Damage Threats & How They Can Affect Your Home | SERVPRO of Sumter

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

If you discover damage in your residence, call SERVPRO of Sumter right away.

Everywhere you look it seems like there is a risk for home damage. A strong storm that brings hail and wind, a forgotten candle or electrical malfunction that could spark and spread fire, or even something simple as structural aging over time can leave your home with damage.

However, we don’t want you to constantly be worried about what could happen in your home. Accidents and natural disasters aren’t entirely preventable, but you can be prepared for them if you know what to expect.

SERVPRO of Sumter is Here to Help® you recover no matter what happens at your home, and we explain some of the biggest risks and our recovery process for each below.

Threats for Sumter Residents

Heavy rain and strong summer storms can lead to wind, water or impact damage in our community, and the threat of wildfires near the Sumter National Forest can rise and fall based on the current conditions. While those larger scenarios can certainly cause widespread damage, smaller incidents like roof leaks, burst water pipes and kitchen fires are among the most common types of home damage that we see on a daily basis.

Water damage is common when it comes from natural sources like clogged gutters that lead to roof leaks or a failed sump pump that causes a flooded basement. It can also come from a simple leaky pipe or a malfunctioning dishwasher.

Each case can lead to serious damage in a short amount of time. Fire is also unpredictable in that it can start from a natural source or from a manmade problem, but most often it is caused by human error.

When the Damage Keeps Getting Worse

It is so frustrating to experience any kind of damage in your home, but unfortunately, the single incident may cause more problems than the original issue. For example, a flooded basement will warp floors or ruin drywall, but it can also cause water to seep under your structure and could spark a mold infestation that compromises your foundation.

The same is true for fire damage. Fires will certainly burn and destroy your home, but they can also leave behind significant amounts of soot and smoke in their wake. The parts of your home that were saved from the flames will still most likely have suffered some type of damage, like stained walls or stinky odors. There could even be water damage to deal with due to the firefighting efforts to put out the flames.

No matter the disaster, recovering quickly can help you avoid some of these worsening issues and a lengthy recovery. That’s where SERVPRO® steps in! Our restoration team can handle every part of your recovery, even if it involves a little water damage restoration, some mold mitigation and even fire damage repair. We will clean, sanitize, contain and control the situation until your home is ready to be rebuilt and restored.

We are a full-service restoration company, which means that you will only ever have to work with us during your restoration! We will walk you through every step of our process so you fully understand what is being done, and we promise to not leave your home until you are completely satisfied.

Does your home need restoration and you don’t want to make more than one call? Contact us to get everything handled by one team.

Navigating Winter Weather With Confidence | SERVPRO of Sumter

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Sumter has your back with these helpful tips.

Now that the heat of the summer is behind us and we are in the thick of the fall season, it’s time to start talking about winter weather! While we are grateful that we don’t have to experience some of the more intense winter weather patterns like blizzards and subzero temperatures around here, winter weather can impact us in its own way.

Heavy rain, strong wind, sleet and the occasional flurry can all have an impact on our homes and make travel dangerous. Preparing ahead of time and addressing any potential damage right after the storm passes is crucial for keeping your family safe.

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter Weather

We always recommend staying home when the weather is less than ideal. Heavy rain or sleet can make travel more difficult and depending on the temperature, roads can be slick as well.

Instead, grab your weather radio and start gathering any supplies you will need to ride out the storm. Severe weather can knock out power at any time of the year, and the winter is no exception.

Being prepared with extra flashlights and batteries, your first-aid kit and extra blankets can help ensure that your family is safe and cozy in case the power goes out. You should also have a backup heating source if the power is out for more than just an hour or two.

Homes can cool down quickly if the heat is not working, so be sure you have a backup location in mind that you can head to if your home gets really chilly and the power will be out for the foreseeable future. Head to a friend’s home, a public space or a warming center nearby.

