Recent Storm Damage Posts
Hurricane Ida: A Recap and Claims Update One Year Later
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on August 29, 2021
August 29th marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ida making landfall in Louisiana. Hurricane Ida was the second-most damaging hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana behind Hurricane Katrina. A year later, many of our communities throughout the state are still recovering. As we continue to rebuild, we can assess the impact of Hurricane Ida and learn how to prepare for future storms.
Hurricane Ida Facts
- Hurricane Ida made landfall on August 29, 2021, near Port Fourchon, Louisiana as a Cat 4 storm with 150 mph sustained winds.
- Hurricane Ida affected 25 parishes in Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast region before making its way up the East Coast causing damages in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
- Hurricane Ida was the 5th costliest tropical cyclone on record and the fourth costliest Atlantic hurricane in the US causing at least $75.25 billion dollars in damages.
- Hurricane Ida produced 35 known tornadoes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Virginia.
- In Louisiana, more than one million people were without power. In Mississippi, 113,000 people lost electricity on August 30th. Most properties had power restored within ten days.
Hurricane Ida Louisiana Claims Data
On August 1st, the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) Commissioner Jim Donelon released the third measure of Hurricane Ida data. The following claims information is conclusive as of June 30th. LDI will continue collecting data from property and casualty insurers and will release a fourth and final Hurricane Ida claims data report this fall. Please note that the following facts do not include data from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as LDI does not regulate NFIP.
- Insurers have paid or reserved to pay $13.1 billion on all types of Hurricane Ida-related claims in Louisiana.
- Policyholders have filed 460,709 claims of all types. Of those claims, 299,440, or 65%, were closed with payment.
- The total number of residential property claims is 359,548. Of those claims, 88% are closed and 63% were closed with payment.
- The total number of commercial property claims is 29,876. Of those claims, 71% are closed and 45% were closed with payment.
- The total number of private flood claims is 662. Of those claims, 91% are closed and 52% were closed with payment.
SERVPRO's Response to Hurricane Ida
After Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana, SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville and every other SERVPRO franchise in our state were inundated with phone calls requesting restoration services. Our office alone received hundreds of phone calls within the first couple of weeks after the storm. Homeowners and business owners needed everything from roof tarping and tree removal to flood cleanup and water damage mitigation services. While SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville and other local SERVPRO franchises immediately began helping our community recover, SERVPRO franchises from all over the United States rushed into Louisiana to provide more resources.
SERVPRO’s corporate office received 5,683 phone calls from Louisiana residents after Hurricane Ida. Storm teams across the country quickly mobilized to lend a hand. Forty out-of-state independently owned and operated SERVPRO franchises with approximately one hundred restoration crews helped us provide emergency restoration services in Louisiana. From large loss teams to smaller franchise teams, SERVPRO crews helped restore thousands of businesses and homes.
Hurricane Resources
Other Reports and Data on Hurricane Ida
St. Tammany Parish is a StormReady® Community
6/29/2022 (Permalink)
St. Tammany Parish is a StormReady® Community
St. Tammany Parish is recognized as a StormReady® community in accordance with the National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady® program. The NWS StormReady® program was created to help communities throughout the United States better prepare for extreme weather and water events. StormReady® program provides community emergency managers with guidelines on how to improve their hazard weather program. Each StormReady® community must meet certain criteria to earn this designation, and they must renew every three years. A few of the program’s criteria include having an established 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center, promoting the importance of public readiness through community seminars, and developing a formal hazardous weather plan.
Extreme weather events in St. Tammany Parish include hazards such as flooding, tornadoes, and wind and hail damages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Officials from St. Tammany Parish Government’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are responsible for maintaining our community’s StormReady® designation and for ensuring our residents and businesses are prepared for any size disaster. Below is a list of emergency resources to help St. Tammany Parish residents before, during, and after weather-related hazards.
St. Tammany Parish Storm Emergency Numbers
- For storm updates, call 985-809-2300
- To report storm-related issues, call 985-898-2323
- After the storm, to report damages, call 985-898-2574 or email DAMAGE@STPGOV.ORG
- For special needs shelter information, call 985-898-3074
St. Tammany Parish Sandbag Locations
(Possible locations – Opening of Sandbag locations will be posted at www.stpgov.org/storm)
- Tammany Parish Government – Building – 21410 Koop Dr., Mandeville, LA 70471.
- Tammany Parish Public Works – Airport Road Barn- 34783 Grantham College Rd. Slidell, LA 70460.
- Tammany Parish Public Works – Fritchie Barn- 63119 Highway 1090 in Pearl River, LA 70452.
- Tammany Parish Public Works Barn – Keller Barn- 63131 Fish Hatchery Road, Lacombe, LA 70445.
- Tammany Parish Public Works Barn – Covington Barn- 1305 N. Florida Street, Covington, LA 70433.
- The Old Levee District Site – 61134 Military Road (Hwy 1090) Slidell, LA
St. Tammany Parish Storm Resources
St. Tammany Parish Storm Communications
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville has provided emergency storm mitigation and restoration services for St. Tammany Parish residents and businesses since 2009. After storms, our crews are ready to respond immediately to prevent secondary damages to properties. Our emergency services include water and flood damage mitigation, board-up, securing tarps, and more. Please call 985-871-5375 to schedule emergency mitigation services.
4 Tips to Prepare for the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
Forecasters predict an above-average 2022 Atlantic hurricane season.
The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center are predicting an above-average season for the seventh year in a row. Specifically, NOAA predicts a sixty-five percent chance of an above-normal season, a twenty-five percent chance of s near-normal season and a ten percent chance of a below-normal season.
The above-average forecast includes a range of fourteen to twenty-one named storms, of which six to ten could become hurricanes. Three to six of the predicted hurricanes are expected to be major hurricanes. The World Meteorological Organization has designated the following potential Atlantic tropical storm names for this year: Alex, Bonnie, Collin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl, Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias, Virginie, and Walter.
Understanding your risks and preparing early is vital to be ready this season. Follow our hurricane preparedness tips below to organize your hurricane emergency plans now.
