Storm Season 2022

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

Technician standing next to a box truck while working on Hurricane Ian.

Here in Florida, we have had quite the storm season! When we saw Hurricane Ian was going to make a direct hit, our team jumped into action and was ready for whatever happened. We didn’t get directly hit here in the Tampa Bay Area, however, that didn’t stop us from helping our fellow Floridians. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane Nicole passed through the Sunshine Sate as well.

Here’s a breakdown of what storm season looked like for Team George:

• We responded to one of the sites most heavily impacted within 24 hours of landfall.
• We had over 10 commercial large loss jobs running at one time, including the Braves Training Facility, multiple Publix’s, and Sarasota Memorial Hospital, while also assisting local residents as well.
• Many of our Project Managers and technicians worked around the clock, most putting in 15-hour days.
• We are still actively working on jobs there, that’s 10 weeks and counting that our team has been putting effort into restoring the lives and homes of the people that need it most right now.

While our hearts are saddened that so many people’s lives have been affected by this, we are beyond grateful that so many people have trusted SERVPRO to help restore their community, and that we have the opportunity to help.

When a storm strikes, SERVPRO is ready!

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO van parked in front of a home that has water damage.

SERVPRO of West Pasco specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained. We use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit New Port Richey, Trinity, Hudson and beyond, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of over 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 727-847-3000.

Hurricane Season Right Around The Corner

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Swaying palm trees, sandy beaches, hot sun… and hurricane season! It’s a simple fact, living near the Florida coast – and other people’s vacation hotspots like Hudson Beach and Trinity –means there is always a chance that a summer storm will come barreling through. And when it comes to hurricanes, preparation is everything!  

SERVPRO of West Pasco makes safety our top priority. We hope you do, too. So, we want to know, what is in your hurricane safety kit? 

Check out the list below for recommended items by Ready.gov to include in your basic emergency supply kit:

•  One gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days for drinking and sanitation
• At least a 3 supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Local maps 

Beyond the basics, consider the following: cash in case credit cards or ATMs cannot be accessed, games and puzzles for kids to pass time, solar-powered cell phone chargers, extra infant formula and pet food, and family documents stored in a portable, waterproof container. 

As always, be safe, prepared and have SERVPRO of West Pasco's phone number on speed dial during this year's hurricane season.   

https://www.ready.gov/kit

Bring The Thunder (Be Prepared)

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

During the warm Florida summers, rainstorms are sometimes a daily event and virtually always accompanied by thunder and lightning. According to the Office of the State Climatologist, based at Florida State University, our state has more thunderstorm activity than any other part of the nation: In a typical year on the western half on the peninsula, more than 80 days show thunder and lightning. Also, “Central Florida's frequency of summer thunderstorms equals that of the world's maximum thunderstorm areas: Lake Victoria region of equatorial Africa and the middle of the Amazon basin. The Amazon and east African areas maintain their frequency of thunderstorm activity throughout most of the year, whereas the number of thunderstorms in Florida drops off sharply in the fall and does not pick back up until spring.” 

 Storms can develop rapidly and the skies have a tendency to open up during your planned outing. If you find yourself caught outside during a severe thunderstorm, here are a few tips to help keep you safe.  

1. If you are in an open area, find a low place such as a ravine or valley. 

1. If you are in water, get to land immediately and seek shelter. 

1. If you are in a forested area, find shelter in a low area under a thick grow of small trees. 

1. If you are in a car, keep the windows closed. 

 But here at SERVPRO of West Pasco, we recommend staying inside during inclement weather!

http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms

1-4-8

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we have a 1-4-8 timely assignment. This is to help reduce claims loss expenses. If there is water pouring into a business or a home, time is of the essence. This is the reason we created this guideline. When it comes to any emergency situation, a SERVPRO employee will contact you to arrange a time for service within an hour. Within four hours of the loss coming in one of our SERVPRO trained professionals will be on-site and start the mitigation process. This would be extracting water or anything else that needs to be done to control the situation. Lastly, within eight business hours of the on-site arrival the client will receive a verbal briefing of the scope and the communication with the adjuster will begin. If the client is self-pay, we will have a verbal briefing with the client to see what they want to do to proceed. This really sets us apart from our competition because we strive to exceed our clients expectations by removing fears that the client might have after experiencing a loss, and they will see results in a timely manner.

