Hurricane season is here. Every year, it looms over our heads threatening to disrupt our lives. At Blackmon Mooring & BMS CAT, hurricanes and other area-wide disasters can become a central part of our lives. After fourteen years here, hurricane season has become an annual phase of my life much like back to school season or holiday seasons are for others. Our reaction as a company to area-wide disasters has … [Read more...]
Customer Service Through a Disaster
Household Safety Measures: How to Stop a Grease Fire
Many of us cook every day without thinking twice about the safety hazards that reside in the kitchen. From 2012 to 2016, cooking accidents were responsible for over 172,000 fire emergency calls in the U.S. More than half —53%— of these fires involved cooking with oil or grease. Grease fires are oftentimes more dangerous than other fires because if they're not extinguished properly, it is easy for them to spread. … [Read more...]
Disaster Relief: How to Become a Red Cross Volunteer
The Red Cross organization has become a household name in the aftermath of disasters. Whenever disaster strikes, they are one of the first organizations on the scene. With a strong hurricane season looming ahead, not only do you want to make sure that your home is taken care of, you also want to be in a position to help others in need. There are more than 500,000 Red Cross volunteers just in the United States, spread … [Read more...]
How Do Floods Form: The Science and Dangers
There are very few areas in the world where flooding isn't a concern. Not even mountainous regions are resistant to the devastation of floods. Where there is rain, floods can easily follow. Floods are among the leading causes of global deaths. Flash floods can hit without warning, taking thousands of lives and costing nations billions of dollars in damage repairs. The complexity of the dangers of floods can be better … [Read more...]
How to Remove Mold From Leather
Mold buildup may be the number one reason the average lifespan of even superior-quality furniture has been reduced to 7.8 years. But that doesn't mean it is the end of the world if you see mold creeping onto your favorite couch before the expected expiry date. Consider yourself lucky if you spot this culprit before it causes more damage to your furniture. If that's the case, acting fast is your next best … [Read more...]
Wildfire Evacuation Checklist: What to Do During a Wildfire
Wildfires are catastrophic and devastating events, falling victim to one of these events is nothing short of absolutely terrifying. Wildfires roll through extensive stretches of land and trees, obliterating life and property. According to National Geographic, more than 100,000 wildfires clear almost 2 million hectares of land per year, consuming everything in their path. If your property is near one of these … [Read more...]
Is Black Mold Dangerous? The Truth Revealed
Have you ever heard about or even experienced mold infestation in your home? Do you know the risks associated with mold? Black mold is extremely dangerous and has the potential to occur in any home. Recent research by organizations such as the World Health Organization and Unicef, have linked mold exposure to upper respiratory tract diseases like wheezing, coughing, and in severe cases- death. What Is … [Read more...]
Tips for Salvaging Flood Damaged Photos
The beginning of the rainy reason marks the beginning of the constant fear of threats of floods and leaks. Experts predict at least five to seven hurricanes to hit the country this year alone. With hurricane chances that high, protecting your home from water damage should be a top priority. Torrential rains can pose many different risks. Items such as furniture and appliances could break instantly. Additionally, … [Read more...]
Preventing Problems: How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
Hurricane Florence was responsible for 22 direct deaths in the U.S., and the estimated dollar value of the damage incurred ranges from $2 billion to $5 billion. Hurricane Michael, on the other hand, was responsible for 16 deaths, plus an estimated loss,ranging from $6 billion to $8 billion. That is why before settling in an area, it is vital that you find out the likelihood of a hurricane occurring near your home so … [Read more...]
After a Quiet 2018, Tornado Activity Ramps Up in 2019
After a Quiet 2018, Tornado Activity Ramps Up in 2019 The weather in 2018 was fairly mild, especially when it came to tornadoes. Less than 1,000 twisters touched down in the U.S., according to AccuWeather. That number may shock you, but in actuality, it was significantly less than the years before. So much so that it was one of the least active years on record. Fast forward to this year, and it's a different … [Read more...]
What’s Your Company’s Tornado Resilience Plan?
What's Your Company's Tornado Resilience Plan? Tornado alley encompasses portions of South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and other states. This region has been coined ‘Tornado Alley’ for obvious reasons – as it is the part of the country where twisters occur frequently. Contrary to popular belief, living outside of tornado alley doesn’t exactly entail safety from these phenomena. Unlike hurricanes, … [Read more...]