3 Ways to Protect Your Home During a Flood

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA will assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts, there are things that you can do before and after a flood to help protect your property.

3 Ways to Protect Your Home During a Flood

Floods can happen at any time, and it's important to be prepared for them. If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, there are a few things you can do before a flood strikes so that you're ready when it does.

Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation.

After you've assessed the damage, it's time to patch the cracks in your foundation. You'll need a waterproof sealant like caulking or silicone sealant for this job. If you have silicone-based paint, use that instead of a separate caulking product because it can also be used as an adhesive for other materials like wood and metal.

First, apply the sealant to both sides of the crack, then smooth out any excess with a putty knife. Make sure you get all around the edges so there aren't any gaps where water could eventually seep through and damage your home again.

Maintain drainage areas.

• Maintain drainage areas
• Grass should be trimmed short to avoid clogging gutters, and trees and shrubs should be trimmed to ensure that water flows away from the house.
• Make sure your gutters are clean and free of debris.
• Keep downspouts clear of leaves and other debris so water can drain properly into the ground rather than pooling around your foundation or flowing toward your basement.
• Clean out rain barrels, which collect rainwater that then drains into soil rather than running off toward storm drains or sewers (and possibly flooding). 

Install a sump pump.

If your home is in a flood zone, you should consider installing a sump pump. Sump pumps are used to remove excess water from the lowest part of your basement or crawl space and safely discharge it away from the house. You can also find sump pumps that feature battery backup units (BBUs) and remote monitoring technologies—these will allow homeowners to check on their sump pump remotely in case there's ever a problem with it.

If you live near a body of water or have experienced flooding at some point, consider installing this essential piece of equipment today!

Know what to do before, during, and after a flood.

The best way to protect your home is to be prepared. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts, there are things that you can do before and after a flood to help protect your property. Flood insurance differs from homeowner's insurance in several ways, so it's important to know the difference. It's also helpful to know what actions you should take before, during and after a flood occurs so that you can prepare accordingly:

Before a flood happens:

• Make sure all your homeowners' contents are insured—this includes appliances, electronics, furniture and clothes. You may have additional coverage from certain policies or other types of insurance (such as renters or car insurance). 

We all want to protect our Amelia, TX homes, and there are many things you can do to do just that. As with any disaster, it's best to be prepared before it happens. But if you are still unsure about how best to prepare for a flood or other natural disaster, it's always good to know where your local emergency management office is located so that they can help answer any questions or concerns.

How Do I Replace A Toilet?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you think your toilet is leaking or not working as well as it should, replace it.

How Do I Replace A Toilet?

Replacing a toilet can seem like an overwhelming task, but it's not. The average DIYer can typically complete this project in about six hours. Here are the step-by-step instructions for replacing a toilet:

Cut the water supply, flush toilet, and sponge all remaining water from tank and bowl.

• Cut the water supply to the toilet, then flush it to drain any remaining water.
• If you have a frost-free refrigerator or freezer, turn off its power switch and remove all food from inside (this will help prevent damage).
• Unscrew any mounting bolts that are holding the hot water tank in place and lift it out of its housing; don't worry if some piping comes with it because you can reattach these later.

Disconnect hose leading to bottom of tank.

Now that the tank is out of the bowl, you can disconnect the hose leading to the bottom of the tank. You may have to loosen or unscrew a clamp holding it in place before pulling it free. The water supply should now be disconnected from your toilet.

To lift out your old toilet, shift your weight slightly toward one side and lift it straight up until you can set it aside.

Unscrew the nuts that connect the tank to the bowl, remove tank and set aside.

• Unscrew the nuts that connect the tank to the bowl, remove tank and set aside
• Remove any remaining water from inside the toilet bowl with a sponge or towel
• Remove old wax ring from underneath where you will replace it (usually a square piece of plastic).

Remove nuts that hold bowl to floor, lift straight up on bowl and set aside.

To replace the toilet, you'll need to remove the nuts and washers that hold the bowl to its base. To do this:

• Remove the nuts on each side of your toilet using socket set or wrench.
• Lift straight up on the bowl and set it aside.

Remove any wax ring or putty that remain around drain collar on floor.

• Remove any wax ring or putty that remain around drain collar on floor.
• Use a putty knife to scrape off any old putty, if there is any.
• Clean the area around the drain collar with a sponge and mild detergent, then use dry paper towels to dry it thoroughly.

Install new wax ring onto new toilet base.

• Place the new toilet base on wax ring.
• Press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking). Ensure a tight connection between toilet base and wax ring. If you have a leak, tighten the connection between the toilet base and wax ring by adding more plumber's putty or tightening with adjustable wrench as needed.

Set new toilet in place and press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking).