2020 Hurricane Season

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Of course, with it being 2020, it only suits that we had the most active Hurricane Season in the U.S. since 1916.  Of the 30 named storms, 13 developed into hurricanes, and six further intensified into major hurricanes, with one, Hurricane Iota, attaining Category 5 strength on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Of the 30 named storms, 12 made landfall in the contiguous United States. In late August, Laura made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane, becoming the strongest tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Louisiana. Laura caused at least $14.1 billion in damage and 77 deaths.  Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall in The Bahamas and North Carolina, both times as a Category 1 hurricane, caused an overall $4.725 billion in damage. While we are always equipped and ready to help when a disaster strikes, our hearts break to see the damage these storms can cause to unexpecting homes and businesses. If you ever find that you’ve acquired damage to your home or business during storm season, please don’t hesitate to call us at 727-847-3000. SERVPRO of West Pasco is here to help.

Lightning Damage in New Port Richey?

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s talk about lightning. Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to your New Port Richey home or business and unfortunately are extremely unpredictable. Often you will not see signs of the damage at first due to the damage hiding in attics or inside walls. We suggest that after lightning strikes your home or business that you call the fire department immediately even if you do not see obvious signs of damage. It is also good to remember to call your electrician after a lightning strike to run an electrical diagnostic test.

According to the NFPA from 2007-2011 the U.S. Local fire departments responded to an estimated average of 22,600 fires per year that were started by lightning.

Lightning bolts are estimated to reach up to 50,000 degrees.

SERVPRO of West Pasco has experienced the aftermath of a fire caused by a lightning strike. The odor, the charred insulation within the attic or walls. SERVPRO of West Pasco has an experienced team to handle any size fire or water loss.

If your home has been hit by lighting count on SERVPRO of West Pasco to make the fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Florida Heat Can Be Brutal

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s talk about something all Florida residents are familiar with. HEAT! As we all know, summers are brutal in Trinity, FL. With heat index’s reaching up to 115 degrees at times, it can be extremely dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Below we’ve listed the type of heat warnings and what they mean.

Heat Advisory

In order to receive a heat advisory in Florida you must have a heat index value of 108 degrees or higher for at least two hours. For an excessive heat warning, the heat index needs to reach 113 degrees or higher for at least two hours. 

A heat advisory means that people can be affected by heat if precautions are not taken. The issuance of a heat advisory is important to raise public awareness that these precautions need to be taken. Heat advisories are also used to trigger other actions and regulations such as no evictions, no turning off of power, changing outdoor work requirements, etc.

Excessive Heat Warning

 A heat warning means that some people can be seriously affected by heat if precautions are not taken. Studies in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. have indicated that mortality begins to increase exponentially as the heat increases or stays above a heat index of 104°F.

In addition to raising public awareness, the issuance of a heat warning will alert hospitals and officials to take certain actions to prepare and respond to an increase in emergency calls, and activate programs to check on elderly and the home-bound. In some cases cooling centers can be open or designated and donation programs activated for fans and air conditioners. As in the case of an advisory, certain regulations may change such as turning off people's electricity, evictions, and outside work requirements.

While all of us Floridians are used to our hot summers, we must practice safety whenever there is any kind of warning or advisory

Generator Safety Tips During Storm

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Generator Safety

When you live in New Port Richey, Florida, prepping for hurricane season comes with the territory. If you have a generator on hand for power outages during severe weather, follow the safety tips below from the American Red Cross to keep your family safe:

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawl space, or any partially enclosed area.

• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

• Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup in the home. Although CO is odorless and cannot be seen, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. Even if you cannot smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.

• Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home or property and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.

Following these simple recommendations is an easy way to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. If your home or business suffers from storm damage, SERVPRO of West Pasco is here for you. Give us a call 727-847-3000.

Wind Damage Affects On Your Home

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

High winds can occur virtually anywhere, and thousands of tornadoes and hurricanes hit the U.S. every year. Severe winds are defined as exceeding 50-60 mph and are categorized as follows:

Straight-line winds: This broad category includes all winds not associated with rotation
Downdrafts: These winds are small columns of air that sink quickly toward the ground
Downbursts: These winds, which can be as bad as tornadoes, are a result of strong downbursts and are usually associated with thunderstorms
Microbursts: These small, highly concentrated downbursts can exceed 168 mph and can be wet or dry.
Gust fronts: These occur when cold air clashes with warm air from a thunderstorm
showers or thunderstorms
Tornadoes: These destructive vortexes can exceed 300 mph and travel over dry land
Cyclones and Hurricanes: In the U.S., these tropical storms rotate inward toward areas of low atmospheric pressure and are most common near the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern seaboard.

Damage from wind can be widespread and can affect not only your structure but also surrounding landscaping and asphalt. Be aware of the potential for falling trees and poles and damaged power lines and take care of these problems right away. After the storm, examine your property for structural damage to the home, including windows, siding, and roofs. If you find that your home has suffered damage, SERVPRO of West Pasco is your company to call. With over 25 years of experience, we can make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Day 8: The Day No One Laughed

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Day 8

They have all been exposed.

Every one of them.

The smiles, the chuckles, even the belly laughs...

Each morning, we hold the Work-In-Progress meeting, and until last week they happened around a white table in our conference room. I cannot help myself from making a joke or two. Admittedly, some of the attempts at humor are not good, but complete bombs are rare – at least that is what I thought.

The in-person meeting brings at least a few laughs, but attempting jokes on Zoom meetings is a different beast. They generate nothing. I think everyone might have been pretending to laugh the whole time. Maybe it was just a pity laugh - ugh, the worst kind.

In their defense, they have a variety of excuses to choose from to explain the crickets. “I did laugh but I was on mute and by the time I could unmute the subject had moved on.” Or, “I was laughing but the internet connection was unstable and I had to reboot my internet browser,” “I accidentally hit ‘leave meeting’ because I was laughing so hard,” “You cannot see me laughing because my hand is in front of my face and I am muted.”

Lastly, “No, you are right I am not laughing because it was not funny anyway and it is annoying being on this Zoom call wishing three other people on this call would understand what the mute button actually accomplishes so forgive me, nothing is actually funny right now.”

All this time I misread the crowd, I guess they really are the more serious type. Maybe I should look into introducing complex spreadsheets into our Zoom meeting and ask everyone to take part in explaining a different section. That actually sounds worse.

On the bright side, without all the fake laughs, now our WIP meetings should really zoom.

Terrible, I know. I do see their point, I have to get better.

Day 1: The Day Everyone Worked From Home

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Normally crowded, the parking lot at SERVPRO of West Pasco had only one car on the first day of our social distancing plan.

The COVID-19 outbreak has created unprecedented circumstances for our businesses, families, and communities. Jeremy George, owner-operator of SERVPRO of West Pasco, Wesley Chapel and Hernando County, is documenting his experience as a small business owner in this daily blog. 

Day 1, 7:12 p.m.

For the first time in the 29-year history of SERVPRO of West Pasco, our entire office staff is working remotely, with the exception of the dispatcher and a couple others whose office situation allows them to practice extreme social distancing. This morning, as I pulled in I felt a pang to see the normally crowded parking lot almost empty. As a small business owner, this is uncomfortable and foreign. I trust our team and know that these extreme measures are in the best interest of our team, our families, and our community.

Yesterday afternoon, after watching a group of people inside our office talking and laughing in a tight circle, I realized we had to do it. As humans, we are social animals, it's our nature. I knew we had to shut down the office ASAP.

As we chart the days and weeks ahead, I am sure there will be challenges we don't anticipate and also some bright spots. This morning we held our first Zoom meeting by video, with everyone working from home and hopefully wearing pants. Tomorrow we will make sure everyone knows where the "mute" button is. - Jeremy George

Spring into action this season!

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes, hail, lightening, thunderstorms, fluctuating temperatures, the risk of flooding – Spring, oh what a season! Many Trinity homeowners are excited about the spring awakening, but they won’t get to see our May Flowers if the home is not prepared for these April showers! There are certain steps homeowners can take at the beginning of April to ensure the home can withstand heavy showers and potential rain storms.

