2019 Winter Storm Predictions are in!

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

2019 Winter Storm predictions are in!

Farmers' Almanac is predicting that this winter is going to suck.

In its prediction for the 2019 winter season, Farmers' Almanac is expecting “teeth-chattering” cold across the country. And not only will the cold be colder than usual, according to the forecast, it’s going to last longer.

“Our time-tested, long-range formula is pointing toward a very long, cold, and snow-filled winter,” editor Peter Geiger said in a statement. “We stand by our forecast and formula, which accurately predicted the many storms last winter, as well as this summer’s steamy, hot conditions.”

“From the Continental Divide east through the Appalachians,” Americans should invest in a good winter coat for this winter season, according to Farmers ‘Almanac.

The Great Lakes, Midwest and central and northern New England are expected to experience heavier-than-normal snowfall. Skiers in those areas should plan to hit the slopes in January and February, when the heaviest snowfall is expected.

Those who are looking to escape the cold should plan their warm-weather vacations for the middle of February, when Farmers' Almanac predicts temperatures will be their most brutal. The cold is expected to last through the end of March. But winter could linger until April.

However, Farmers' Almanac's predictions are directly in opposition to those from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released last month. The NOAA predicted a warmer-than-average winter across the country, but did concede that heavy precipitation (either snow or rain) was likely to fall in the later half of the season.

No matter which prediction you believe, winter weather is always a great excuse to book a trip somewhere nice.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/weather/farmers-almanac-predicts-long-cold-winter

HURRICANE SEASON

9/1/2018 (Permalink)

HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and also ends November 30.

Hurricane can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landsides due to rainfall.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business.

For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.goc/hurricanes.

DID YOU KNOW?

• About 40% of hurricanes hit Florida.
• 2004’s Hurricane Ivan produced 127 tornadoes in nine different states over a five-day period.
• To identify these storms, the World Meteorological Organization maintains a six-year rotating list of names.

Source: noaa.gov

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

When a storm or disaster strikes, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® is poised and “Ready for whatever happens.” With a network of more than 1,700 Franchises, the SERVPRO® System strives to be faster to any size disaster. Strategically located throughout the United States, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® is trained and equipped to handle the largest storms and highest flood waters. Providing experience, manpower, equipment, and other resources, the Disaster Recovery Team® assists your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals. SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team® has responded to hundreds if disaster events. In the aftermath of a disaster, there is only one objective: to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

2016 East Tennessee Wildfires:

One of the largest in history of Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains wildfires burned more than 17,000 acres and about 2,500 structures in November 2016. The 12 crews that were dispatched worked a total of 78 jobs, where they mitigated over $1 million in damages.

2016 Hurricane Matthew:

Following the East Coast from Florida up to North Carolina, this hurricane caused major

flooding, primarily as rivers rose in Eastern North Carolina. SERVPRO® had 169 crews dispatched. These crews took on more than 1,050 jobs and over $7.5 million in damages.

2016 Louisiana Flooding:

Catastrophic flooding occurred in Southern Louisiana where rainfall measured 20 inches or more total, falling at a rate of more than 2-3 inches per hour in some places. This caused rivers and inland waterways to rise to record levels. The Disaster Recovery Team® responded to over 830 jobs with 185 crews.

2016 Houston, TX Flooding:

In April, a nearly stationary mesoscale convective system developed over Houston, resulting in widespread rainfall rates of 2-4 inches per hour. This was a historic flooding event for Harris County, which saw a total of nearly 18 inches of accumulated rainfall. The Storm Team dispatched 81 crews to over 360 jobs, mitigating over $3 million in damages.

2015 Siberian Express:

Record subzero temperatures caused major problems for a large portion of the country stretching from Florida to Maine. The Midwest also experienced record breaking low temperatures, resulting in frozen pipes and ice dams causing major problems for residents. The Storm Team dispatched a total of 257 crews from 108 Franchises to assist local SERVPRO® Franchises completing nearly 2,000 jobs.

2014 Mid-Atlantic Flooding:

Rainfall rates up to 2 inches per hour caused major flash flooding stretching from Northeast Ohio all the way to Portland, Maine. Eastern Michigan and Baltimore, Maryland, were also impacted, creating over 1,381 jobs for the Storm Team to produce. A total of 82 SERVPRO® Franchises and 173 crews mitigated over $4.3 million in damages while assisting the local Franchises.

2014 Polar Vortex:

Record low temperatures caused by a break in the North Pole’s polar vortex resulted in an unprecedented freezing event, spanning from east of the Rocky Mountains to as far south as central Florida, affecting all or part of 39 states and 70% of the SERVPRO® Franchise System.

2013 Colorado Floods:

Heavy rainfall, with amounts up to 17 inches in some areas, resulted in widespread flooding in Fort Collins, Boulder, and surrounding Colorado mountain communities. The Disaster Recovery Team® responded with 109 crews from 48 Franchises to assist the local SERVPRO® Franchises in the emergency response.

