JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2013 hurricane season begins on June 1st and it is predicted that this will be a very active season. The major weather services are predicting 16-20 named storms with 7-9 becoming hurricanes. Two to four will reach major hurricane status with category 3 to 5 winds. After Hurricane Sandy losses topping $50 billion last year, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched its hurricane safety theme for 2013 as a "Pledge to Prepare."
An infographic accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/cache/19203/file/19956.jpg.
Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a national franchise company and leading provider of water damage cleanup and fire damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties, encourages families and businesses to prepare for the worst and offers the following tips for safety during hurricane season:
Pre-hurricane season preparation:
- Build an "Emergency Ready Kit" and prepare a family communications plan.
- Know your evacuation routes and shelters.
- Have extra batteries and flashlights and at least a 3-day supply of fuel, water and non-perishable foods.
Know the terminology:
- Tropical Storm – A low-pressure, tropical system with maximum sustained winds near the center between 39 and 73 mph.
- Hurricane – A hurricane forms when maximum sustained winds near the center of a tropical storm reach 74 mph.
- Hurricane Watch – A watch is issued when a hurricane or tropical storm is possible within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Warning – A warning is issued when a hurricane or tropical storm is expected within 24 hours.
- Eye – The center of a hurricane containing the strongest winds and heaviest rains of the storm. Inside the eye is typically calm with clear skies.
- Storm Surge – The onshore push of ocean water driven by the high winds of a tropical storm or hurricane that is making landfall.
When a hurricane watch or warning is issued:
- Protect windows with plywood boards or storm shutters.
- Secure outside objects.
- Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, TV or the Internet.
- Make arrangements for loved ones that are elderly or have special needs to be evacuated. (Don't forget pets, too.)
- Leave low lying areas.
- Evacuate if instructed to leave.
What to do during the storm:
- Stay in a secure room and away from windows.
- Don't use the telephone or candles.
- Monitor weather and civic service bulletins on regular or NOAA weather radio.
- Remain indoors when the eye of the hurricane moves over your area, the storm will resume shortly.
What to do after the storm:
- Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.
- Monitor the radio and social media sites like Twitter and Facebook for information from emergency management officials.
- Before venturing outside, ensure the storm has completely passed.
- Report downed power lines and stay away from them.
For more information, contact Paul Davis at 888.473.7669. Visit the website at www.pauldavis.com.
About Paul Davis:
Paul Davis Restoration, Inc., a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (Nasdaq:FSRV) (TSX:FSV), is a national franchisor and leading provider of restoration services for residential and commercial properties since 1966. Paul Davis Restoration also provides complete remodeling services and has franchise locations throughout North America with owners and technicians who are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Visit the website at www.pauldavis.com.
About FirstService Corporation:
FirstService Corporation is a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector, one of the largest markets in the world. As one of the largest property managers in the world, FirstService manages more than 2.3 billion square feet of residential and commercial properties through its three industry-leading service platforms: Colliers International, one of the largest global players in commercial real estate; FirstService Residential, North America's largest manager of residential communities; and the Property Services, one of North America's largest providers of essential property services delivered through company-owned operations, franchise systems and contractor networks.
FirstService generates over $2.3 billion in annual revenues and has more than 23,000 employees worldwide. More information about FirstService is available at www.firstservice.com.