Once the new toilet is in place, you must press down firmly to ensure that it is properly seated on the floor. If you see any rocking motion, then there may be an issue with the wax ring, and you should check for leaks before proceeding further.

If no leaks are present and your toilet is not leaking after pressing down firmly on it, then proceed to connect water supply lines and test operation of the new toilet.

Reattach the new and old water line, ensuring a tight connection.

To reattach the new and old water line, ensure that the water supply is turned off. Then, make sure that your new toilet is level with your old one and secure. The last thing you want is for it to start shifting around on you during installation. If need be, use a wrench to tighten the bolts so they're nice and tight.

Replace your toilet if you think it is leaking or not working well — but if leaks persist call a professional plumber

If you think your toilet is leaking or not working as well as it should, replace it. But if you are not sure and want to check if there is a leak, first check the water level in your tank. If the water level is lower than normal, check for leaks at the base of the toilet by submerging a towel under it and checking on both sides; look for wet spots under the tank lid and base.

If you think there may be a leak but are unsure how to fix it yourself (or hire someone to do so), here's how to replace a toilet:

• Turn off the power source or flush handle/valve assembly that serves as an access point for stopping wastewater flow from pipes leading from your home’s plumbing system
• Unscrew bolts holding down flange between bowl unit and floor with socket wrench; remove flange from bowl unit

You can replace your toilet and save money. The first step is to turn off the water supply, disconnect the old tank and bowl, remove the old wax ring, and set aside. Then, install a new wax ring onto the base of your new toilet (not into floor). Finally, set it in place and press down firmly so that it adheres to the wax ring (no rocking). Reattach old water line to new toilet base ensuring a tight connection before turning on water supply once again!

How do I protect my business from fire disaster?

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Church fire in the Beaumont area.

How Can I Protect My Company From A Fire?

Fires in a business can be devastating and cause significant damage. Fires in the workplace can be particularly damaging for several reasons. For one thing, most businesses are not prepared for a fire disaster. They may not have fire extinguishers or alarms set up properly. You need to anticipate any potential dangers that could lead to fire hazards within your workspace so that you can be prepared when something does happen. Here are some tips on protecting your business from fire disasters:

Planning Ahead for a Fire 

First and foremost, it’s important to be prepared for a fire. You need to make sure you have a plan for your employees, as well as for how your business might be impacted during an evacuation and after the fact.

If you’re in the Beaumont, TX area, we recommend calling our office immediately if you ever suspect that your property is at risk of being damaged by fire or smoke. Our team has experience handling these situations on a regular basis, so let us help guide you through this process to minimize any damage done to your business!

Your Fire Plan

• Have a fire escape plan:
• Check your smoke alarms at least once a month and change the batteries when you do.
• Keep all combustible materials (paper, cardboard, etc.) away from heat sources like stoves and heaters.
• If you have others in your home or workplace, make sure they're familiar with the route out of the building in case of an emergency.

Inspecting Equipment Regularly 

You can have regular inspections of your equipment and wiring to reduce the risk of a fire.

• Make sure that your fire extinguisher is in good condition, and that you know how to use it.
• Ensure that your equipment is well maintained, so it doesn’t cause an electrical fire or spark a grease fire in the kitchen.
• Test smoke detectors regularly, and replace batteries as needed.

Protecting Yourself, Others, and Your Space 

Fire prevention and protection are not just a matter of good business sense. They're also a legal requirement in some areas. If you don't have a planned fire safety policy in place, you could find yourself liable for damage caused by an uncontrolled fire in your building.

To avoid expensive lawsuits and fines, follow these tips:

• Make sure that all employees are trained on how to use the fire alarm system and what exits to take when the alarm sounds
• Have regular inspections conducted by a qualified professional (such as an electrician) to ensure that wiring is up-to-code, appliances are installed correctly and safely maintained, etc.
• Install smoke detectors throughout your building

Conclusion

All in all, it’s important to remember that fire prevention is not something that you can do once and then forget about. It’s a constant process of looking for ways to improve your business so that it’s as safe from fires as possible. The tips we’ve given here are just some of the many ways you can do this—and they should be at the top of your list if you want to protect yourself from fire disaster!

How Is Sewer Damage Cleaned? Essential Steps You Don't Want To Skip

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let black water sit and linger.

How Does Sewer Damage Get Cleaned? You Don't Want To Miss These Steps

Sewer cleanup requires more than a mop, towel and bucket of cleaner. This fluid, known as black water, consists of high levels of mold spores and bacteria, which can absorb into your floors and walls. To ensure your commercial space is sanitized thoroughly, following specific guidelines is imperative. The following are four steps you don't want to skip.