2012 Hurricane Sandy:

Affecting more than 20 states, Sandy left widespread damage and flooding from Florida stretching the entire eastern seaboard to Maine. The Disaster Recovery Team® placed nearly 1,000 crews in affected areas, representing over 300 SERVPRO® Franchises from across the country. Teams traveled from as far as Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington

Flooding can happen anywhere

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding can happen anywhere

According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), “Approximately seventy-five percent of all Presidential disaster declarations are associated with flooding.” NOAA list the most common flood hazards in the United States as:

• Flash Flooding
• River Flooding
• Storm Surge and Coastal Inundation from Tropical and Non-Tropical Systems
• Burn Scars/Debris flows caused by wildfires
• Ice/Debri jams
• Snowmelt
• Dry Wash caused by heavy rain in dry areas
• Dam Breaks/ Levee Failures

Just because you haven’t experienced a flood doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. In fact, 20% of all claims paid by the National Flood insurance program (NFIP) were for policies in low-risk communities. On average, floods cost $3.5 billion in annual losses in the United States, and commercial claims more than $75,000 (NFIP).

When catastrophic water damage happens to you, SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill can help. We can prepare you ahead of time with an Emergency Ready Profile®(ERP) or respond to any size disaster to begin cleanup and restoration to get you back in business as soon as possible.

SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill is ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Preparing for a Flood with SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Preparing for a Flood with SERVPRO® of Oxon Hill

Flooding can happen fast in many environments. The American Red Cross recommends having the following list of items packed and ready to go in the event of an evacuation due to flooding.

• Water- 3+ day supply; one gallon per person
• Food- 3+ day supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare food.
• Flashlight
• Battery powered or hand crank radio
• Extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medications- 7 day supply and medical items such as glasses, hearing aids, contact etc.
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents such as medication list, ID, lease or deed etc.
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra Cash
• Emergency Blanket
• Maps of the area
• Baby supplies
• Pet supplies
• Tools/Supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent
• Camera for photos of damage

2018 US Summer Forecast

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

2018 US summer forecast: Early tropical threat may eye South; Severe heat, drought to bake southern Plains

By Jillian MacMath, AccuWeather staff writer

May 02, 2018, 8:01:15 AM EDT

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The Northeast and mid-Atlantic are in for a bit of everything this summer as the weather transitions between hot, humid and stormy.

Meanwhile, the southern United States will endure persistent storms and the threat for an early tropical impact.

In the Southwest and California, building heat and dryness will pose a high risk for wildfires. 

Summer to bring heat, humidity and severe weather to Northeast, mid-Atlantic

From heat to humidity and severe weather, the Northeast and mid-Atlantic are set to experience a bit of everything this summer.

A few hot periods will take hold throughout the summer, though it won’t be persistent.

“I think there’s going to be surge later in June when we really start to feel some heat here in the Northeast. But will it stick around the whole summer? I don’t think that’s going to happen,” AccuWeather Expert Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said.

I-95 cities, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, are predicted to average close to normal with respect to the number of 90-degree days.

“Humidity-wise they’ll have to watch out for August. That may be up a little bit,” he said.

Severe weather could strike the northern mid-Atlantic states and eastern Ohio in June.

In July, that risk will shift farther northward.

Showers and thunderstorms to target the Southeast, Tennessee Valley, Gulf Coast

A barrage of showers and thunderstorms will target the Southeast, with Florida set to bounce back from severe drought conditions.

“They’re going to see some more action across the peninsula throughout the summer, which is good for them. I don’t see any dry conditions developing like we saw a couple of years ago,” Pastelok said.

Heavier storms will pose a risk for flooding with the Tennessee Valley and central Gulf coast facing the greatest threat.

Meanwhile, the entire region will be at risk for an early tropical impact.

“The last several years we’ve seen early tropical hits. I don’t see anything against that this year. Whereabouts? That’s a tough call. Anywhere is possible along the Gulf coast this year,” Pastelok said.

If a tropical system does impact the region, it’s more likely to be a tropical storm which would pose a greater risk for flooding rainfall, he said.

Severe weather to threaten the western Ohio Valley, Midwest, central/northern Plains

Short-term periods of high heat will blast the region in June, though temperatures will bounce up and down throughout the summer.

Severe weather will also target the first month of the season.

“June, I think, will be the month for the severe weather in the northern Plains,” Pastelok said. “It could linger a bit into July, but it will take a break before coming back in August.”

Stifling heat, drought to grip the southern Plains

Severe drought is predicted to continue across the southwestern Plains as intense heat dominates the summer.

June could end up being one of the top-five hottest on record for the region.

“Places like Dallas, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, those places are going to record above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation this summer,” Pastelok said.

The forecast could spell bad news for cattle farmers and consumers alike.

“The Plains drought could have an effect on agriculture and grazing for cattle,” Pastelok said. “The grass is not going to grow as much, so farmers are going to end up spending more on feed.”

High fire threat for the Southwest, California as heat and dryness build

Heat and drought will also stretch into the Southwest and California.

The fire threat in both of places will arrive early then remain high for a good part of the summer before rainfall increases into July and August.