Time to Prepare

When you expect rain showers, there are some things you can do to help prepare. Weather changes by the minute, so you need to be prepared for whatever type of rain mother nature throws at us. When rain is intense, water can permeate materials that are not durable. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and be sure your materials are up to date, and not rotten or compromised. That inspection should also include your roof. Do you have missing/ loose tiles or shingles? If tiles or shingles are not secure, rain, especially wind driven, can enter your home and cause some serious damage. Don’t worry tho, if you do encounter any issues during this springs storm season, call SERVPRO of West Pasco!

Prepare for Flooding

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Using Sandbags to Prevent Flood Damage

Sandbags are a fantastic resource when expecting a flood near your home or business.

What is a sandbag and how are they helpful?

A sandbag is a sack made or burlap or woven plastic that is filled with sand or soil and used for multiple purposes, but mainly for flood control. They are an excellent choice for the construction on levees, barricades for erosion control, flood walls, and traffic control. Sandbags may be used in cases of emergencies when rivers threaten to over-flow or levee or dam is damaged. Quick action and bags on-hand could save countless dollars in personal and property damage.

What size sandbags are best for homes and business’s?

You should use sandbags that are about 14-18” wide and 30-36” deep. They should be filled half full for easy stacking and will weigh approximately 30 lbs.

SANDBAG DON’Ts . . .

• Sandbags should never be used to build a fortress around the perimeter of one's property. Doing so can actually trap flood-waters between sandbag walls and structures, leading to further damage.
• Do not use garbage bags, as they are too slick to stack. Do not use feed sacks, as they are too large to handle.

Trees Can Wreak Havoc During A Storm

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Heavy rain mixed with high winds can wreak havoc on weak and stressed trees, causing branches to snap or trees to uproot. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home. Are your trees ready for the next storm?

Hurricane season is approaching faster than we know — and with hurricanes sometimes comes property damage. High winds are not the only culprit to the damage your house can occur during a storm. Property damage can also be a result of falling trees and flying landscape debris. The key to minimizing your risk against property damage is storm preparedness.

There is no such thing as a hurricane-resistant landscape but with proper care and timely maintenance overseen by a certified and licensed arborist, trees can survive the storm!

Pruning is Vital Component to Hurricane Damage Prevention

A strong, deep-rooted tree may not fall during a storm, but weak limbs buried in the canopy may cause an issue. Broken, dead and damaged limbs can be torn from trees during a storm and turned into dangerous projectiles.

Regular pruning done by an arborist over the course of the tree’s life can create a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches with an open canopy that allows wind to flow freely through.

Trees to Watch Out For

Trees with dense canopies

Dead or dying trees

Trees with codominant trunks

New plantings and young trees

Consult a certified arborist to see if these, or any other tree hazards, exist around your home.

Offseason: Ready for Whatever Happens

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Here in Florida, especially on the Gulf Coast, storm season is something we take very seriously. But at SERVPRO of West Pasco, we are even thinking about hurricanes and tornadoes in the off season.

Officially, hurricane season for the Atlantic Basin - which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and our backyard, the Gulf of Mexico - begins June 1 and goes through November 30 each year. The season peaks in mid-August through late October, and those dates coincide with our operation’s busiest time of year. In fact, our company handbook outlines hurricane season and encourages the team not to plan non-refundable vacations, weddings or the births of children during that time frame. (Just kidding!)

During the off season, our team balances the daily workload of emergency services response along with preparation for storm response. We focus on training and updating industry certifications in the spring, allowing the team to ready themselves for the weeks and months ahead, and also take time to step away and reflect on how we can be better prepared for the next time. Over the years, we’ve added to our standard operating plan a fully-stocked consumables and equipment trailer, locked and ready to be hooked up to a truck and heading out to help. This tactic has allowed us to increase response time dramatically, eliminating lag time almost completely and making the mobilization as fast as possible and helping clients minimize secondary damage. Warehouse Manager Doug reliably monitors and restocks the inventory as needed so the trailer is always ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Each year in early June, before the threat of storms roll in, we take a moment as a company to gather with our families for a day of fun. This gives a chance for the company leaders to thank our families for their sacrifices throughout the year, and in advance for bearing through our busy season. Often our crew can be gone for days and even weeks on end, whether they are responding out of town to a storm event or working long hours locally when our own neighborhoods are facing weather damage.

We want our clients and community to know that we are ready for whatever happens, year round. And we won’t be on vacation when a storm threatens New Port Richey!

