Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Credit Cards: The Good, Bad, And Ugly....

And this week's guest blog:


A person who maintains good credit can avail themselves of low interest loans. He can obtain a credit card to help him conduct basic transactions wherever he goes. Basically, a credit card is widely used and very popular among people nowadays. This card is very convenient to use, especially if you find yourself in a position of having no cash on hand.  Wherever you go, either in the malls, restaurants, bars, hotels, grocery stores, hardware stores,  and even hospitals, a credit card is usually accepted. Yes, it really feels so good that even if you don't have cash you could buy anything you want and eat anything you like. Having a credit card also is both a benefit and a risk.

The following are the pros and cons of having credit cards:

Having been approved in your application for a credit card is the beginning of benefits and few weeks later, your credit card will have arrived in your hands and the history of swiping starts. Of course you will really be excited in your first use of your card. It might be that you will use it in a restaurant where you are treating your family. You could eat in any restaurant you like simply by having a credit card. Another benefit is obvious: shopping in malls would be exciting. Why? Because if you find a beautiful dress or anything else that catches your eye, you could bring it home with just a swipe of your card.     

Credit cards are also a big help when going to the supermarket to buy groceries. Your pay check from work could be available in several days while your cupboard and kitchen is barely empty. In such a case, your credit card has to rescue you. If you are also fond of travelling, buying tickets won't be a problem. You could use your card on-line in reserving tickets and even in hotels. Most big hotels prefer to accept credit cards fom customers.  In the event also that that you or one your family members were hospitalized and you are entailed to pay the excess of your health insurance, such card could help you too. Amazing isn't it? Here's another good thing. 
You could withdraw cash from your credit card. The cash that you could withdraw depends on the bank.  The constant use of your credit card provides you reward and rebates depending on the amount you have loaned. The more swiping you have done the better rewards and rebates you could get. 

However, having a credit card could also be a problem if you don't know how to manage your credit habits. This also calls every user to guard their heart from being vain. Yes, it is true that you are allowed to use it anytime, anywhere but, your responsibility is also a vital part of this equation. Since you have been loaned an amount, you have to pay it back, and if you as a borrower are unable to pay the amount in the due time, interest will be given to you plus other penalties. There might be a tendency that your credit limit will be cut-off because of your constant spending without paying. If you could not pay the amount in the exact time, when another month has started additional interest will again be given to you. That would be the time that you will be considering this as mind racking one. It is because you will constantly receiving e-mails and calls from banks reminding you to pay your debts.  The worst is that if you haven't paid your debts that would be recorded in your credit report which will become a basis for your future credit transactions.

President Obama Visits Tornado Ravaged Joplin....

President Barack Obama took time to visit with the residents of tornado ravaged Joplin, MO on Sunday, after returning from a six day diplomatic tour of Europe.  The President visited Missouri Southern State University where he participated in a memorial service and spoke to area residents, many of whom had lost everything.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Joplin will rebuild," Obama said at the event. "As president, I can tell you that your country will be there with you every single step of the way."

142 people died in the tornadoes which struck the town of Joplin a week ago.  2011 has been the deadliest year for tornadoes since such records first started being kept almost 60 years ago.  Tuscaloosa AL was severely damaged by tornadoes in April (nearly 300 were killed), and Memphis TN was similarly affected by floods during the same period.  President Obama visited both cities in the aftermath.

Obama was accompanied to Joplin by Federal Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate, as well as Governor Jay Nixon and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) for a motorcade tour of the affected area.  Gov. Nixon spoke at length about the devastation from last week’s tornadoes.

"It seems inconceivable that just one week ago, the people of Joplin were going about their daily lives," Nixon said. He also added "It's going to take a higher power" to help the area to rebuild and be restored.

The tornado cut a swath of destruction nearly a mile wide, destroying nearly 8,000 buildings in Joplin, which boasts a population of around 50,000.

Many people who attended Sunday’s Memorial service said that the President’s presence in Joplin helped them in their grieving process, and went on to say that they are determined to move forward with the rebuilding.

