Schedule an inspection to ensure internal elements are still functioning properly.
Put small holes in the drywall or baseboards that have been damaged to increase air circulation.
Although no one likes to wait, doing too much can affect your flood insurance claim. Staying focused on the details and sorting through your belongings can help keep it protected while help is on the way.
Effective Methods To Prevent Flood Damage
10/30/2019 (Permalink)
Air movers drying out affected area in Homestead, FL
Effective Methods To Prevent Flood Damage
Throughout history, humankind has battled the dangerous effects of high waters, floods and heavy rains. As society has progressed, those methods have become ever more sophisticated. Civil engineers, architects and town planners all play a role in flood prevention. In Homestead, FL, your business may be in the path of a devastating storm that could threaten your company and your livelihood. Solid preparation such as a new roof, strong windows and drainage systems is the key to successfully weathering a storm.
Devices for Holding Back Water
Water from rains and snow and ice have the ability to sneak through openings as small as 0.005 inches. Powerful storm surges and raging rivers can bust through the strongest fortifications. The following structures often work against the forces of water:
- Sea walls are placed to prevent high tides and storm surges from swamping coastal properties
- Sand bags are a low-tech solution to rising flood waters
- Levees, dams and reservoirs seek to retain water during heavy rains
- Vegetation can hold soil in place and prevent erosion
- Drainage systems divert water from areas that are susceptible to flooding
Flood prevention efforts have varying levels of success. In some cases, they are meant to provide extra time for people to retreat to safer areas without loss of life.
Methods for Flood Cleaning
Once a flood has breached the defenses and entered a property, the emphasis should turn to safety and cleanup. Hazards such as contaminated water should be approached with caution and left to a professional cleanup team in Homestead, FL. Special equipment such as submersible pumps, wet vacs, dehumidifiers and ventilators is effective in removing water from a property. Ridding the building of moisture and humidity can prevent the growth of black mold.
Flood prevention efforts will continue to evolve and become even more effective. Your company can benefit by utilizing new technology to defeat flooding.
Landscaping Tricks To Protect Your Home From Flooding
9/9/2019 (Permalink)
Rain gardens actually use the extra water to make sure all the plants are properly hydrated
Follow These Tips To Keep Rainwater Out Of Your Home
A heavy rainstorm in Miami, FL, can create lots of flooding in your yard and in the areas around your home. This can cause enough problems on its own, including clogging the sewer and washing away topsoil. Another issue with outside flooding is that it doesn't always stay outside. If you don't take the right precautions, your flooded yard could lead to a flooded basement and the need for water restoration services.
Redirection
The best way to protect your home during a rain storm is to direct water away from it. There are several ways to do this:
- Swales
- Downspouts
- Rain gardens
All of these options are designed to control the flow of floodwater. Swales and downspouts cause water to flow away from your home into an area that can handle significant water. Rain gardens actually use the extra water to make sure all the plants are properly hydrated.
Erosion Control
When you plant new trees or flowers, you probably add mulch to the top of the soil to protect the nutrients for the plants. Outside flooding can wash away your hard work. To alleviate this problem, consider using a heavier mulch than wood chips, which float away at the first sign of a stream. A heavy mulch is more likely to stay in place and thus less likely to stop the flow of water away from your home.
Driveway Options
A cement driveway is relatively low maintenance, except when it comes to rain drainage. Then, it can be the source of a lot of problems. Water that runs off your driveway is likely to end up flooding the sewer, which can cause problems not just for you but for other residents as well. Materials such as gravel still give you a nice-looking driveway while still allowing rain to soak into the ground beneath it during a storm.
Outside flooding can quickly become an inside problem if you're not careful. Follow these tips to keep rainwater out of your home.
Flooding in Nebraska and Iowa
3/18/2019 (Permalink)
A historic flood in Nebraska and Iowa in which the water has risen to six to seven feet, has so far claimed the lives of three people and left two other people missing, who are now presumed dead. This major disaster that has broken the record of the last major flood along the Missouri River back in 2011, has caused the evacuation of over a thousand residents and left over 500 homes ruined. With two states being flooded in record numbers, and hundreds of homes and businesses closed, the local restoration companies will not be able to help. As a part of the Disaster Recovery Team, SERVPRO of Brickell is going to go ASAP to help the local communities as much as we possibly can.
