SERVPRO's Hurricane Preparedness Guide for St. Petersburg Residents

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to mark your calendars for Hurricane Season. We are Here to Help® the greater St. Pete area with prompt and professional services.

What to do Before, During and After Storm Damage

A formidable force of nature for residents of Northeast St. Petersburg--Hurricanes. Being prepared is not just advisable; it's essential. This guide, provided by SERVPRO® of NE St. Petersburg, outlines critical steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane to safeguard your family and property.

Before the Hurricane

Begin by creating an emergency kit that includes must-haves such as one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and essential documents in waterproof containers.

Planning for evacuations is crucial; identify your local evacuation route and have a pre-determined place to stay that is out of the evacuation zone. Keep your car's gas tank full as the storm approaches, and ensure you have a charger for your mobile devices. Secure your residence by installing storm shutters or boarding up windows with plywood, securing loose outdoor items or bringing them inside to prevent them from becoming projectiles, and trimming trees and shrubs to make them more wind-resistant. Include a plan for how you will transport and care for your pets.

It's also vital to stay informed by monitoring local news and government sites for updates on the hurricane's path and severity and keeping a battery-operated or hand-crank radio ready in case of power outages. It's a good idea to get on SERVPRO's Storm Emergency List early and sign up for priority assistance after storm damage. 

During the Hurricane

If you remain in your home, it is safest to stay indoors, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. If you don't have storm shutters, close all interior doors and brace external doors. Find a safe room, such as a small interior room with few to no windows or a hallway on the lowest level, without the probability of flooding. Use a battery-powered radio to keep informed of the hurricane's progress and any emergency instructions.

After the Hurricane

Once the authorities have given the all-clear, cautiously assess your property for damage. Only enter a damaged residence once professionals have inspected it. Document the damage by creating a list with photos or video of the damaged property before cleaning up, as this documentation is crucial for insurance claims and possible federal assistance.

 Prevent further damage by temporarily covering broken windows and damaged roofs and removing water-logged items from your home to prevent mold growth. Please avoid downed power lines and report them to the utility company immediately.

There is likely no power after a hurricane. If you have a generator, only operate it outdoors due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, be careful not to overload the generator with too many appliances.

How SERVPRO Can Help

Remember, after the storm, professional services like SERVPRO experts are available to help restore your home and belongings to pre-storm conditions. We can not only mitigate and remove damaged building material and dry out your structure but also are licensed and insured contractors who can rebuild your residential or commercial property to preloss conditions.

Preparing for a hurricane requires detailed planning and proactive steps to ensure safety and property protection. By following these guidelines, St. Petersburg residents can better withstand the effects of a hurricane and recover more quickly.  SERVPRO of NE St. Petersburg at (727) 522-0000 is Faster to any size disaster™.