The events in Joplin vividly illustrate how important it is to be prepared in the event of an emergency.  Tornadoes give very little warning, if any, and those few seconds may be the difference between life and death. 

In the event of such a disaster, have a place to go.  If you’re facing down a tornado, the best choice is to get to your basement, if you have one.  If not, go to the innermost room of your home, preferably one without windows.  If all else fails, get in your bathtub and pull the shower curtain over you. 

If you are caught outdoors, find the nearest ditch or gully and throw yourself into it. If you are driving, stop and get out of your car and seek immediate shelter.  Trying to outrun or avoid a tornado is begging for trouble.

Tornadoes may not destroy your property, but they can certainly cause much in the way of damage.  Know who you are going to call in the event of such a catastrophe.  Very often, water damage accompanies tornado problems, so have the number of your local, IICRC certified water damage restoration company.  They can be onsite within an hour of your call to assess your damage and begin repair and restoration procedures designed to return your home or business to its pre-loss condition.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Music Store Owner's Swan Song...

Owen Ray’s International Music store was the victim of a fire on Monday, but it was water damage that was the final nail in the coffin for the legendary music establishment. 

Fire broke out on the first floor of the Chandler House Monday evening, resulting in severe smoke and water damage and preventing him from being able to re-enter his store to assess the damage until late Wednesday afternoon.   Staff and friends were helping Mr. Ray salvage as much of his stock as possible.  Engineers had been concerned over the structural integrity of the building following the fire.

Mr. Ray and his staff were able to salvage musical instrument, books, and musical records.   The stock was taken to a local warehouse to be examined by insurance assessors. 

Construction crews had braced the roof of the structure to prevent any possible collapse, and fire investigators finished their on scene investigations by Tuesday afternoon.  Officials have yet to list an official cause for the blaze.

Mr. Ray’s scenario is one of the worst that any property owner could imagine.  The damage done by a fire is bad enough, but the water damage that follows, be it the result of a sprinkler system or efforts by firefighters to extinguish the blaze, may result in much more extensive property damage.  In whatever form, water has the potential to do as much, if not more, damage than fire.  Worse yet, water continues to cause damage and wreak havoc until it has been properly remediated.  

Many times, the fire itself may only cause minor damage, but the sprinkler system, if activated, could cause major water damage.  It really does become a darned if you don’t, danged if you do proposition.

Of course the combination of fire, smoke, and water can make for an overwhelming and traumatizing mess, no doubt leaving most property owners wondering if their home or business will ever be the same again.  The cleanup process is also quite a bit beyond the abilities of the average homeowner, no matter how handy they may consider themselves to be.

Water damage restoration is a process consisting of a number of steps, to be taken in a predetermined order, and preferably done right the first time, and it may take a period of days or even weeks to complete correctly.  
In short, there are numerous reasons why property owners would not wish to undertake such a massive project on their own.

Fortunately, there is an answer.  Your local, IICRC certified water damage professionals.  They are in every community, and can handle all aspects of your water or flood damage restoration needs.  From water extraction and drying, to carpet cleaning and mold removal, and structural repair and restoration, they will be able to take care of your water damage problem from start to finish, and all work is guaranteed for one year from date of completion.

Don’t just settle for calling the first listing that pops up on your Google search, or the first one in the Yellow Pages (does anyone actually use phone books anymore?).  Take your time and do your homework, and make sure you are hiring a company that is IICRC certified, licensed, bonded, and insured.  Making the right choice out of the box will save you time, effort, and money.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Getting Ready For Hurricane Season 2001...

Hurricane season 2011 is almost upon us, beginning in June and running through mid-November.  It is that time of year when all eyes turn towards the Atlantic basin, carefully watching each and every tropical depression and waiting for the one that will set its crosshairs on the United States eastern seaboard. 

