Tornadoes...what to do

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know 1,200 tornadoes hit the US each year? Omaha, NE is a tornado-prone zone. It is essential to be prepared for natural disasters. Do you know the difference in tornado watch and tornado warning? 

A Watch means conditions are favorable for development. A watch can be issued up to 8 hours in advance of severe weather. It also usually covers a large area. Take necessary precautions in case bad weather strikes. Keep up to date with changing weather status. Have a plan to take shelter in case WARNING status is issued. 

A Warning means severe weather is occurring or imminent. It covers a small area. When a warning is issued, take action immediately to protect your  life! Seek shelter immediately. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado. 

What to do During a Tornado

Stay Updated on weather alerts. Continue to listen to local news sources or weather services for tornado watches and warnings. 

At home: Go to the lowest level interior room. Stay away from windows and doors.

At workplace or school: Proceed to your tornado shelter. Do not gather in big open areas, and stay away from windows and doors. 

Outside: Seek shelter in a sturdy building immediately. If no safe shelter is available, lay flat in a ditch or ravine. Cover your head. 

If disaster strikes, call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County to make your storm damage, "Like it never even happened."

Tips to get your business ready for the weather ahead

9/19/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is over, fall is here, and winter is right around the corner!

Summer is over, Fall is here, and Winter is right around the corner! While not every storm will cripple a business, it is still necessary to be prepared. Along with frigid temperatures and snow, winter can create problems with plumbing and operations. Therefore, it is essential to make a plan for the worst-case scenario.

1. Prepare Your Building-Make sure you check your plumbing and electricity regularly, but even more so when a winter storm is heading your way. Outside plumbing should be shut off and cleared to prevent freezing and possible burst pipes. Additionally, it may be a good idea to secure a generator if your business does not already have one. If your company does have a generator, it is a good investment to have it serviced before the winter weather sets in.
2. Plan for Ice and Snow-Any winter storm is going to bring issues of snow and ice. Being prepared for this situation means having a plow service on contract and ensuring that all walkways and driveways are cleared and salted. It is vital to do everything in your power to ensure that customers do not get hurt on the way into your business.
3. Focus on Inventory-Also, as storms have the potential to cause significant business interruption as well as property damage, it is vital to take an accurate inventory of all your assets. This inventory will be used for insurance claims if property damage results in an inventory loss. You should move stock to a secure and climate-controlled area, photographing and documenting everything. This will help streamline the process if a claim is made.
4. Make a List of Contacts-While taking inventory is necessary, it is also crucial to make a list of emergency contacts. This list should include all personnel who are essential to your operations. Additionally, you should include a disaster restoration specialists in the Omaha area in case of an emergency.
   
   Winter storm season can produce significant threats to business operations. Massive snowfalls and ice storms can wreak havoc on you Omaha business, so it is essential to have a plan. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County today at (402)835-5985 and schedule one of our marketers to come to your business to help you with an Emergency Readiness Plan at no cost to you!

The Storm Hit, Now What?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storms don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.

There are so many questions after your Omaha, NE home or business is flooded due to a storm. What should I do now? Who should I call? Follow these steps to assure your taken care of: 

1. AVOID ADDITIONAL RISKS- Disconnect all the electronics in your home, these can start fires if left on. Contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
2. TAKE PICTURES- Before you remove any water or make repairs, fully document the damage of your home by taking photos or videos. Digital photos are best so they can easily be transferred and shared. The best approach is take a photo from each corner of the room, so you have overall photos of each room.
3. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH- Even if the water in your home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Wear gloves when removing water-damaged possessions, throw away any food that may have come in contact with the flood water.
4. CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY-Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after the flood. Always have their number on hand in your emergency bag. Document the damage, communication, and notify them of any repairs. 
5. REMOVE WATER/MITIGATE MOLD DAMAGE- Have a restoration company like SERVPRO of Omaha West/ Saunders County remove the water quickly. Time is sensitive to prevent secondary damage when dealing with water damage. SERPVRO has different specialized equipment that can be used to extract water quickly and effectively. Mold can also develop within 24-48 hours after a flood. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County to help cleanup your storm damage. 402-835-5985. Our highly trained crews are available 24/7/365. Storms don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.