1. Discover the Cause of the Sewer Backup

Cut off the water supply to the bathroom and, before cleaning, locate the reason the overflow occurred. Common causes include blockages from hair, personal products and grease. Lines under the ground may also suffer corrosion or cracks, particularly from tree roots.

These issues are hard to see; therefore, call water restoration experts in Elizabeth, TX, to inspect the plumbing. They have innovative technology to scope the pipes and assist in the cleaning stages.

2. Assess Water Exposure

Sewer water is classified as category three contamination because it contains a host of organisms such as bacteria and mold. A group of specialists should examine the impacted space, gathering specimens of the air and materials. This information allows team members to establish a sewer cleanup plan specific to your company's needs.

Water migrates easily, spreading through the drywall, ceiling and floors. You may not realize the extent of dampness. Teams use moisture readers to pinpoint affected zones.

3. Minimize Secondary Damage

Water penetrates porous material, allowing organisms to migrate into your walls, floors and valuables. Before cleaning, concentrate on mitigating spore reproduction and structural rot.
Certified technicians evaluate your room's contents for concern. They remove unaffected pieces to avoid further harm. In addition, the flooded toilet delivered excess moisture and humidity. Extract that dampness efficiently using air movers and industrial dehumidifiers.

4. Sanitize and Restore

Wash and scrub down nonporous items using an antimicrobial treatment. Teams can use high-tech equipment to deodorize the location. Then, attention turns to rebuilding, returning the premises to proper working order.

Don't let black water sit and linger. Follow proper sewer cleanup protocols to ensure to reduce water and organism exposure.

How To Lower Your Business Interruption Insurance Claim

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

You can lower your business interruption insurance claim and get back on track.

How To Reduce Your Insurance Claim for Business Interruption

If your building in Beaumont, TX, experiences a water-related incident such as flooding from a broken pipe, you may be forced to halt business operations until repair and restoration efforts are completed.
Business interruption insurance is designed to provide compensation for lost income during this time. The standard period of coverage is 30 days, but what if restoration efforts take longer than that?
There are many many factors that affect the duration of the restoration process, such as the extent of the water damage, the quality of restoration services rendered, and the effectiveness of communications with your insurance provider.
Here are several ways to promote a quick recovery and lower your business interruption claim.

1. Address Flooding Promptly
Flooding can damage just about anything in your building, including walls, ceilings, floors, equipment, and paper documents. If water is left to sit, mold growth can occur within a day or two, which will complicate restoration efforts and likely prolong the restoration process. If you address large water damage as soon as possible, you can shorten your building's recovery time.

2. Hire Professional Restoration Services
Water damage to commercial buildings often requires professional restoration services. It is important to contact a team of professionals quickly so that you can restore as much of your property as possible. The team will also be able to ensure that all water is removed so that you can avoid mold growth.

3. Keep Detailed Records
Take photos of every incidence of damage from multiple angles. Keep records of all communications with the restoration company and the insurance company. Inadequate record-keeping and ineffective communication can lead to a claims process that is longer than it needs to be.
Following these tips will help your business bounce back from water damage quickly. You can lower your business interruption insurance claim and get back on track.

Does an Adjuster Need To Inspect Damage Prior to Mitigation?

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

If an adjuster cannot see how bad the damage was, he or she may be less likely to settle a flood insurance claim for the full amount.

Is it necessary for an adjuster to inspect damage prior to mitigation?

Homeowners dealing with flood damage may wonder whether they should start mitigation before an adjuster arrives to assess losses. If there has recently been widespread flooding or severe weather in Beaumont, TX, adjusters may have a lengthy backlog. It can be worthwhile to mitigate damage as soon as possible. Here are a few pointers on starting mitigation for homeowners who plan to make a flood insurance claim.

Documentation Before Mitigation

A homeowner must capture the full extent of damage prior to mitigation. There are several useful forms of documentation:

• Photographs
• Video footage
• Professional estimates

This evidence will be necessary to support a flood insurance claim. Even if mitigation is underway when an adjuster arrives, proof of damage enables homeowners to obtain compensation for losses.

Provide Insurers With an Estimate

A professional estimate is also useful for making a claim. A one-stop damage mitigation and restoration company can provide a complete estimate. Insurers are more likely to accept an estimate calculated by a preferred vendor.

Schedule a Visit From an Adjuster

An adjuster will probably need to visit the property to process a claim. Homeowners should provide documentation and explain mitigation measures. Insurers require property owners to do everything in their power to limit primary damage and avoid secondary mold damage. Timely mitigation may make it easier to settle a claim.

It is crucial to document the worst of the damage caused by a flood or storm before taking mitigation measures. If an adjuster cannot see how bad the damage was, he or she may be less likely to settle a flood insurance claim for the full amount. Keep in mind that most standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and a separate flood policy is necessary. Relying on a company that provides both mitigation and restoration services will enable homeowners to give insurers a single estimate and expedite the claim process.