Of course we haven’t had a truly destructive storm hit the US since 2005, when Hurricane Wilma came ashore as a Category 5 storm, ravaging Florida and causing nearly $30 billion in damages.  Forecasters are predicting that we will see 12 – 18 named storms this season, with 6 – 10 becoming hurricanes. With that in mind, it is important to make adequate preparations for when the next Category 5 hurricane bears down on your neighborhood.

Of course you can’t stop or change the direction of a hurricane or tropical storm, but you can take appropriate steps to safeguard your property.

Have an evacuation route planned, preferably one that leads to higher ground, and have the contact number for an out of state relative, someone you can call and let them know that you are alright.

Have a “go bag” prepared, stocked with first aid supplies, several changes of clothes, money for several days, food, bottled water, a battery powered radio with extra batteries, and anything else you need. 

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should get out of low lying areas, as they will be the first to flood as the result of torrential rains or storm surge from the coastal waters. 

Protect your house by covered windows with plywood and installing storm shutters.  Secure all outside objects….you don’t want your lawn furniture to become airborne missiles.

If ordered to evacuate, you should do so immediately.  There is a reason for the evacuation order and trying to ride out a hurricane is a decision that could cost you your life.

If you do find yourself in the midst of a storm, stay away from windows, preferably in a secure room in the middle of your home.

Have a battery powered radio to monitor rapidly changing weather conditions, and resist the urge to venture outside during the eye of the storm.  This period of calm is a false one, and the storm will crank back up to full 
fury within minutes.

Once the storm has passed, make sure everyone is accounted for and uninjured, and monitor local radio broadcasts for any messages from local emergency management.

You should also stay away from any downed power lines and report them to local authorities. 

Of course, the one step you can take right now is to secure the contact information for your local IICRC certified water damage restoration company.  You may very well need water restoration services, and the aftermath of the storm is no time to comparison shop.  IICRC certification means 24/7/365 service, with a full staff, the latest in tools, equipment, and procedures, and a full range of services designed to handle all of your water damage needs.

Don’t wait for the Emergency Broadcast alarms to sound.  Call your local water damage professionals today.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Striking a Blow Against Mold And Odors...

Every homeowner will have to deal with musty and acrid odors in their home at some point, and while the odors themselves are unpleasant enough, they may also be indicators of something equally unpleasant, the growth of mold or mildew in your home.

Excess moisture is a common problem in basements and crawlspaces, and it may be the result of outside influences such as weather or inside problems such as plumbing issues.  Either way, studies have shown that as much as 50% of the air in a home comes from the basement or crawlspace, contributing to poor air quality and uncomfortably high humidity levels.  The end result may be warped hardwood flooring, mold growth, as well as swelling of millwork and cabinetry.  

It’s not easy to do, but it is important to keep humidity levels in your home low to prevent these problems from occurring.  Humidity levels above 50% usually result in mold and mildew growth, as well as bacteria and other allergens that can affect your health. 

Mold is quite common in nature.  In fact we encounter and even inhale mold spores almost daily.  The problem is when they begin growing in indoor environments, where the concentration of mold spores in a given area is extraordinarily high.  The physical problems associated with mold may be as mild as slight allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes.  Or they may be more serious such as respiratory problems, neurological disorders, or lung disease.

The most common tool for lowering humidity levels in your basement is a dehumidifier, a device recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association, and American Medical Association. 

High-capacity dehumidifiers, such as the ones from Santa Fe, are the most energy efficient on the market and are designed to effectively operate in the cooler temperatures of a basement or crawlspace. The units help maintain the structural integrity of your home, inhibit mold growth and improve the indoor air quality of your home by removing odor-causing moisture.

Of course, any mold growth of considerable size should always be removed by a qualified professional.  Too many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that it is enough to simply kill the mold.  This is not the case.  The environment has to be treated to make it unsuitable for mold to grow, effectively preventing its return.  The area will have to be dried, cleaned, disinfected and sanitized, with proper lighting and ventilation to prevent the return of the infestation.

For proper mold remediation, you need to call your local water damage restoration company.  Mold is the number one by product of water damage, and your IICRC certified provider will offer mold removal and treatment as one of their many services. 

