Archived Community Blog Posts
2024 Hurricane Preparedness Guide
9/9/2024 (Permalink)
Hurricane Ian Path in Fall 2022
As the height of the 2024 Hurricane season draws near (running from June 1st to November 30th), we aim to equip our clients, residents of the Venice and Port Charlotte area communities, and business partners with essential information to stay prepared.
It's crucial to recognize that even if your home or business is fortified against the direct impact of a storm, critical infrastructure systems such as electricity, water, sewer, roads, and public transportation may suffer severe disruption. Damage to these systems can impede your ability to restock supplies or receive assistance, with delays lasting from hours to days in areas affected by major storms and hurricanes. To safeguard yourself and your loved ones, please ensure you have the fundamental items outlined in the following checklist and #BePrepared.
Continue reading to see more information on:
- Important Local (Charlotte and Sarasota County) Links for Shelters, Evacuation Zones, Emergency News, and More
- Emergency Checklist Download
- Connect with us on Social Media
Following are important local links for Charlotte and Sarasota County, including links for Shelters, Evacuation Zones, Emergency News and Updates, and More: Shelter and Evacuation Information:Charlotte County Emergency Management Info:Sarasota County Emergency Management InfoSocial Media, News, and Weather Information links:(You may need to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the above links or that the links themselves are still active. We are supplying this information as a service to our community but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as some links and information may change or be removed at the organization's discretion. SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte assumes no liability on the accuracy of the links and/or the information provided by the various government and media organizations)
Updated for 2022! Charlotte County Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness
9/6/2022 (Permalink)
Be Prepared, Not Scared. Know what to do when disaster comes your way!
With the current Hurricane season in full force, we want our clients, residents of the Port Charlotte area communities, and business partners to have the sources of information you need to be prepared.
Remember that even if your home and/or business is safe and secure from the effects of a storm, that infrastructure systems, including electric, water, sewer, and roads and public transportation may be severely affected, and damage done to those systems can delay your ability to resupply or receive help. Delays in areas affected by major storms and hurricanes can last from hours to days. Please ensure that you and your loved ones have the basic items on the following checklist.
Following are important local links for Charlotte County, including links for Shelters, Evacuation Zones, Emergency News and Updates, and More:
Charlotte County Emergency Management Info: Social Media, News, and Weather Information links:
(You may need to verify the accuracy of the information provided in the above links or that the links themselves are still active. We are supplying this information as a service to our community but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as some links and information may change or be removed at the organization's discretion. SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte assumes no liability on the accuracy of the links and/or the information provided by the various government and media organizations)
What to do in Port Charlotte - Updated 2022
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
There is so much to do for fun family time in the Port Charlotte area!
If you are a new homeowner in the Port Charlotte area, you may be curious what the locals and snowbirds do around here for fun!
The first answer you will receive is most likely "Get Outdoors" as most activities in Charlotte County involve the outdoors. Fishing, kayaking, golfing, shark tooth hunting, beachcombing, boating, pickleball, hiking, and biking are among the many fun things to do around here.
A nearby local attraction to escape the heat is the North Port Aquatic Center, located just a few miles away from Port Charlotte. With tall water slides (including the "Barracuda Blast drop slide"), lazy river, splash zone, heated competition pool, snack shack, and lounging areas, there is something for kids and adults of all ages.
Another fun Port Charlotte park with a splash pad, batting cages, baseball fields, pavilions, grills, walking trails, restrooms, and more is the 25 acre Atwater Community Park.
We also have a local baseball stadium, where the Tampa Bay Rays pre-season games are played, and the Tippecanoe Environmental Park is a 380 acre upland and wetland hikers paradise.
If you have a business in the area, or are just looking for a way to network and meet others, there are plenty of opportunities for that with local chapters of Lion's Club, VFW, American Legion, along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
Dining in the area is great, with many local eateries and nationally known chains in the area, including many that are located along Charlotte Harbor, Englewood Beach, Manasota Key, Venice Island or other waterways that give you beautiful views while you enjoy being out.
For more information, you can also check out the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach tourism website located here: https://www.pureflorida.com/ and another good resource for families is the Fun4PortCharlotteKids.com page.
What to do in Port Charlotte Florida
12/9/2020 (Permalink)
Pickleball is one of the latest outdoor activity sensations and there are many courts in the Port Charlotte community to play at!
If you are a new homeowners in the Port Charlotte area, you may be curious what the locals and snowbirds do around here for fun!
The first answer you will receive is most likely "Get Outdoors" as most activities in Charlotte County involve the outdoors. Fishing, kayaking, golfing, shark tooth hunting, beachcombing, boating, pickleball, hiking, and biking are among the many fun things to do around here.
We also have a local baseball team, the Charlotte Stone Crabs, who play in Charlotte Sports Park (The Stone Crabs were the Tampa Bay Rays minor league team from 2007 until 2020; a new affiliation has not been announced as of December 2020) and the Tippecanoe Environmental Park is a 380 acre upland and wetland hikers paradise.