'Tis The Season: Staying Safe From Summer Storms

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

As we head into late summer, Tampa Bay’s weather forecast is dotted with daily storms and nightly lightning shows. Many Gulf Coast residents are struck by nature’s beauty when storms rage, but its important to take steps now to ensure you are ready when disaster strikes.

Officially, hurricane season for the Atlantic Basic – which includes the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea – is June 1 through November 30. But as anyone living in New Port Richey and Trinity knows, the peak of our season is from mid-August to late October. However, deadly hurricanes can occur anytime during the entire season.

Consider the following tips to prepare for an approaching storm and to recover afterwards:

BEFORE THE STORM

• Create your emergency supply kit and a communication plan
• Unplug all electronics and appliances
• Secure outdoor items that might blow away or cause damage
• Shutter windows and doors. If there are no shutters, close window shades, curtains, or blinds

DURING THE STORM

• Employ a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio for official updates
• Avoid corded phones. Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use
• Do not touch electrical equipment or cords
• Stay away from windows and doors

AFTER THE STORM

• Do not drive through a flooded roadway
• Stay away from storm-damaged areas, especially downed power lines

Preparing For A Storm

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

When Hurricane Irma bore down on the Gulf Coast in September 2017, those of us who hadn’t heeded recommendations to pre-stock our hurricane kit figured out why.

The stores were mobbed, and the shelves were bare. That was BEFORE the storm hit. After it cleared, we waited more than a week for grocery stores to be fully restocked again.

Needless to say, for this reason and many more, the next year and all years to come, the team at SERVPRO of West Pasco is committed to creating our individual hurricane kits before the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season so we can stay ready for whatever happens.

Once a storm clears, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

Is your hurricane kit ready? Make sure you have the basics stocked, using the checklist below. Most items are low cost and easy to find, and each of these could save your life. For more details or to take a deeper look at what unique needs you or your family might have, check out ready.gov.

Recommended items for basic emergency supply kids include:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)
• Manual can opener
• Battery operated radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Clothing
• Dust masks or bandanas
• Plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Hygiene items
• Important documents
• Cash
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container

IF A DISASTER STRIKES, WILL YOU BE READY?  

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

Centuries later, these wise words from one of our nation’s founder are still salient – especially today. This week we reach the climatological peak of hurricane season, with Hurricane Florence bearing down on the east coast and several more storms brewing in the Atlantic.  

With that in mind, preparation is key. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation. 

• Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/or check access for wireless emergency alerts. (Try this one from the National Weather Service, or turn to your local news outlets.) https://www.weather.gov/subscribe/ 
• Develop and test emergency communication plans with family and work places.
•  Assemble or update emergency supplies. See this list from the National Hurricane Survival Initiative. http://hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists/ 
• Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
• Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class. 
• Collect and safeguard critical documents. 
• Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources. 
• Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards. 
• Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Act now to protect yourself, your family and your property. Over here, preparation is our middle name - SERVPRO of West Pasco stands ready to assist you 24/7. Contact us today at (727) 847-3000.

Storm Response

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Storms occur with little warning and can be especially devastating, so you’ll need the company that you can trust to rise to the occasion. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO of West Pasco can handle any size disaster. Our team will work endlessly to ensure our customers are happy, having one objective in the aftermath of disaster, to make their loss “Like it never even happened.”

The SERVPRO of West Pasco team is ready to handle any size loss. With nearly 1,700 franchises nationwide, we have access to numerous highly trained personnel and thousands of pieces of equipment. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

Our SERVPRO Disaster Recovery teams are strategically placed throughout the country, SERVPRO of West Pasco being one of them, to respond when needed. Our teams have a proven track record for success, assisting with cleanup of floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and damage caused from hurricanes.

Whether it’s a major storm event, or faulty appliance to a busted pipe in your New Port Richey home, SERVPRO of West Pasco will be there with one call to (727)847-3000.

Preparing For When A Hurricane Strikes

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Before: 

• Prepare your evacuation plan, including pets, transportation routes and destinations.
• Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed and clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. 
• Determine how and where to secure your boat. 
• Consider building a safe room.
• Stay informed! Listen to NOAA weather radio or check local forecasts and news reports regularly.
• Cover your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters. Tape DOES NOT prevent windows from breaking.
• Bring in all outside furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Fill the bathtub or buckets with water to use for cleaning and flushing toilets.
• Keep your gas tank at least ¾ full at all times.
• Keep your emergency supplies kit, including water, and copies of important documents, in a waterproof, portable container, in an easily accessible location.