Addressing Your Home After the Storm

Winter weather can be really unpredictable, turning rain into sleet, ice pellets or even snow from time to time. After the storm is gone, take a look at your home start on any cleanup requirements right away.

Strong wind is often one of the most damaging parts of a winter storm, so check your roof and siding for damage. You should also be checking the vents around your home and removing any ice buildup around the grates. If carbon monoxide cannot safely escape your home, it can become a danger to everyone in your household.

How We Can Help Repair Your Home

If your home has suffered serious water damage or structural damage as a result of the storm, we want you to call us right away. Our team will be able to assess the damage, secure your home and get right to work restoring and repairing your space.

We will keep working until you are 100% satisfied with the final product, only stopping when your home has been successfully returned to its preloss condition.

Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Sumter for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.

Storm-Proofing the Outside of Your Home | SERVPRO of Sumter

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Have you been impacted by the unusual summer storm season? SERVPRO of Sumter has your back when you experience flood and water damage.

The summer season is unique when it comes to the different kinds of weather we can receive on a daily basis. Severe storms can bring rain, hail and flooding situations, and even sunny days can bring about extreme wind!

While we all enjoy the sun and warmer temperatures, it can be scary when a strong summer storm forms later in the day and rolls into town. Here in the Sumter area, we have to be on the lookout for rapidly changing conditions that can bring severe storms and tornadoes quickly.

Any sort of storm has the potential to cause damage to your home, so preparing ahead of time can help you minimize those damages no matter what kind of storm arrives.

Seasonal Outdoor Tasks

If you are a homeowner, you probably have a list of yard maintenance work that you do on a regular basis to keep your home and property looking clean. Some of these tasks are actually helpful in preparing your home against incoming severe weather systems.

Trimming your trees and removing dead branches or fallen limbs is a great way to prevent impact damages when the winds pick up. Cleaning out your gutters ensures that rainwater will flow down and away from your home, and simply maintaining a clean property by not leaving clutter out can help avoid your children’s toys, bikes or yard equipment from becoming projectiles.

In addition to those regular tasks, you should take the time to check around your windows and doors for signs of gaps or deteriorated wood. A small water leak can quickly turn into widespread water damage. Your roof is also a potential source of a water problem! Replace missing or broken shingles right away.

Optional Home Upgrades

Thankfully, most preparations for storms can be done cost-free, but you can take it one step further if you like to give yourself added protection.

Investing in storm shutters can help protect your windows from breaking, and installing triple-pane windows can help provide an added layer of protection. If your property is located in a heavily wooded area, consider installing gutter guards to help keep debris out of your gutters.

The preparations don’t stop at your house! Adding reinforcements or bracing to your outbuildings and sheds can help protect them from wind damage when a storm or tornado makes its way into town.

Even if you do your best to prepare for everything, there is always the chance that you will suffer storm damage anyway. Call SERVPRO of Sumter for a fast and efficient restoration!

Was your home damaged in a storm? Call us at SERVPRO of Sumter to start restoration, 24/7.

Steps to Follow After Suffering Storm Damage | SERVPRO of Sumter

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of Sumter to restore your space in no time!

The storm season is a long one in the summertime, and it can cause chaos no matter what time of day it is. Some storms blow into town slowly and give us all adequate time to prepare, while others form quickly and can leave us scrambling for cover.

In the summertime here in the Sumter area, we are more prone to experiencing heavy rain, wind and hail during thunderstorms than we are to see tornadoes, but the occasional twister is not out of the realm of possibility.

No matter what the situation is, it is important that you take all the steps you can to stay safe. Remain inside, stay away from windows and don’t travel until the threat has passed.

Once the storm has blown on, take these steps below to make sure you are being safe while assessing any damages.

Assessing the Damage

It can be a relief when the storm passes and the sounds and sights fade away, but don’t let your guard down. Another storm may be brewing off on the horizon. Stay sky-aware as you walk around your property, and keep your weather radio or radar close at hand.

