ServiceMaster Restore Experts Share #StormPrep Insights for Peak Hurricane Season

MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwired - September 21, 2016) - With the start of fall season, summer and its stormy tendencies may be winding down, but the experts at ServiceMaster Restore are urging home and business owners not to let their guard down. "We are in peak season for hurricanes, and now is the time to make sure you're ready -- whether you live in a coastal area that could take a direct hit, or inland, where high wind and flooding are possible," said Peter Duncanson, director of system development with ServiceMaster Restore, one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the United States and a ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) company.

There have been several named storms thus far in the Atlantic this season, and the frequency of storms forming near the U.S. is increasing. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ^[1] (NOAA), property damage due to hurricanes in 2015 totaled more than $41.4 million. The effects of these storms can range from immediate severe structural damage to permanent loss of keepsakes. NOAA's 2016 Hurricane Season Outlook predicts this year will be the "strongest since 2012," when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast.

According to the 2015 ServiceMaster Restore Franchise Hurricane Preparedness Survey, the most common types of damage caused by large storms, like hurricanes, can range from property destruction and seepage of water up drywall to mold from lingering moisture and loss of important documents. Franchisees also shared that advanced storm preparation can help prevent many of these issues, even though most home and business owners are unlikely to take simple precautions, such as unplugging electronics or elevating furniture.

"Preparing before a storm is critical in managing the aftermath damage," says Duncanson, who also serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). "We know how devastating storm damage can be for people, and we want to help them mitigate it as much as possible and be prepared to respond quickly."

Whether it's a hurricane or a severe thunderstorm approaching this season, the most important thing that all home and business owners can do to prepare is develop an emergency preparedness plan. This time-saving preparation ahead of inclement weather can help ease a potentially stressful hurricane season. Simple steps to take ahead of a hurricane or severe storm include: