How to plan for emergencies

SERVPRO participates in National Preparedness Month Franklin — With offices on Munsonhurst Road, SERVPRO of Northern Sussex County is participating in the sixth annual National Preparedness Month in September. Sponsored by the Ready Campaign, preparedness month is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness, as well as encourage individuals, families businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies. With that in mind, SERVPRO wants to help Franklin residents be ready in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. The local restoration service is joining with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to recognize preparedness month. “Natural disasters take many forms, and while they may be inevitable, they don’t always have to be devastating,” said Jack Oliver, owner of SERVPRO. “By taking action now, Franklin residents can potentially lessen the impact they experience from catastrophes. Being prepared is the best defense one can have.” According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there were 75 declared disasters in 2008, which was a 19 percent increase from those reported in 2007. So far, in 2009, the agency has recorded 42, and the number is expected to rise as hurricane season approaches the southeast. “Whether it’s with a tornado, torrential rains or heavy snow, Mother Nature can wreak havoc at all times of the year, and oftentimes, the events can come without warning,” said Oliver. “That is why we are urging people to designate this month as a time to sit down with their families and make a plan.” Three action steps to help families prepare for the worse: 1. Create an Emergency Supply Kit. Start by thinking about the basics for survival - fresh water, food, clean air and warmth. In addition, be sure to include a battery-powered radio (with extra batteries), flashlight, first aid kit, a can opener to open canned food, and a cell phone with chargers. 2. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not all be together when a disaster strikes, so it is critical to establish an out-of-town contact to facilitate communication. Also, when using cell phones, know that text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through. 3. Be Informed. Visit your state and local government Web sites to learn about the particular emergency plans that have been established in your area. You can also download tools to better prepare your family for a disaster at www.ready.gov. “National Preparedness Month serves as a good reminder that we all have a responsibility in protecting ourselves, our employees, our families and our communities,” said Oliver. “Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.” In the event of fire or water damage caused by a natural disaster, SERVPRO offers an assortment of services to help local residents quickly recover and restore any damaged property. Within four hours of the initial notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start the mitigation process. Exceptions may apply under certain conditions, such as a catastrophic event or a storm situation. For more information call Oliver at 973-383-2024.