Flash flooding is possible as precipitation increases for the interior Southwest and the central Rockies around the midpoint or latter half of the season.

Typical summer to transpire in Northwest, Rockies

Following a typical pattern for the Northwest and Rockies, late spring and early summer will remain mostly wet and cool.

The transition to warmer and drier summer weather won’t arrive until later in the season.

As the warmth increases in mid-July and August, drought conditions may develop east of the Cascades.

This could result in the threat for fires from late summer and into the fall season.

Prepare for Spring Weather

4/13/2018 (Permalink)

Spring Storms

Prepare for Spring Weather

Spring is the time of year when many things change—including the weather. Temperatures can swing back and forth between balmy and frigid. Sunny days may be followed by a week of stormy weather. Sometimes extreme weather changes can occur even within the same day. Mark Twain once said, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.”

Thunderstorms cause most of the severe spring weather. They can bring lightning, tornadoes, and flooding. Whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, thunderstorms can occur. For much of the world, this happens in spring and summer.

Because spring weather is so unpredictable, you may be unprepared when severe weather hits—particularly if you live in a region that does not often experience thunderstorms, tornadoes, or flooding. And when severe weather hits unexpectedly, the risk of injury and death increases. So planning ahead makes sense; prepare for storms, floods, and tornadoes as if you know in advance they are coming, because in the spring, they very likely will.

Advance planning for thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, and floods requires specific safety precautions. You can follow many of the same steps that you would for all extreme weather events. Keep an emergency kit on hand. Some items to include are:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries for both
• An emergency evacuation or shelter plan, including a map of your home and, for every type of severe weather emergency, routes to safety from each room
• A list of important personal information, including:
  • telephone numbers of neighbors, family, and friends
  • insurance and property information
  • telephone numbers of utility companies
  • medical information
• According to the American Red Cross a first aid kit may include:
  • non-latex gloves
  • assortment of adhesive bandages
  • antibiotic ointment
  • sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes
  • absorbent compress dressings
  • tweezers
  • scissors
  • adhesive cloth tape
  • aspirin packets (81 mg each)
  • first aid instruction booklet
    (NOTE: Customize your first aid kit to meet your individual and family needs.)
• A 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• An emergency kitin your car

Prepare your family members for the possibility of severe weather. Tell them where to seek appropriate shelter as soon as they are aware of an approaching storm. Practice your emergency plan for every type of severe weather. Show family members where the emergency supplies are stored, and make sure they know how to turn off the water, gas, and electricity in your home.

Often by the time we are aware of an approaching storm, we have little if any time to prepare for it. But we do know that when spring arrives, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods are real possibilities. So why not take the surprise factor out of severe weather and prepare yourself, your family, and your home? If thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods do occur, you’ll be ready for them.

Dangers of Winter Weather- Southern MD

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Winter Storm

There are a number of different ways that winter storms can impact a region and the people who live there. Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most deaths are not directly related to the storm itself. People could get in an automobile accident on icy roads, have a heart attack while shoveling snow, or suffer frostbite or hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold.

Wind - Some winter storms have extremely strong winds that can create blizzard conditions with blinding, wind driven snow, drifting, and dangerous wind chills. These intense winds can bring down trees and poles, and can also cause damage to homes and other buildings.

Snow - Heavy snow accumulations can immobilize a region and paralyze a city, strand motorists, stop the flow of supplies, and disrupt emergency services. Buildings may collapse, and trees and power lines can be destroyed from heavy snow. In rural regions, homes and farms may be isolated for days, and livestock could be lost.

Ice - Heavy ice accumulations can bring down objects like trees, utility poles and lines, and communication towers. Power can be disrupted or lost for days while utility companies repair the damage. Even a small amount of ice can cause hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

Cold - Extremely cold temperatures can accompany winter storms and be left in their wake. Infants and the elderly are most susceptible to prolonged exposure to the cold, which can cause potentially life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. Below freezing temperatures can damage vegetation and cause pipes to freeze and burst inside homes. Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening.

What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country. In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold. In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.

Wind Chill is not the actual temperature, but rather how wind and cold actually feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind chill; however, cars, plants and other objects are not.

Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) with light winds will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas.

However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F, and it can kill. For those who survive, there is likely to be lasting damage to the kidneys, liver and pancreas. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Take the person’s temperature. If below 95°F, seek medical care immediately!

If Medical Care is Not Available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If necessary, use your body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing and wrap them in a warm blanket, covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is an excellent choice.

Get a Head Start in Advance of Specific Severe Weather Threats

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

RISK

Get a Head Start in Advance of Specific Severe Weather Threats

While emergency planning ideally is a twelve-month priority, the start of the severe weather season in your area is a good time to refocus your efforts. This is the time to:

• Designate an employee to monitor weather reports and alert your team to the potential of severe weather.
• Review your business continuity plan and update as needed, including employee contact information.
• Remind employees of key elements of the plan, including post-event communications procedures and work/payroll procedures.  Make sure all employees have a paper copy of the plan. Review emergency shutdown and start-up procedures, such as electrical systems, with appropriate personnel, including alternates.
• If back-up power such as a diesel generator is to be used, test your system and establish proper contracts with fuel suppliers for emergency fuel deliveries.
• Re-inspect and replenish emergency supplies inventory, since emergency supplies are often used during the offseason for non-emergency situations.
• Test all life safety equipment.
• Conduct training/simulation exercises for both your business continuity and emergency preparedness/response plans.

