ServiceMaster Restore Helps Homeowners Prepare for Hurricane Season with Expert Tips

MEMPHIS, Tenn., May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the last 10 years, hurricanes have caused more than $300 billion in damage to homes and businesses, affecting tens of millions of Americans.  In recognition of National Hurricane Preparedness Week (May 25-May 31), ServiceMaster Restore is arming consumers with the know-how to protect themselves, their families and possessions if affected by a hurricane this season.

ServiceMaster Restore, one of the largest residential disaster recovery companies in the United States, has spent decades helping homeowners recover from small and large disasters (including storms like Ivan, Katrina, Ike and Sandy), and has pooled all of its knowledge and experience to create a simple, easy to follow plan of action for homeowners to prepare and respond when a hurricane occurs.

"While it's impossible to prevent a hurricane, there's a lot homeowners can do to prepare for the damage they can cause and to help minimize disruption and loss," says Peter Duncanson, director of disaster restoration training for ServiceMaster Restore.  "From developing an evacuation plan to making small investments around the home, homeowners can take simple steps to make sure they're prepared in the event a hurricane hits their area." 

Below are tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore on how to prepare for a hurricane:

• Communication is Key – During a hurricane, power and cell phone tower outages are common, literally breaking down lines of communication.  One of the best and easiest steps to help prepare for the worst is to communicate your evacuation plan in advance to friends, family and loved ones.  
• Secure the Basic Necessities – When preparing for something that could likely uproot you and your family from your home – or leave you without the option of going to the store – be sure to have at least one week's worth of the basics: water, non-perishable food, medicine and clothing.
• Protect Your Investment – If you have to evacuate your home, make sure to protect what's left behind, including insurance and financial documents.  Make a list of your possessions and take pictures of everything inside and outside your home.  Keep copies of important financial documents and insurance policies with you, so you have a record if you need it. 
• If a Hurricane Strikes – Never underestimate the power or strength of a hurricane and make sure you're prepared to the best of your ability.  If you have to evacuate, do it.  If you need help during the cleanup process, call a professional like ServiceMaster Restore, which has the experience, resources and expertise to work with you and your insurance company to help restore your home to normal.

For more expert tips and information about hurricane preparedness, visit ServiceMasterRestore.com.  For immediate emergency fire and water damage clean up, call a live ServiceMaster Restore operator 24/7/365 at 1-800-RESPOND.

About ServiceMaster Restore
With more than 1,800 franchised and licensed locations around the world, ServiceMaster Restore and ServiceMaster Recovery Management serve customers through a global network of franchises available 24/7/365 to provide residential and commercial restoration services resulting from damage caused by water, fire or smoke. ServiceMaster Recovery Management (SRM) is the large scale commercial catastrophic disaster restoration unit of ServiceMaster Restore.  More information can be found at www.servicemasterrecoverymanagement.com. ServiceMaster Restore is a business unit of the Memphis-based The ServiceMaster Company, LLC, one of the world's largest residential and commercial service networks. The company's brands include Terminix, American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec.

SOURCE ServiceMaster Restore