House Fire Facts

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

House Fire Facts

• House fires cause nearly 4,000 deaths and over 2,000 server injuries to Americans every year.
• Heat from a fire can reach over 1,100 degrees in less than 4 minutes.
• About 80% of civilian deaths are from house fires.
• Areas without fire in them can get up to 300 degrees, which is hot enough to melt plastics.
• Leading cause of fire deaths is careless smoking.
• A working smoke detector more than doubles the chance of survival in a house fire.

Causes of House Fires

• Faulty appliances/ wiring causes the greatest amount of house fires.
• Heating devices such as heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces. Most fires start when something like furniture, boxes or clothing overheat from being placed to close to the heat source.
• Cigarettes being dropped onto furniture like beds, sofas, or chairs.
• Children playing with fire causes house fires every year.

For more information, visit Home Fire Facts | SF Fire Website (sf-fire.org).

What To Do Before a Hurricane

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Evacuation

• If advised to evacuate, know where you will go and how you will get there.
• Plan before hand if you need help with transportation.
• Mobile, manufactured, trailer homes and recreational vehicles are not safe in high wind events.

Shelter

• Prepare to live without power, water, gas, phones, and internet for an extended period.
• Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The best shelter would be a small room with no windows on the lowest level that is least likely to flood.
• Flooding can happen quickly, so be prepared to evacuate fast if needed.

Stay Connected

• Sign up for free emergency alerts for your local government and monitor the local news and weather.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cellphone.
• Have a battery powered radio in case of a power outage.
• Understand the difference in alerts-
  • A WATCH means be prepared
  • A WARNING means take action
• Plan for electrical needs including medical equipment. Talk to your doctor and plan for backup power.

Emergency Supplies

• Gather food, medicine, and water. Stores and pharmacies may be closed and create and Go-Kit and Stay-at-Home Kit.
• Go-Kit: At least 3 days of supplies you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for devices. (Cell phones, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• Stay-at-Home Kit: At least 2 weeks of supplies.
• Have a 1-month supply of medicine and medical supplies in a childproof container.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up on a form of technology). Consider keeping a card with medical information and dosages.

Protect your Home

Wind

• Secure or bring inside outdoor items like lawn furniture, trashcans, and anything that can be picked up by wind and hurt someone.
• Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills and propane tanks.
• Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or sheeting.

Flood

• Clean our drains, gutters, and downspouts.
• Stockpile protective materials like sandbags and plastic sheeting.
• Consider elevating heating systems, water heaters, and electric panels.
• Review insurance policies with your agency.

What To Do During and After a Hurricane

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

During a Hurricane 

Evacuation

• If advised to evacuate, go quickly.
• Bring a Go-Kit: at least 3 days of supplies and batteries.
• Follow evacuation routes and do not take short cuts because they may be closed.
• Check with local officials for shelter locations. Download the Red Cross Emergency App to find shelters near you.

Protection from High Winds and Flooding

• Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
• Stay away from glass windows and doors.
• Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. 

After a Hurricane

Staying Safe

• Wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
• Avoid fallen, drowned, or damaged powerlines and poles. They can electrocute you.
• Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage, bacteria, and chemicals.
• If power is out, use battery powered light sources to reduce fire risks.
• Gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside enclosed spaces.
• Throw-out food that got wet or warm.
• Monitor local health department for information about drinking water safety, as flooding and hurricanes can make it unsafe.

Cleanup

• Wear appropriate protective equipment including gloves, googles, and boots.
• Clean and disinfect anything that got wet.
• Work with a partner when clearing heavy debris.
• Have the proper training before using equipment, like chainsaws.

Health

• Heart attacks are the leading cause of death after hurricanes from overworking.
• Check with doctors about refrigerated medicines.
• Eat healthy foods and get enough sleep to help deal with stress.
• Stress and anxiety after hurricanes are normal.

For more information, visit Hurricane Preparedness Checklist (redcross.org)

Watch vs. Warning

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Severe Weather

Texas is known for the changing weather conditions. Severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, and lighting can hit at any instant. It is important to know the difference between a watch and a warning. Both can be issued by the National Weather Service. It can be released to a specific amount of time in certain areas.

Watch

A watch means the community should watch the sky because conditions make it possible for the development of severe weather. Keeping an eye on the weather and staying tuned to the local radio and televisions in case conditions worsen.

Warning

A warning indicates severe storms or tornadoes have been spotted or is indicated on a National Weather Service Radar. All of those within the designated areas should seek shelter and take cover immediately until the danger passes.

For more information, visit https://www.friscotexas.gov/333/Severe-Weather.