For prompt, efficient mold treatment, call your local IICRC certified water damage restoration provider today for a free estimate or phone consultation.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Finding Good Quality (Cheap) Clothing For Men...

When guys actually go shopping for clothes, it tends to be a very quick experience, with a swift in and out visit to buy what they need, and then get back to something more important like watching sports or maybe having a beer or two. So finding good quality cheap clothing is what most men will usually want from their shopping experience.

Admittedly, there are quite a few men who do actually enjoy clothes shopping, and might even enjoy helping their partners choose clothes. But certainly for most men, good quality cheap clothing is what they’re looking for when they hit the shops.

The Stores You Should Be Considering

If style or fashion is at least a consideration when you’re looking for cheap clothing, you can still have a fair balance of both worlds. This can be achieved especially by looking at the discount stores which buy end of the line clothes from the more pricey retailers, and then give a big discount on the price.  This can be a great way to get brand label quality yet a cheap clothing price.

Another way to get cheap clothing without having to skimp on the quality is to look at the going out of business sales if you know of a clothing shop which is shutting its doors, or even stores that specialize in warehouse clearance sales.  Of course, if you are going to use these sorts of options, it is best to do a bit of research before you purchase, to make sure the saving that you are making is as much as is suggested on the price tag.

Alternative Options

Of course, choosing the right stores isn’t the only way to make sure you get cheap clothing which won’t fall apart as soon as you pull them on.  There are many reputable websites which offer men’s clothing which will allow you to pick up great quality clothes with a big saving.  If you utilize a comparison site as well, it will give you the option of searching a number of sites at once, if you have a specific product in mind you’re looking for.

Another option for cheap clothing which has been increasing in popularity over recent years is that of shopping for clothes on eBay.  There are many stores which actually put the clothes that are at the end of the line on such sites, allowing you to take a big cut from the retail price.  There are also independent retailers selling on these sites which will give you those brands for the cheap clothing price.

Conclusion

Let’s face it; nobody wants to spend more than they have to in getting the cheap clothing that will suffice, especially if they’re going to be used for something that will tend to wear out clothes fairly quickly, such as physical work.

However, this doesn’t mean that you have to resort to buying the bottom of the line clothes that you can get from budget stores, as you can often find branded products for budget prices, if you know where to look, and this is the key to getting good quality clothes at budget prices.

Wherever you are, there will always be stores which will help you to find the right cheap clothing, and once you’ve made your purchases you can get back to the more important business of the day.

Senior Prank Causes Mold damage To CO High School...

Every year, the graduating class in high schools across the nation pull at least one good senior prank.  Ours involved putting the band director’s car inside the band room.  But this year’s prank at Durango High School in Colorado has managed to cancel classes for four days, due to the unexpected and rapid growth of mold in the school.

The Durango Herald reported senior pranksters spread over 30 bales of hay around Durango High School's common areas. School was canceled again Thursday as cleanup swept and dusted the debris left behind. The cleaning expenses are expected to top $100,000.

School officials say that this is one of the worst materials to bring into a building because of the amount of mold spores present, and the resulting respiratory difficulties that may be encountered when mold spores are concentrated that heavily in such an enclosed space.  Several school employees have required medical treatment after reporting respiratory problems as a result of the hay.

Air quality tests in the school revealed that mold spore counts as a result of the hay were four times higher than recommended levels.  Classes resumed Friday after a second round of test results revealed spore counts within acceptable parameters.

Mold is a dangerous problem in any home or business, and one of the most common problems associated with water damage.  It can appear in as little as 48 hours following a water damage event (sooner if the water is sewage based), spread rapidly, and prove extraordinarily difficult to remediate.

Mold is a natural part of our outdoor environment, and we encounter and even inhale mold spores almost every day with no ill effects.  The problem comes when high concentrations of mold spores are gathered in one enclosed area, such as the Durango High School common area.

Inhalation of mold spores in high amounts can result in reactions as mild as a runny nose or watery eyes, or it may be the cause of more serious complications such as neurological disorders, lung disease, respiratory issues, or in rare cases, even death.

It isn’t enough for mold to be removed; the area must be properly treated to prevent it from returning.   The affected area should be cleaned, disinfected, sanitized, and then properly lit and ventilated to avoid future problems.

Mold is nothing to sneeze at (no pun intended), and considerable mold growth should always be remediated by a professional.  Your local IICRC water damage restoration company will offer mold removal as a part of its many services.   They will know what to look for, where to look for it, and what to do with it when they find it.  Better, their mold removal services are 100% guaranteed from the date of completion, which means you can be assured of a quality job done right.

Call your local IICRC pros today for a free estimate or phone consultation.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Water Damage Found In New Mass. High School....

A Massachusetts contractor has extended his warranty on the new Quincy High School by two years, following the discovery of a series of leaks in the newly installed plumbing.

The school opened in September, and within a period of several weeks more than 17 leaks were discovered, damaging carpeting and tiles in the area above the administration office.  P.J. Kennedy and Sons of Boston, the contractor responsible for the pipework in the building, blamed a faulty batch of elbow shaped fittings as the cause of the leaks.   The contracting firm agreed to replace the faulty fittings at no additional cost to the city, and repair the resulting water damage.

The company has also extended the warranty coverage on all work performed for the school through 2013, and put up a bond to cover the cost of any future work.

The leaks began to appear shortly after the school opened, and the damage got progressively worse over the course of several weeks. 

Paul Kennedy Sr., president of P.J. Kennedy and Sons, said the manufacturer of the fittings, NIBCO Inc. of Indiana, has agreed to cover the $60,000 his company spent fixing the leaks and damage. The company also covered overtime costs for school custodians who worked on the leaks.

The fittings in question were not perfectly formed, leaving small gaps that could not be successfully patched with solder.  As the heating season began and the pipes expanded, water was able to seep through those unsealed gaps, causing the damage. 

School officials say they believe the problem has been correctly rectified; however they are anxious for another heating season to pass before they can rest easier. 

The problems at Quincy High School make a perfect illustration, that even new constructs are not immune from water damage.  Perfectly new constructs can suffer damage as the result of poor workmanship or, as in this case, faulty piping.

In many cases, home inspectors can find such problems before a purchase is made on a new home, but at the same time it is always important to be proactive.  Inspect your property regularly for any signs of small problems before they have the chance to become large ones, such as basement flooding.  Not just leaking pipes, but broken window seals, cracks in your foundational wall, pretty much anything that might allow access to your home by ground water or rain water. 

Home and business owners, as a rule, do not normally know what to look for when it comes to potential water damage, so it is usually advisable to call in a professional.  Your local, IICRC certified, water damage restoration company can send a trained technician out to your home, someone who knows what to look for, where to look for it, and what to do with it when he finds it.  They can also take the proper steps to correct it before it becomes an issue, as well as clean up and repair any damage that may have already occurred. 

So enjoy that new house, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the smell of new carpet and wood.  Keep an eye out for problems, or potential problems, and call your local professionals to keep everything in its proper working order.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Simplify Your Life With These New Windows 7 Gadgets...

If you've ever used one of the modern smartphones, you will know that the programs used on them are known as apps.  There are, however, similar programs you can get for your computer, and for the latest Microsoft operating system; these are known as the Windows 7 Gadgets.

Some of these gadgets are simply designed to be fun little programs, while others can be very useful and cut out a lot of work with a very simple solution.  So in this article, we'll have another look at what you can do with Windows 7 Gadgets.

Organizer Gadgets

Many of the gadgets that you can look at will be little programs that help you to organize things, such as a calendar or a program that will allow you to see upcoming meetings which is synchronized from your diary organizer program.

Weather Gadgets

One of the most popular areas of windows 7 gadgets that are available are those that can give you up-to-date information about the weather in your location, and for the forecast over the coming hours or days.

