New FREE Resource from Ocean Breeze to Help You Prep for Hurricanes and Other Disasters! 

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New FREE Resource from Ocean Breeze to Help You Prep for Hurricanes and Other Disasters! 

This is Dave Jr.

A lot of you know me from estimates or the office at Ocean Breeze. Those of you that don’t for sure know my dad Dave Sr. He’s the big boss.

If you’re not sure which Dave is which, I’m the one with no hair. Aside from my work here at the family business, most of you don’t know that most of my career has been spent in disaster medicine, the bulk of it working for the Dept of Homeland Security.

I wanted to send this email today to tell you about a new FREE resource I’m launching based on all my years spent helping others.

I’m launching something called Prepared(*). It’s going to be a free newsletter that offers tips, checklists, and other resources to help you prepare for everything that gets thrown at us here at the beach or wherever you spend the time when you’re not here.

  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Floods
  • House Fires
  • Wildfires
  • And More!

All you have to do is sing up right HERE to get the newsletter started. It only comes once a week, so I promise it won’t crowd up your inbox.

Thanks!
Dave Jr.

PS- If you have any ideas for things you’d like to know more about, be sure to message me here or over at Prepared(*).


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Hurricane Season 2022- Know Your Zone, Prepare Your Home, Remember Your Route

***Just received this press release from SC EMD this morning and wanted to post it. If you’re in another hurricane state, be sure to check your own state’s EMD website for their specific information. Dr. Dave

 

2022 Hurricane Preparedness Week

NEWS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Derrec Becker or Brandon LaVorgna

Phone: 803-737-8515  |  Social: @SCEMD

News@emd.sc.gov  |  Hurricane.SC

Hurricane Season 2022- Know Your Zone, Prepare Your Home, Remember Your Route

Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 29 through June 4 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service along with all members of the State Emergency Response Team urge individuals, businesses and communities to begin preparations ahead of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The theme for this year’s Hurricane Prep Week is “Know Your Zone, Prepare Your Home, Remember Your Route”:

Know Your Zone

In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Know your hurricane evacuation zone instantly with the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and Hurricane.sc, South Carolina’s online hurricane guide.

Prepare Your Home

Do a safety check to make sure your home is best able to withstand the effects of a hurricane. Have your roof inspected, double check hurricane shutters and make sure your insurance policies cover the types of damages hurricanes can cause. Make a list and take photos of your belongings as records.

Remember Your Route

Be aware of the closest hurricane evacuation route ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. This will allow for a more efficient and safer route out of the hurricane’s path. Once you’ve learned your route, stick with it and remember it. Rely on the blue hurricane evacuation signs, not GPS.

Hurricanes and tropical storms not only threaten the coast, but all areas of South Carolina. Storm surge and flooding are the most deadly and destructive hazards associated with tropical storms and hurricanes. High winds and tornadoes can cause severe damage to buildings and homes. All South Carolinians should take time to prepare this week by reviewing their family emergency plans, creating a disaster supply kit and talking with their families about what could happen during and after the landfall of a major hurricane.

Daily topics for 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Week include:

  • Sunday: Understanding Hurricane Hazards
  • Monday: Know Your Zone
  • Tuesday: Official Start of the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season – Have a Plan
  • Wednesday: Prepare Your Home, Build Your Emergency Kit
  • Thursday: Remember Your Route, Seeking Safety
  • Friday: Ways to Stay Connected
  • Saturday: Prepare Your Pets

South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms. Six coastal counties border the Atlantic Ocean. These counties have more than 200 miles of general coastline, and another 21 inland counties may be directly affected by these storms. Densely populated coastal areas, especially during peak tourist seasons, coupled with the generally low coastal elevations significantly increase the state’s vulnerability.

Recent hurricanes to impact the Palmetto State include Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018 and Hurricane Dorian in 2019. In 2015, Hurricane Joaquin, combined with a separate storm system, resulted in historic flooding from the Midlands to the Lowcountry. Forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center expect an above average hurricane season in the range of 14-21 named storms.

Hurricane Season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30.

