Emergency News / Updates
Hurricane Preparedness
The 2021 Atlantic hurricane season starts at the beginning of June. We have put together a comprehensive list of resources in our Emergency Management section which will help you prepare a safety plan for the event of a storm.
COVID-19 Update
As we continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and continue to observe CDC recommendations and guidelines, our priority is the continued safety of our employees, customer homeowners and Board members.
Public health officials continue to advise that social distancing is the most effective strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As such, all Ameri-Tech office locations will remain closed to all outside visitors, customer walk-ins and deliveries until further notice.
However, like all of you, we have had to make major adjustments in how we serve your community management needs. A large portion of our staff is now working from home. The rest of us have split our time between our different offices to make sure we comply with social distancing requirements. Furthermore, in order to protect both our clients and staff, we have also initiated a policy of promoting remote conferencing via either phone conferences or video conferences. Of course, if necessary, we can still meet with you in person if needed. Either way, we at Ameri-Tech will continue even in these difficult times, to strive to serve your full community management needs. Please call our office at (727) 726-8000 if you have any questions or concerns.
In the meantime, during this period of being homebound, perhaps we can take this opportunity to evaluate what is important in our life by enjoying being with our families.
The following is from Irene Ken, physician, and Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, quite informative.
* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1-part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only -between 3 hours (fabric and porous), -4 hours (copper and wood) -24 hours (cardboard) – 42 hours (metal) and -72 hours (plastic). But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You must HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
We hope that these guidelines help in keeping everyone safe and defeat this terrible disease.