Instructor and Meteorologist for FEMA’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, Cheryl Nelson, Gives Tips for Staying Prepared

Each year, it seems there are more storms and the storms are more intense, which is why we recognize National Preparedness Month each September. Here to help us prepare for severe weather is Cheryl Nelson, founder of ‘Prepare with Cher’ – She is also an instructor for FEMA’S National Disaster Preparedness Training Center and a meteorologist.

AN IMPORTANT DEVICE THAT CAN HELP US BE PREPARE FOR A DISASTER

When disaster hits, portable generators are a convenient and possibly life-saving tool to keep your family safe during power outages but can pose risks if not used properly. First, to prepare for hurricane season and keep your family safe, always take your portable generator outside and visit www.takeyourgeneratoroutside.com for important safety information. The Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association or PGMA has important safety tips to ensure safe, proper use of portable generators. To avoid the dangers of invisible, odorless carbon monoxide buildup, always “Take It Outside”—which means never running generators indoors, or in garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, or other partially enclosed spaces.

SOME BASIC BUT ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO KEEP ON HAND

It is important to have an emergency kit on hand with items such as a first-aid kit, water, blanket, flashlight, power bank, spare alkaline batteries and a portable battery charger. Batteries Plus Bulbs can help you weather an emergency with an array of products for you, your home and your business. They carry jump packs, sump pump batteries and generator batteries. It’s also important to have uninterruptible power supplies and surge protectors to protect your data and keep you and your family connected during a storm or power outage.  For more information, visit: www.batteriesplus.com/

TIPS FOR HOMES THREATENED BY WILDFIRES

Preparation is the key to giving your property a fighting chance to survive a wildfire. Creating defensible space around your home including the Firewise USA guidelines and the Ready, Set, Go directives are key, but now there is another important part; PHOS-CHEK Wildfire Home Defense. PHOS-CHEK long term retardant has been used by the USDA Forest Service and CalFire for over 50 years. It’s the same stuff dropped from air tankers during active fires, only colorless. It’s easy to mix and apply and is people, pet and environmentally friendly.  Use as a preventative treatment, it’s effective immediately and can protect your property for months. Protect the things you can’t afford to lose with PHOS-CHEK Wildfire Home Defense.  For more information, visit: https://phos-chekhomedefense.com/

NUMBERS SHOULD YOU KEEP ON HAND FOR EXTREME WEATHER EMERGENCIES?

Extreme weather can be devasting to homes and businesses. Don’t try and tackle the recovery process on your own – ServiceMaster Restore is available 24/7/365 to help. Call ServiceMaster Restore at 1-800-RESPOND before you re-enter to start getting your life back on track. Being prepared is essential for keeping your loved ones and property safe. If you do experience a hurricane, flood, or fire ServiceMaster Restore provides the guidance, expertise and personalized care needed to get you back to normal, quickly. For more disaster preparedness and recovery tips, visit: ServiceMasterRestore.com