The Storm Is Fast Approaching

Use these Quick, Easy Tips to Prepare Your Family

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Tropical Storm Ida is expected to make
landfall overnight somewhere along the Gulf Coast near Mobile Bay in Alabama.
Ida's maximum sustained winds have been about 70 mph for most of today and the
remnants of the storm are expected to pass over Georgia and Florida and
re-enter the Atlantic Ocean once it hits land. In advance of the storm, the
disaster restoration experts at ServiceMaster Clean share the following tips
for storm preparation:

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Hurricane/Tropical Storm Preparation Tips:

-- Make a decision about evacuating even before it becomes mandatory. Do
not wait until the last minute to evacuate, plan on leaving at least
24
hours before landfall.
-- Remember when the storm hits land, it may pick up speed and travel
over
many states as a tropical storm category. If you evacuate, consider
the
storm's expected path.
-- Make sure to have your important contact numbers (family, physicians,
friends) and copies of insurance papers with you as you're leaving the
home.
-- If you evacuate, turn off all main utility shut-off switches in the
home.
-- Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is often not covered by
homeowners insurance.
-- Go to the bank and get plenty of cash a couple days before the storm
hits.
-- Try to fill up your gas tank prior to landfall to avoid long lines and
gas stations being out of fuel.
-- Have a week's supply of water on hand, plenty of extra non-perishable
food items and refill necessary prescriptions for you and your pets.

-- Be in contact with your children's schools to understand the school
closing procedures and evacuation policies.

Water damage restoration is an emergency business. That's why ServiceMaster
Clean® is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Water damage
claims increase substantially if prompt action is not taken to contain the
damage. Call ServiceMaster Clean at 1-800-RESPOND (737-7663). In the meantime,
here are some ways to mitigate the flood damage until a disaster professional
arrives:

What to do if your home or business suffers water damage
-- If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if
available.
-- Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
-- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
-- Wipe furniture dry.
-- Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the
hanger on the drapery rod.
-- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood
blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
-- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings and open furniture
drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
-- Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
-- Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and
leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
-- Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.

-- If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer,
use
an air conditioner if available.

Important warnings on water damage:
1. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
2. Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
3. Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still
on.
4. Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the
carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.

5. Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and
bacteria growth can begin within hours.

SOURCE ServiceMaster Clean

Michael Bielskis, +1-901-597-6886 (office), +1-901-491-6330 (mobile),
michael.bielskis@servicemaster.com, ServiceMaster Clean