-END-


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It’s Hurricane Season, so get ready before a storm pops up!

It happens every year, just like tax day and any other bad news thing you can think of, like appointments for colonoscopies and stuff.

The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season runs from June through November every year. In recent years, our area has seen several significant landfalls. Hurricanes are interesting in how they affect us. You might have escaped unscathed, might have had trees or limbs in the yard, or could have even lost your roof. However, your neighbor might have experienced just the opposite.

My own experience with the last few hurricanes to hit our area is that the nearby yards flooded, and I lost a few shingles each time. No windows were broken by flying debris, but we had an advantage with clear Lexan hurricane panels over all the openings.

Here’s a few things I would recommend to prepare for hurricane season to help get you and your family ready.

I urge you to do it now so you have less stress and less to worry about during an evacuation or a landfall.

1. Put together a disaster box. Here’s a link to a great inventory list for a disaster box- https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Once you get it packed, just throw it in the closet or a corner in the garage and hope you never need it.

You can go further and pack Get Home Bags and Bug Out Bags, but the disaster box is a bare minimum. The link is to an online class I teach about preparing these, but if you need one-on-one help, just get in touch. I used to do contract work for FEMA, and one of our jobs was helping people assemble these.

2. Protect your home. You need to install some type of protection for all the openings in your home, to include all doors and windows. Our company installs several different types, so get in touch if you don’t have this. The most important things to consider for this are that you have the work done before a named storm and know how to use it.

I mention ‘named storms’ because most insurance companies will not help you out if you wait until after there’s a named storm in the Atlantic. Also keep in mind that most insurance companies provide discounts for various types of opening protection, like our Lexan panels, and the state of SC offers a tax deduction as well. I can help you with those forms.

3. Have a plan. Decide beforehand under what circumstances you will evacuate. Don’t wait on the storm and then decide. In addition, decide where you’ll evacuate and what you will take with you. For any storms that you will shelter in place and not evacuate, plan for that as well, to include water, food, and lighting.

4. Upload a good weather app on your phone. I would recommend two different ones. Find a good generalized weather app you like, such as the Weather Channel, and also a dedicated hurricane tracking app. This way you can check on either general stuff or specific storm-related activities.

5. On Facebook, find and like several weather stations, news stations, and your local and state emergency operations centers. The EOC for SC not only puts out great news, but their social media team is hilarious with their posts.

6. If you have window opening protection already, get it out, clean it, and make sure it’s still in proper shape. This way, you have time to repair anything that needs it. This is a good time to also make friends with someone to help you install it.

7. Go around the house and make plans for stray items, furniture, grills, etc. This way if you plan on leaving them outside instead of bringing them into a room or the garage, you can go ahead and buy rope or straps to secure them with.

8. Clean out your garage so you have room for your vehicle if not already. Most people don’t use their garage for vehicles, but if you plan on sheltering in place, I would recommend you pull your car in.

9. Buy any needed supplies now. I’m talking about bottled water, non-perishable food, gas and gas cans, batteries, and anything else you might want during a storm. This stuff runs out fast when a storm is approaching. This will also help you avoid the craziness and lines at the stores.

10. If you’re home at the beach isn’t occupied all the time or you might be gone during a storm, set up a plan with a neighbor, friend or family, or a company like ours to secure your home if a storm is coming.

I hope all this helps. My goal is to keep you safe and ready for disasters.

Your storm guide,

David Powers

You can find us at…

Ocean Breeze Exterior Remodeling – 843-238-4798 – www.oceanbreezeexteriors.com

Our showroom is located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC


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Hurricane Dorian Aftermath

Just a quick message to update all of our out-of-town customers on the post- Hurricane Dorian clean-up.

DAMAGE:

  • No matter what the Weather Channel says, damage in the Myrtle Beach area is very sporadic and not widespread.
  • Small debris is everywhere.
  • We have a few customers with trees down and roof leaks.
  • Flooding is minimal compared to last year’s storms.