These gadgets are among the ones that you need to be connected to the internet in order to use them, as they are reliant on online feeds to supply the information that is used in the display.

Facebook and Twitter Gadgets

Some of the most numerous gadgets available for your computer are those that will automatically connect to your Facebook and twitter accounts, and will then display some of the information in a small display on your desktop.

The obvious benefits of not having to open up a browser window in order to see any updates from these feeds mean you can continue working while still being able to see any new updates on these windows 7 gadgets.

Computer Monitoring Gadgets

One of the areas where you have almost limitless options in terms of the windows 7 gadgets you can use is those that actively monitor the performance of your computer.  These will be particularly of interest to you if you are a gamer or run system-intensive programs, and like to keep an eye on the performance of your computer.

The information that these gadgets display can vary from the temperature of certain parts of your computer going to the percentage of capacity that various areas of your computer, such as the CPU and the RAM that the computer, is using at the time.  Some of these windows 7 gadgets will also be able to be set so that they can display a log of the recent usage of these areas of your computer.

Fun Gadgets

Although many of the windows 7 gadgets which are available are serious or useful in their application, there are also plenty of fun gadgets which can be an interesting distraction from whatever you're doing. 

From the slideshow and picture puzzle which are included with the OS, there are plenty of other windows 7 gadgets that you can use to kill time, such as those that include a sudoku puzzle or a small skill game.

Conclusion

The type of windows 7 gadgets that we have discussed here are only the beginning of the options that you have available to you.  And whether you are looking for something which is genuinely useful, or genuinely fun, then you will find something which will brighten up your desktop.

Over $1 Million In Water Damage To Oregon High School...

Following last weekend’s flooding, Canyon Creek finally began receding late this week, but not before doing more than a million dollars in damages to Grant Union High School as well as neighboring homes and businesses. 

Torrential rains combined with oversized mountain snowpacks were the main causes of the flooding, sending the creek over its banks and damaging the school’s boiler room, administrative offices, gymnasium, and grounds. 

Principal Curt Shelley described the situation as “overwhelming”, saying the school was in no financial condition to undertake extensive repair projects, and hoping the insurance would cover the damage. 

Canyon Creek originates in the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and parallels U.S. 395 through Canyon City and John Day. The creek is a tributary of the John Day River, which also overflowed and damaged roughly 
50 Grant County homes and businesses, numerous roads and at least one bridge, said Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer.

Sunday saw more than 200 volunteers stacking sandbags around the school and around neighboring communities in an effort to keep the flood waters at bay.  By Wednesday the emergency had subsided somewhat as the creek and local John Day River levels fell by more than 18 inches. 

Classes were able to resume on Wednesday, however the school had no heat.  With temperatures for the day not expected to get out of the 50’s, students were told to dress warmly.

The Grant County Sheriff’s office said that they expect to leave the sandbags in place for some time, as there are still massive amounts of snow remaining on the nearby mountaintops that could continue to pose a threat.

High water levels were also reported in other areas of Grant County, damaging not only homes and businesses but also area roads, and forcing the closing of the Service Creek Bridge spanning the John Day River along Oregon 19 and 207 between the towns of Spray and Fossil.

The sheriff’s office has warned that sizeable snowpacks, some as large as 200 percent of their normal size, could bring more high water later, especially as overall temperatures continue to rise into their late spring and early summer norms.

The situation in Oregon dramatically illustrates the fact that floods can occur anywhere, at any time, and while most flooding may be locally confined, it can just as easily encompass entire communities, regions, or even states. 

And while the school may be covered against flooding, the same cannot be said, nor should it be assumed, for homeowners.  Flood insurance is not a part of any standard homeowners’ policy, which makes it imperative to see what is and is not covered and make the appropriate adjustments.

If your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), then you can add flood coverage to your policy for an additional fee.  And unless you live at the top of Pike’s Peak or THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK’s Cloud City, then flood coverage is something to be seriously considered.