5 Days Before Storm Conditions – Start to Focus on What Needs to Get Done

• Notify employees of the potential for severe weather and to be prepared for the emergency plan possibly to be implemented.
• Inspect the roof and grounds for loose debris, which may become a hazard in high winds.  If staff or temporary help is available, begin removal of the debris, otherwise the removal may be done at the 72-hour interval.
• Provide a list of storm tips and needed supplies to help your employees prepare their homes and families.  The Insurance Information Institute (III) has developed a free “Know Your Plan” app to help families make their own emergency plan; it also features property protection guidance from IBHS. The app is available in iTunes, or by searching “Insurance Information Institute” in the App store from any Apple device.
• Ensure all employees have your business’ designated emergency telephone numbers and key contact other information (i.e., employee emergency wallet card).

72 Hours before Storm Conditions—Time to Activate the Plan

• If not completed already, remove or secure all loose roof and ground items, including landscaping that may become wind-borne debris.
• Clear roof drains, gutters and downspouts of debris, to prevent water back-up
• Clean out all debris from outdoor perimeter drains, especially in areas where water may collect such as shipping and receiving areas where the ground slopes towards the building.
• Fill emergency generators with fuel and contact fuel suppliers with anticipated needs for post-storm deliveries.
• Ensure fire protection systems are in proper working order.
• Notify key customers, suppliers, and partners of office/facility closing and contingency plans (post office, Fed Ex, UPS, cleaning service, building management, vendors, etc.).
• Make decisions on when to excuse employees so that they have sufficient time to prepare their homes and families, and notify employees of office closure details.
• Make any necessary alternative travel arrangements for employees away on business.
• Customize messages for business’ website, telephone recording, employee intranet, etc.
• Decide which outstanding invoices, bills, expense reports, etc. should be paid by your accounts payable department, before a possible closure
• Instruct employees with laptops to take them home at the end of each day and confirm that they can connect to your business’ server from home.
• Remind employees to make sure their cell phones are fully charged and that they have a power cord and car charger.
• Advise employees to begin checking your employee emergency hotline and/or company intranet/website for updates on the status of your office/facility.

 48 – 24 Hours before Storm Conditions – Finalize Preparations and Make Sure Employees are Safe

• Process accounts payable and payroll. Protect or relocate vital records.
• Make sure all employees with calling responsibilities have the most updated version of the company telephone call list and have it in multiple formats (hard copy, electronically, etc.).
• For hurricanes and other high wind events, install window protection; if window protection is unavailable, close all window blinds, and cover office equipment with plastic sheets or tarps.
• Close and lock all office doors, especially perimeter offices.
• If you expect your building to be exposed to flooding or storm surge, seal all water entry points such as utility penetrations into the building and install flood protection including first-floor drain plugs.
• Conduct full/partial shutdown procedures. If volunteers are to remain onsite during the storm, make sure they can remain in a safe and secure area. If conditions permit, instruct them on how to monitor, document, and mitigate against leaks and water infiltration in critical areas with vital equipment.
• Advise employees to check the status of your office/facility at least twice per day.
• Disconnect all electrical equipment and unplug from power source.
• Place a “Closed” notice on office/facility main entrance.

  During and Immediately After the Storm

• Update employee emergency hotline and/or company intranet and company website with postings on the status of your operations.
• Activate the company telephone call list process, in order to contact all employees regarding the status of your office/facility.
• Designate times for key staff members to call into conference calls for situation overviews.

Recovery: After the Storm

• Designated personnel should return to the facility, assess conditions, document damages, and notify the emergency operations teams of their findings.
• When it is deemed safe, designated personnel should begin start-up procedures.
• When all safety and operational concerns are addressed and an “All Clear” is provided, employees can return to work.
• Activate employee communications tools and local media contacts to give notice of re-opening.
• Take an overall inventory, including photos of all damaged property, and report damage and related expenses to your insurance company.
• Employees returning to the building should be instructed to examine their work area, test all office equipment and report findings back to the designated staff contact.
• Notify key customers, suppliers, and partners of office/facility re-opening and any necessary property or operational changes resulting from storm damage.

A Hurricane Preparedness List

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

A Hurricane Preparedness List

 A hurricane preparedness checklist will provide reassurance that you will have thought of all the essentials (provided that they are on the list) and will greatly reduce the likelihood that you will forget something during the stressful time immediately before a potential hurricane disaster.

