Build Your Own Disaster Supplies Kit

When disaster strikes, relief workers will be working around the clock to assist families in need.  But they may not be able to reach you immediately!  Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, and telephones may not be available. You may even need to evacuate and only have time to grab your essentials.  Although these are worst case scenarios, it's possible that they could happen.  Your best chance at survival during these disasters is to prepare for them ahead of time.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends that all Americans have enough basic supplies on hand to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs.


 The following is a list of some basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation)
• Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and
• Duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone and chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications 
• Glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for them
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. 
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. 
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper.  In an emergency, chlorine can be used to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household bleach per gallon of water.  ** do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners **
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

Ready San Diego, an excellent source for safety and preparedness,  recommends that you should consider where you live and the unique needs of your family when creating your supply kit.  They also recommend that families should have at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and a smaller, portable kit in your workplace, vehicle, or other places that you spend time.  We hope this information helps!  Be safe!

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips!

2010 SDIAA Golf Tournament

The San Diego Insurance Adjusters Association (SDIAA), founded in 1945, is San Diego's oldest and largest professional claims organization. Servpro of Point Loma sponsoring hole #17at the 2010 SDIAA Golf Tournament on April 30, 2010. Hope to see you there!

Tsunamis... You Can't Surf These Waves!

Did you know that tsunamis are a possible threat here in California?  Whether you live, work, or play near the California coast, it's important to know what to do if a tsunami occurs or if a tsunami watch or warning is issued.  The following article, brought to you by the County of Los Angeles and The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, provides helpful information about tsunamis and what to do to prepare. It's great information... something we should all keep on file!

  

Contrary to popular belief, a tsunami isn't one giant wave.  It's a series of waves that build up momentum.  They can travel at speeds up to 500 miles per hour in the open sea and reach heights of up to 100 feet in shallow coastal waters.  Usually, however, tsunamis that reach California average 10 feet in height and peak in the 20-40 foot range.  The first tsunami wave is seldom the highest or last.  Waves will continue to arrive for several hours, spaced minutes to hours apart.  In fact, hundreds and perhaps thousands of people died in the catastrophic 2004 tsunami when they went to the ocean to see the impacts of the first waves.  They were swept to their deaths when subsequent waves struck.

The time it takes for tsunami waves to reach the coast can vary.  Tsunami waves are typically generated by giant earthquakes below the ocean floor or as a result of underwater landslides.  If a tsunami is caused by an earthquake a few miles off the coast, the resulting waves will arrive within minutes of the quake.  If it happens 200 miles away, the waves could arrive within 30-60 minutes.  There is no exact way to measure this, but your local news should be able to provide up to date information as the event unfolds.

So what is the our threat here in California?

 More than a dozen tsunamis with waves three feet high or more have struck California since 1812.  Some have caused significant damage:

• The tsunami generated by the 1964 Alaska earthquake killed a dozen Crescent City residents and caused more than $34 million in damage. 
• Three tsunamis flooded Santa Barbara during the 1800s
• A tsunami resulting from a Chilean earthquake damaged a pier in San Diego Harbor in 1960
• One foot waves resulting from the 1992 Cape Mendocino earthquake were detected near Santa Barbara

Historically, tsunamis have caused greater casualties and damage in Northern California.  But Southern California residents are still at risk because our coastal population is higher.

So what can we do to prepare?

Before The Next Tsunami or Tsunami Warning:

• Determine the elevation of your home and how far it is from the coast.  Know whether you live in a tsunami danger zone.
• If you live within a couple of miles of the coast, identify a location to go to if a tsunami strikes.  The location should be at least two miles inland or 100 feet above sea level.
• Learn the signs of an approaching tsunami.  If the tide rises or recedes rapidly, move immediately inland to higher ground.
• Ask local emergency officials or your planning department what areas are susceptible to the tsunami flooding
• Locate refuge areas and learn evacuation routes.  If you live in San Diego like we do, you can obtain information here: http://www.sandiego.gov/ohs/index.shtml
• Develop or update your family's emergency plan.  If you don't have a plan or need help revising your existing plan, Servpro of Point Loma can help!  We provide free emergency plan assistance!
• Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes a portable radio
• Identify a friend or relative living in another state that can serve as a family point of contact
• Learn first aid techniques such as CPR to assist neighbors who may be injured
• Teach family members how and when to turn off the utilities
• Start of join a Community Emergency Response Team.  Servpro of Point Loma is a member of Ready San Diego.   It's a great safety tool for San Diego residents! http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/oes/ready/  

During or After The Next Tsunami or Tsunami Warning:

• If you feel an earthquake, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON until the shaking stops.  Estimate how long the shaking lasted.  If severe shaking lasted 20 seconds or more, immediately evacuate to height ground as a tsunami might have been generated by the earthquake.
• Move inland two miles or to land that is at least 100 feet above sea level immediately.  Don't wait for officials to issue a warning.  Walk quickly, rather than drive, to avoid traffic, debris, and other hazards.
• Stay away from coastal or low-laying areas until an "all clear" notice has been issued by local emergency officials.  Waves might continue to arrive for several hours.
• Use common sense.  Do not go to the coast to see a tsunami.  Tsunamis are not like regular waves.  They are much faster, higher, and are filled with debris.
• Obey evacuation notices.  Listen to the radio or watch television for emergency information and instructions from local officials about re-entry.
• Contact your local office of emergency services for more information about preparing for tsunamis.