- Create an evacuation plan with at least two options. As hurricane paths can change quickly, choosing multiple evacuation locations is wise to account for various storm routes. Review St. Tammany Parish evacuation routes and decide upon two options. Choose one leading east and one leading west as you may need to evacuate to either Texas or Mississippi to avoid the hurricane’s path. Research hotels along the routes to account for your household's special needs. For example, you may need to find a hotel that allows pets or offers extended stay options.
- Build an emergency kit. If you plan to shelter in place, then you should create an emergency kit with disaster supplies that can sustain each member of your household for three days.
- Stay weather aware. Sign up for local weather alerts and follow emergency orders from government officials.
- Save our phone number for emergency storm damage services. 985-871-5375. Since 2009, SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville has helped St. Tammany Parish and neighboring communities recover after disasters. Our storm response team provides emergency board-up, roof tarping, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, and other storm damage restoration services.
Follow us on Facebook and frequent our blog for emergency alerts and more disaster planning tips.
Stay Weather Aware: Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning
10/6/2021 (Permalink)
The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. Each hurricane season, homeowners are reminded about safety tips and preparedness planning strategies to help protect their properties and families. Understanding when to complete certain preparedness tasks depends on if a storm has formed and on the specific advisories that can be issued.
What to do before a storm has formed
At the beginning of each hurricane season, the following tasks should be checked off your list to prepare for a hurricane.
- Build or restock your emergency kit. Make sure there is enough food and water to sustain each household member for up to three days. Your emergency kits should also have items such as flashlights, a radio, and a power bank to recharge cell phones.
- Review evacuation plan with household
- Discuss a couple of evacuation options, one east and one west of possible affected areas. Be conscious of special needs your family may have like hotels that are pet friendly.
- Sign up for local weather alerts
- Visit local and state government emergency preparedness websites, as well as weather.gov to stay aware of threats and resources.
What to do when a hurricane watch has been issued
A hurricane watch is issued when a tropical cyclone with speeds of 74 mph may pose a threat to the area within the next 48 hours.
- Monitor NOAA, local, and state weather alerts via radio stations, local news stations, and official social media pages.
- Prepare your home and property. Move outdoor furniture inside, trim loose branches, and test your generator.
- Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and a couple of extra gas cans if you will use a generator.
- Withdraw cash from your emergency savings account in case banks are not open after the storm or if stores can only accept cash.
- Gather important documents such as social security cards, insurance documents, lease or mortgage contracts, prescriptions in case you need to evacuate.
What to do when a hurricane warning has been issued
A hurricane watch is issued when a tropical cyclone has sustained winds of 74 mph or higher and is expected to make landfall within the next 36 hours.
- Evacuate immediately if authorities have instructed your area to do so.
- Stay inside if you have decided to stay.
- Have your emergency kit and alternative lighting sources such as candles or flashlights handy.
- Keep a radio or news station on to listen to updates.
What to do after a hurricane has passed
- Obey local authorities’ directives such as staying off the roads unless you are essential to emergency or cleanup efforts. Emergency personnel must assess current road conditions are safe to travel on first. If you have evacuated, do not return until told to do so.
- Be mindful while assessing damages around your home. Look out for down power lines and dangerous materials like broken glass.
- Check on nearby neighbors and family to make sure they are okay.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in storm damage cleanup and restoration. If your home or business has been damaged by a storm, please contact our office for assistance. Please dial 985-871-5375 to reach us 24/7/365.
Hurricane Ida Recovery Update
9/21/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville helps homeowners and business owners recover following Hurricane Ida.
Hurricane Ida first made landfall in Port Fourchon, Louisiana on August 29th, 2021. As a Category 4 Hurricane, Hurricane Ida caused damages throughout most of Southeast Louisiana. From northern parishes such as St. Tammany Parish and Tangipahoa Parish to lower-lying parishes like St. Charles Parish and Terrebonne Parish, many residents and business owners have a long recovery road ahead of them.
As of September 21st, some areas are still without power and the internet. We would like to say thank you to everyone who is working tirelessly to help us recover. We want to specifically thank all linemen, government officials, police officers, firefighters, emergency personnel, non-profits, and business owners who have stepped up to serve our community.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville has been working diligently to help restore homes and businesses damaged by Hurricane Ida. Three weeks after the storm, our list of customers in need is still long. Please know we are doing our best to help everyone we can as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience during this difficult time. Please reach out to our office if you are still in need of mitigation or mold remediation services. Our office number is 985-871-5375.
Hurricane Ida Storm Recovery Resources and Updates:
- FEMA
- St. Tammany Parish Government Updates
- New Orleans Hurricane Ida Relief Resources
- United Way Southeast Louisiana
- Red Cross Louisiana Hurricane Ida Relief
- Operation Blue Roof
- Nola Ready Updates
2021 National Preparedness Month
8/20/2021 (Permalink)
National Preparedness Month 2021
Every September we observe National Preparedness Month, intent on raising awareness about the significance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The theme for 2021 is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” A specific theme is designated for each week and relevant tips are provided. Take time to work through each week's tips. Review the resources with every member of your household to best prepare for an emergency.
Week 1- Make a Plan
Week 2- Build a Kit
Week 3- Low-cost, No-cost Preparedness
Week 4 – Teach Youth About Preparedness
2021 Flood Insurance Update- FEMA Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action
7/8/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is a leader in flood damage restoration.
Have you heard about the NFIP's new flood insurance risk rating change? For the past few decades, flood insurance rates were mostly determined by a property’s elevation within a zone on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Utilizing decades of flood data and cutting-edge technology, FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 will now incorporate numerous factors to provide more equitable rates that better reflect a property’s flood risk. The new rating methodology will take into account a wide variety of variables like flood frequency, type of flooding, distance to water, and cost to rebuild.
FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 will be implemented in two phases.
Phase 1
New policies beginning on October 1, 2021, will be subject to the new rating methodology. Also, beginning October 2, existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be able to take advantage of the immediate decrease in their premiums.
Phase 2
All remaining policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022, will be subject to the new rating methodology.
According to FEMA, “under the new pricing system, 96% of current policyholders will see either an immediate decrease or an increase of $20 or less per month increase in their premiums”.
Contact your local insurance agent now to learn more about Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action and to purchase flood insurance. Remember, every property in St. Tammany Parish is technically located in a flood zone, every zone is simply either low risk, moderate risk, or high-risk area.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in flood damage cleanup. If your home or business has been affected by flooding or storm damage, contact our office by dialing 985-871-5375. We are available 24/7/365 for emergency services.
