Do you have a plan in case an emergency or disaster occurs?

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Do you have a plan in case an emergency or disaster occurs?

Did you know March, April and May are some of the most risky and hazardous months of the year due to severe weather?

In case of an emergency, do you know the exit route or plan of evacuation at home and in your work place in case of an emergency or disaster? Here are some recommendations to help you be prepared at home or work when flooding, earthquake, fire or severe weather arises.

When FLOODING occurs at home or work:

• Know the exit route or safe place to go, and make sure you have previously identified the safe location your family members or colleagues should seek.
• When leaving work or home, never drive or walk through flooded streets. Always look for safer, drier places to travel through.
• Check your flood insurance policy to ensure you have appropriate coverage at home. At work, ask your employer for your safety plan and insurance coverage in case of emergency.
• Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.

When an EARTHQUAKE happens at home or work:

• At home, practice drop, cover, and hold on. Make sure you identify those places that will allow you to be safe until the earthquake is over.
• At the office, practice the preparedness plan utilizing a drill or exercise.
  
  Keep your Emergency First Aid Kit handy.
• Anchor loose items to a secure wall in your home.
• We recommend texting, no calls.

When a FIRE EMERGENCY arises at home or work:

• Identify ways to exit the building or the work area.
• Look for two ways out of every room in your house.
• In both cases, practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures on a regular basis.
• Choose a meeting point outside of your home or office to gather and make sure your relatives or colleagues are safe.
• Install smoke alarms or make sure the existing ones are working properly; run tests monthly.
• At home, have a fire emergency escape plan and practice it at least twice per year.
• Check smoke alarms regularly and replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
• In case of using generators, they should be used outside the home.
• Review your insurance policy and update your coverage if necessary.

Being prepared to address sudden, unexpected situations or disasters can be the key to success and being able to continue with your regular daily activities with very little disruption. To also be prepared to overcome emergencies, we recommend you have personal documents and information as well as out of town emergency contact information readily available, so you are able to coordinate information with family and friends.

The SERVPRO® Ready Plan mobile app places a convenient preparedness tool right at your fingertips. Disasters are unpredictable and frequently strike without warning. That is why the SERVPRO Ready Plan mobile app is so valuable. In the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, a property owner or manager can reach out for expert help right from the scene by just using their cell phones.

For more information about the SERVPRO® Ready Plan mobile app, and how it can help you be more prepared, contact SERVPRO® of Martin County, 24/7 Emergency Service, at (772) 334-8762.