SERVPRO disaster restoration specialist highlights no-cost tools to help property owners prepare and maintain a comprehensive emergency readiness plan
No matter where you live or work, emergencies caused by weather, fire, wind, water, and other natural or manmade disasters can strike at any time and are largely unpredictable. SERVPRO of East Brown County reminds Green Bay-area home and business owners that preparing in advance is the best thing you can do to help minimize a disasters impact on your loved ones and your property. Each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designates September as National Preparedness Month a time to create, or update, your plan for when disaster strikes.
In the same way that people make resolutions at the New Year, National Preparedness Month is a great time to resolve to create a plan, or review your existing plan, each and every year, said Michael Bogenschuetz of SERVPRO® of East Brown County. Everyone needs a comprehensive emergency plan. Business owners also need to plan for business interruption and continuation. But equally importantly, families and businesses alike need immediate access to data like emergency and insurance contacts, shut-off valves, electrical panel locations, and the line of command to authorize work so emergency responders can react quickly and appropriately during the emergency. This months focus on preparedness is a great incentive for both families and businesses to put a plan in place and review it regularly.
Creating an emergency plan is straightforward, according to Bogenschuetz. No matter what type of threats exist where you live or work wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural or manmade disasters tools are available from FEMA (https://www.ready.gov) with guidelines for preparing emergency food, water, and medical supplies; planning for special needs; and creating communication and evacuation plans. These tools and others, like the SERVPRO READY app, also help you store essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. Both home and business owners can download the free app at https://ready.servpro.com/home/mobileapp.
Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of East Brown County as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) to be stored in the READY app.
The key to getting your life or business back on track is timely response after a disaster strikes. Thats why its important to take the time to record and store your information electronically, and then commit to a time like National Preparedness Month to review and update your records at least once each year, said Bogenschuetz. Remember, filing cabinets and their contents may be inaccessible or even destroyed in an emergency situation, so dont depend on them to keep track of critical insurance, property, or contact information in the event of a disaster. Store your data electronically. If disaster strikes, youll have the information you need literally at your fingertips