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This information was extracted and adapted from "Tsunami!  How to Survive This Hazard on California's North Coast," Humblodt Earthquake Education Center, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA;  other sources included the FEMA publication "Are You Ready?  Your guide to disaster preparedness," and from information provided by the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, Earthquake and Tsunami Program and The city of Los Angeles publications.

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips!

San Diego Water Damage? No problem! Servpro of Point Loma Has You Covered!

Facts about Mold and Dampness from the CDC

Today we're posting a VERY helpful article about mold and your health from the CDC (Center for Disease Control).  Read below:

There is always some mold everywhere - in the air and on many surfaces. Molds have been on the Earth for millions of years. Mold grows where there is moisture.

Mold and Your Health

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

In addition, in 2004 the IOM found sufficient evidence to link exposure to damp indoor environments in general to upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people and with asthma symptoms in people with asthma. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking exposure to damp indoor environments in general to shortness of breath, to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children and to potential development of asthma in susceptible individuals. In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould [PDF, 2.52 MB].

A link between other adverse health effects, such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants, memory loss, or lethargy, and molds, including the mold Stachybotrys chartarum (Stachybotrys atra), has not been proven. Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects.

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

• Keeping humidity levels between 40% and 60%;
• Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
• Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

  

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
• Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
• Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
• If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site at http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! 

Urgent, Urgent... Emergency!

Emergencies don't happen often. But when they do, you need to get help fast.  If there's a burgler in your house, who do you call?  911.  If there's a fire...?  911.  If someone's hurt...?  911.  But who do you call after the fire is out?  How do you clean up?  Where do you start?  How do you make it like it never even happened...?

Since 1967, Servpro franchises across the US have been answering those questions one emergency at a time.  Whether it be water damage, floods, fires, refrigerator leaks, broken pipes, roof damage, mold, crime scenes or suicides, Servpro has been there to help!  Since we're big advocates of being prepared, Servpro of Point Loma would like to share some of our most helpful emergency tips (for more common emergency situations).  Feel free to print it out and keep it with your emergency kit!  We hope it will help!

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips!

CE Class -- UNDERSTANDING MOLD IN THE RESTORATION INDUSTRY

Got mold?  Curious about it?  Servpro of La Mesa & Lemon Grove will be holding a continuing education class on April 21, 2010 that delves into the wild world of mold.  Here's what you will learn:

If you are an insurance professional and are interested in attending, call 619-275-2802 or email servpro9729@gmail.com to register for the event. Class size is limited so call today to reserve your seat. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips!

Earthquakes: Will You Be Ready When the "Big One" Strikes?

In light of the 7.2 earthquake we felt in San Diego yesterday, we thought it would be a good idea to post information on earthquake preparedness. If the "big one" hits, will you be ready?

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS           

In California, it’s not IF we have a major earthquake …it’s WHEN.  When the big one hits, will you be ready?  The following are steps to take before, during, and after an earthquake.

Step 1: SECURE IT NOW --  Reducing and/or eliminating hazards throughout your home, neighborhood, workplace and school can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death following the next earthquake or other disaster. Conduct a "hazard hunt" to help identify and fix things such as unsecured televisions, computers, bookcases, furniture, unstrapped water
heaters, etc. Securing these items now will help to protect you tomorrow.

Step 2: MAKE A PLAN- Planning for an earthquake, terrorist attack, or other emergency is not much different from planning for a party or vacation. Make sure that your emergency plan includes evacuation and reunion plans; your out-of-state contact person's name and number; the location of your emergency supplies and other pertinent information. By planning now, you will be ready for the next emergency. 

Step 3: MAKE DISASTER KITS - Everyone should have disaster supplies kits stored in accessible locations at home, at work and in your vehicle. Having emergency supplies readily available can reduce the impact of an earthquake, a terrorist incident or other emergency on you and your family. Your disaster supplies kits should include food, water, flashlights, portable radios, batteries, a first aid kit, cash, extra medications, a whistle, fire extinguisher, etc.

Step 4: IS YOUR PLACE SAFE? - Most houses are not as safe as they could be. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are things that you can do to improve the structural integrity of your home. Some of the things that you might consider checking include inadequate foundations, un braced cripple walls, soft first stories, unreinforced masonry and vulnerable pipes. Consult a contractor or engineer to help you identify your building's weaknesses and begin to fix them now.

Step 5: DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON - Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you're at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On", can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor; take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops.

Step 6: CHECK IT OUT - One of the first things you should do following a major disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment techniques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government.

Step 7: COMMUNICATE AND RECOVER - Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If your home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. For most presidentially declared disasters, resources will also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies.

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If you're interested in making a disaster plan or aren't sure what to put in your emergency kit, give Servpro of Point Loma a call at 619-275-2802.  We are here to help!

*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips!