Prepare Your Company For A Hurricane

Hurricane Safety is as important for homeowners as it is for business owners. To help you get prepared for this upcoming hurricane season and help prevent water damage to your place of business, here is a general checklist of what to do before, during and after a disaster: 1. Know Your Risk. Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA flood maps to determine if your business location is vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding. Have your building(s) inspected by a licensed professional to find out if your workplace is vulnerable to hurricane force winds and what is recommended to retrofit. 2. Take the Necessary Precautions. If a storm threatens, secure your building. Cover windows. Cover and move furniture/equipment to a secured area. 3. Always Protect Your Data with Backup Files. If dependent on data processing, consider an alternate site. Make provisions for alternate communications and power. Read the rest of: Disaster Preparation: Hurricane Business Plan

2012 Hurricane Season Forecast

The 2012 hurricane season is quickly approaching. Beginning June 1st and lasting until November 20th, the Atlantic hurricane season is being predicted to be a tame season. Hurricane experts Phil Klotzbach and William Gray of Colorado State University have stated that the 2012 season should be considerably slower than normal with 10 named storms, including four hurricanes (two major).

Although a mild season is expected, that doesn’t necessarily mean mild storms are expected. Even if the season has only one hurricane, the hurricane could still be extremely dangerous. 1992 is recorded as being one of the least active hurricane seasons ever; nonetheless, the season brought forth Hurricane Andrew, a category 5 hurricane that caused $26 billion of damage. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricane and tropical storm activity, be prepared. Read the entire article here: 2012 Hurricane Season Forecast

September Is National Preparedness Month

This month is the eight annual National Preparedness Month! Originally instituted by U.S. Homeland Security, this is a time when over 3,000 organizations are supporting emergency preparedness efforts and encouraging all Americans to take action. One goal of Homeland Security is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes.

During September, emergency preparedness will focus on preparedness for the home and family, pets, older Americans, and individuals with disabilities and special needs.

The first step to being prepared is to have an Emergency Plan together. Make plans with your family and friends in case you’re not together during an emergency. Discuss how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet, and what you’ll do in different situations. Figure out your plan for your pets, livestock and for any family members who may require extra assistance. Read how to develop a Disaster Preparedness Plan.

The second step is to put an Emergency Kit together! An emergency kit includes the basics for survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth. You should have enough supplies to survive for at least three days. Review the items recommended for an emergency disaster supplies kit here: Hurricane Emergency Kit. Click here for tips on what to put into a Pet Emergency Kit.

Next, be prepared by staying informed. Check all types of media – Web sites, newspapers, radio, TV, and social media – for global, national and local information. During an emergency, your local Emergency Management or Emergency Services office will give you information on such things as open shelters and evacuation orders. To keep track of weather alerts, check out websites like weather.com for severe weather alerts and the National Hurricane Center’s site http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

Finally, Americans are being encouraged to get involved. Homeland Security suggests Americans look into taking first aid and emergency response training, participating in community exercises, and volunteer to support local first responders. A great resource for getting involved in Citizens Corps: http://www.citizencorps.gov. The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps coordinates activities to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to an emergency situation.

1-800-DRY-ME-out urges all Americans to be prepared: assemble an emergency supply kit, make your emergency plans, stay informed, and get involved in helping your family, your business, your pets and your community be ready for emergencies!



GREAT LINKS:

Disaster Readiness for People with Disabilities or Functional/Access Needs

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html



Disaster Readiness for Seniors

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html



Military Family Preparedness

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/military.html



Disaster Readiness for Pet Owners

http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html



Disaster Readiness for Livestock

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/programs/emergency-services/community-preparedness/#livestock



Disaster Preparedness for Business:

Resources: http://www.drymeout.com/disaster-resources-florida-businesses

Preparation Checklist: http://www.drymeout.com/hurricane-preparation-business-checklist

Planning: http://www.drymeout.com/planning-business-hurricane-approaches



Sheltering in Place:

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/shelter/



Dealing with Stress During a Disaster

http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/mind/



One Stop Hurricane Resources:

http://blog.drymeout.com/one-stop-for-online-hurricane-safety-resources/



1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is a full service water damage restoration company that provides emergency water removal, water mitigation, carpet drying, mold remediation, fire damage, sinkhole and sewer cleanup services. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT is located in Port Richey, Florida, and proudly services the West Gulf Coast of Florida. For more information, please visit http://www.drymeout.com

One Stop for Online Hurricane Safety Resources

Hurricane season has begun! From June 1st to November 30, hurricane season is alive and well. To help you get through the season as safely as possible, here are a list of articles we have written compiled for your convenience. If you have any questions on hurricane safety or how to protect your property from hurricane flood damage, please contact us at 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT.



 

GENERAL HURRICANE SAFETY & INFORMATION:

Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Hurricane Emergency Kit

Hurricane Survival Guide

Hurricane Safety for Pets

Hurricane Proofing Windows

Hurricane Emergency Contact List for Florida

Tampa Bay Hurricane Facts

How to Clean Up After a Storm

 

HURRICANE INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS

Hurricane Preparation for Business: General Checklist

Hurricane Planning Before the Storm for Business

Flood Damage Prevention Plan

Flood & Water Damage Go Box

Disaster & Hurricane Resources for Business

 

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Hurricane Damage, Mold Damage, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

 

Expecting a Busy 2011 Hurricane Season

With the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane season upon us in 108 days, we thought we'd offer you a 2010 hurricane summary as well as current outlooks for the 2011 season.

