With Hurricane Ida still firmly in our minds, with the aftermath in Louisiana, we give our thoughts and prayers to those who were affected.
The California/FEMA US&R Task Force are currently doing an amazing task, being deployed to Louisiana, with participation from several surrounding fire agencies. The “Type 3” task force being deployed includes 35 members and 10 ground support personnel. These personnel are trained and equipped to provide water rescues and technical and canine search, rescue, medical and other specialized capabilities at the disaster.
With this in action, we are now getting lots of queries about how to protect your home or business from these types of natural disasters or extreme weathers. Here are some guidelines on extreme weather preparation.
Prepare & Prevent: FLOODING
Did you know that flooding is the most common type of disaster causing extreme water damage?
Protect your home or office by sealing your basement walls with waterproof compounds. Some people even build flood walls to be extra safe if they know the area is high risk.
Invest in a sump pump that operates solely on batteries for this kind of emergency.
Always have electrical items 12 inches above any assumed flood levels.
Modify water valves so water flows out of the sewer system automatically.
Get mold repair on any outstanding areas, so that these walls are protected as this can cause thinning of walls, so when flooding occurs there is greater damage as the water will burst through quicker.
If you get a flood warning turn off all electricity and gas, try and move all valuables as high up in the house as possible. Close all windows and doors and evacuate.
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE RESTORATION
An earthquake is the tectonic plates in the earth shifting, breaking and sliding together so it is natural that the earth then shifts and moves causing disasters such as homes and buildings to collapse.
Firstly, make sure your home can withstand shaking. Secure heavy items to the walls and floors.
It is worth getting an inspection on your home to check for any outstanding cracks in the foundation as this will need to be repaired, the same for loose wiring and electrical fittings in your home as this can cause greater damage in a disaster.
Any breakable items should be moved to lower shelves.
If you do get issued an earthquake warning, then shut off electricity and gas.
WILDFIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION
Wildfires can be caused by both human carelessness and naturally from overheated nature or by lightning. Once they start, they spread fast, destroying everything in its path meaning a great deal of fire restoration.
If you live in an area susceptible to wildfires then you must make sure your home has fire-resistant treated wood and materials.
Keep a long hose close to the house that can reach all the way round to dampen out a fire. Keep shrubs and plants around the home that are more fire resistant to fire instead of ones that burn quicker to make a shield to your home.
If you get a wildfire warning then wet the roof, shut all doors and windows and evacuate.
HURRICANES DAMAGE RESTORATION
You should always be alerted for when a hurricane is coming as weather reporters have the technology to do this. When people worry is the hurricane near me? nowadays you can check this so always be on alert once you hear about one coming. HURRICANE TRACKER
Before you evacuate, board up all points of entry, especially your windows, as they are the weakest part of the home. Shutters are a good idea on the windows.
Then tie down anything that could fly away such as outdoor furniture, pots, kids toys etc.
Power will most likely be out so make sure you have battery operated power or a generator.
Turn off all appliances and electronics.
TORNADOES
A hurricane versus tornado, is similar in that you should make sure everything is tied down and use the same advice as for hurricanes, except tornadoes can happen at a moment’s notice!
Therefore, it would be best to replace, (if budget allows) your windows and roof with impact resistant windows and roof sheathing if you haven’t already got this.
BE PREPARED
Most importantly for all these disasters it is vital that in your home or office you are prepared by having an emergency kit stored away.
This should include non-perishable food items, 2-3 gallons of water for each person in your household, medications, important documents and flashlights and batteries.
Make sure you are insured for natural disasters, so you are covered for restoration. Also, it is worth having a savings account for when these types of emergencies occur.
ZGreen Restoration is a certified restoration business. It is an IICRC-certified firm, which means we adhere to a higher standard than other companies. Trust in our fire restoration experts to get your house back in order. We are happy to discuss any of the points raised in this blog or how to protect your home against a natural disaster.
Call us for a free quote 24/7 on 408-212-6034
https://www.zgreenrestoration.com/contact-us/