You should also prepare for the worst by having the contact information for your local, IICRC certified, water damage restoration professionals.  The value of having a provider that is available 24/7, with trained staff, the latest in gear and procedures, and a full line of services designed to handle all aspects of any water damage job, cannot be underestimated.

From water extraction and drying, to carpet, cleaning and mold remediation, to structural repair and restoration, your IICRC certified professionals are ready to service all of your water damage or flood damage repair needs.  

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Great Vacation Spots For December

December is the month of holidays and it is the perfect month to travel and visit family and new places. Most of us try to arrange travel plans in the month of December especially as it is the Christmas and New Year season. Various destination options are offered to travelers during the December month which includes ski trips, cruises and beach vacations. December is not only the best time for family travel but it is also the  time when many singles go on vacations. Families mostly undertake travel at this time as both schools and offices are closed for extended periods. Great discounts are offered by travel companies and destinations as well during this vacation time and some of the great vacation spots in the December month have been discussed below.

Disneyworld

Disneyworld offers the best vacation spot for families traveling with young children and it is the dream come true for most of the kids. You will be surprised to learn that the slowest season in Disneyworld is the early days of December which is just after Thanksgiving up to the week prior to Christmas. However, the rates do not reduce during this period but the theme park lines tend to be shorter and the climate is much better during this period. During this time, parks are ready to welcome Christmas and have been decorated in that fashion, with special holiday shows performed during this time. Four of the major Disneyworld parks are open in this time in their normal working hours but the water parks of the property are still closed due to the cold weather.

Park City

Park City is one of the famous winter sports destinations in the nation and is well-known for its features. It is situated in the mountains of the Utah and hosts the annual Sundance Film Festival which is held in the early days of January. There are several lodging options open to the travelers which not only include the luxury hotels but are also inclusive of budget accommodations, cabins and condominiums as well. There is no doubt that December is the time when Park City is the most visited as the ski slopes are completely filled with snow, but just before the film festival there are only lesser crowds in this area which makes this destination one of the best to be visited during the December time and it is an excellent place for families, singles and couples not only for skiing, but also for snowboarding, designer shopping and gourmet dining as well.

Caribbean Cruise

There is only one word which defines Caribbean cruises and it is “beautiful”:  the fact that it is a beautiful way to spend your holidays. Travelers who are interested in beach vacations should avail themselves of the special deals available during December cruises and most of the cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages for our convenience. For a personalized travel experience, families, singles and couples can opt for a tailor-made vacation which will be cherished throughout your life. 

A Fungus Among Us; MO Family Displaced By Mold...

Mold is the single most common and most dangerous byproduct of water related damage to your home or business, and the Williams family in Pleasant Valley, MO learned this first hand recently when they were forced out of their home due to out of control mold growth.

Laura Williams’ two month old son spent six days in the hospital, and the family discovered the black mold growth on the bedroom wall when they returned home.  Laura says her landlord advised spraying the growth with vinegar to kill it. 

A mold expert hired by the city examined the rental home where the Williams were staying and determined that the levels were the second highest he had ever found.  The Williams’ landlord claims no knowledge of just how the mold infestation got to be so severe, but has promised to take appropriate steps to correct it.  The landlord has initially refused a test for air quality.

Williams says the landlord acted on the problem only after the city got involved.  Meanwhile she is packing up her family’s belongings and hopes to be completely moved out by the end of this week.  She says she stopped paying rent two months ago due to a series of complaints that had gone unaddressed, but that the discovery of the mold, coupled with the landlord’s apparent unwillingness to do anything about it, was the final straw. 

The Williams case demonstrates just how severe mold problems can be if not dealt with promptly.  Mold can set in within 48 hours of a water damage event, and sooner if the water is sewage based.  It brings with it any number of health hazards, ranging from mild allergic reactions such as stuffy noses, runny and watery eyes, or skin irritations, to breathing problems and more serious neurological disorders such as lung disease and in rare cases, even death. 

