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!

The Hidden Dangers of Christmas

It's hard not to enjoy this time of year! Lights, tinsel, ornaments, Christmas trees, presents, lights on display... everything about it is festive! We talk a lot about peace on earth and spreading good... but we don't often discuss the hidden dangers that Christmas can pose (and no, we're not talking about your waist line!).

Servpro of Point Loma has put together a list of potential hazards and dangers that you and your family should be aware of. Please take a moment to look them over... this list can make the difference between a holly jolly Christmas and a very bad near year!

Hidden Dangers of Christmas
Christmas Trees

• A very dry Christmas tree can present a fire danger and cause fire damage. When purchasing a natural tree, cut 1/2" off the trunk so that the tree can soak up the water. Keep a constant supply of water in the stand. Natural trees can "drink" a lot of water, especially when first set up.
• The tree itself may be a danger to your pet if your decorations are edible or the tree is sprayed with insecticide or preservatives, but the stand the tree goes in is even more dangerous. A dog will often, if it can get under the tree, drink the water in which the tree sits. This water, if left for some time, will grow bacteria that can make your dog sick if it drinks that water, and if the tree has been treated to make it stay fresh longer, that will seep into the tree water and is poisonous to animals.

Christmas Tree Lights

• It is important to keep any heat sources away from the tree and use only UL listed light strings if you do decorate the tree with lights.
• If you decorate your tree with electric lights your animal can become entangled in them and your animals may chew on the lights or the electrical cord and be badly burned or even electrocuted.

Ornaments

• The glass ornaments that you hang on your tree may fall off and break, getting glass on the floor that you pet can step on and cut its paws
• Plants such as mistletoe berries, holly and poinsettias are either poisonous or can cause irritation.

Baked Goods and Treats

• If you put candy canes on your Christmas tree, animals will often eat the candy canes wrappers along with the stolen candy! The same goes with Christmas cookies. This will make your dog vomit at least, and may require a trip to the veterinarian.

Gifts

• Any gifts that you put under your tree may become chew toys for your dog. And if there is anything dangerous in those packages it will inevitably be checked out by your dog if not chewed on.

And last but not least...
Most Common Accidents

• Parents stabbing themselves with scissors they have grabbed instead of screwdrivers to assemble toys
• People cutting themselves with knives which they are using to open presents too quickly
• Children falling off rocking horses or smashing new bikes into walls
• Tripping over toys and trailing cables in the rush to try out new computers and other appliances
• Gravy exploding in microwave ovens, hot fat spilled on the cook as they try to grapple with a big turkey and nasty cuts when chopping piles of vegetables
• Tipsy party guests toppling down stairs or crashing to the floor when they miss their seat at the dinner table

Have a happy and safe holiday from your friends at Servpro of Point Loma!
Sources:
http://petcaretips.net/dog-christmas-trees.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-331881/Hidden-dangers-Christmas.html
http://www.ci.roseville.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=1415

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

Fire and Smoke Damage Tips

Did you know that the first 24 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings? The following are tips you should consider until help arrives...

DO:

• Limit movement in the structure to prevent soot particles frombeing embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet

DO NOT:

• Wash any walls or painter surfaces
• Shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Clean any electrical equipment
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to the fire, heat, or water. They may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock.
• Send clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, Servpro of Point Loma's number one goal is to return your property to its preloss condition. Whatever your circumstance, we are committed to making it "like it never even happened". Call us if you have questions... 619-275-2802. We're here to help!

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