Preparing for Hurricane Season - What is a storm deductible?
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville's emergency response team cleans up and restores properties damaged by storms.
Preparing for hurricane season includes understanding your property and casualty insurance policy benefits and storm deductibles. In Louisiana, insurance policies designate three different deductibles related to wind damage: hurricane, named storm, and windstorm and hail.
A hurricane deductible is triggered when the National Hurricane Center reports a tropical storm has reached hurricane strength, 74mph. Named storm deductibles are activated when a tropical storm reaches winds of 34 mph. Windstorm and hail deductibles can be required for damages caused by any kind of storm, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or other storms.
Policyholders must pay the required deductible before their insurance carrier will cover the expense of the claim. Storm deductibles are generally more costly than typical homeowner or business owner policy deductibles though. Storm deductibles are expressed as a percentage of the value of the home, usually a value between one percent and five percent. However, storm deductibles for coastal homes may be even higher.
We advise speaking with your insurance agent before you need to file an insurance claim, especially a storm-related claim. Ask your agent what your storm deductibles are. Prepare to have that amount saved. Also, please keep in mind building material costs are substantially higher than normal this year. Ask your insurance agent if your policy will cover actual cash value or replacement cost. Replacement costs may be most beneficial in today’s market.
Our team is here to help if your home or business incurs storm damages. We work with all major insurance companies and are we are available 24/7 for emergency services. Please contact our office with any questions regarding storm cleanup or to schedule a service.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center Predicts Above-Average Atlantic Hurricane Season for 2021
6/4/2021 (Permalink)
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center now considers an average Atlantic hurricane season to have 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially started on June 1st. Again this year, experts at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predict an above-average season. The NOAA's CPC will now use data from 1991-2020 to determine hurricane season averages. The previous averages were based upon data from 1981-2010. NOAA's CPC now considers an average Atlantic hurricane season to include 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes. The average for major hurricanes remains unchanged at 3.
At this time, we urge every homeowner and business owner to review their hurricane preparedness plan. Know your evacuation route. Inspect your emergency kits and restock them if necessary. Review your plan with your household or employees. Call your insurance agent to review your policy and make necessary changes. Please keep in mind material prices have dramatically increased. Replacement costs may be higher than your current policy accounts for.
For local business owners, we offer complimentary emergency planning services specific to your property to help mitigate disasters and prepare employees. Each disaster plan includes a 3D Matterport scan of the property for preloss documentation. Please contact me for more details about this no-cost service.
Our storm response team is prepared to help our community in the unfortunate event of a disaster. With unlimited resources through our national partners, no job is too big for SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville. Our emergency restoration team is here to help 24/7/365.
How to Prepare for the 2021 Hurricane Season
3/11/2021 (Permalink)
Start preparing now for the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season
The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins on June 1st. Preparing for a storm well in advance will help protect your home and family. Now is the time to assess your risks, make your hurricane plan, and practice your plan with your family. Follow our tips below to get started.
Inspect Your Property for Existing Damages and Make Necessary Repairs
You should fully inspect your home twice a year, once before Hurricane Season and once before winter. Three main areas to check for weaknesses are your roof, caulking around windows, and whether your gutters are properly draining water away from your home. Make all necessary repairs before storm season begins.
Discover Your Flood Risk and Purchase Flood Insurance
Just one inch of floodwater can cost up to$25,000 in restoration costs. Visit www.floodfactor.com to discover the flood risk for your home, neighborhood, and city. Speak with your insurance agent about your options.
Make an Emergency Kit
Your home emergency kit should have enough food and water for 3 days per person, extra batteries, a cell phone charger, backup phone battery, blankets, extra clothes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and trash bags.
Secure Important Documents
Make sure you have copies of important documents like your insurance policy, mortgage, car registration, birth certificates, and financial documents saved online. Keep original copies in your emergency kit and take them with you if you need to evacuate.
Create an Emergency Plan
Create an emergency plan with your household. Discuss your evacuation plans. Plan where and with whom your household would stay if you need to evacuate.
If your home does incur hurricane or flood damages, then please do not enter until it is safe to do so. Floodwater is contaminated and can pose health risks.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in flood damage restoration. Our emergency water restoration team is here to help whether your home incurs one inch of floodwater or four feet of floodwater. Our team will remove all damaged structural materials contaminated by the floodwaters. We will clean the remaining structure and apply an anti-microbial agent to prevent further damages. Then, we will utilize our professional drying and dehumidification equipment to properly dry your home.
Tropical Storm Sally Update
9/14/2020 (Permalink)
Tropical Storm Sally Update
The National Hurricane Center's latest update on Tropical Storm Sally predicts tropical storm conditions are likely to begin later today and hurricane conditions are expected to realize tonight. It is still too early to determine exactly where Sally's center will move onshore. TS Sally is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall. A flash flood watch is in effect for most of southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, until Wednesday night.
A storm surge warning is in effect for:
• Port Fourchon, Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border,
• Lake Pontchartrain
• Lake Maurepas
• Lake Borgne
• Mobile Bay
A hurricane warning is in effect for:
• Morgan City, Louisiana, to the Mississippi/Alabama border
• Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas
• Metro New Orleans
A tropical storm warning is in effect for:
• Mississippi/Alabama border to Indian, Pass Florida
• Intracoastal City, Louisiana to the west of Morgan City
A hurricane watch is in effect for:
• Mississippi/Alabama border to the Alabama/Florida border
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is here to help our fellow residents and businesses recover from all storm damages. Our restoration and rebuild teams will assist with tarping, board-up, flood restoration, roof repairs, and more. For assistance, please call our office by dialing 985-871-5375.
National Preparedness Month 2020
9/1/2020 (Permalink)
2020 National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month
If you knew a disaster would happen tomorrow what would you do today? National Preparedness Month, which is observed every year in September, provides us with an opportunity to identify risk and prepare for the unexpected.
This year’s theme is “Disaster Does Not Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”
Make A Plan
It is important to talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Put a plan together by discussing the following questions
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Consider the specific needs of your household when preparing for emergencies such as responsibilities for assisting others, dietary needs, medical needs such as prescriptions/equipment, and pets or service animals. Include unique needs in your plan.
