Technology & Storm Preparedness

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bay County provides 24-Hour storm damage restoration service in Panama City, Apalachicola, Laguna Beach, Southport, and surrounding areas.

Living in Bay County, it is important to be ready for a storm or hurricane. Technology can be a vital tool in preparing for emergencies or disasters, as well as during and after a storm. It helps us stay informed of the situation and keep communication with others. Below are a few technology tips to help you be ready in the event of an emergency or disaster:

Store Important Documents Online

There are many places where you can store important information securely online. Online services such as Google Drive or Dropbox offer a free and easy way to store files.  SERVPRO of Bay County strongly recommends saving an electronic version of your insurance policies, identification documents, and medical records. In the case of water or fire damage to home or business, electronic documents are crucial in helping you take the proper steps toward recovery and renovation. 

Keep Up with the News

Make sure to stay informed of the disaster related information by following agencies such as FEMA, local news channels, and local government on the radio or social media platforms, such as Twitter. You can also alert First Responders if a rescue is needed through these platforms as well.

Mark Yourself as Safe

The American Red Cross offers a Safe & Well check-in at safeandwell.communityos.org to list yourself as safe and find loved ones in situations where communication is difficult. In addition, Facebook offers a Safety Check feature that is activated after a natural disaster or crisis. You will receive a notification from Facebook if you’re located in the affected area at that time.

Get in Touch

Make sure to have up-to-date contact information for family, friends, and business associates stored in your phone. You should regularly back your phone up, as well as keep a copy of your contact lists in an online folder just in case something happens to your phone.

Charge Up Devices

Keep portable, battery powered chargers in your car and home in case of an electricity outage. You may need to recharge these devices from time to time, or solar-powered chargers may be available as well. Make sure to have the correct cords for specific devices readily available to plug in when needed.

Get an Emergency READY Profile®

SERVPRO® is proud to offer an Emergency READY Profile® (ERP) to help prepare you and your business for an emergency. By developing a SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile®, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing how to handle an emergency in advance is key to timely mitigation and helps minimize the damage caused by fire or water to your property.  You can even put help in the palm of your hand with the SERVPRO Ready Plan App® available for your phone. SERVPRO of Bay County has preparedness specialists who are happy to help you develop a custom plan.

Call SERVPRO® of Bay County today for more information on storm preparation and recovery.