SERVPRO Press Release

SERVPRO Encourages Citizens to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

A Few Simple Steps Can Go a Long Way to Protect Your Family

GALLATIN, Tenn. (Grassroots Newswire) August 25, 2011 -- As Hurricane Irene threatens the Atlantic coast and Northeastern United States, SERVPRO^® urges residents in the storm’s path to remember the importance of disaster preparedness. In its sixth year as a coalition member with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign, SERVPRO Franchises across the country are spreading the message about the benefits of being prepared for natural disasters like Hurricane Irene.

SERVPRO^® would also like to remind residents that once powerful storms like Irene make landfall, heavy rainfall presents the possibility of flooding. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team has been put on alert and will be deployed to the affected areas. With the potential for a large number of claims and the need for cleanup and restoration, residents are encouraged to be patient, while SERVPRO makes every effort to respond to each need as quickly as possible.

The first several days after a disaster are critical to prevent unnecessary secondary damages, like mold. SERVPRO^® suggests the following steps to help minimize additional damage to your home, business and possessions.

• 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.

"The most important thing right now is for citizens in Irene's path to stay informed and listen to their local authorities," said Don Turner, Director of SERVPRO's Disaster Recovery Team. "Though we can’t change the path of the storm, we can change how prepared we are to weather it. A few simple steps can go a long way toward keeping loved ones safe in a disaster situation."

SERVPRO^® also recommends having a three-day supply of water for each member of your family - including pets - along with non-perishable food, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries and a flashlight. Citizens should also keep in mind things like necessary medications and insurance documents.

For more emergency preparedness resources, citizens across the country can contact their local SERVPRO^® Franchise to receive free resources like emergency supply checklists, emergency contact cards, and more tips on emergency planning. More information is also available at www.ready.gov.

About SERVPRO
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO franchise system is a national leader and provider of fire, water, mold and other specialty cleanup and restoration services. 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. SERVPRO has recently mobilized its elite Storm Response Team to the 2011 North Dakota Floods, 2010 Tennessee Floods, the 2010 New England Floods, the 2009 California Wildfires and 2008 Hurricane Ike.