Build A Kit
One of the easiest things to do to prepare for a disaster is to assemble an emergency kit ahead of time. Your kit should include several days’ worth of food, water, and supplies.
Here are some essential items to include:
- Water- one gallon per person per day for at least three days
- Food- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
- Cash to last for all members of your family for several days
- Masks
- Cell phone and portable power bank
- Copies of important documents
- Toiletries
You and your family may also need to include other items such as:
- Prescription medicine
- Pet food and extra water
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Activities for children
Prepare for Disasters
Minimize the impact of disasters by knowing the risk in your area. It is important to check your insurance coverage, learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms, and have a plan in place. Sign up for local alerts and monitor the St. Tammany Parish Government’s Office of Homeland Security for emergency information.
Save documents before disaster strikes by safely storing important financial documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. Important documents include mortgages or leases, bank/credit card statements, tax returns, and insurance information.
Teach Youth About Preparedness
Emergency situations can occur at any time or place. When these situations do arise, people have the best chance at survival when everyone, including children, knows what to do to ensure their own safety. Ready kids has tools and information to help kids prepare before, during and after disasters. These resources are perfect for families and classrooms.
Hurricane Laura Disaster Relief
8/27/2020 (Permalink)
As we begin to assess the damages from Hurricane Laura, know our team and numerous other SERVPRO disaster relief crews are prepared to help. Emergency responders and supplies are on their way. We will be sending a team to provide relief as soon as it is safe to do so.
Please be aware that south Louisiana is still under a tornado watch. The storm's outer bands continue to pose a threat of heavy rainfall and flooding. Please do not attempt to drive on streets with high water levels. Continue to monitor the weather and heed the advice of government officials.
Our team is here to help Louisiana recover. Please call our office for assistance. We can be reached 24/7/365 by dialing 985-871-5375.
Monitoring TS Marco and TS Laura
8/24/2020 (Permalink)
As of Monday, August 24th, Marco has weakened to a tropical storm again. The National Hurricane Center warns Marco could still cause life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds along the Gulf Coast. If you live in an area prone to storm surge and flooding, you may be safe evacuating until later this week. Several Louisiana parishes are under mandatory evacuations. A flash flood warning will be in effect until Tuesday morning for south Louisiana.
We are cautiously monitoring tropical storm Laura that is expected to make landfall Thursday as a Category 2 Hurricane. This morning, TS Laura is just south of the Cuban coastline and will move over Cuba tonight. Topical Storm Laura is expected to reach the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is prepared and ready to respond in the case of an emergency. We offer board-up, emergency tarping, flood restoration, and other storm damage services. Our emergency response team is available 24/7/365. For assistance, please call our office by dialing 985-871-5375.
Tropical Storm Cristobal - June 8th Update
6/8/2020 (Permalink)
Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened to a depression Monday morning. As of 5:00 am, the center of Cristobal is over Baton Rouge. Bands of rain are still moving across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Flooded streets can be seen throughout both Ponchartrain lakefront neighborhoods located in Mandeville and New Orleans. While traffic has been blocked, more rain and storm surges are likely to prevent anyone from getting around the areas for several hours, if not a day or two.
Please do not attempt to drive through flooded streets. If you're unsure of how deep the water is, then we suggest you turn around and find an alternate route. If you're home or business has flooded, we are here to help. Our emergency storm team has the training and experience to restore any size property.
You can reach our office 24/7/365 by dialing 985-871-5375.
2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Predictions
6/1/2020 (Permalink)
2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a slightly more active season. NOAA's Climate Prediction Centerestimates a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
An average Atlantic hurricane season consists of 12 named storms. Of those storms, six are hurricanes and three are major hurricanes. The current outlook for 2020's hurricane season is 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes. Now is the time to beginemergency preparation for your family and business.
2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparation Checklist
- Speak with your insurance agent about flood insurance. Every Louisiana homeowner and business owner should have a flood insurance policy to help them recover after a storm.
- Discuss your evacuation plan with your family. With the current situation regarding COVID-19 restrictions, your options may be limited. Shelters may not be able to accommodate a mass group of evacuees. Some hotels may limit extended stays. Plan ahead and do your research.
- Examine your emergency kit. Did you need to borrow from your emergency kit during quarantine? Restock any items you may have recently used.
- Conduct thorough walkthroughs of your home and business. Inspect areas common to wind and hail damages like windows and the roof. Make any necessary repairs.
- Create an emergency plan for your office. This plan should include contact information for each employee and vendors you may need to help with disaster recovery.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in disaster recovery and storm damage restoration. For more information about emergency planning, please send an email to kayla@SERVPROofcovington.com
May 14, 2020 - Flooding in Covington and Goodbee
5/15/2020 (Permalink)
Our hearts go out to those affected by the storm last night. Please know our team is working as quickly as possible to help and we are bringing in more resources now. Our office is available 24/7/365.
If your home or business has flooded:
- Take pictures of all rooms and contents that have been affected
- Contact your insurance agent if you have flood insurance to begin filing a claim
- Do not throw anything away before taking a picture of it
- Save receipts if you purchase anything to help with cleanup
- Do not plug in or try to use any appliance that was submerged in water
- Move contents off of the ground in case more rain comes tonight or this weekend
We have yet to hear if officials will distribute sandbags. If your home or business was close to incurring damages last night, then we suggest you procure some to setup around vulnerable areas outside your home as soon as possible. Please be careful driving around town today. Do not drive down flooded streets.
985-871-5375
Tornado Rips Through Old Mandeville
4/21/2020 (Permalink)
On Easter Sunday, April 19th, a storm with strong winds and heavy rained passed through the Southeast United States touting severe warnings for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Lightning, excessive rainfall, and a few tornadoes damaged homes in each of the Southeast states as the storm moved north to Tennesse on Monday.
In Louisiana, Old Mandeville saw the brunt of it. The National Weather Service declared an EF1 tornado with a maximum wind speed of 100 mph and a quarter of a mile wide path touched down and traveled 3.1 miles of historic Old Mandeville late Sunday night. About a dozen homes were damaged by fallen trees that night.
As a licensed and insured general contractor, SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is a one-stop-shop for storm damage restoration. If you need assistance with placing a tarp on your roof, boarding-up your home, water damage restoration, or repairing your roof, then please contact our office today by dialing 985-871-5375. Our emergency restoration team will help guide you through the claims process and make this disaster seem "Like it never even happened."
Keeping an Eye on the Rising Pearl River
2/18/2020 (Permalink)
The St. Tammany Parish Government Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is currently monitoring the forecast along the Pearl River via the National Weather Service. We are also keeping an eye on the situation and reaching out to our clients who may be affected. At this time, we urge everyone along the river to consistently monitor the river gauges and take precautionary measures to protect lives, pets, and properties. Our disaster response team is on standby with the necessary equipment to respond quickly and efficiently to any size disaster. We have a local team of highly trained and experienced water damage restoration technicians, as well as access to resources from nearby SERVPRO large-loss disaster recovery teams. For immediate assistance, please call our office by dialing 985-871-5375.
How are flood zones classified?
1/29/2020 (Permalink)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) classifies flood zones into three distinct categories: high risk areas, moderate risk areas, and low risk areas. High risk areas are labeled A or V. The federal government requires high risk or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) to purchase flood insurance. SFHA are usually found in coastal or beachfront land. Moderate risk zones are labeled B or X. Properties in these areas are not federally required to purchase flood insurance. Neither are insured in low risk areas, which are labeled zone c or zone x. However, sometimes mortgage lenders may require insureds to purchase flood insurance despite not being located in a high risk area. St. Tammany Parish participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP provides coverage for up to $250,000 for the structure of the property and up to $100,000 for contents coverage. Excess coverage can be purchased through a private company to cover additional costs of restoration and rebuild following a flood disaster. Private flood insurance is also an option for communities that do not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. To purchase flood insurance speak with your local agent. To learn more about flood insurance visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Buying Flood Insurance in St. Tammany Parish
1/28/2020 (Permalink)
The Census Bureau's report from 2017 estimates 256,327 people live in St. Tammany Parish. Over the past couple of decades, a steady population increase has warranted a surge in new development. Parts of the parish are met by Lake Pontchartrain and many other areas are home to our beautiful rivers and marsh land. According to the parish government website, "St Tammany Parish is subject to riverine flooding, ponding as a result of heavy rainfall, and flooding from tropical storm surge". In 2016, many areas around the cities of Baton Rouge and Covington experienced unprecedented flooding due to heavy rainfall and rising rivers. Some properties located in Special Flood Hazard Areas have now flooded multiple times. While St. Tammany Parish is less at risk of severe flooding as Orleans Parish or the handful of parishes closest to the Gulf of Mexico, residents should be aware of how to best protect their property in case of an emergency. If your home or business is located in a flood zone in St. Tammany Parish, then buying flood insurance would be a wise decision for you. Homeowners' insurance usually covers damages from wind and rain, but water damages from rising flood waters is only covered with a separate flood insurance policy. Because St. Tammany Parish participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, every home owner or business owner is eligible to purchase a separate flood insurance policy, even if their property has previously flooded. Following a flooding event, most materials in your home or business would need to be removed due to bacteria in the contaminated water. To remove and replace materials like drywall, flooring, cabinets, and appliances can be very costly. Just one inch of flood water can lead to restoration costs of up to $25,000. Flood insurance would help cover these costs and restore your property quickly. Every policy differs in expense based on several factors, but in the end paying for a flood insurance policy is well worth it. To learn more about flood insurance contact your local insurance agent or go to www.floodsmart.gov.
Happy New Year!
1/2/2020 (Permalink)
2019 was a big year for the SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville team. This was the first year we operated out of our newly purchased 15,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse located in Mandeville off of Highway 59 in Alamosa Park. Our new building has afforded us opportunities to teach more insurance agents and adjusters continuing education classes, the ability to safely store clients' contents in a climate controlled environment in-house, and has given us ample room for growth. Tristan White, our previous water damage restoration crew manager, is thriving in his new role as operations manager and his crew leader John Joyce has stepped up to fill his shoes as our water damage restoration team manager. We've also welcomed a few more water damage restoration and fire damage restoration technicians to our SERVPRO family. As of now, our leadership team has over forty-five years of experience in the restoration industry!
Another win for 2019 was our rebuild team, now established as Complete Restoration Services L.L.C., making a name for themselves, not just in the insurance industry as a reconstruction vendor, but in the construction industry on the Northshore and Southshore as well. While Complete Restoration Services specializes in insurance claims reconstruction projects, CRS is a full service licensed and insured general construction company available for any remodeling or renovation projects. From repairing and installing roofs to building a fresh, modern bathroom, Complete Restoration Services, L.L.C provides quality workmanship and superior customer service.
Investing in our team's education and expanding our company to offer more services are just two of the reasons we are the leading restoration company on the Northshore. Our mission at SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is to make any size disaster seem "Like it never even happened," as quickly and efficiently as possible so that our customers' lives can resume back to normal. We're humbled to have helped so many people this year and look forward to another year of being your trusted restoration vendor.
Happy New Year from the SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville team!
The 3 other disturbances in the Atlantic to keep an eye on
9/6/2019 (Permalink)
Dorian, which made landfall in North Carolina on September 6th, isn't the only thing forecasters are watching.According to CNN, there are three other disturbances in the Atlantic:
- Gabrielle is a post-tropical cyclone in the middle of the ocean.
- Off the coast of Africa, there's a disturbance that has a 20% chance of a cyclone forming in the next 48 hours.
- There's another could-be cyclone closer the Caribbean. That one has only a 10% chance of forming in the next two days.
Generally, the Atlantic hurricane season reaches a peak in the eight weeks surrounding September 10th.
Two-thirds of all the storms produced in a typical season occur during this period.
Conditions in the tropics become ideal for storm development during this time. By the end of August, water has typically warmed to the mid-80s in many parts of the region.
For those affected by Hurricane Dorian seeking assistance please visit https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-dorian.
2019 National Hurricane Preparedness Week
4/23/2019 (Permalink)
National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2019
Hurricane season begins June 1st. This year National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5th through May 11th. Each day we are urged to focus on specific emergency planning tasks to help prepare our families and communities for hurricanes.
