More than 120,000 in Florida Panhandle are Ordered to Evacuate

The government has urged over 120,000 people in the Florida Panhandle to leave as fast as they can as Hurricane Michael approach the Gulf of Mexico in increasing speed. The hurricane is now heading north at 12 mph with winds of 110 mph. It can potentially bring a storm surge of 12 feet.

Many residents have prepared their homes by boarding up the windows and arranging sandbag around their house to block the water. The hurricane is expected to arrive on the Gulf Coast which is near to fishing villages and famous for its white sandy beaches on Wednesday.

Ken Graham, the director of the National Hurricane Center, is urging people to leave today. It is a Category 3 hurricane now but it is strengthening over the Gulf waters. From the top view, the hurricane measures 35 miles across while the tropical storm force measures 370 miles across.
Marshy areas near the Big Bend is already experiencing storm surge of up to 12 feet.

Some people have planned to ride out the storm by stocking up food and other necessary supplies. Gov. Rick Scott of Florida is asking people in the low lying area not to stay where they are but move out of town as fast as they can. In Bay County, more than 120,000 people in Panama City along with those with are living in the low lying area have been asked to evacuate. Evacuations are also in the process in Escambia County.

Some are not sure whether the hurricane is strong enough to destroy their homes but they have nevertheless decided to evacuate just to make sure they ride out of the storm safely. Many in Apalachicola have decided to stay. In the state’s capital, Tallahassee, gas stations are sold out as many people rushed to filled their vehicles with fuel. Many convenience stores like Quick ;N’ Save have sold out water bottles and ice bags.

The mayor of Tallahassee, Mayor Andrew Gillum is assisting the residents in filling the sandbags. Michael could potentially dump up to1 feet of water in the community. After that, it will head southeast and return to the mid Atlantic state where it comes from. It could bring 3 – 6 inches of rain in Georgia, Carolinas, and Virginia.

Gov. Rick Scott said that many people who were affected by recent Hurricane Florence don’t know how they are going to make preparation for Hurricane Michael. Florence has blown away the roofs of many houses. Florence took 5 days to turn into a hurricane but Michael took only 2 days to turn into a hurricane. David Morgan, the sheriff of Escambria county, is warning the people that no one may come to help them if a tree falls on their houses and they call for help.

  • FAQ’s for Sewer Backups and Basement Water Damage Problems

    Sewage backup and basement flooding are unpleasant and pose lots of dangers such as contamination and biohazard risks. They should be considered an emergency and dealt with efficiently and promptly.
    Using Service Pros professional services will certainly work to your leverage. Our emergency sewage and flood basement cleaning teams have specialized equipment and training to swiftly and safely clear, clean and restore your affected areas.

    What is a sewage backup?

    Houses have incoming water lines and outgoing sewer lines. A sewage backup happens when an obstruction and blockage prevents the normal flow of wastewater from your house to the sanit/ary sewer.
    The wastewater starts to back up into your home as it fills up your drain pipes, and doesn’t properly drain away from the house.

    What are the indications of a sewage backup?

    Several common signs may indicate that you could experience a sewage backup. One of the common indicators is having more than one clogged drain, especially if one of the clogs is in a drain you infrequently use.
    Water usually backs up into a lower drain. However, when your water is backing up into other drains, you should be concerned. One drain should not drain into another drainage system.
    Another suitable method to identify a sewer backup is checking if water gurgles in the sink after flushing the toilet or showering. You should as well check for the appearance of bubbles as they point to trapped air generated by water attempting to pass through the clogged area of the drain.
    At the same time, another common sign includes your toilet not flushing correctly, slow draining in more than one fixture, a soggy or smelly yard, sewage coming out of a cleanout pipe, and foul odors coming from a drain.

    What are the hazards with sewer backups?

    Sewage mainly contains human feces and urine that contains viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants that can cause ailments. These include rotavirus, adenoviruses, norovirus, diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, throat, nose, and eye infections.

    Can I clean a sewer backup myself?

    Cleaning the sewer backup yourself could lead to hazardous activity and result in improper remediation activities and more significant problems. So, you may opt to go for our professional water damage restoration company. Without technical assistance, you may likely spread the contaminated sewer problem from one room to other rooms.
    Our professional team of experts is better suited and knowledgeable in the finest ways to clean up sewage at minimum risk. We will ensure a successful restoration of your property and help you avoid any health hazards.

    Can I use bleach to clean up a sewer backup?

    Odors that come from sewage backups are unpleasant, and you may want to get rid of them. Bleach is a widespread solution for most people and should be avoided as it is a poor solution for sewer backups. More harm may be caused by bleach as it can react with other substances are in the sewer pipes and potentially release harmful fumes.

    Which items can I keep after a sewer backup?

    If any of your absorbable belongings get in touch with sewer water, you need to dispose of it. Nevertheless, our professional team can easily clean and restore if hard materials or unabsorbent material come into contact with sewer water.

    What is basement flooding?

    It is not unusual for many homeowners to go down their basement steps, only to find a pool of murky water. This water may cause damage to your walls, floors, furniture and lead to mold. As the basement is commonly used for storage, the pool of water destroys many irreplaceable and essential items.

    What causes basement flooding?

    Basement flooding may arise because you have an external or internal leak, leaking foundation walls, improperly sealed walls, floors, a clogged gutter system, or your sump pump becoming dysfunctional.

    How do I know if I require basement flooding solutions?

    It is usual that many homeowners are unaware of their need for basement flooding solutions in their homes.
    If your house is situated in a flood-prone area, or if your home lacks effective basement drainage or waterproofing, it might good idea to invest in Service Pros basement flooding solutions.

    What are the signs of basement flooding?

    Indicators of basement flooding include a musty smell in your basement, water damage to your foundation or walls, discolored water stains on an affected area on the wall or floor, calcification build-up and standing water in your basement.

    How can I avoid basement flooding in the future?

    A sump pump is mandatory for any basement as it pumps water out immediately it gets inside the basement. You may also install a backwater valve occasionally to prevent sewer clogs and backups, regularly check for pipe damage, clean your gutters regularly, and fix foundation cracks.

    Which immediate steps should I take when I have basement flooding?

    The first step to take when you see that your basement is filled with water is to turn off your electricity and shut off the power in your home. Afterward, call an electrician and our professional team of Service Pros basement flood cleaners.
    The subsequent step to take is to move any water-damaged items to a dry place. However, remember to protect yourself by putting on protective clothing and gear such as face masks, gloves, overalls, and boots.

    How much does it cost to fix basement flood damage?

    There are multiple variables that dictate the cost of repairing and cleaning up basement flood damage. Nevertheless, the ordinary charges of repairs after basement flooding varies from $500-$2,500. This may depend on the depth of the water, the size of the basement, the extent of the damage, and the type of the water (clean, storm, or sewage)

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