Note: No list is a perfect or complete list because we all have our own unique circumstances, concerns, and existing resources. Besides, it would take a book to complete one… That said perhaps this list will help get you going in the right direction. It is intended to provoke thought, prepping & preparedness for a hurricane.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: GENERAL SUPPLIES

• Pack a “Bug Out Bag” and/or “72 hour kit”: This bag of contents should be packed with essential supplies, food & water, clothing, and whatever you feel is important to have during an evacuation. There are lots of articles on our site with more specifics…
• Cash: ATMs and credit card machines may not work for a while after the storm.
• Battery-operated radio: Make sure you have extra batteries too, so that you can keep up with news reports and alerts. Hand-crank radios work well, too.
• Secure a two-week supply of prescription medicine: Anyone on prescription medications, should pack a two-week supply of their meds in a sealable plastic bag, clearly labeled.
• Flashlight and lanterns: Make sure you have a couple of flashlights, candles, matches, lanterns and other alternate sources of light.
• Personal hygiene items: It might be hard to get to the store to buy toilet paper, tissues, soap and other sanitary items after the storm.
• Extra keys: Having an extra set of keys in your kit is a good idea in case people get separated or if they’re lost in a flood or the confusion.
• Pet items: Remember food, medicine and water for your pet, too.
• Disinfectant: You never know what mess you’ll have after a storm.
• Checklist: Customize your own hurricane preparedness checklist and print it out for your reference.
• Extra batteries: You’ll need extra batteries for your radio, flashlights, and other items. Get these early before they all sell out.
• Prepare early: Emergency items sell out quickly at the stores, so stock up your kit before hurricane season even starts.

C. Crane Company Emergency Radio

Emergency Solar Charger for Phones and USB devices

Related articles on MSB:
Bug out
72 hour kits

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: FIRST AID

• Basic First Aid Kit: Keep this on hand for general purpose.
• Antiseptic solution: Keep this on hand to keep infections at bay.
• Allergy medicine: Storms can blow in all kinds of stuff that drive your allergies wild.
• First aid instructions: Know some basic First Aid skills such as how to stop bleeding, the Heimlich, CPR, and other basic aid in case you need it in an emergency.
• Mosquito repellent: If it floods — or even rains a lot — your area could have a serious and potentially dangerous mosquito problem.
• Prescription glasses: If you run out of contact solution or all the nastiness in the air after a storm irritates you, you’ll have back-up glasses.
• Adhesive tape: You can use this to fasten bandages, hold large lacerations together and even splint broken bones.
• Gauze, bandages and band-aids: Even little cuts and scrapes need to be dressed, so have a range of bandages on hand.
• Hand sanitizer: Nothing compares to soap and water, but in a fix, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will help.

Related article:
Best First Aid Kit 2017
First Aid Skills

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE

• Plywood: Nailing plywood over windows is still the best option for protecting the inside of your house.
• Sand bags: If you live in a low area, especially, use sand bags to dispel water.
• Bring outside furniture indoors: Move patio furniture and pool toys into the garage.
• Turn off utilities if you leave: Before evacuating, shut off power, propane gas and water, but leave on natural gas unless told to do so by authorities. A licensed professional is the only one who can turn it back on.
• Anchor mobile homes: Pre-1994 construction mobile homes probably aren’t anchored well enough to stand even Category 1 hurricanes.
• Buy impact resistant glass: Well before you hear about any storms, replace older windows with higher resistance ones.
• Lock windows and doors: Lock up your windows and doors for personal safety and to keep the wind from blowing them open.
• Prune trees and shrubs: Loose limbs and plants will fly around easily when the winds pick up.
• Get storm shutters: Place these over glass doors, windows and skylights.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure these will work even if the power is out.
• Buy tarps and rope: Already have these items on hand so that you can start repairs as quickly as possible to prevent more damage.
• Fill bathtub with water: If you’re going to get hit pretty badly, give your family an extra supply of water by filling a sanitized bathtub.

WaterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage

Emergency Gas & Water Shutoff Tool

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: FOOD AND WATER

• Food and water should last for 72 hours: Make sure you have enough supplies to last everyone in the house for at least 72 hours. More is better!
• Quality Water Filter: Clean drinking water is a top priority. Get a quality water filter!
• Use good food rotation practices: If you’re keeping an emergency kit stocked with some food supplies, replace food items every six months to ensure freshness and safety.
• Be aware of “boil water” alerts: After a storm, you may have to boil water for a few days due to flooded wells, spilled sewage and other contamination.
• Get out your ice chest: Fill an ice chest with ice or dry ice before and after the storm to keep food cold.
• Canned foods: Canned meat, fish, fruits, soups, milk and vegetables are all smart, easy-to-prepare options.
• Stock up on non-perishable foods: The power will probably go out, so acquire foods that don’t require refrigeration.
• Cooking without electricity: Fill your BBQ grill tank. Do you have a camp stove?
• Use camping gear: If you have basic camping gear like a small grill, you can make simple meals while the power’s out.
• Baby formula, diapers: Don’t forget to store enough baby formula, baby food, diapers, if this applies to your situation.

