Water Damage
ByWHEN A NATURAL DISASTER threatens a community, it is often too late to take the necessary steps to prepare homes, businesses and family members for the situation. Whether it’s a blizzard, flood damage, water damage from a hurricane or wildfire, disasters of all types often give little to no warning before they strike.
That’s why the Department of Homeland Security sponsors the Ready Campaign and recognizes National Preparedness Month (NPM) this time each year. As a coalition member of NPM, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional wants you to be prepared should a man-made or natural disaster strike your local area.
In this edition of the Newsline you will find:
- An Emergency Supply Checklist.
- A message from Rebecca Marquis,
- Acting Director of the Ready Campaign.
- Emergency Contact Cards.
- Directions on how to find more
information on preparedness.
You can enable your business to be its best by getting yourself and your customers ready for Mother Nature’s worst.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water, one gallon per person per day
- Food, non-perishable
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet supplies
- Manual can opener
- Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Bedding
- Clothing
- Dust masks or bandanna
- Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and
duct tape - Wrench or pliers
- Local maps
- Hygiene items
- Important documents such as
copies of insurance policies,
identification and bank account
information - Cash
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
YOU MAY THINK YOU HAVE ENOUGH supplies in your pantry to make it through an emergency, but if you have to evacuate,do you have a to-go emergency kit that is easy to grab at a moment’s notice? If an emergency occurs, you might assume you can simply call your spouse or children to see if they’re okay, but what if the phone lines are jammed with others doing the exact same thing? When it comes to you and your loved ones, is having a plan that’s “good enough” good enough?
The Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps encourage you to take a few extra minutes this month to plan for any emergency. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and a good reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.
This year, NPM focuses on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps.
Throughout September, activities and events will take place across this country to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement, such as first aid trainings,town hall meetings and much more.
For more information on NPM or for help getting your family, business or community prepared, visit www.ready.gov, www.listo.gov or www.citizencorps.gov, where you’ll find free preparedness resources such as Family Emergency Plan templates,Emergency Supply Kit Checklists, and much more, or call 1-800-BE-READY. The Ready Web site also has special sections for kids (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business).