The 2010 season was one of the most active on record with the most significant impact occurring across the Caribbean and Latin America. The 2010 season actually tied the 1995 and 1887 Atlantic Hurricane Seasons as third largest number of named storms. The 2010 season also ties the 1969 Atlantic Hurricane Season for second largest amount of hurricanes. In addition, the activity in the north Atlantic in 2010 exceeded the activity in the northwest Pacific Typhoon season. The only other known time this event happened was in 2005. Much of this hurricane activity is attributed to the effects of La Nina.

To summarize the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season:

Total Depressions: 21
Total Storms: 19
Total Hurricanes: 12 of which 5 were considered Major (category 3 or higher)
Total Damage: At least $11.424 billion USD
Total Fatalities: 259 direct, 23 indirect

The five hurricanes that reached major hurricane status were Danielle, Earl, Igor, Julia and Karl respectively.

To read the list of named 2010 storms & hurricanes, please visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/2010atlan.shtml

Read the remainder of this article as well as the 2011 Hurricane Forecast

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage Palm Harbor, Mold Damage, Sinkhole, Fire Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

10 Hurricanes for the 2010 Season So Far

At the beginning of the 2010 season, you may remember that the NOAA predicted that there would be 8-14 hurricanes and 14-23 tropical storms this season! Well, they were right on the money!

To date, there have been 10 hurricanes and 7 tropical storms named in the Atlantic alone. The Pacific has seen four tropical storms and 3 hurricanes. The most recent hurricane, Hurricane Richard, blasted Belize just a few days ago. The next name awaiting a storm in the 2010 roster would be Shary. Currently, there are three patches of disturbance in the Atlantic; however, meteorologists predict little threat from them.

An interesting fact: The last time there was a hurricane in the Atlantic during October was in 2008 when Hurricane Omar swept through the Caribbean between the dates of October 13-18.

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage Clearwater, Mold Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL, Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!

Planning for your Business: When a Hurricane Approaches

1. Listen for Weather Updates on local stations, internet weather channels like weather.com or National Hurricane Center and on NOAA Weather Radio. Don’t trust rumors and stay tuned to the latest information.

2. Check Your Disaster Supplies Kit at work. Obtain any needed items. Contact employees and instruct them to do the same at their homes. Get a Hurricane Emergency Kit list.

3. Instruct Employees to Refill Prescriptions and to maintain at least a two week supply during hurricane season.

4. Clear Property and/or tie down any items that could become flying missiles in high winds such as lawn furniture, potted plants and trashcans.

5. Protect Windows and Glass Doors. If you do not have impact resistant windows, install shutters or plywood to cover the glass. Brace double entry and garage doors at the top and at the bottom.

Read steps 6-11 on protecting your business from an approaching hurricane

Hurricane & Disaster Preparation Checklist for Business

Hurricane Safety is as important for homeowners as it is for business owners. As part of our Hurricane Preparation for Business Series, here is a general checklist of what to do before during and after a disaster:

1. Know Your Risk. Check your hurricane evacuation level and FEMA flood maps to determine if your business location is vulnerable to storm surge or freshwater flooding. Have your building(s) inspected by a licensed professional to find out if your workplace is vulnerable to hurricane force winds and what is recommended to retrofit.

2. Take the Necessary Precautions. If a storm threatens, secure your building. Cover windows. Cover and move furniture/equipment to a secured area.

3. Always Protect Your Data with Backup Files. If dependent on data processing, consider an alternate site. Make provisions for alternate communications and power.

4. Make Plans To Work With Limited Cash, No Water, Sewer or Power for Two Weeks. Store emergency supplies at the office.

Read steps 5-8 on how to protect your business during a hurricane or disaster

Disaster & Hurricane Business Resources Florida

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. Here are a few resources to get you started.

Florida Business Disaster Survival Kit
http://www.fldisasterkit.org/

Florida Disaster Division of Emergency Management for Business
http://www.floridadisaster.org/DEMbusiness.asp

Advanced Restoration 24/7 Emergency & Disaster Services
http://www.drymeout.com

FEMA for Business
http://www.fema.gov/business/index.shtm

Homeland Security Tools for Business
http://www.ready.gov/business/index.html


View the remaining hurricane and disaster resources

La Nina Announced just as Hurricane Peak Season Begins

Yesterday, August 5, 2010, the NOAA announced that La Nina is officially in action over the Pacific Ocean. In addition, the NOAA stated that they are still expecting an active hurricane season!

In two of our recent posts, "What's all this talk about La Nina?" and "Busy Hurricane Season? Let us not forget the past!", we discussed how experts were warning of La Nina conditions forming and how that might increase hurricane activity over the Atlantic. We also looked back at the past patterns of serious hurricanes and how many of them formed during "peak" season - late August.

In the NOAA's article, they state "With the season’s peak just around the corner – late August through October – the need for preparedness plans is essential."

In addition, the NOAA states, "“All indications are for considerable activity during the next several months,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “As we’ve seen in past years, storms can come on quickly during the peak months of the season. There remains a high likelihood that the season could be very active, with the potential of being one of the more active on record.”

The NOAA predicts that climate factors such as warmer-than-average water in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean, and the tropical multi-decadal signal, which since 1995 has brought favorable ocean and atmospheric conditions in unison, lead to more active seasons.

We encourage everyone to stay prepared in the event that the predictions come to fruition. We might have a tendency to figure, just because the season is slow right now, that we have nothing to worry about. Nonetheless, it is always wise to stay prepared.

Click for our Hurricane Emergency Kit

Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage, Mold Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!