May 5th – Know Your Risk
How at risk of hurricane damages is your home or business? Evaluate what you need to do now in order to best protect your home and business. Sign up for local alerts online or download a weather app, like the FEMA app or the WDSU weather app.
May 6th – Develop an Evacuation Plan
The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, then figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about.
May 7th - Assemble Disaster Supplies
A hurricane emergency kit should include all the necessities for surviving at least 72 hours and any unique items your family may need, like items for pets or seniors. In addition to storing copies of important documents in your emergency kit, you should also have documents stored on the cloud or saved as a Google document.
May 8th - Get an Insurance Check Up
Is your home properly protected? Read our latest blog about flood insurance to learn important facts about flood insurance that may probably surprise you. For instance, just one inch of water in your home can cause up to $25,000 in damages. Imagine having to cover the restoration and rebuild costs without having insurance. Also, flood insurance doesn’t go into effect until thirty days after the purchase date and insurance cannot be purchased when a named storm is in the Gulf of Mexico. So, plan a meeting with your insurance agent today to review your policy and make necessary changes before it's too late.
May 9th - Strengthen Your Home
If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, then make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home. So, it must be able to withstand high winds. You can reduce property damage in the event of a hurricane by retrofitting (i.e., reinforcing) the roof, windows, and doors.
May 10th - Help Your Neighbor
Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes by visiting ready.gov/neighbors.
May 11th – Make an Emergency Plan
Write down your full emergency plan and share it with your friends and family. Having a written plan will take the guesswork out of your response and allow you to calmly make decisions during a disaster. For help creating your emergency plan, you can visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Remember, it only takes one storm to change your life and community. For more information on hurricanes and hurricane safety, visit weather.gov/safety/hurricane
Have You Created an Emergency Preparedness Plan for Your Business?
2/18/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville Emergency Ready Program
Benjamin Franklin said, "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail". This is one of our favorite quotes, as every day we are reminded of the importance of disaster preparedness. We understand accidents happen. Even with regular business maintenance, you can not prevent accidents from occurring, like water pipes breaking or appliances malfunctioning. Also, you can not control natural disasters, nor can you prevent damages following said natural disasters. As a business owner, your best defense for property damages is a strong offense of proper maintenance and emergency planning. Have you created a disaster plan for your business? If so, have you shared this plan with your employees? How would your team respond following an accident or disaster if they could not get in touch with you or didn't know about your emergency preparedness plan? SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville offers free emergency preparedness and business continuity planning services for businesses of all sizes in St. Tammany Parish. Our marketing coordinator will help you create an Emergency Ready Profile that will serve to better prepare you and your team to respond quickly following a disaster. A quick response will help you to minimize business interruption, minimize lost revenue from business interruption, and save you money from reduced secondary damages. For more information about our Emergency Ready Program or to schedule your appointment with our marketing coordinator, please contact Kayla Theriot by sending an email to Kayla@SERVPROofcovington.com.
Severe Weather Warning for Northshore and Southshore Areas
1/28/2019 (Permalink)
Follow these tips to thaw frozen pipes
A sharp cold front will be moving through our area late tonight, January 28th, and throughout the early morning hours tomorrow, January 29th. A flood warning will continue for the Pearl River near Bogalusa until tomorrow morning at 8:00 am. I urge you to prepare your home for the upcoming dangerous temperatures. Wednesday morning we will likely have freeze or hard freeze warnings or watches, according to WDSU. Also, please be mindful while driving as roads are expected to be frozen or slick with icy patches.
For help with any water damage emergencies relating to this winter storm, please contact our office by dialing 985-871-5375. Our emergency restoration team is available 24/7 to make any size disaster seem "Like it never even happened."
Facts About Flood Insurance: Why you need to have it and what you need to know
1/15/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in flood damage restoration.
According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, affecting every single state. While hurricanes are mostly responsible for massive flooding catastrophes, other causes of flooding include snowmelt, heavy rain, dams or levees breaking, and new developments impacting water flow. In the past couple of years, many homes that are not in high-risk flood zones throughout the cities of Covington, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Denham Springs, and Baton Rouge experienced flooding simply because of heavy rainfall. In case you didn’t know, your homeowner’s policy will not cover damages caused by flooding. Purchasing a flood insurance policy is a wise idea even if your home is not located on the lakefront in Mandeville or near the river in downtown Covington. Just one inch of floodwater in your home can cost thousands of dollars in damages. Floodwater is contaminated and according to professional cleaning standards every material affected by flood water must be removed and discarded.
Picture a few inches of floodwater inside of your home. Imagine needing to replace your flooring, sheetrock, cabinets, furniture, clothes, electronics, etc. How much do you think this would cost? Purchasing a flood insurance policy will save you time and money, helping you and your family recover faster.
Below are a few facts about flood insurance and helpful tips to make you a more informed insured.
When should you purchase a flood insurance policy?
Do not wait for hurricane season to purchase a flood insurance policy. The average flood insurance policy takes 30 days to become active. However, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a policy may go into effect sooner:
- “If your building is newly designated in a high-risk Special Flood Hazard Area, and you buy flood insurance within the 13-month period following a map revision: One-day waiting period.
- If you buy flood insurance in connection with making, increasing, extending, or renewing your mortgage loan: No waiting period.
- If you select additional insurance as an option on your flood insurance policy renewal bill: No waiting period.
- If your property is affected by flooding on burned federal land, and the policy is purchased within 60 days of the fire-containment: Possible waiver of the waiting period.”
But, for the most part, damages from flooding will only be covered after the thirty-day wait period. Now is always the best time to purchase a flood insurance policy.
What is covered by flood insurance?
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners, and renters. For homeowners, your flood insurance policy will offer up to $250,000 for repairing the home itself and offer up to $100,000 for replacing personal items and your contents. Business owner policies will offer up to $500,000 for building repairs and $500,000 in building contents. Renters can purchase policies covering up to $100,000 of personal contents.
