Paul Davis Emergency Services of Newton County is participating in National Preparedness Month, sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for catastrophic events and natural disasters. Paul Davis offices respond to thousands of emergency calls throughout the U.S. — providing property owners and insurance professionals with specialized water and fire damage restoration solutions.
Paul Davis Restoration is a leading national provider of water, fire and mold damage clean up and restoration services for residential and commercial properties.
National Preparedness Month, FEMA’s annual home and work awareness program, is in its seventh year and is sponsored by the organization’s Ready Campaign. FEMA is encouraging all Americans to visit ready.gov to learn how they can better prepare themselves and their families before the next emergency or disaster.
According to Jon Bishop, Paul Davis offices owner, disasters may strike in the blink of an eye, anytime, anywhere. "A few simple steps can ensure that you’re prepared before the next emergency arises. We recommend that each person considers getting a kit, making a plan, being informed and getting involved," he said.
Bishop offers the following tips on how to prepare for possible emergency and disaster occurrences. He recommends that everyone have a Basic Emergency Kit that should include the following items:
• Water — one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• Food — at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank commercial radio, a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries for both
• Cell Phone with charger
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit — sterile gloves; adhesive bandages; antibiotic ointment; gauze pads; iodine/alcohol pads; adhesive medical tape; pain reliever; emergency mylar blanket for warmth and to prevent shock; thermometer; prescription medications; and any prescribed medical supplies.
Individuals should also consider having documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
Bishop recommends that business owners keep the following items in a waterproof, fireproof portable container including records like site maps, building plans, insurance policies, employee contact and identification information, bank account records, supplier and shipping contact lists, computer backup files, emergency or law enforcement contact information and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.
"Talk to your family, friends and co-workers about what emergency preparedness steps and supplies they can possibly provide. It takes all of us to prepare for and respond to an emergency," he said.
