Hurricane season has officially kicked off, and here in the United States, we have already seen our first tropical storm of the year. Severe weather can be devastating in terms of property damage and loss of personal items – not to mention the possibility of personal tragedies.
STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION COMPANY IN GEORGIA
After a devastating storm or hurricane, contact ServiceMaster of Cobb as soon as possible to visit your property for storm damage restorationand reconstruction service to the sections of your home that were severely damaged by heavy winds. Our job is to repair everything that has damage: returning your home to its pre-disaster condition. It is important to get repairs done immediately in order to avoid any additional complications to your already difficult situation.
- ServiceMaster of Cobb can repair any damage caused by storms.
- We have many years of experience in storm damage repair and can quickly and efficiently repair your property after a devastating storm.
- We have a reputation for expert craftsmanship, affordable rates, and reliable service
WE OFFER:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Repair and Restoration
- Reconstruction
To help you prevent storm damage in Georgia, here are some tips and resources you can use to keep your home safe during the hurricane season.
PREPARING FOR HURRICANE SEASON
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before one ever forms in the ocean. Once hurricane season rolls around, you should begin preparations to secure your home and make sure you have enough supplies on hand to “weather the storm”.
When Is Hurricane Season?Hurricane season officially begins June 1st and ends November 30th. Tropical storms can, however, arrive before and after these dates, but the majority of hurricanes and tropical storms in this region occur during this time period.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM, AND HURRICANE
TROPICAL DEPRESSIONS
- The beginning stage to any tropical threat
- It may also be called:
- tropical system
- tropical disturbance
- tropical wave
- tropical activity.
- A weather formation that may or may not turn into a tropical storm or hurricane, depending upon certain conditions.
- A result of low pressure and thunderstorms that create a circular wind pattern
- The maximum wind speed for this type of weather pattern is 39mph.
TROPICAL STORMS
- If the wind remains at 39mph or higher (up to 73mph), then the tropical depression is upgraded to a tropical storm and it officially receives a name.
HURRICANES
- If a tropical storm passes 74mph or greater, it is considered a hurricane and will be placed into a category ranging from 1-5, with 5 being the most powerful.
- Wind speed for each category can be defined as below:
- Category 1 Hurricane: 74-95mph
- Category 2 Hurricane: 96-110mph
- Category 3 Hurricane: 111-130mph
- Category 4 Hurricane: 131-155mph
- Category 5 Hurricane: Greater than 156mph
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HURRICANE
Even though weather forecasts and storm predictions improve each year, tropical storms and hurricanes are still unpredictable, and the property damage they can leave in their wake is often greater than analysts predict. Because of this, it is important to start preparing for a hurricane at the beginning of the hurricane season – if not before.
HAVE A MAP OF ALL EVACUATION ROUTES IN YOUR AREA.
- Make sure you drive the route at the start of the hurricane season and that your family members know how to reach them as well.
INSPECT YOUR HOME OR HAVE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECT IT
Check for:
- loose roof tiles,
- structural damage,
- poor seals around windows
- Doors
- Install storm shutters and impact windows.
- Studies show that they greatly reduce storm and water damage in the event of a hurricane.
STOCK UP ON NON-PERISHABLE SUPPLIES.
- We recommend a minimum of three days worth of non-perishable food for each family member, including any pets. Be sure to pack snacks and comfort food as well, especially if you have young children.
- flashlights
- hand-cranked radio
- Purchasing additional cell phone batteries
- Canned food
- can openers
- powdered milk
- plenty of water
STOCK UP MEDICATIONS
- Over the counter medication, such as:
- cold medicine
- headache medicine
- pain relievers
- A first-aid kit
SECURE ANY OUTSIDE OBJECTS OR BRING THEM INSIDE.
- This includes things like:
- lawn chairs
- tables
- pool umbrellas
- outdoor canopies
FILL UP YOUR VEHICLES WITH GAS
READY.GOV HAS A GREAT LIST FOR A BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT THAT EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD FOLLOW.
WHAT IS A HURRICANE WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH?
HURRICANE WATCH:
- Basically, it tells you that a hurricane making landfall in your area is probable or likely and that you should prepare for that eventuality.
- Issued 48 hours prior to the anticipated onset of tropical storm strength winds.
HURRICANE WARNING:
- It means that severe weather is imminent.
- If a warning has been issued, your area is either already feeling the effects of a hurricane, or is about to.
- It issued 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical force winds.
WHAT TO DO DURING A HURRICANE?
If you have not been ordered to evacuate and you feel safe in your home, once a hurricane or tropical storm hits, you should always:
- Stay inside your home, as long as the structural integrity of your home is okay.
- Find a secure room in your home and gather your family there.
- Keep clear of any windows, as debris could shatter them and enter your home.
- Keep any essential tools nearby, as well as a first-aid kit and a radio to listen to weather updates.
WHAT TO IN THE AFTERMATH OF A HURRICANE?
- Make sure the local news has given the okay to venture outside.
- Don’t be fooled by the eye of the hurricane.
- Never venture out when the eye of the hurricane is passing over, as you can quickly get caught in the storm once it picks back up again.
- Once you are certain it is safe to venture outdoors, check the area for any downed power lines. If you find them:
- Report them to the local power company and steer clear of them.
- Avoid puddles and standing water, as they can house hidden dangers and safety hazards.
- Inspect your home for any structural damage.
- Damaged walls, collapsing roofs, and floods are particularly dangerous, and if you encounter them, you will want to evacuate the premises immediately.
- Document any damage to your phone or a camera.
- Hurricanes often result in water damage and flood damage and may result in mold and mildew, as well as fire damage.
Once you have taken note of any damage, and your family is safe and secure, your next step should be to call your insurance company and a storm damage restoration company, such as the catastrophe remediation professionals at ServiceMaster of Cobb. Not only can they help repair your property and its contents, but they can also help guide you through the insurance claims process and develop a safety plan for any future catastrophic events.