According to FEMA:
“Building coverage includes:
- The insured building and its foundation
- The electrical and plumbing system
- Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces, and water heaters
- Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances such as dishwashers
- Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
Contents coverage includes:
- Clothing, curtains, furniture and electronic equipment
- Portable items such as window air conditioners, microwaves, and dishwashers
- Carpeting that is not already included in property coverage
Policy prices will differ based upon deductible, the extent of coverages, flood risk, year of building construction, and other factors. The flood insurance market is evolving. Private insurance companies are beginning to offer flood insurance policies now. Speak with your insurance agent to see if you could benefit from purchasing a private flood insurance policy.
How do you purchase a flood insurance policy?
Speak with your insurance agent to learn more about the National Flood Insurance Program and private insurance policies. They should help you understand which options are best suited for your home and/or business. If your agent does not sell flood insurance, contact the NFIP Referral Call Center at 800-427-4661 for a referral.
What to do after a flood?
If your home or business has been damaged by floodwaters, then please do not enter the property until it is safe to do so. Once you can access your property again, start with contacting your insurance company to file a claim. Then, you can begin to inventory damaged items. Take photographs of everything. Write down each item’s purchase date and estimated value. This home inventory list will need to be submitted to your adjuster. Also, remember to take notes of your conversations with your insurance company and the adjuster. Jot down the date and time of each interaction, as well as specific notes about what was discussed.
If you do not have a flood insurance policy and your home or business has been damaged due to flooding, then you will be financially responsible for necessary repairs and restoration services. Only if a flooding incident has been declared a national disaster by the president will FEMA assistance become available. This assistance is usually in the form of a grant or low-interest disaster loan that you are required to repay.
The recovery process following flooding disasters is long and can be stressful. SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville understands the worry you will feel after your home has incurred damages. As your neighbors and your friends, we offer our expertise, guidance, and 24-hour emergency restoration services for those in need of disaster recovery. For questions or to receive assistance please contact our office by dialing 985-871-5375.
For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program or what to do before, during, or after a flood you can visit:
https://www.floodsmart.gov/how/what-to-know-before-buying-a-flood-insurance-policy
https://www.floodsmart.gov/
https://www.iii.org/article/facts-about-flood-insurance
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4310-4313/updates/facts-and-myths-about-flood-insurance
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Flood Warning Continues for St. Tammany Parish and Surrounding Areas
12/28/2018 (Permalink)
Flood warning for St. Tammany Parish and Surrounding Areas
Last night's storm has caused several roads to be unpassable and we are now receiving many phone calls requesting help to restore flooded homes and businesses. The flood warning will continue for St. Tammany and surrounding areas until early next week. If your home or business has experienced flooding, then please call our office at 985-871-5375. Our water damage restoration technicians are ready to respond as quickly as possible.
According to Weather Underground:
The Flood Warning continues for
the Bogue falaya river at Boston St in Covington.
* Until Monday December 31.
* At 9:30 am Friday the stage was 10.1 feet.
* Minor flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast.
* Flood stage is 6.0 feet.
* Forecast... the river will continue rising to near 11.0 feet by
Saturday December 29. The river will fall below flood stage Monday
December 31.
* Impact... at 11.0 feet... there will be major flooding around christ
episcopal school and Bogue falaya River Park.
* Impact... at 9.0 feet... Bogue falaya River Park will be inundated.
Some ground floor classrooms at christ episcopal school grounds
will flood.
* Impact... at 7.0 feet... water will rise onto the West Bank flooding
property of the Bogue falaya towers at East Boston street and
threatening commercial property on the East Bank near military
Road. Bogue falaya River Park and christ episcopal school grounds
will begin to flood.
* Impact... at 6.0 feet... the river will leave its banks under the
Boston street bridge and begin to flood the Bogue falaya towers
property.
2018 National Preparedness Month
8/21/2018 (Permalink)
September is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us all to prepare ourselves, our families, and our businesses for each kind of disastrous situation we may have to endure. The overarching theme for this year is “Disasters happen. Plan now. Learn how" and each week we are encouraged to focus on specific emergency preparedness tasks.
Week 1: September 1st-8th
Make and Practice Your Plan
- To learn how to create a hurricane evacuation plan click here.
- To learn how to create a fire escape plan click here.
- To learn how to make an emergency plan for your pets click here.
- To learn how to create an emergency plan for your business click here.
Once you have created a plan specific to your needs, then remember to practice the plan with your family, employees, and pets a few times a year.
Week 2: September 9th-15th
Learn Life Saving Skills
- Check the batteries in the smoke alarm detectors in your home and business.
- Learn how to help mitigate damages after a disaster has happened.
- Learn how to turn off certain utilities, like the fire suppression system, main water supply, and gas line.
- Compile a contact list for emergency service providers such as these:
- Local fire department
- Local hospital
- Local police department
- Plumber
- Electrician
- HVAC company
- SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville
- Create emergency disaster kits to keep in your home and car. Click here to see the list of supplies you will need to assemble a kit.
Week 3: September 16th-22nd
Review Your Insurance Policy
Insurance plans can be hard to understand. Most people do not completely understand what situations they are covered for or the specific damages that may be excluded from their policy. Do you have flood insurance? Do you have mold coverage? Would your insurance company pay for the cleanup after your sewage system backed up? Did you know it takes thirty days for flood insurance to go into effect? Schedule a meeting with your insurance agent this week to discuss your coverage and to adjust your policy to better suit your needs.
- To learn more about homeowners insurance policies click here.
- To learn how to create inventory lists for your home and business click here.
- To learn more about flood insurance click here.
Week 4: September 23rd-29th
Save For an Emergency
Any size disaster can place a heavy financial burden on a homeowner or business owner. To help be better financially prepared for an emergency follow these tips:
- Create an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit. To learn how to do so please click here.
- Build up an emergency fund. To learn how to do so please click here.
- If you must evacuate, then remember to take certain financial documents with you. You can prepare ahead of time by gathering important financial documents, creating copies of them, and putting them on the cloud. To learn which documents you should make copies of please click here.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
5/21/2018 (Permalink)
According to the experts at Colorado State University, the 2018 Hurricane season is predicted to be slightly above average. So far we are expected to have 7 hurricanes, 14 named storms, and 3 major hurricanes.
Follow these tips to help prepare your home and prevent any unnecessary damages:
- Move furniture and electronics off of the floor or to a room upstairs if possible
- Roll up area rugs and store them some place rising water can not reach
- Examine the trees around your home for any weakened branches that could pose a threat during periods of intense wind or heavy rain and trim or remove them
- Examine your roof for any needed repairs to prevent water leaks
- Move lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, and any other heavy objects outside inside
- Check doors, windows, and walls for openings where water could get in. Use caulk to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes.
