Hurricane Alex Picks Up Momentum as it Bears Down on Northeast Mexico and the Southern Tip of Texas

​800-RESPOND (737-7663) from ServiceMaster Clean is here to help.

Memphis, TN July 1, 2010 - As Hurricane Alex continues to move west-northwest bringing devastating wind and rain to portions of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley, hurricane warnings are now in effect for Baffin Bay, Texas south to La Cruz Mexico. The biggest concern with Alex is the potential flooding resulting from the heavy rainfall. Some forecasters project as much as 12 inches of rainfall for south Texas overnight.

The disaster restoration experts at ServiceMaster Clean® share the following tips for home and business owners as they brace for the downpour:

What to do if your home or business suffers water damage:

•     If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
•     Use fans to circulate air and assist drying efforts.
•     Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
•     Wipe furniture dry.
•     Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
•     Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
•     Remove wet area rugs or other furniture coverings and open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
•     Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
•     Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
•     Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
•     If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Water damage restoration is an emergency business. That's why ServiceMaster Clean® is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Water damage claims increase substantially if prompt action is not taken to contain the damage. Call ServiceMaster Clean at 1-800-RESPOND (737-7663). In the meantime, here are some ways to protect your family from dangerous situations until a disaster professional arrives:

Important warnings on water damage:
1.    Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
2.    Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
3.    Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
4.    Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.

MEDIA RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
1.    Please contact us at (901) 597-6886 if you would like to use b-roll footage of ServiceMaster damage restoration specialists working to remove water from flooded homes.

2.    Interview opportunities with a Flood Research and Cleaning Expert. Please contact us if you would like to schedule an interview with Peter Duncanson, Director of Training and Technical Support for ServiceMaster Clean. The cleaning professionals at ServiceMaster Clean® use advanced products, procedures, and equipment to assure the highest level of cleaning performance and protection for property and furnishings.

3.    Ready-to-use subject matter expert quotation for newspaper or broadcast publication: “When disaster strikes your home or business, all you want to do is get your life back to normal…fast,” says Pete Duncanson, Director of Training and Technical Support for ServiceMaster Clean. “Our local service technicians are trained to respond immediately, because damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call 1-800-RESPOND (737-7663) to reach a disaster restoration specialist in your area.”

4.    Web sites http://www.nhc.noaa.gov or http://www.servicemasterclean.com can give you additional advice for recovering from the storm once it passes.

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