Recovering from Water Damage

Q: Do I need to throw away all my kitchenware after a flood?
A: Not necessarily. Dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas can be sanitized, disinfected and then reused. Throw away wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, since it’s nearly impossible to safely clean them.

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Q: What are the electricity related safety rules after water damage?
A: There 3 basic safety rules:

1. Turn off the power to your home or business by disabling the main circuit breaker panel. Even if the neighborhood power grid is down assume all power lines are active and functioning.
2. Do not use regular household vacuums to remove excess water.
3. Do not use electrical appliances while standing on a wet floor.

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Q: Where do I need to look for water damage in the bathroom while inspecting?
A: Start with the toilet; check the water lines, the floor around the toilet, the tank and the toilet rim. Make sure no leaks are visible. Then inspect the Shower and Bathtub. Inspect the tiles, the grout, drain and visible plumbing. Confirm that all seals are tighten and dry. Be attentive to discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls.

Water Damage Prevention

Q: How can I know if I have water damage in the kitchen?
A: The following are typical signs of water damage in the kitchen:

Leaks under the sink, slow draining pipes, cracked tile or missing grout, soft or stained walls and floors, leaks under and around the base of the dishwasher, and moisture behind the refrigerator.

What To Do Today To Protect Your Property

 Lights

 I generally purchase four of the super-bright halogen box style exterior lights and have them mounted on all four corners of the house.  These are usually set up so that they come on when it gets dark.  The neighbors may be curious about what you are doing, but I explain that this is to protect them as well.  I haven’t had anyone put up a fight after explaining how the lights will make them safer.

 These lights are taken down when the house eventually rents or is sold but I will leave them up if I’ve had repeated problems.  If you find that they do not “stick out” like sore thumbs on the house you may just want to leave them up.

 Plastic Tape

 Go to Home Depot or your hardware store and get some red plastic tape (like “crime scene” tape) that you can attach to the back of the house or to trees around the house.  Obviously this is a drastic measure and will most likely draw attention from the neighbors and possibly city officials but nevertheless, it will surely keep thieves out as a last resort.

 Cameras

 Buy fake security cameras and mount them near doors and where they can be seen.  Get some signs that say “Security Cameras on Premises” and place them in the yard or on windows and doors if they are the stickers.  You can find very good imitation cameras at www.drleonards.com.  They are cheap, real looking, and even have a blinking light.

 Signs

 Put signs on all doors and low windows that state:

 “All workers are instructed not to leave any tools or materials on premises.”  You can easily do these on your home computer and laminate them to make them look more professional.  Although some vandals break into homes that are being worked on or constructed to steal tools, they will see your property as not being worth it since contractors are being instructed to take all tools and hardware home, even though there is actually no work going on anyways.

 You can also buy the square “HIGH VOLTAGE” signs and attach put them up in your windows.

 Make Sure That Your Insurance Is Really Covering You

 Have the right insurance.  Check with your insurance company to see if you need to change your policy now that your property is vacant.  Many times carrying a builder’s risk policy will properly cover you from vandalism and material losses.

 The Loudest Security System That You Can Find

 Put in a basic security system, or if this is too much money, get some security company signs and put them in your yard.  We usually let the alarm ring for some time to show people that the system is up.  Typically in some areas, break-ins are done by people who live nearby.  Let that alarm ring to let them know that you are wired.

 Fake Dogs

 An investor I know uses electronic devices that sound like dogs barking.  This is a good tool as well and you can find them at www.tbotech.com. 

 Car In The Driveway

 If you have an old clunker or an extra car available, leave it at the house in the driveway.  If you can make the house look lived in, that will do more for you than any other idea.  Spending a couple thousand on an old car and a few pieces of furniture for front windows could save you from spending far more to cover damages.

 Conclusion

 If you have a vacant house, you must take immediate action to make sure that no damages or problems arise.  If you have any questions, or trouble finding any of the materials that we suggest you use, feel free to call us and we’d be happy to help you out.

 We would love to work with you if you are interested in selling your vacant home.  You can call the number below to contact us directly.  You can also submit your property information on our website and we will get in touch with you right away.  

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Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle.
- John Quincy Adams

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According to a 1999 Mayo Clinic Study, nearly all chronic sinus infections (afflicting 37 million Americans) are a result of molds.

A 300% increase in the asthma rate over the past 20 years has been linked to molds. (according to 1999 USA Today Cover Story)

Molds (sometimes referred to as black molds, even though mold can come in a variety of colors) can cause a wide array of adverse responses in humans depending on the type and quantity that is present. However, these are not the lone factors when considering the health effects to mold exposure. Since dose and human response can be highly individualistic, the sensitivity of the person exposed is also an important consideration. For example, infants and young children, the immune-compromised, and the elderly are at an increased risk of experiencing adverse health effects related to mold exposure. 

There are many routes of exposure to molds including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. The health risks associated with mold exposure include, but are not limited to: allergic reactions, irritation associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), invasive disease, mycotoxicosis.

Allergy

Allergic reactions are elicited when a substance such as mold that is not harmful in itself causes an immune response in susceptible individuals. The most common symptoms of an allergic response to increased levels of mold range from runny noses, itchy-watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and throat irritation to more severe symptoms caused by chronic conditions such as sinusitis and asthma.

Irritation

Fungi produce Volatile Organic Compounds during the process of degrading substances to obtain nutrition. The VOCs are the cause of the typical “moldy/musty” commonly associated with fungal contamination indoors. Exposure to high levels of VOCs may irritate the mucous membranes and the central nervous system leading to symptoms of headaches, decreased attention span, difficulty in concentration, and dizziness. 

Invasive Disease

This type of disease is uncommon. It is an opportunistic infection caused by exposure to microorganisms that don’t normally produce disease in healthy individuals, but affects those persons with abnormally functioning immune systems.  For example, those with HIV/AIDS or those receiving immunosuppressive drugs such as transplant or chemotherapy patients.   Some common fungi that have been associated with invasive disease are Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Mucor, and Rhizopus.

Air Purification to Reduce Amount of Spores Inhaled:

You may want to use an air purifier to minimize the airborne particulate, which allows mold spores to disperse to other areas of the home/house or building.

HEPA air filters are the most effective type of filter at capturing allergens such as mold spores. The Surround Air Multi-Tech air purifier uses a HEPA, in addition to a germicidal UV to destroy harmful mycotoxins created by mold.

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What is the Proper Insurance Coverage for a Vacant Home?

• Insurance companies do not want to cover vacant homes.  An empty house is an easy target for vandals, thieves and other uninvited guests.  Fire and water damages are much more destructive if there is no one there to find the problem.
• In many home insurance policies there are exclusions stating if a home is vacant for 30-60 dats there may mot be coverage available.
• Insurance agents must be aware if a home is going to be vacant to make sure the appropriate coverage is available.  Some insurance carriers do not provide “Vacant Home Insurance” so these policies would have to be purchased from a separate vendor.
• If a home is empty but checked on regularly this additional coverage may not be necessary.  check with the insurance agent to be sure.

We hope you never have a disaster in your home, but if you do, you can count on us!!

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