Big Berkey Countertop Water Filter

Without Electricity: Level-1 Prepping & Preparedness

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: POWER OUTAGES

• Consider a generator: A generator will make your life much easier during and after a storm if the power goes out — but run it outside!
• Keep phone numbers of energy companies handy: Write down or store in your phone the numbers of energy providers so that you can notify them of an outage.
• Use grills and gas cook stoves outside: Gas grills and generators carry a carbon monoxide risk.
• Stay away from downed power lines: Let trained workers clean up the damage.
• Have a realistic understanding of restoration times: It may take longer than you think. Having MORE food and water than 72 hours is a very good idea.
• Drink lots of water: When it’s hot and you don’t have A/C, drink water to stay cool and hydrated.
• Know how to connect a generator: Be sure that you or someone understands how to do this, and the dangers and precautions that must be met if connecting to the homes electrical system.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: ENTERTAINMENT

• Board games or cards: Get out board games or play cards to keep you distracted during the storm and to play if the power goes out.
• Read: Read a book! If the power is out, today’s modern electronic entertainment will be too…
• Play with your pets: Give your pets extra attention, especially if they seem stressed or scared.
• Play charades: Games like charades or hide and go seek don’t require any power and are fun with the kids.
• Tell stories: Kids love to hear stories.
• Get to know your family better: A perfect time to ‘talk’ together instead of everyone’s head stuck in an electronic device.

Kids and Pets: Level-1 Prepping and Preparedness

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: SPECIAL NEEDS AND CHILDREN

• Minimize stress: Help children cope better by minimizing stressful situations and discussions.
• Limit TV time: Don’t let your kids watch scary footage of the storm on TV.
• Maintain normal routines: Keeping up with a somewhat normal routine helps soothe everyone from babies to adults, provided that you are already prepared.
• Contact home health care service: If you use a home health care service, call them and ask for advice regarding the impending storm.
• Answer children’s questions: Welcome questions from children about what to do, what a hurricane is, and how to prepare for it.
• Get older kids to help: School-aged children will feel more prepared and maybe even excited if they’re allowed to help gather supplies, find the flashlights & batteries, etc..
• Bunk with the neighbors: If you’re elderly, ask to spend the night at the neighbors’ house, or work out some kind of signal for help should you need it and if the phones go out.
• Stay hydrated: People who are sick and the elderly are especially at risk for dehydration.
• Know the risks: Disabled individuals will find it harder to evacuate, so know all the obstacles and risks involved in transporting them or keeping them safe in your home.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: EVACUATING

• Find a place for pets ahead of time: If you’re unable to take your pets with you, make arrangements ahead of time, and never leave your pet chained up / alone on your property. It’s cruel.
• Get a real map: You may not be able to rely on your GPS, especially if roads are blocked or flooded. Get a real map to help you find your way out.
• Let someone know where you’re going: Contact family or friends before you evacuate and let them know your planned destination. If you lose contact, this will help alleviate questions and concerns.
• Sleeping bag: Get a sleeping bag, blankets and pillows ready if you have to evacuate.
• Keep your gas tank full: Fill it up all the way. Even when you’re on the road try not to let your tank get below half full.
• Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes: There should be standard routes, but listen to the news to learn about any new or updated routes. They will get clogged. Leave early! Consider back roads.
• Plan to stay with friends: Hotels will book up quickly, so plan to stay with friends or family who live inland at least for the first couple of nights.
• Leave early if forecasts look bad for your area: Avoid the worst traffic and road closures. Don’t wait if it looks like your area will be in the hurricane.
• Carefully inspect your home upon return: Before letting children back, watch for danger, hanging electrical wires, loose debris, broken glass, etc..

Road Atlas Map For Each State

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: PAPERWORK

• Emergency contact information: Hard copy of all important phone numbers and other emergency contact information in your preparedness kit. Don’t rely on having a charged cell phone and it’s contact list.
• Prioritize what’s important: You can’t take everything with you, but consider important documents such as deeds, wills, birth certificates, passports, important financial statements, etc..
• Use a USB thumb drive: Download important data onto a flash drive and put it in a waterproof, sealable bag or container.
• Check home insurance: Do this before hurricane season starts, otherwise updated coverage may not take effect until the following year. Also look into flood insurance.
• Write down serial numbers: In case important belongings are stolen or lost in the storm, you might need serial numbers as proof for insurance.
• Video your belongings: Walk through the house and video everything you own. Great proof for insurance claims.
• Proof of residence: A driver’s license or mail should suffice.
• Use a fireproof / waterproof safe: A fireproof safe will keep your belongings protected.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: STAYING INFORMED

• Know the terminology: Know the difference between tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes so that you can follow the reports better.
• Listen for warnings: Heed the advice especially if ‘they’ are advising to evacuate. Listen for what the weather forecasters and/or emergency management people are saying.
• Stay up to date with a weather radio: Best Weather Radio

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: SAFETY

• Head to a windowless room: Even if your windows are boarded up, stay in a windowless room while the winds are blowing.
• Stay downwind: This area is the opposite side of the house that the wind is hitting.
• Stay inside: Stay indoors for the entire duration of the storm, and do not go outside during the calm of the storm, when the eye passes over.
• Be careful with candles: Only light them if you have to, and set a reminder to blow them out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Personal Security: Unfortunately the reality is that the bad element takes advantage during disasters. Do what you need to do regarding your own personal security.