Evacuate under the following conditions: 

• If local authorities tell you to evacuate, follow their directions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, which are particularly hazardous no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway. 
• If you feel you are in danger.
• If you live in an area below sea level.

During: 

• If you choose not to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Notify out-of-are contacts of your decision. Close all interior doors and secure and brace exterior doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Don't be fooled by a lull in the storm- it could be the eye of the storm and winds could resume.

After: 

• Be aware of flooding and tornadoes.
• Stay out of flood waters, if possible.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• If you evacuated, do not return to your home until the local authorities say it is safe. 

Lightning Safety Tips

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Thunder and lightning storms happen all the time in Hudson. Know what to do to keep you and your family safe when the storms strike! 

Outdoor Safety: 

• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or hard-topped vehicle right away.
• Do not go under trees for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. 
• Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder before leaving your shelter.
• Stay away from windows and doors. Stay off porches.
• There is no safe place outside. Places with only a roof on sports fields, golf courses, and picnic areas are not safe during a lightning storm. Small sheds should not be used.
• If a person is struck by lightning, call 9-1-1. Get medical help right away.

Indoor Safety: 

• Turn off computers. Stay off corded phones, computers, and other things that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing. You can use a cell or cordless phone.
• Do no wash your hands, bathe, shower, do laundry, or wash dishes.

Fun Fact: 

• Lightning may strike as far as 10 miles from any rain. 

Hurricane Season Is Here!

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

It's never too early to prepare for a Florida landfall!

It may seem early, but hurricane season is currently underway. For the Atlantic, the season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began in mid-May and ends November 30. Hurricanes can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds, and tornadoes. While the primary threat is in coastal areas, many inland areas can also be affected by these hazards, as well as by secondary events such as power outages as a result of high winds and landslides due to rainfall. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Plan an evacuation route and your emergency plan, take inventory of your property, and take steps to protect your home or business. Why take the risk? Call a SERVPRO® of West Pasco. Working to make it “Like it never even happened.”  

For more information and preparation tips, visit the Ready campaign website at www.ready.gov/hurricanes. 

How Much Do You Know About Water Spouts?

5/18/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever heard that saying “We live where you vacation”? Living in beautiful Trinity, Florida, we know that statement to be 100% true. As we enter mid-April beautiful weather is nothing new to the Pasco County area and neither are the late afternoon thunderstorms. One moment the sun is shining and the next you look out your window and you'll see a waterspout, one of the many joys of living in Florida. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are two types of water spouts, fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts. Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado and are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning. 

Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair-weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair-weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.  

Whether your Trinity home experiences storm damage from a tornadic water spout or your average everyday early spring thunderstorm, call SERVPRO of West Pasco, we are here to help. 

Who’s name will make the cut? The 2017 storm name list is here!

6/8/2017 (Permalink)

Living in New Port Richey, when I speak of Hurricane Sean I’m usually talking about the devastation throughout the house caused by my almost two-year old son. As he runs amuck, his high-spiraling winds cause books to fly off their shelves, toys to flood each room, and illegible messages in magic marker all over our microfiber couch – which is why I keep SERVPRO of West Pasco on speed dial.  This year, it may mean something a little more. 

According to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, storms are given short, distinctive names to avoid confusion and streamline communications when two or more tropical storms occur at the same time. 
 

This is news to me. I always assumed they were named after unruly children. 
 
It’s always fun to see if our name or the name of someone we know is on the list and this year is no different. The wait is officially over and the list of names for the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane season have been posted.   

Here are the names that will be associated with the upcoming tropical season:  Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Don, Emily, Franklin, Gert, Harvey, Irma, Jose’, Katia, Lee, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Phillipe, Rina, Sean, Tammy, Vince, and Whitney. 

Tropical Storm Emily has a ring to it, but I’m warning you, you’re going to have to hunker down for a Hurricane Sean.  

 As always, be safe, prepared and have SERVPRO of West Pasco's phone number on speed dial during this year's hurricane season.  

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml 

 http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/storm-names.html