One of the first things you should do is connect with your loved ones and household members. Check to make sure everyone is OK and doesn’t need immediate assistance.

You should also check on your neighbors if you are able. Storms can cause widespread damage or can have very specific damage paths, so your home may be fine but others may not be.

If you do discover damage, take as many photos as possible. This will help us form our recovery plan, but it will also help make the insurance claim process smoother if you have fresh images. After that, grab your phone and call SERVPRO® of Sumter.

Where Our Team Comes In

The faster you respond to any damage, the easier your recovery will be for your whole family. Just be sure to walk about cautiously. Loose nails, damaged floorboards or broken windows can all be a safety hazard if you are not careful. Keep your cell phone close by in case you get stuck or run into any issues.

We are quick to respond and will be at your home as fast as we can, but there are some things you can do in the meantime to help protect your home. If it is still actively raining or another storm is coming, lay down tarps or board up windows to protect your home from further damage. We will do this more extensively when we arrive and start working, but whatever actions you can take to safeguard your home will pay off in a big way.

We can also work with your insurance company to make sure your claim is being processed correctly and you are getting the best outcome. If your home is severely damaged and you need to live off site during the repair process, we can help you sort that out, too.

Our restoration specialists are here for you day or night, and we truly hope you call us when you need help after a storm damages your home. We will repair your home in no time at all!

If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here 24/7 when you need us.

Preparing Your Staff for Impending Weather | SERVPRO of Sumter

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

As a business owner, you know what calls to make when extreme weather hits. If you're affected by a storm, call SERVPRO of Sumter to help!

Preparation is part of your everyday life as a business owner. You are constantly getting ready for the next big thing and making sure your staff members are being safe and taken care of.

While your efforts are probably focused on your workplace environment, it is important to plan for weather emergencies as well! A single severe storm can cause widespread damages and can create a dangerous situation for your employees if they are not prepared to take action.

Using these tips below, you can ensure your staff will know what to do in the face of a weather emergency and everyone can stay safe no matter what is going on outside.

Understanding the Risk Level of Situations

Assessing weather threats is the first step to creating an action plan. In the Sumter area, most of your planning should revolve around storm preparation! We see heavy rain and high winds, and we are even in a moderate risk zone for hurricanes during the summer and fall months.

Because of that, it is also important to prepare for the chance of flooding. Organizing your business so you can easily pull things from your lowest levels and purchasing flood insurance can help you avoid costly damages. Keep an eye on the forecast each week so you know what to expect and you can prepare ahead of time.

Your Communication Strategy

Communicating is one of the most crucial parts of any emergency. Your staff need to know where to go, when to get there and how! Thankfully, all of this can happen with a click of a button.

Set up a group chat or an email chain so that you can easily send a message to your entire crew. In the event of a true emergency, this will help ensure your staff react quickly but calmly and will allow them to take action right away. You can also use this as an easy way to reconnect after the storm passes.

Planning Your Escape Route or Sheltering Location

It is your job to help your staff stay safe, so having a plan in place for a possible evacuation during a weather disaster is critical. Make sure your team knows where to go by highlighting evacuation routes, and clearly label any exits so that your staff can quickly recognize them in an emergency.

On the other hand, staying in the safety of your building might be the best course of action. In this instance, ensure your staff know which room is your safe shelter location and prepare the area now with food, safe drinking water and an emergency kit.

In order to keep your team calm as you are ushering them out through your evacuation routes or are hunkering down together in your sheltering location, practicing these strategies is crucial! If your team knows where to go and what to do, everyone will be calm, safe and confident as they ride out the storm.

Don’t let extreme weather take control! If storms strike your business, SERVPRO can help you restore your losses.

Prep Your Home for Windy Weather | SERVPRO® of Sumter

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Sumter your first call.

Wind is often overlooked when it comes to weather systems, but it can pack a punch! While a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon may feel like a relief, strong wind during a severe thunderstorm can be scary and even dangerous.