If you have a business in the area, or are just looking for a way to network and meet others, there are plenty of opportunities for that with local chapters of Lion's Club, VFW, American Legion, along with the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
Dining in the area is great, with many local eateries and nationally known chains in the area, including many that are located along Charlotte Harbor or other waterways that give you beautiful views while you enjoy being out.
For more information, you can also check out the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach tourism website located here: https://www.pureflorida.com/
Fun Home for Halloween Ideas
10/21/2020 (Permalink)
Halloween fun includes creating amazing pumpkin designs!
Trick-or-treating around the neighborhood and trunk-or-treat events are Halloween staples that we have enjoyed for years and years. However, with COVID-19 affecting large segments of our communities, these events are being cancelled or recommended against by local authorities and healthcare professionals.
If you live in an area where there are restrictions or you just wish to take additional precautions, here are few ideas to have fun at home during Halloween!
- Pumpkin Picking and Carving. This classic activity is something that all ages can enjoy. One way to add a fun twist to it is picking your pumpkin straight from a local pumpkin patch or letting the youngest or oldest in the family choose the pumpkin from the grocery store.
- Film Fest! Pick out some scary or thriller movies from your favorite streaming service or your DVD/Blu-ray collection. From Ghostbusters to The Addams Family, there is a large variety of suspenseful movies that may give a fright without creating anxiety or nightmares ;)
- Storytelling time! If someone in your household is a good storyteller, let them have the floor and enjoy the ride. Either read from a classic short story or create your own tale to get a scare out of your audience.
- Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Create a list of Halloween-themed items to search for around the house and in your yard.
- Do a virtual Halloween costume contest with friends, neighbors, and/or loved ones who cannot be with you for the evening. Make it special and have a theme and a fun prize for the best costume in different age brackets.
Have fun, be safe, and remember that together we will get through this. Happy Halloween!
Create Your Own Emergency Survival Kit!
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Build your emergency ready kit so you can "Be Prepared" for when disaster comes your way!
Have you ever wondered how to make your own 'Emergency Survival Kit"? Check out the following YouTube video from the American Red Cross featuring actress and volunteer Jaimie Lee Curtis:
American Red Cross: Let's Make a Survival Kit with Jamie Lee Curtis
Along with the above video, featured below is information on the basics you should have to be prepared.
For more information, please visit: https://www.ready.gov/plan
BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
Thank you for visiting and call SERVPRO of Port Charlotte at 941-629-0966 for more tips or information on how to prepare you home or business with an Emergency Ready Plan.
Join SERVPRO of Port Charlotte at the Charlotte County Chamber Of Commerce Business Expo 2020
1/16/2020 (Permalink)
See you at the Charlotte County Chamber Of Commerce Business Expo 2020
We are excited to be participants in the upcoming Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce's 9th Annual Hottest Business Day in Paradise Business Expo2020, on Feb. 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Event Center. SERVPRO of Venice and Port Charlotte has been members of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years and we are proud to be one of the participating businesses. Come see us and over 100 other businesses there, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center. Make sure to stop by the SERVPRO booth to enter to win our gift basket, or to receive more information about our services. For more details, visit the following link: BUSINESS EXPO AND TRADESHOW - EXPO2020
Charlotte County, Be Hurricane Prepared - September is National Preparedness Month
8/30/2019 (Permalink)
Be prepared and make sure you have the basics in your emergency kit!
Plan to Stay in Business! Preparedness Planning for Your Business - Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards:
- Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
- Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu.
- Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence.
- Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure.
There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization for the most likely hazards. The Ready Business program helps business leaders make a preparedness plan to get ready for these hazards.
Ready Business Toolkits
The Ready Business Toolkit series includes hazard-specific versions for earthquake, hurricane, inland flooding, power outage, and severe wind/tornado. Toolkits offer business leaders a step-by-step guide to build preparedness within an organization. Each toolkit contains the following sections:
- Identify Your Risk
- Develop A Plan
- Take Action
- Be Recognized and Inspire Others
Read more about how prepare your business at the following link: https://www.ready.gov/businessRead more about how to prepare your home and family at the following link: https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
Join us for Two FREE Continuing Education Seminars for Insurance Agents and Adjusters
5/14/2019 (Permalink)
Continuing Education Class in Port Charlotte Florida for insurance agents and insurance adjusters.
SERVPRO Industries, LLC #292716 will be offering TWO FREE Continuing Education Seminars on July 25, 2019
CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION: Sleep Inn & Suites 806 Kings Hwy Port Charlotte, FL 33980
The subjects will be:
- Mitigation Awareness and Response Seminar (MARS). REGISTRATION TIME: 8:00 a.m. COURSE TIME: 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. COURSE NUMBER: 79948 Agent CE 2-20 Intermediate* 79949 Adjuster CE 3-24c Intermediate* - WHAT YOU WILL LEARN This course is designed to assist you in understanding what to expect from a good restoration professional, by reviewing Industry Standards applicable towards water damage losses, fire and smoke damage losses, and deodorization practices.
- Deodorization of Malodors. REGISTRATION TIME: 10:45 a.m. COURSE TIME: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. COURSE NUMBER: 69589 Agent CE 2-20 Intermediate* 69590 Adjuster CE 3-24c Intermediate* WHAT YOU WILL LEARN This course has been specifically designed to explain the special procedures used by professionals when deodorizing malodors. The purpose of the course is to provide you with a better understanding of situations when odor control technicians are tasked with removing bad odor. We’ll talk about how a restorer might respond to some common odor situations. You will learn remediation processes that can help control the cost if performed in a timely manner. This course will help you better understand what your client is going through when deodorizing of malodors is necessary.
Breakfast will be provided for registered attendees. Class size is limited so please contact as soon as possible to register. When contacting us, please confirm number of guests attending and which courses (8:30 or 11:00 or both).
For reservations contact:
SERVPRO® of Port Charlotte, SERVPRO® of Venice: 941-484-7777,
or email: marketing@SERVPROofvenice.com
*INTERMEDIATE LEVEL – This course has been designated by the Florida Department of Financial Services as INTERMEDIATE level. It is intended for the student who has a basic knowledge with the subject matter or who has limited experience with the subject matter.
Real Estate and CAM CE Course 3 Hour Credits - July 12th 2018
6/12/2018 (Permalink)
Register Today: SERVPRO Industries, Inc. #00031315;
Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
Course Credit: 3 Hours
CAM and Real Estate Agents: CE Class July 12th, 2018
Register Today: SERVPRO Industries, Inc. #00031315 Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
Course Credit: 3 Hours
Course Number: 0018787 Real Estate9628525 CAM* (*OPP or ELE; If you still need OPP credits, this course will be applied as an OPP credit)
What you will learn: This course has been specifically designed to teach and explain the special procedures used by professionals in mitigating mold damage claims for the insured. The purpose of the course is to provide you, the real estate professional and the CAM professional, with a better understanding of the work performed by the mitigation vendor at mold damage work sites.
You will learn remediation processes which can help control the cost if performed in a timely manner. We will demonstrate examples of work performed to mitigate mold damage. This course will help you better understand what your client is going through when they have mold damage.
DATE:July 12, 2018
REGISTRATION TIME: 8:00 a.m.
COURSE TIME: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Breakfast Provided
LOCATION:
Sleep Inn & Suites Port Charlotte
806 Kings Highway
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
FOR RESERVATIONS, Contact:
SERVPRO® of
Venice and Port Charlotte
(941) 484-7777
marketing@SERVPROofvenice.com
Join Us at the 2018 Hurricane Preparedness Expo in Punta Gorda May 19th, 2018
5/16/2018 (Permalink)
Be prepared for this upcoming Hurricane Season!
Join us for the 2018 Hurricane Preparedness Expo This Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM event held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 Hurricane Preparedness Seminars at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Featuring: Wink News Meteorologists, Gerald Mallet of Charlotte County Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross. Over 40 local businesses will be participating with booths and possible door prizes drawn throughout the day for this popular event occurring just before the start of Hurricane Season. If you are new to Charlotte County and want to know what to do to prepare for hurricane season, this is the event for you. The Charlotte County Emergency Management Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Seminars in the morning and afternoon. Free Admission Throughout this event, please stop by our booth, where we will be there to answer any of your questions. Ask us about how we can create a no-cost Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) for your business, office, and your home. This "ERP" give you an initial plan of action to take during a man-made or natural disaster. We look forward to seeing you!
Severe Weather Information for the Port Charlotte Florida Area
7/8/2014 (Permalink)
Hurricane Wilma from 2005 storm track.
As part of our interest in helping our fellow Port Charlotte Florida community, we are providing this Severe Weather Information section here. We will have links below to weather information for both Hurricane, and local weather. As tropical storms or hurricanes come our way, we will provide updates for those specific storms as well.
Be sure to check out our Hurricane Readiness Kit blog here; http://www.servproportcharlotte.com/newsandupdatespost/2092/community/hurricane-preparedness-kit
Here are some National Weather sources: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ and http://www.weather.com/weather/hurricanecentral/
For local weather, you check out the following for current conditions and alerts: http://www.heraldtribune.com/section/weather
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/port-charlotte-fl/33952/weather-forecast/332284
http://www.nbc-2.com/weather
and http://www.mysuncoast.com/weather/
We will do our best to provide storm information as they come, but the above links will be very reliable for you.
Thank you!
Hurricane Preparedness Kit
6/5/2014 (Permalink)
At SERVPRO of Port Charlotte we want to make sure all in our community are ready and prepared for Hurricane Season. Below are links and information borrowed from them that describe some of the basics you should have to be prepared for this upcoming Hurricane season. As with any general plan, always review it based on local and specific family needs and make adjustments accordingly. Information used is from the following link: http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
SERVPRO of Port Charlotte is on Facebook, Twitter, and More!
5/9/2014 (Permalink)
"Like it never even happened"
SERVPRO of Port Charlotte is now Active on Social Media.
Hello Everyone! We are happy to announce that SERVPRO of Port Charlotte is now actively posting and communicating with our customers and those who want to know more about us on the following social media sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/servproportcharlotte
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SERVPROPortChar
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/SERVPROPtCharFL/
Google Plus (For Both Venice and Port Charlotte): https://www.google.com/+ServproFireWaterCleanupPortCharlotte