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

How to Prepare for a Power Outage

Posted on 2017-03-10 12:52:43 by Jennifer

Weather can be unpredictable, and we need to keep ourselves and loved ones safe during a bad storm. Here are some basic things you can do to prepare your home for loss of power any time of year:

Things to do before a power outage

• Be prepared for injuries. You should have an emergency kit at your home that's fully stocked with bandages in various sizes, sterile dressings and gloves, hand sanitizer and antibiotic towelettes, a thermometer, pain medicines, tweezers, and scissors. Make sure you purchase or build your own first aid kit that is large enough for your family.

• Make sure your generator is up and running. Review generator safety tips before using your generator for the first time each year.

• Stock up on bottled water. Water purification systems may not work when the power goes out.

• Purchase a battery operated or hand cranked radio to stay tuned into news and emergency information when power is out.

• Fill up all your vehicles’ tanks in case gas stations lose their power as well. Remember, if you're using a generator they require roughly 12-20 gallons of gas per day. Store all fuel away from the house.

• Have car chargers for cell phones and keep a corded phone as well. Cordless phones require AC power. Keep in mind cell phones may be more reliable than landline phones when local service is disrupted.

• Be prepared for special needs. Tell your utility and local fire department before a storm if someone in your home uses an oxygen concentrator, ventilator, or medical bed, as power may be restored to you sooner. Always keep a one month supply of medication on hand.

Don’t get caught in the dark

• Keep a few emergency automatic power failure night lights plugged in. Place them in dark hallways, bedrooms, common areas, basements, and garages. Emergency lights can last from 6-20 hours depending on the model. These can come in handy the first couple of hours during a power outage, especially when you're trying to make your way around a dark home.

• Always keep a number of flashlights and an emergency lantern with fresh batteries. Make sure to keep them all in a location that you can get to easily with little or no light.

• Have candles and plenty of matches available.  Make sure you keep your candles away from anything flammable, such as drapes.

Food Safety: What to do when power remains out for over 4 hours

• Invest in a cooler and ice packs. Keep the cooler in a convenient location inside your home and ice packs in the freezer.  When the power goes out, don't open your refrigerator if you don't have to, unless the power outage lasts longer than 4 hours. After 4 hours, get your cooler and ice packs and pack items from your refrigerator into your cooler. Throw away any food that has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If your freezer is half full, it will hold safely for up to 24 hours. A full freezer will hold safely for 48 hours – don't open the freezer if you can avoid it.

• Get the right food before you lose power. Keep at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable foods such as crackers, whole-grain cereals, and canned goods. Don’t forget a manual can opener!

It's important to plan ahead and be prepared, as you never know when a bad storm or power surge will hit. Sudden power outages can be frustrating and troublesome, but being prepared can eliminate some of that stress. For prolonged power outages, it may be wiser to seek shelter with friends, family, or at a hotel. Stay safe!

What You Can do Before Severe Weather Strikes

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

What You Can do Before Severe Weather Strikes

Fact: Hundreds of people die each year in the United States due to heat waves, hurricanes, lightning, flash floods, powerful thunderstorm winds, and winter storms or winter cold. Additionally, thousands of people are injured by these weather events each year. Will it happen to you?

Fact: If you are aware of what weather event is about to impact your area, you are more likely to survive such an event. To stay on top of the weather, utilize NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver units that can be purchased at most electronic stores. Make sure the model you purchase has a battery-backup. The programmable types allow you to selectively screen out those county warnings you are not interested in. Most homes have a smoke detector; shouldn’t your home also have a weather radio?

What You Can do Before Severe Weather Strikes

1. Develop a disaster plan for you and your family at home, work, school, and when outdoors. The American Red Cross offers planning tips and information on a putting together a disaster supplies kit at: http://www.redcross.org
2. Identify a safe place to take shelter. Information on how to build a Safe Room in your home or school is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/to_saferoom.shtm
3. Know the county/parish in which you live or visit – and in what part of that county you are located. The National Weather Service issues severe weather warnings on a county/parish basis, or for a portion of a county/parish.
4. Keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
5. Have a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver unit with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive warning bulletins.
6. National Weather Service (NWS) watches and warnings are also available on the Internet. Select your local NWS office at: http://www.weather.gov/organization.php …or go to the to the NWS Home Page at http://www.nws.noaa.gov
7. Listen to commercial radio or television/cable TV for weather information.
8. Check the weather forecast before leaving for extended periods outdoors. Watch for signs of approaching storms.