If you plan on evacuating, then remember to bring these important documents with you:
- Insurance documents
- Driver's license and passport
- Social security card
- Proof of residence (deed or lease)
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Stocks, bonds, and other negotiable certificates
- Wills, deeds, and copies of recent tax returns
- Home inventory list for insurance purposes
For more information on hurricane preparedness please visit https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets
2/16/2018 (Permalink)
Creating a thorough emergency plan includes preparing for your pet's need as well. Remember, if if you must evacuate due to an emergency, then it is not safe for your pet to stay home either. Your evacuation plan should consider where your pets will be accepted. Make a list ahead of time of hotels that are pet friendly along your evacuation route and near your final destination. Some hotels and shelters do not accept animals. And lastly, build a travel emergency kit for your animals. This will help you save time when you must evacuate.
Items to include in your pet's emergency kit:
- leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport animals
- food, drinking water, bowls, can opener
- cat litter and pan
- medications and copies of medial records
- a first aid kit
- current photos of you with your pet/s in case they get lost
- information on feeding schedules, contact information for veterinarian, medical conditions, and behavior problems in case you have to board or foster your pets
- pet beds and toys
For disaster preparedness tips for traveling with exotic animals or livestock, please visit http://www.humanesociety.org/?referrer=http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.
Tips for Making a Helpful Hurricane Emergency Kit
2/12/2018 (Permalink)
You can never be too prepared when it comes to a hurricane. Besides readying your home and creating an evacuation plan, you should assemble a basic disaster supplies kit. A disaster supplies kit should include all the necessities for surviving at least 72 hours and unique items your family may need, like items for pets or seniors.
A basic disaster supplies kit should include:
- Water (one gallon of water per day per person for at least 3 days)
- Food (at least a three day supply of nonperishable foods for each person)
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Manual can opener
- Garbage bags
- Moist towelettes
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cell phone and extra chargers (power bank)
- Copies of important documents (insurance policies, identification, bank account statements, etc.)
Your family may need to include other items, such as:
- Prescription medications
- Pet food and extra water
- Glasses, contacts, contact solution
- Infant formula, diapers, wipes, etc.
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Feminine products
- Personal hygiene items
- Books, puzzles, and games for children
Remember to store your emergency supplies kit in a cool, dry place and to asses your family's needs each year before hurricane season begins.
For more information on preparing for hurricane season, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
1/17/2018 (Permalink)
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes are against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. If your pipes freeze, then try to thaw them following the tips below and call a professional plumber when necessary. If your pipes break, then immediately turn off the main water supply to your home or business to prevent further damages.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
Remember to check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is available 24/7 for emergency water damage restoration.
985-871-5375
Are you Financially Prepared for an Emergency?
9/19/2017 (Permalink)
September Is National Preparedness Month
This year's theme for National Preparedness Month is "Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You can". You may have created an evacuation plan for your family and employees, but are you financially prepared for an emergency?
Follow these steps to help you financially plan for a disaster:
1- Gather all important financial documents
- Insurance documents for home and vehicles
- Mortgage or real estate deeds
- Vehicle registration
- Utility bills
- Credit card bills
- Tax statements
- Retirement account documents
- Estate planning documents
2- Try to build a specific emergency savings account
3- Review your insurance policies with your agent
- Do you have flood coverage for your home?
- Do you have full coverage on your vehicle in case of flooding or excessive wind and hail damage?
Take some time this month to make sure you, your family, and your business will be financially safe in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. For more information on National Preparedness Month click here.
2017 Hurricane Season
7/17/2017 (Permalink)
This year's hurricane season kicked off on June 1st. We were very fortunate to have incurred little damage with the first storm, Tropical Storm Cindy. However, the latest forecast issued by the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project warns of even more storms to come than initially expected. The new report predicts fifteen named storms, eight hurricanes, and three major hurricanes this season. Now is the best time to solidify your emergency plans and make sure you are prepared for any size disaster. To learn tips for what to do before, during and after a storm visit RedCross.org and Ready.gov. Also, to learn simple day and weekend projects to help ready your home for a storm visit Flash.org.
If you have any questions or need help cleaning up after a storm please give us a call at 985-871-5375.
To learn more about storm damage cleanup and restoration click here.
How Long Would it Take You to Reopen Your Business After a Disaster?
2/16/2017 (Permalink)
Be prepared with an Emergency Ready Profile
SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville believes having a plan for emergencies can benefit your company's future. As a business owner, you should have a risk management plan and be ready to recover quickly after any size loss. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than forty percent of businesses never reopen after a disaster. And,of those businesses, only twenty-nine percent are still operating after two years. Having an emergency plan will help you mitigate your losses and be back in business quickly. One of our many services offered at SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is a free Emergency Ready Profile for businesses owners. This profile will help you plan for the event of water or fire damage to your property. We can help you identify the steps you need to take after a disaster and who to call. If you're interested in learning more about out Emergency Ready Program you can contact Kayla at Kayla@SERVPROofcovington.com.
You can learn more about how to prepare your business any size disaster at https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/emergency-preparedness/disaster-planning
Louisiana Flood of August 2016
2/1/2017 (Permalink)
Covington, La
On August 11, 2016 a slow-moving weather system moved across the Gulf Coast. After days of continuous rainfall, many Louisiana homes and businesses were damaged. This historic flood created damages in excess of eight billion dollars for Louisiana alone. SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville helped many residents in St. Tammany Parish and Washington Parish cleanup and restore their properties. We acted quickly to help mitigate the water damage and allow Louisiana residents to begin the rebuild process. SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville is glad to be a part of this resilient community. We are honored to be trusted by so many home and business owners throughout South Louisiana. Whether it's a natural disaster or simply a busted pipe, we aim to make it "Like it never even happened."
For more information about the flood in August go to:
http://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/homeowners-and-renters-insurance
and
http://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/RestoreLA/SupportingDocs/Meeting-9-28-16/2016-August-Flood-Economic-Impact-Report_09-01-16.pdf
24/7 Emergency Service
