Wireless Emergency Alerts

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

What is a WEA? Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) is a public safety system that allows customers who own compatible mobile devices to receive geographically targeted, text-like messages alerting them of imminent threats to safety in their area.

The WEA allows authorized national, state, or local government authorities to alert the public of multiple safety concerns. Since 2012, when the WEA was first launched, the system has been used over 49,000 times to warn the public of missing children, dangerous weather, and other critical situations.

The alert will pop up on your phone screen looking like a text message, with a short message.

The WEA is used for the following types of situations:

• extreme weather warnings
• local evacuation
• amber alerts
• Presidential alerts during a  national emergency

Visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea for more information and FAQs.

Flood Safety and Action Tips - Storm Season

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

As a large part of the United States enters the storm season, we've put together some flood tips:

• Account that all employees or family members are safe by establishing evacuation plans in advance, identifying areas outside the building that are designated meeting places. Assign select individuals to keep a list of their assigned team’s names and contact numbers in order to account for their whereabouts.
• If water enters the building and evacuation becomes impossible, move to an upper floor, and wait for rescuers.
• While evacuating, avoid attempting to drive through floods or rising water, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto-related.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
• Use no open flames (there may be gas escaping from ruptured mains).
• Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged. If the water has entered the structure through the flooding of a creek, stream or river, or if it has filtered through insulation during its intrusion, it is considered to be black water and could be hazardous to your health. Avoid contact with contaminated items as much as possible.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
• Listen for news reports to learn if the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
• Return only when authorities indicate it is safe.

If your home or business suffers from water damage due to a flood, give us a call!

Tropical Depression Imelda Flooding Impact

9/27/2019 (Permalink)

In 2017 we sent a crew to Houston, Texas to assist with Hurricane Harvey. It was one of the most damaging and costly storms our country has ever endured. Unfortunately Texas was recently hit with another catastrophic storm, Imelda. For many Texans this feels like a Harvey 2.0; they never expected to experience something like this again. Imelda, although not a hurricane, brought 43 inches to some areas in southeast Texas. Now that the storm has subsided, damage assessments are underway. Although it is still too early to tell how much damage was done, early reports state over 2,400 insurance claims have been filed. Just like with Hurricane Harvey and all the other storms we've weathered, SERVPRO will be there to assist in the disaster clean-up and restoration.

Storm Preparedness

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Are your prepared for a storm? San Diego's city crews work hard preparing storm drains, roadways, and city facilities for the winter months. 

They also need our help as residents and business owners to make sure we are ready.

Before it rains:

• Use the Get It Done app to report blocked storm drains, potholes, and broken street lights.
• Sign up for Alert San Diego notifications on your cellular device.
• Prepare sandbags ahead of time if you live in an area that is potential to flood.

When rain arrives:

• Flooding can be reported to the city's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500.
• Report downed electrical lines or gas emergencies to San Diego Gas & Electric at 800-411-7343.
• Drive carefully and allow extra time on your commute getting home or to work.

After rain passes:

• To report structural damage to your property or residence, call the City's emergency dispatch center at 619-527-7500.
• Contact your property insurance carrier to report damages to your property and learn how to file a claim with the City for flood damage.