September is National Preparedness Month

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month - are you ready in the event of an emergency or disaster? We can help!

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual awareness event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Disaster recovery specialist SERVPRO of Eau Claire says this is a great time for business owners to review their emergency preparedness and business continuity plans. SERVPRO points to startling statistics like this one to emphasize the importance of advance planning: according to FEMA, as many as 40 percent of businesses never reopen following a major flood disaster.

“Business owners who think they are prepared for an emergency because exits are clearly marked and fire or flood drills are parts of the regular routine really need to take another look at their preparations,” said Sue Steen, former SERVPRO Industries, Inc. chief executive officer. “A comprehensive emergency plan also contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.”

Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, SERVPRO has developed the Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app.

"When it comes to disaster readiness planning, it just makes sense to take advantage of the tools that are available, especially when they are offered at no charge," said Steen. "The first few minutes after a disaster strikes are often chaotic and very emotional. Minutes lost searching for shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, or emergency contact numbers can mean further property loss, and worse. With the information in a business’s ERP, our experienced technicians can move into action effectively and immediately to help minimize damage and set the business on the road to recovery."

SERVPRO of Eau Claire professionals specialize in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it "Like it never even happened," for both commercial and residential customers. 

For more information on the SERVPRO and the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program, please visit https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp.