Paul Davis offers tips to consumers during summer storms and hurricane season 2017

As a public service, Paul Davis Restoration Of The Gables is providing consumers with the following summer storms and hurricane preparedness tips. The information reminds property owners of the importance of preparing for potential damage from high winds, heavy rains, storms, floods, and tornados that can accompany weather disasters. Paul Davis is a leading provider of fire and water damage, clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties.

The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season is forecasted to include approximately 12 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes near historical averages, according to an outlook released by hurricane and weather experts. The season ends on November 30. According to Edison Recinos, Paul Davis office owner, storms can do a tremendous amount of damage from high winds and devastating floods along with destruction and a lot of damage. Paul Davis offers the following useful steps which can promote personal safety during this time of year.

Storm season preparation:

• Be storm season prepared; put together a plan for evacuation and go over it with family and co-workers.
• Know your evacuation routes.
• Make sure your home or business meets building codes for withstanding storm and hurricane force winds.
• Put together a Basic Emergency Kit to include proper tools, supplies and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights and at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable foods on hand.

When a storm watch or warning is issued:

• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water for several days and for each family member.
• Evacuate if instructed to leave the area.

What to do before the storm:

• Be ready to put your plan and preparation to action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, TV or the Internet.
• Have the house boarded up or have storm shutters in place.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, first aid, food, fuel and personal items are ready for use.
• Have a secure room available.

What to do during the storm:

• Stay in a secure room and away from windows.
• Don’t use the telephone or candles.
• Monitor weather and civic service bulletins on either regular or NOAA weather radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye of the storm moves over your area, the storm will resume shortly.

Safety tips after the storm:

• Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
• Monitor the radio for information from emergency management officials in your area.
• Before venturing outside, ensure the storm has completely passed.
• Report downed power lines and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient until your environment is safe and back to normal.

Recinos suggests that if storm-related damage occurs to the home or business, there are many variables to consider about cleanup and repairs. Property owners can consult with professionals who have specific training and experience in this area. The process of cleaning up and repairing any damage should begin immediately and property owners don’t have to wait for insurance claims representatives to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. Waiting may increase the likelihood of secondary damage that might not be covered by insurance.

Before taking any action, Recinos recommends that personal safety should be the first and foremost consideration as a result of severe storms, electrical shock is always a danger. Turning off the electricity to damaged areas is advisable if this can be done safely. Also, turn off the water supply if leaking or broken pipes are discovered.

Recinos along with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recommends contacting a professional water restoration or general contractor who has specialized water-detection and structural clean-up equipment to assist in the highly specialized work. The contractor can help to identify the source of water and extent of wetting along with specific structural damage and act accordingly. Paul Davis employs only certified technicians. For more information, call 786-717-5665.

Visit the website at www.pauldavis-thegables.com.

For more than 50 years, Paul Davis has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms and disasters. The experts at Paul Davis understand the complex process of recovering from property damage and provide complete services; there is no need for the expense and confusion of hiring multiple contractors. Paul Davis is a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration. Paul Davis Restoration has over 375 independently owned franchises in the USA and Canada. The professionals at Paul Davis are certified in emergency restoration, reconstruction and remodeling. Visit the local office website at www.pauldavis-thegables.com.