OCEAN BREEZE EXTERIORS:

  • We are open today, so feel free to call in to report any damage.
  • If you have any photos, feel free to share them to our Facebook page so other customers who are out of town can see their neighborhoods.
  • We currently have up to 5 teams on the road helping customers assess damage and even clear trees from their yard.
  • My kids are even pitching in with the crews and at the office.


A FEW THINGS TO RELIEVE ANY POST-HURRICANE STRESS:

  • Some of us were kayaking in the office driveway yesterday.
  • If you haven’t seen it yet, Google “red Jeep Myrtle Beach” and you’ll see enough funny memes to last you all day. I’d hate to be that guy. (Psst…if you are that guy, I apologize).

If anyone needs anything, please call. Today will be all day assessing damage and helping customers, but no job schedules have been changed unless we call you and let you know.

Dave Powers


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It’s Almost Hurricane Season!

It happens every year, just like tax day and any other bad news thing you can think of, like an appointment for a physical or something.

But no matter what time of year you read this e-mail, you can’t go wrong if it makes you want to prep for hurricane season.

The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season runs from June through November every year. In recent years, our area has seen several significant landfalls. Hurricanes are interesting in how they affect us. You might have escaped unscathed, might have had trees or limbs in the yard, or could have even lost your roof. However, your neighbor might have experienced just the opposite.

My own experience with the last two hurricanes to hit our area is that the nearby yards flooded, and I lost a few shingles each time. No windows were broken by flying debris, but we installed clear Lexan hurricane panels over all the openings.

Here’s a few things I would recommend to prepare for hurricane season to help get you and your family ready.

1. Put together a disaster box. Here’s a link to a great inventory list for a disaster box- https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Once you get it packed, just throw it in the closet or a corner in the garage and hope you never need it.

You can go further and pack Get Home Bags or Bug Out Bags, but the disaster box is a bare minimum. If you want more info on those, just e-mail me back and ask. I used to do contract work for FEMA, and one of our jobs was helping people assemble these.

2. Protect your home. You need to install some type of protection for all the openings in your home, to include all doors and windows. Our company installs several different types, so get in touch if you don’t have this. The most important things to consider for this are that you have the work done before a named storm and know how to use it.

I mention ‘named storms’ because most insurance companies will not help you out if you wait until after there’s a named storm in the Atlantic. Also keep in mind that most insurance companies provide discounts for various types of opening protection, like our Lexan panels.

3. Have a plan. Decide beforehand under what circumstances you will evacuate. Don’t wait on the storm and then decide. In addition, decide where you’ll evacuate and what you will take with you. For any storms that you will shelter in place and not evacuate, plan for that as well, to include water, food, and lighting.

There’s so much more that could go into this, but I didn’t want to write a book length e-mail. If you want more information, feel free to get in touch or come by the showroom.

 

Your storm guide,

David Powers

You can find us at…

Ocean Breeze Exterior Remodeling – 843-238-4798 – www.oceanbreezeexteriors.com

Our showroom is located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC


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Installing Lexan Hurricane Panels

If you have Lexan Hurricane Panels and have not used them yet, here is a quick video showing you how… Installing Lexan Hurricane Panels 

Thanks!

Dave


You can find us at…
843-238-4798
www.oceanbreezeexteriors
Showroom located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC

 


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It’s always a good time to prep for hurricane season!

No matter what time of year you read this e-mail, you can’t go wrong if it makes you want to prep for hurricane season.

The Atlantic Ocean hurricane season runs from June through November every year. In recent years, our area has seen several significant landfalls. Hurricanes are interesting in how they affect us. You might have escaped unscathed, might have had trees or limbs in the yard, or could have even lost your roof. However, your neighbor might have experienced just the opposite.

My own experience with the last two hurricanes to hit our area is that the nearby yards flooded, and I lost a few shingles each time. No windows were broken by flying debris, but we installed clear Lexan hurricane panels over all the openings.

Here’s a few things I would recommend to prepare for hurricane season to help get you and your family ready.

1. Put together a disaster box. Here’s a link to a great inventory list for a disaster box- https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. Once you get it packed, just throw it in the closet or a corner in the garage and hope you never need it.

