September is National Preparedness Month, and the home service experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, DRYmedic, and Screenmobile are helping you stay prepared for disasters with some helpful tips for all around your home!

Home Disaster Preparedness Guide Infographic

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

Preparing Your Home for Extreme Weather

Temperatures can be volatile, whatever the season, and it’s no surprise that heat waves and winter storms have become increasingly common. Taking proactive steps to prepare for extreme weather can help you minimize the risk of your HVAC system breaking down when you need it most.

Heat Waves

  • Schedule a professional HVAC inspection before a heat wave arrives. An expert technician can inspect your system, clean the filters, check for any leaks, and ensure all components are in proper working order.
  • Ceiling fans and portable fans are an excellent supplement to your air conditioning system. They circulate the cool air, making you feel more comfortable without solely relying on your AC.

Winter Storms 

  • Place protective covers over outdoor air conditioning units.
  • Proper insulation and sealing can significantly impact the indoor temperature and energy efficiency of your home. Ensure your home is adequately insulated, especially in the attic, walls, and windows. Insulation helps keep the warm air inside and prevents the cold from seeping in.

By taking active steps to be prepared, you can navigate the challenges of extreme weather and enjoy a comfortable home, whatever the season has to offer. Contact One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your HVAC needs.

Mister Sparky

Don’t Get Shocked! Electrical Preparation Before a Storm

Being prepared for an electric outage in the event of a disaster means protecting appliances, panels, and devices from ruin. Here’s how to potentially avoid the loss of these items you depend on in your daily life:

  • Invest in a portable generator or a stationary generator that is properly installed by a licensed electrician. 
  • Have a whole house surge protector installed so that when power comes back on, it doesn’t blast out the circuits.
  • Call Mister Sparky to do a Safety Check throughout your home to see where there might be hidden risks when there is high wind, water, or the lights go out. 

Contact Mister Sparky for a home inspection and tips on how to protect your appliances, devices, and electrical system in the event of a weather-related disaster. 

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

How to Plan for a Flood

Whether it's caused by a hurricane storm surge or torrential rains, flash flooding can become a destructive force in an instant. If you live in an area with the potential for flooding, it’s important to plan ahead and know what to do in the event of such conditions. Use these tips to prepare for flooding:

  • Connect a sump pump to your basement drain plumbing to help move floodwater to the outside of your home.
  • Consider installing or relocating your home’s critical equipment like its HVAC system, water heater and electrical panel high off the ground so it has a better chance of surviving a flood.
  • Seek coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program to reduce your liability to loss. Most homeowners' insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.

If you’re looking for other opportunities to protect against flood damage, call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.  

DRYmedic

DRYmedic's Tips for Natural Disaster Preparedness 

As a property restoration company specializing in mold, water, and fire damage, we understand the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. These tips aim to equip you to safeguard your property and loved ones during hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other potential emergencies.

  • Know the location of your water, gas, and electrical shut-off points. In the event of an emergency, such as a flood or earthquake, shutting off these utilities can prevent further damage and hazards.
  • Overhanging branches and unsecured outdoor items can become projectiles during hurricanes and storms. Regularly trim large trees and secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and other objects to prevent potential damage to your property.
  • If you live in an area prone to specific natural disasters, consider investing in property improvements, such as elevating your home to avoid flood damage or reinforcing structures against earthquakes.

Being prepared is the key to minimizing the impact of natural disasters on your property and loved ones. At DRYmedic, we are committed to supporting you before, during, and after natural disasters. Contact us today: (616) 281-8901

Screenmobile

Screenmobile National Preparedness Month Tips

At Screenmobile, we want to make sure your home, business, and family are prepared for and protected in an emergency. Here are a couple practical ways to prepare your spaces and ensure you are ready should disaster come.

  • Replace traditional security windows or window bars with quick-release security window screens. Using a custom-designed, ultra-secure push bar system, these screens give access to exit through the window should the need arise.
  • Should you need to evacuate your home or business, rolling security shutters can secure your space and protect your belongings at the push of a button. 

Take the first step towards safeguarding your home or business by contacting your local Screenmobile today!