Florida and Gulf Coast residents know that the next big storm could strike at any time. Similarly, residents of the northeast know that nor'easters are growing stronger and causing more damage inland. In the great plains and deep south, the tornado sirens may be quiet today, but that could change at any minute. Storm damage, water damage, and hurricane damage are constant threats to millions of Americans. So, what can you do about it?
At FP Property Restoration, our flood damage services are quick, comprehensive, and coordinated with your insurance provider for a seamless return to life as you know it—uninterrupted!
Reacting Quickly Saves Lives & Property
As one of the nation’s leading storm damage restoration companies, FP Property Restoration knows how to react during storms. Our catastrophe response teams earned the Sedgwick Catastrophe Response Award for their quick and decisive actions during Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Michael. We can be on-site in 30 minutes or less with just one call to (888) 408-2335.
In the meantime, it’s always wise to have an emergency bag (sometimes called a Go Bag or Emergency Kit) prepared for when disaster strikes. But what necessities do you need in your emergency bag? Let’s take a look.
Stuffing Your Emergency Storm Bag
The US Department of Homeland Security has made several recommendations about emergency preparedness bags. As a storm and water damage restoration company, FP Restoration has seen first-hand how these emergency items save lives.
Before the worst strikes, fill a 2nd-story closet or pack a dependable, waterproof bag with the following items:
Water
Clean drinking water is easily the most essential item you’ll need once disaster strikes. Flood damage can quickly render most regular water sources unsafe. It’s a good idea to stock up on a gallon per person, per day.
Food
Storm damage wreaks havoc on electrical systems and infrastructure. Your refrigerator may be one of the first things to go. As such, keeping non-perishable food items (such as dried fruit, peanut butter, energy bars, or crackers) is vital to keeping up your strength and health.
First Aid Materials
Something as simple as a bandage or length of gauze can make all the difference between life-threatening infections and a dressed wound until help arrives. First aid kits are widely available and affordable.
Cash
Like your refrigerator, ATMs and digital payment methods may quickly fail before, during, and after the storm. Cash can help you purchase whatever you may need (hotel rooms, gasoline, etc.) in the days or weeks it takes to get back to normal.
RX Medications
Try though we might, we can’t always see a catastrophic storm before it arrives. At any given point, you may be perilously low on life-saving medication for high blood pressure, seizures, or cancer. Speak to your doctor about a back-up supply for natural disaster scenarios.
Batteries/Alternative Power Source/Emergency Radio
These days, you can find crank- or battery-powered emergency radios capable of charging multiple mobile devices. Extra batteries and/or an alternative power source can keep you up-to-date and connected throughout the recovery efforts.
Matches
Natural disasters don’t confine themselves to warmer months. Even a simple fire can save a life in the event of the worst. Strike-anywhere matches in a waterproof container are always a good idea.
Hygiene Products
To maintain your health and wellness in the days following a natural disaster, you need three essential hygiene products (at a minimum). Consider packing:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Soap
You might also consider other hygiene products if you have the space.
Sleeping Bag/Warm Blanket
Aside from your waterproof matches, you might also pack an emergency blanket, sleeping bag, or thermal blanket for each member of your household. Exposure to the weather in colder months (especially if you’re wet or the air is moist from flooding) can quickly worsen your situation.
Flashlights
Flashlights are an absolute must for navigating dangerous storm damage in the dead of night. Access to power could be severely limited in a hurricane’s aftermath, but you can’t always afford to hunker down when darkness falls. Find the best emergency flashlight for your family and rest easy knowing that you have what you need.
Other Items
Once you’ve packed these items into your emergency storm bag, you might also consider rounding out your kit with other essentials, including:
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Manual can opener
- Local maps
- Pet and service animal supplies
- Baby supplies
- Extra eyeglasses
- Disposable dinnerware (plates, cups utensils, towels)
Here For You In 60 Minutes or Less
The emergency response teams from FP Property Restoration can be on-site in 60 minutes or less when disaster strikes. Every single minute counts during a disaster. If you, your home, your business, or your community has been affected by storm damage, flooding, fire damage, or mold, we can help get you back to your life, uninterrupted.
No matter where you are or what disaster you’re facing, call us today at (888) 408-2335.
An Emergency Storm Bag Can Save You & Your Family. Pack Now.
Americans are under siege from storms, flooding, wildfires, and winds. Thankfully, we’re a resilient nation with resources to help us combat the growing threat of extreme weather. Don’t wait until it’s too late to pack your emergency storm preparedness kit. And in the event of disaster, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated property restoration specialists at FP Restoration. Call us today at (888) 408-2335.