You can go further and pack Get Home Bags or Bug Out Bags, but the disaster box is a bare minimum. If you want more info on those, just e-mail me back and ask. I used to do contract work for FEMA, and one of our jobs was helping people assemble these.

2. Protect your home. You need to install some type of protection for all the openings in your home, to include all doors and windows. Our company installs several different types, so get in touch if you don’t have this. The most important things to consider for this are that you have the work done before a named storm and know how to use it.

I mention ‘named storms’ because most insurance companies will not help you out if you wait until after there’s a named storm in the Atlantic. Also keep in mind that most insurance companies provide discounts for various types of opening protection, like our Lexan panels.

3. Have a plan. Decide beforehand under what circumstances you will evacuate. Don’t wait on the storm and then decide. In addition, decide where you’ll evacuate and what you will take with you. For any storms that you will shelter in place and not evacuate, plan for that as well, to include water, food, and lighting.

There’s so much more that could go into this, but I didn’t want to write a book length e-mail. If you want more information, feel free to get in touch or come by the showroom.

Your storm guide,

David Powers


You can find us at…

Ocean Breeze Exterior Remodeling

843-238-4798

www.oceanbreezeexteriors.com

Our showroom is located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC


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What Do I Do with My Vinyl Windows in a Hurricane?

A couple of weeks ago our area here in Myrtle Beach got spared from the wrath of Hurricane Irma. It was a good wake up call, though, as most of us went ahead and completed some much needed preps on our homes and businesses.

We tied things down. We got rid of things laying around in yards. A few customers bought last minute storm panel installations. Everyone stocked up on bottled water.

And we got a lot of phone calls from our customers and even some of our competitor’s customers. Apparently, some of our competitors wouldn’t offer any help with the big pre-hurricane question…

What Do I Do with My Vinyl Windows in a Hurricane?

Here’s my advice.

Vinyl windows go by different names, but they’re all mostly the same, whether you call them vinyl windows, porch panels, vinyl panels, Eze-Breeze, or something else.

Almost all of them are rated for a certain wind speed. This means that during testing, some of the panels probably blew out of the frame. It also means they won’t warranty damage to the window panels if you leave them in during a hurricane.

Here’s a sticker from a window in our showroom that is on all of our vinyl windows.

The 65 mile per hour winds would place it in the tropical storm and above range.

This would mean that you should take all your panels out and put them in a big stack in the garage. Now, if you think about it, this is a pretty tedious process, especially if your forget to mark where they go. I mean, it would take you days to get them all figured out.

I don’t recommend taking them all out.

Here’s my recommendations on what to do, based on 30 years installing them, too many hurricane and tropical storm experiences, and having them on my own house.

If you have a lot of nice stuff in the room with vertical sliding windows, like a TV, expensive outdoor furniture, breakables, a mini bar, carpet, etc, leave the windows up. Don’t remove them. Don’t push them down. Take your chances. Honestly, I’ve seen very few of these ever blow out of the frame. I would rather protect what’s in the room from as much rain and wind as possible.

If the room is a basic outdoor use room with vertical vinyl windows and you’re worried about them, push them all to the bottom. By pushing them all down, you’ve strengthened the entire configuration by putting all the windows together in one section.

If you have large horizontal sliding panels like garage screens or sliding door sized sections, remove them and store them in the garage. These tend to blow out much easier and also make up a huge surface susceptible to puncture from blowing debris.

If you happen to have any windows damaged by blowing debris or wind blowing them out, once the hurricane has passed and we resume normal operations again, just bring them by. It doesn’t cost much to reroll new vinyl into the panes.

If you have any other questions leading up to or after a hurricane, please give us a call.


You can find us at…

Ocean Breeze Exterior Remodeling

843-238-4798

www.oceanbreezeexteriors.com

Our showroom is located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC


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Lexan Hurricane Panels Run Over by Car

Our favorite type of hurricane protection, because it’s affordable, see-through, easy to install…and tough!

You can find us at…
843-238-4798
www.oceanbreezeexteriors
Showroom located at 739 Sandy Lane in Surfside Beach, SC


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