Hurricane Season is Here

Hurricane season has begun, and we know that where there's a hurricane, there's definitely water damage and the need for emergency services to mitigate the damage and restore homes and businesses. Many home and business owners think that they are prepared because they have insurance.

Every year, billions of dollars are spent on emergency services when natural disasters occur. In fact, a recent U.N. study indicated that economic losses from disasters since 2000 are in the range of $2.5 trillion, a figure 50% higher than previous international estimates. And insurance only goes so far in covering damages. To limit damage to your home or business, here are our top tips to be storm-ready.

How to Prepare For a Hurricane

1. Insurance – review insurance policies, as some have separate deductibles for various perils like Flood, Wind, Lightning, etc. Flooding requires a separate insurance policy and can be complicated. See your insurance agent for advice and details.
2. Documentation – take inventory of valuables, personal property, or assets, both individual or company owned. One of the best ways to do this is with video or digital photos and keep a set of them in a safe, secure location away from your property.
3. Communication – How will everyone communicate in the chaos of a severe storm? Plan a solution ahead of time so that everyone is on the same page.
4. Basic Emergency Supply Kit – Water: one gallon per day for at least 3 days, a three-day supply of food, flashlight with batteries, First Aid Kit, small tools, a manual can opener, cell phone with charger, and enough medication for three days. Install a generator for emergencies.
5. Water Damage – It is important to try to start the drying process as soon as possible. Make sure you have a dehumidifier or Shop Vac that can help.
6. Emergency Services – Make plans to secure your property - have pre-cut plywood for window board-up and several different sizes of tarps with hammer and nails. Cover all windows since tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Reinforce garage doors, since if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
7. Trimming – cut down shrubs and branches that could break windows, tear down power lines, or damage roofing.
8. Outside Objects – bring in outside objects like furniture, decorations, garbage cans, or toys that could become projectiles in heavy winds.
9. Cleaning – clean loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
10. Evacuation – learn your community’s evacuation routes and make sure that you have a full tank of gas. If possible, safely store extra gas or propane.

We hope you find these tips useful. For more helpful information about natural disasters and emergencies, please visit FEMA's website. And know that if you or your business needs help from a natural disaster, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning is available to help 24/7/365. Call us at (800) 865-5157 or visit www.smdynamic.com.