Hurricane Kit
1/2/2019 (Permalink)
Here is a basic list of items you should have in your Hurricane Preparedness Kit for when you need a bit of help surviving.
- An evacuation route plan.
- A first aid kit
- Flashlight and batteries
- Drinking water
- Blankets
- Canned foods & can opener
- Cash
- Propane stove & propane
- Candles
- A whistle
- Cell phone chargers
To find out more about what exactly should be in your list as well as a more detailed plan to building the kit and designing your protocols visit https://www.ready.gov/kit
If you or someone you know does need help putting your home back together after a disaster call SERVPRO of Brickell. We have the knowledge and manpower to do the job right the first time. Reach us at 305-643-0710
What not to do After a Storm
12/19/2018 (Permalink)
With hurricanes it is hard to be certain which path they will take. Even with Florida weather meteorologists coming close to predicting the path, the hurricane can quickly shift or turn at the drop of a dime. Because of the amount of uncertainty hurricanes bring, here are 5 things not do to when riding out a hurricane.
- Don’t tape windows - it does almost no good and it is a mess to try and take off.
- Don’t run generators indoors - the carbon monoxide the generators emit can become deadly within minutes. Also, you shouldn’t connect a generator into your home’s electric system directly, because it can affect electric lines outside and endanger your neighbors, emergency responders, and /or utility workers.
- Don’t use charcoal or gas grills indoors - the carbon monoxide and fire risks are high. The grill’s carbon monoxide can easily build up and poison anyone inside the house, including your pets.
- Don’t walk or drive in flood waters - the waters can contain snakes, alligators, downed power lines and sewage, which can all be dangerous and deadly. If you drive a vehicle in flood waters that are six inches or more, the waters can cause a car to float.
- Don’t stay after an evacuation order is given - rescuers might not come out in the height of the storm, but if they do you are putting your life and their lives in danger. Your life is not worth the same amount as your home or anything in it. A home can be replaced, your life can not.
Hurricane Michael Damage
11/15/2018 (Permalink)
This structure was one of the only buildings left standing.
Quite possibly the biggest storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in over a hundred years. "The Big One" called by many people for all of the destruction left in its path. Hurricane Michael hit the coast traveling 14 mph and accelerated to 17 while only losing a little strength while crossing from Florida to southwest Georgia. Not only was it one of the strongest storms to ever hit Florida, it is also the strongest storm to hit Georgia since 1898. With over 70 miles of destruction along U.S. Highway 98 and 34 deaths (24 in Florida, three in North Carolina, one in Georgia, and six in Virginia), 1.3 million homes and businesses lost power. Us SERVPRO of Brickell went up two days after the hurricane hit and have been there helping the community as best as we can over the past month.
Hurricane Michael
10/23/2018 (Permalink)
Hurricane Michael made landfall causing major flooding and wind destruction in the Florida Panhandle with the storm track continuing into Georgia. In addition to the 160 local Franchises in the Hurricane Michael affected areas, SERVPRO also has a national network of over 1,700 Franchises across the country. Our designated Disaster Recovery Teams have been activated and will be deploying to the affected areas as needed. With about 20 franchises out in Panama City, there is only so much that we can do. However, you can help by donating.
You Can Help By Making a Donation Today!
The American Red Cross is working around the clock along the East Coast to help the thousands of people whose lives have been affected by Hurricane Michael.
Click HERE to make a donation
Hurricane Preparedness During October
9/28/2018 (Permalink)
With Winter around the corner, we at SERVPRO of Brickell will like to remind you that we aren’t out of Hurricane season just yet. Hurricane season doesn’t end until November 30th and October is the month where a hurricane is most likely to make landfall in Florida. Since 1950, at least 8 out of 15 hurricanes have made landfall in the state of Florida during October.
So, with October being a few days away, we strongly encourage to be prepared for any hurricanes that might come. Below we will have a list of what should be included in your preparedness kit:
- Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Portable Power banks (Portable chargers)
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle to signal for help
- Baby wipes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
24/7 Emergency Service