Emergencies and natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time, leaving behind fire, smoke, and water damage. Knowing how to prepare for a hazardous situation can help protect your property and family. Arkansas Restoration Services of Russellville wants to help their neighbors master emergency preparedness skills, so they’re offering some advice in conjunction with Get Ready Day. The event on September 19^th is designed to help workplaces, school campuses, and community groups raise awareness about the importance of being proactive when an emergency occurs. 

How can you help your family, friends, and co-workers participate in Get Ready Day? Try one of these activities:

• Have an Emergency Preparedness Talk: Discuss various emergency scenarios with your family, students, or employees and review response plans and escape routes. Talk about how a building’s occupants should react when they hear a smoke alarm and how they can avoid the dangers associated with floods. It’s also important to discuss the long-term effects of fire and water damage, including potential health hazards. 
• Create an Emergency Kit: Once you know what steps to take in an urgent situation, make a kit that contains important phone numbers and medical information, including special needs and prescription details. Create a stockpile of nonperishable foods and build a first-aid kit if you don’t already have one. You may also want to pack bags with extra clothing, bedding, and toiletries in case you need to evacuate.
• Simulate an Emergency Scenario: After discussing what to do in the event of a disaster or emergency, make sure everyone understands the proper procedures by acting out a hypothetical situation. This gives you the opportunity to practice the skills you discussed. 
• Review Smoke Alarms: Does your facility have enough smoke alarms positioned throughout the building? An alarm should be installed on every level, including the basement, and at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances. Once you have your devices appropriately installed, they need to be tested every month. Most models have a “test” button you can push to make sure they’re working properly. You should also replace the batteries approximately every year—if the alarm emits a chirping sound, this means your power level is running low and you should replace the batteries sooner. Get Ready Day is a good opportunity to review your current alarm system and make sure it’s tested regularly.

For almost 40 years, Arkansas Restoration Services has responded to house fires, severe storm damage, and floods, helping homeowners prevent mold and mildew from water damage and rebuild structures affected by smoke and fire damage. Their team has seen firsthand the impact emergency situations and disasters can have on homeowners and businesses, so they understand the importance of preparation. To learn more about how this experienced restoration company can help you participate in Get Ready Day, call (479) 967-2018. Visit the team online to find out how they help communities recover after a disaster.