Strong winds can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. Dangerous wind conditions can even occur when it’s bright and sunny outside.

By understanding what kinds of wind can affect us here in the Sumter area, you can better protect your home and keep your family safe.

The Different Varieties of Wind

The majority of damaging winds come from thunderstorms or tornadoes. Wind from a tornado can almost guarantee destruction of some kind.

Wind within a regular thunderstorm can easily reach up to 60 miles per hour. Wind at this speed can pick up and toss around debris with ease.

Straight-line winds can blow even faster! This type of wind has no rotation in it, so it can cause widespread destruction as it blows up to 100 miles per hour.

Tornadoes can produce many different kinds of wind and each can be particularly dangerous. Straight-line winds, downdrafts, and micro- or macro-bursts are all common and can cause devastation.

We are also close enough to the coast to be vulnerable to any hurricanes and the wind they produce. Even just last year we were hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Hurricane-force winds can be incredibly destructive and can cause all kinds of damage to our homes and properties.

Preventing Wind Damage Around Your Home

Wind can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It can topple trees, blow debris into your siding and down power lines. It can even topple mobile homes and cars if it blows over 80 miles per hour.

Staying safe during wind alerts or advisories involves preparing your home and property as soon as the alert is issued. Start by securing loose objects like porch chairs, trash cans and children’s toys.

You should also try to pick up branches and other yard debris before the wind starts to blow. A single fallen branch can turn into a dangerous flying object at the right wind speed.

Once your home is secure, get your family inside and into an interior room that is away from windows. You should stay there until the storm has passed and the wind dies down.

As soon as it is safe to do so, walk around your property to look for damage. Don’t forget to look on your roof! A single missing shingle can invite water into your attic during the next storm. Call SERVPRO of Sumter right away, and we will get your home back together fast.

Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.

National Preparedness Month Tips

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer. 

Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips. 

Don't Let A Hurricane Leave You In A Twist

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.” Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare. Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports. Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.” Stock emergency supplies. Protect your property by installing sewer back flow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings. Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.. Follow guidance from local authorities. If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening danger. Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals. Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters. Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet. Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.

Thunder Facts

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Thunder Facts 

  Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

• The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

• The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

• The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

• Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

• The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

• The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

• The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

• Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

• Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

• Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Don't get swept way by flood water damage

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact. 

Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.

It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.

1. Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina. 

Tips to help keep tornadoes from leaving you in a twist

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Staying Safe During A Tornado

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves

Tips for Hurricane season

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes, buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.” Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare. Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and weather reports. Prepare to evacuate by testing your emergency communication plan(s), learning evacuation routes, having a place to stay, and packing a “go bag.” Stock emergency supplies. Protect your property by installing sewer back flow valves, anchoring fuel tanks, reviewing insurance policies, and cataloging belongings. Collect and safeguard critical financial, medical, educational, and legal documents and records.. Follow guidance from local authorities. If advised to evacuate, grab your “go bag” and leave immediately. For protection from high winds, stay away from windows and seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room. Move to higher ground if there is flooding or a flood warning. Turn Around Don’t Drown.® Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening danger. Return to the area only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Do not enter damaged buildings until they are inspected by qualified professionals. Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters. Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles, and power lines. Do not remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes to protect your hands and feet. Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer. 

Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips. 

Thunder Information

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

Thunder Facts 

  Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

• The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

• The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

• The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

• Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

• The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

• The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

• The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

• Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

• Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

• Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Storm safety tips

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Flood water damage is not something to wade through alone,

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact. 

Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.

It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.

Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina. 

Tornado safety facts

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Storm Safety

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Home with storm damage.

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer. 

Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips. 

Hurricane safety

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

Inside after a storm damaged the roof.

How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.

Lightning and Thunder facts.

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

Thunder Facts 

  Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

• The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

• The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

• The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

• Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

• The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

• The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

• The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

• Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

• Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

• Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Tornado Season Is Upon Us

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Fast rising water

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, as well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact. 

Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.

It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.

Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina. 

