Emergencies can happen at any time and can significantly affect your life. Storms, hurricanes, fires, or tornadoes are a part of life for people in Newberry, South Carolina, and have the potential to threaten lives and cause large-scale destruction.
Many people think that they don’t have the time to make a plan or that they don’t need one. Experience shows that those who plan and prepare for emergencies can reduce the impact of the emergency and may recover quickly afterward. Taking the time to think about emergencies and making a plan helps you think, have a greater sense of control, and make better decisions when an emergency occurs.
ServiceMaster of the Upstate discusses how to prepare your emergency plan in Newberry, South Carolina, to better equip yourself and your family from unexpected disasters. Let’s begin!
Disasters don’t have a schedule. We understand how the aftermath can leave you struggling and confused. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is here to help you recover with professional restoration and cleanup services. Call us at (864) 310-7891 or message us online.
Preparing Your Home for a Hurricane
This hurricane season, it is crucial to safeguard your property to ensure the safety of your loved ones and minimize potential damage. Hurricanes bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and the risk of severe flooding, making it essential to take proactive steps well before an approaching storm.
This list will walk you through comprehensive steps to fortify your home:
- Are you adequately insured? Make sure it covers you for storm damage restoration in Newberry, South Carolina, flooding, and water damage, including clean-up and debris removal.
- Check your roof and repair any loose tiles, eaves, or roof screws.
- Ensure windows are fitted with shutters or metal screens.
- Trim any branches hanging over your house and clear gutters of leaves and debris.
- Decide how you will look after your pets and what you will do if you have to leave them behind.
- Check that your emergency survival kit is complete and have it on hand.
- Let your neighbors know when a warning has been issued.
- Clear your property of all loose items and bring outdoor furniture, children’s toys, and gardening equipment inside or under covers.
- Secure boats. Move vehicles and bicycles to a safe place.
- Fill buckets and baths with water. Make sure you have enough water purification tablets.
- If your windows are fitted with shutters, make sure they are closed securely. If not, tape your windows in a crisscross fashion using strong packing tape (this will hold broken glass in place).
- Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until told otherwise.
- Let friends and family know where you are.
- Bring your family into the strongest part of the house.
- Keep listening to the radio for hurricane updates.
- If the building begins to break up, shelter under a strong table, bench, or heavy mattress.
- Beware the calm eye of the storm; stay inside until told it is safe to go outside.
What to Do When an Official Evacuation Order is Issued
- Act immediately. You and your family should follow directions; seek a public shelter or stay with friends or family further inland or on higher ground.
- Check with your neighbors and ensure they have received the updated information.
- Turn off all electricity, gas, and water; unplug all appliances.
- Lock your doors.
- Make sure everyone in your household is wearing strong shoes and suitable clothing.
- Take your emergency survival kit; commence your evacuation plan.
- Visiting from out of town? The local council or emergency agency will let you know your best options for evacuation.
- If you cannot take your pets with you, make sure they are in a safe place (garage, laundry, etc). Leave them with food and water. Do not tie them up.
- Comfort children.
- If you are driving when a hurricane hits, immediately park in an area that is clear of trees, power lines, and watercourses. Stay inside your car.
Individuals and communities must share the responsibility for staying safe. Please be patient and check on your neighbors who may also need support. Have a plan and know what to do.
Professional Restoration After Disasters
A Newberry, SC water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster of the Upstate has a responsibility to support people during an emergency and will make every effort to be there when needed. During major emergencies, there are often many competing demands and calls for help, and no emergency service provider can help everyone. ServiceMaster of the Upstate‘s team responds to calls in a priority order depending on the greatest need for restoration services. We are dedicated to our customers and our community and will do everything in our power to restore your home to its pre-damage condition in the event of a storm or hurricane.
Why Choose ServiceMaster of the Upstate?
- 16 years of experience
- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Service-standard excellence and quality checks
- South Carolina’s most experienced and qualified technicians
- Disaster management expertise and logistics
- Exceptional customer service and satisfaction
If you require immediate services due to water or storm damage in Newberry, SC, please call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891, and we will be available to you as soon as possible. Customers can also contact us online.