Tornado Safety Tips:

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Tornado Safety Tips:

1. Seek shelter in a sturdy building, or a pre-designated shelter. Go to the lowest level of the building, preferably in a basement, and get under a heavy desk or workbench or sit next to the wall and cover your head with your arms/hands. Best bet – have a safe room in the basement.
2. If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room/hallway – put as many wall between you and the outside of the building, and stay away from windows. Other possibilities: get into a bathtub or under a bed or sofa.
3. Get out of vehicles – they can easily be tossed around – do not try to outrun a tornado.
4. If caught outside – lie flat on the ground and cover your head with your hands. Remember, in tornado situations debris likes to settle in roadside ditches or other low spots. If heavy rains are falling in the area, ditches and low spots may quickly flood. Therefore, laying down in a ditch may not be your best choice.
5. Be aware of flying debris – most deaths and injuries are caused by flying debris.
6. Manufactured homes (mobile trailers) offer little protection, even if tied down. Leave these for a sturdy shelter before the storm approaches.
7. Do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. Wind blow stronger under the overpass due to the wind-tunnel effect. Additionally, flying debris (glass, wood, metal) can pummel you, and the tornado winds may suck you out from under the overpass anyway.
8. Don’t waste time opening windows and doors to equalize air pressure differences – this is a waste of time and buildings have enough air leakage to equalize air pressure differences anyway. Buildings are more likely to explode after the wind gets inside.
9. The southwest side of the basement isn’t necessarily the safest place to be – vehicles can be pushed into basements – you can still be crushed no matter where you are in the basement. Even the bricks/stones of a fireplace can crash into the basement and crush you!
10. Remember – the tornado can occur before there is a visible funnel cloud. A tornado is nothing more than a violently rotating column of air extending from the ground to the cloud base. You may not be able to see the tornado (can’t see the rotating air) until enough debris and dirt get swept into the vortex, and/or the visible funnel cloud develops all the way to the ground.
11. No place is totally safe from tornadoes (except for a safe room) – if weather conditions come together properly, the tornado will go over or through mountains, lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, bogs, and through downtown areas that have 1000 foot skyscrapers!

STORM SAFETY TIPS:

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

STORM SAFETY TIPS:

Lightning Safety Tips:

1. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Lightning can travel 5-10 miles away from the thunderstorm and strike the ground with blue sky overhead. The storm doesn’t have to be overhead in order for you to be struck.
2. Move to a sturdy shelter or vehicle. Do not take shelter in a small shed, under isolated trees, or in a convertible-top vehicle. Stay away from tall objects such as trees or towers or poles.
3. If in your vehicle when lightning strikes – don’t touch a metal surface. You are safer in a vehicle than being outdoors.
4. Remember that utility lines or pipes can carry the electrical current underground or through a building. Avoid electrical appliances, and use telephones or computers only in an emergency.
5. If you feel your hair standing on end – get down into a baseball catcher’s position and plug your ears with your finger tips so if lightning does hit it will not blow your ear drums out. Do not lie flat!
6. 30/30 rule – if the time between lighting and thunder is 30 seconds or less, go to a safe shelter. Stay there until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

Flash Flood/Flood Safety Tips:

1. Nearly half of all fatalities in a flash flood involve a person driving a vehicle. Do not drive into a flooded area – Turn Around Don’t Drown! It takes only 2 feet of water to float away most cars. It’s amazing how powerful we feel when we get behind the wheel – don’t do it!
2. It takes only 6 inches of fast-moving water to sweep a person off their feet – don’t walk through a flooded area!
3. If you are camping in a river valley, move to higher ground if thunderstorms with heavy rains are in the area. Do not attempt to drive away.
4. Don’t operate electrical tools in flooded areas.
5. Most flash flood deaths occur in the middle of the night when it is more difficult to see rising water levels judge the depth of water covering road surfaces.

Severe Thunderstorm Straight-line Winds:

1. Don’t underestimate the power of strong thunderstorm winds known as straight-line winds – they can reach speeds of 100 to 150 mph. Hurricane-force winds start at 74 mph. Wisconsin does experience these kinds of winds!
2. If a severe thunderstorm warning contains hurricane-force wind speeds seek shelter immediately (as you would for a tornado situation).
3. Stay away from windows and go to the basement or interior room/hallway. Do not use electrical appliances.
4. Be aware that tall trees near a building can be uprooted by straight-line winds – that tree can come crashing through the roof of a home and crush a person to death.
5. Powerful straight-line winds can overturn a vehicle or even make a person air-borne when they get up over 100 mph!
6. One type of a straight-line wind event is a downburst, which is a small area of rapidly descending rain-cooled air and rain beneath a thunderstorm. A downburst can cause damage equivalent to a strong tornado!

Large Hail:

1. Although it is rare, people have been killed by large hail stones after sustaining head injuries. Additionally, several people are injured by large hail stones each year in the U.S.
2. Some thunderstorms can produce large hail stones that can reach the size of baseballs, softballs, or even as big as computer compact discs (CD) or DVDs! These large hail stones can fall at speeds over 100 mph! – that’s why they are dangerous! The largest hail stone in Wisconsin was over 7 inches in diameter!
3. If a severe storm is producing large hail stones, seek a sturdy shelter and stay away from windows that can easily be smashed.
4. If you are in your vehicle before the hail storm starts, get out of it and go to a sturdy shelter. Glass windows in vehicles can easily be smashed by the hail stones. If you can’t get out of your vehicle, then come to a stop and cover your head with your arms and hands.

When Storms or Floods hit Oxon Hill SERVPRO is ready!

7/26/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Oxon Hill specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Oxon Hill we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 301.292.4447