Tornado Tips and Safety

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

National Preparedness Month

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Our Disaster Recovery Team is always prepared!

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer. 

Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips. 

Hurricane Season Tips

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.

Feel The Thunder!

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Thunder Facts 

  Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

• The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

• The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

• The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

• Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

• The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

• The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

• The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

• Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

• Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

• Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

Tornado safety tips

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Facts About Lightning

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

A recent home in Sumter Sc that was damaged by a lightning strike.

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges. Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. Homes may also be inadvertently grounded by plumbing, gutters, or other materials. Grounded buildings offer protection, but occupants who touch running water or use a landline phone may be shocked by conducted electricity.

(Information courtesy of National Geographic)

Tornado Safety!

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

It is that time of year again. Tornadoes have already began their destruction. 

In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes have been reported in every state and can happen at any time of the year. Take tornadoes seriously, because with winds blowing at 200 mph or more, they can destroy just about anything in its path. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news.

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!

BEFORE A TORNADO:

• Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
• Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A TORNADO:

• Go to a basement.
• If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
• If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
• If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes.
• Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
• If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.

Hurricane Preparedness

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sumter gearing up for Florence

How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land.
Threats from hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding,
rip currents, and tornadoes. The heavy winds of hurricanes can cause damage or destroy homes,
buildings, and roads, as well as cause power, water, and gas outages. These effects can injure or kill
people, disrupt transportation, and pollute drinking water. Hurricanes cause deaths and injuries
primarily from drowning, wind, and wind-borne debris. The impact from hurricanes can extend from
the coast to several hundred miles inland. To find your risk, visit FEMA’s “Know Your Risk Map.”
Be better prepared for this hurricane season, and learn more at ready.gov/prepare.
Now/Prepare
Sign up for local alerts and
warnings. Monitor local news and
weather reports.
Prepare to evacuate by testing your
emergency communication plan(s),
learning evacuation routes, having a
place to stay, and packing a “go bag.”
Stock emergency supplies.
Protect your property by installing
sewer back flow valves, anchoring
fuel tanks, reviewing insurance
policies, and cataloging belongings.
Collect and safeguard critical
financial, medical, educational, and
legal documents and records.
During/Survive
Follow guidance from local
authorities.
If advised to evacuate, grab your
“go bag” and leave immediately.
For protection from high winds,
stay away from windows and seek
shelter on the lowest level in an
interior room.
Move to higher ground if there
is flooding or a flood warning.
Turn Around Don’t Drown.®
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through water.
Call 9-1-1 if you are in life threatening
danger.
After/Be Safe
Return to the area only after
authorities say it is safe to do so.
Do not enter damaged buildings
until they are inspected by qualified
professionals.
Never walk or drive on flooded
roads or through floodwaters.
Look out for downed or unstable
trees, poles, and power lines.
Do not remove heavy debris by
yourself. Wear gloves and sturdy,
thick-soled shoes to protect your
hands and feet.
Do not drink tap water unless
authorities say it is safe.

September is National Preparedness Month

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. For the entire month of September, this initiative encourages people to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The devastating wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes in 2017 and 2018 show the importance of preparing for disasters. Seeing that these disasters can strike in any shape or form at any given time, it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Ask your community how you can volunteer. 

Business also need to be prepared. Ask us about out Emergency Ready Program. It is imperative to have all the shut off information to your water, electric, and gas handy in case of an emergency. SERVPRO of Sumter can help with all that. We even have an app you can download so all the information can be at your fingertips. 

Facts About Thunder

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

Thunder Facts 

  Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.

• The intense heat from lightning causes the surrounding air to rapidly expand and create a sonic wave that you hear as thunder.

• The average temperature of lightning is around 20000 °C (36000 °F).

• The sound of thunder can be anything from a loud crack to a low rumble.

• Light travels faster than sound so we see lightning before we hear thunder.

• The closer you are, the shorter the gap between the lightning and thunder.

• The speed of sound is around 767 miles per hour (1,230 kilometres per hour).

• The speed of light is around 669600000 miles per hour (1080000000 kilometres per hour).

• Thunder is difficult to hear at distances over 12 miles (20 kilometres).

• Thousands of years ago philosophers such as Aristotle believed that thunder was caused by the collision of clouds.

• Astraphobia is the fear of thunder and lightning.

July is Tornado Season

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can:

• Happen anytime and anywhere;

• Bring intense winds, over 200 MPH; and

• Look like funnels.

• If you can safely get to a sturdy building, then do so immediately.
• Go to a safe room, basement, or storm cellar.
• If you are in a building with no basement, then get to a small interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
• Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
• Use your arms to protect your head and neck.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TORNADO THREATENS

WHAT TO DO NOW: Prepare

• Know your area’s tornado risk. In the U.S., the Midwest and the Southeast have a greater risk for tornadoes.
• Know the signs of a tornado, including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud; an approaching cloud of debris; or a loud roar—similar to a freight train.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, then become familiar with the warning tone.
• Pay attention to weather reports. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado.
• Identify and practice going to a safe shelter in the event of high winds, such as a safe room built using FEMA criteria or a storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
• Consider constructing your own safe room that meets FEMA or ICC 500 standards.

 WHAT TO DO DURING: Survive

• Immediately go to a safe location that you identified.
• Take additional cover by shielding your head and neck with your arms and putting materials such as furniture and blankets around you.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle.
• If you are in a car or outdoors and cannot get to a building, cover your head and neck with your arms and cover your body with a coat or blanket, if possible.

WHAT TO DO AFTER: Be Safe

• Keep listening to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, and local authorities for updated information.
• If you are trapped, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust. Try to send a text, bang on a pipe or wall, or use a whistle instead of shouting.
• Stay clear of fallen power lines or broken utility lines.
• Do not enter damaged buildings until you are told that they are safe.
• Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.

• Be careful during clean-up. Wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves.

Some Facts about Lightning

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves. Most lightning occurs within the clouds.During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds. Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges. Lightning is extremely hot—a flash can heat the air around it to temperatures five times hotter than the sun’s surface. Many houses are grounded by rods and other protection that conduct a lightning bolt's electricity harmlessly to the ground. Homes may also be inadvertently grounded by plumbing, gutters, or other materials. Grounded buildings offer protection, but occupants who touch running water or use a landline phone may be shocked by conducted electricity.

(Information courtesy of National Geographic)

Flood Waters are Dangerous

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Flood waters and standing waters also pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries, well as displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact. 

Flood waters also may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.

It is very dangerous to play or drive in flood waters for these reasons.

Please be mindful of all weather hazards during this time in our great state of South Carolina. 

Tornado Safety

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Weather Wiz Kids weather information for kids

In an average year, 1000 tornadoes are reported, resulting in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries. Tornadoes have been reported in every state and can happen at any time of the year. Take tornadoes seriously, because with winds blowing at 200 mph or more, they can destroy just about anything in its path. Always listen to the radio and television for the latest information and instructions for your area.

A TORNADO WATCH means tornadoes are possible in your area. Stay tuned to the radio or television news.

A TORNADO WARNING means a tornado is either on the ground or has been detected by Doppler radar. Seek shelter immediately!

BEFORE A TORNADO:

• Have a disaster plan. Make sure everyone knows where to go in case a tornado threatens.
• Make sure you know which county or parish you live in.
• Prepare a disaster supplies kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.

DURING A TORNADO:

• Go to a basement.
• If you do not have a basement, go to an interior room without windows on the lowest floor such as a bathroom or closet.
• If you can, get under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
• If you live in a mobile home get out. They offer little protection against tornadoes.
• Get out of automobiles. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car, leave it immediately.
• If you’re outside, go to a ditch or low lying area and lie flat in it.
• Stay away from fallen power lines and stay out of damaged areas.