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...]
Preventing Problems: How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
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...]
7 Best Practices for Building a Hurricane-Proof House
Over the past several years, Americans have witnessed some of the most devastating hurricanes to ever hit during many of our lifetimes. In 2017, Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on the United States territory of Puerto Rico, claiming the lives of over 2,900 residents. The storm knocked out power to the entire island and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses. Then, in 2018, Hurricane Michael made headlines as … [Read more...]
In the Calm After the Storm: How to Check Your Home for Storm Damage
When Mother Nature hits, your home is often in the path of destruction. Storm damage, however minor, can cause expensive long-term problems when repairs aren't carried out quickly. High winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even lightning can all cause damage to your property. From water running down roof beams into the walls to debris damaging windows, there are many ways a storm or hurricane can damage your … [Read more...]
Playing Defense: 9 Tips to Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Water damage is one of those home repair issues that can start small but become far worse over time. Here's how to keep it out of your home in the first place. Water damage is one of the most common and expensive insurance claims. It may only be a matter of time before it strikes your home, but you don’t have to be a sitting duck. There are things you can do to protect your home and prevent these things from … [Read more...]
Dampness Danger: 9 Things to Know About Black Mold
As a homeowner, the words "black mold" are probably terrifying. Why is black mold so dangerous? Where does it come from? Here's what you need to know. You work hard to keep your home clean and safe, but black mold is still a worry. That's because mold can grow in places that are out of sight. With more information about black mold, you can avoid the risk. Here are the 9 things you need to know. 1. Where … [Read more...]
How to prepare your home for spring storms
How to Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms Spring means warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, but it can also mean unpredictable weather. During spring, cold air from the north clashes with the humid, warm air from the Gulf of Mexico setting the stage for intense weather. With high winds, flooding, hail, tornadoes and thunderstorms, spring storms can cause tremendous damage to your home. No matter where you … [Read more...]
Why You Should Consider Water Restoration Services
Why You Should Consider Water Restoration Services What's the most destructive force on Earth? The whipping winds of a tornado? The searing flames of a wildfire? Devastating though both may be, they're not as common - nor as damaging - as water. From the burst pipes caused by extreme cold, to the flooding that destroys basements, water damage doesn't discriminate. In fact, over the past 10 years, all 50 … [Read more...]
What are the Top Homeowners Insurance Claims?
What are the Top Homeowners Insurance Claims? Being a homeowner can come with a lot of unexpected costs for maintenance and upkeep, so setting money aside for emergencies is smart. Some damages cannot be paid for out of your own pocket, which is why homeowners insurance is so important. You might wonder what types of damage make up the most common occurrences of insurance claims. Here are a few of the most … [Read more...]
What to Do After a House Fire: 6 Important Steps to Follow
What to Do After a House Fire: 6 Important Steps to Follow You bought this house thinking you would spend decades there. The last thing you anticipated was losing everything in a house fire. But that's what happened--in what felt like the blink of an eye, all of your worldly possessions and precious memories went up in smoke. You're trying to wrap your head around the loss, but you're also trying to start … [Read more...]
The First 7 Things to Do During an Emergency Evacuation Procedure
The First 7 Things to Do During an Emergency Evacuation Procedure There are few things scarier than hearing that there is an emergency evacuation warning for your area. Some people even decide not to heed the warnings, though this can be a costly mistake. You have only a short window of time to pack up and leave your home. You don't know what state your home may be in when you come back. However, it's important … [Read more...]
7 Important Ways Smoke and Soot From a Fire Can Affect Your Home
7 Important Ways Smoke and Soot From a Fire Can Affect Your Home Smoke and soot from a fire can affect your home - and it isn't just by the smell. Here are 7 important ways your home can be impacted and how to make repairs. In 2016 there were more than 350,000 home structure fires reported in the US. Even with modern safety equipment, the risk of fire in the home is still a significant one. It is something that can … [Read more...]