Many people spend a lot of money to have their homes tested for mold.  This isn’t really necessary.  Mold presents itself as a fuzzy, greenish-black growth on walls and/or pipes, accompanied by a noxious odor.  If you think you have mold, chances are you probably do.

Mold reproduces by way of microscopic spores, which are released into the air and float until they find a sufficiently moist area to set down, establish, and begin to grow.  These spores occur naturally in nature, and we encounter them, and even inhale them, pretty much every day with no ill side effects whatsoever.  It is when mold occurs within an enclosed space, such as a basement, and the spores are encountered in high concentrations, that it becomes a problem. 

Mold cannot simply be cleaned.  The environment has to be treated in order to make it unsuitable for the mold to return.  This involves thoroughly drying, cleaning, and disinfecting the problem area, and them making improvements with regard to lighting and proper ventilation.  Remember that the only prerequisite for mold to grow is the presence of moisture.

While many smaller mold growths may be successfully treated by the homeowner, more serious and established problems, such as the one faced by the Williams family, should be handled by a professional.  The health risks are simply too great to risk doing it yourself.

Your local professional water damage restoration company will offer mold remediation as one of their many services, but you should make sure that the company you choose is properly licensed and certified by an industry leader such as the IICRC.  Certification means that the company’s technicians have received proper training in mold removal, which assures that the job will be done right the first time.  IICRC companies also guarantee all their work for a period of one year from date of completion, so that if you do have any subsequent issues, they will be taken care of promptly.

Mold is nothing to be sneezed at (no pun intended).  Homes, businesses, and even entire city blocks have been condemned and demolished for no other reason than out of control mold growth.  Stop the problem now before it has a chance to do real damage.  Call your local IICRC professionals today for a free estimate or phone consultation.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Securing A Home Improvement Loan....


We all like to renovate our house, especially if it is a few years old, because over time, every house requires certain improvements. Renovating your house is a big deal, especially if you do not have an unlimited budget, and in such scenarios you can apply for home improvement loans. Home improvement mainly includes updating your flooring, plumbing fixtures and countertops, which will certainly enhance the beauty of your home, but the home improvement project may turn out to be a costly affair.  By going in for a home improvement loan, you can change your house as per your dreams and ideas.

Tips for getting a home improvement loan

1)         Firstly, you need to have a clear cut picture on what kind of home improvement plans you need to take up. Based on your ideas, you can hire a contractor who will be able to provide you with an approximate budget for the entire project. Once you understand the total amount of money required for the renovation project, you can have an idea how much you can invest on yourself and how much loan you need to borrow.

2)         In order to apply for loans, you need to make sure that you have all the relevant documents and details before you go to the lenders. Important documents in this regard include the tax form confirmations of the previous two years’, verification documents regarding employment, your credit history or credit report, evidence of any additional income source which mainly includes gains through social security, income proof, debt to income ratio, etc.

3)         You can ask for a free credit report from any of the three bureaus which you are entitled to in a year. In case you take note of any errors, you can sort it out with the credit agencies.

4)         You will be surprised to note that as you shop for products and items, you also need to shop for lenders regarding interest rates and also about their reputation in the market. When you choose your lender, make sure that he has a good history and make sure that you are well-versed with the terms of the loan which you are procuring. In case you are getting your loan online, always make sure that your personal information which you are submitting must be through secure means so that you can avoid any possibility of identity thefts.

5)         You need to decide whether you have to go in for a home equity line or a line of credit for home improvement. These loan varieties are treated as second mortgages and while the first one represents lump sum of cash at a fixed interest rate while the other loan seems to be like a credit card.

6)         Prior to signing the loan agreement, you should read through it carefully and should be well-versed with the entire clause. If you have any doubts regarding the agreement, you should seek the expertise of an attorney or you can also search for another lender.

7)         Always ensure that you are able to pay the monthly installments on your loan and if you default out on your loan, there is a possibility that you can lose your home.

8 Steps To Home Ownership...

We proudly welcome another guest blog entry from Pakistan (or wherever these oDesk people come from)...

The process through which you proceed through a home buying transaction varies as it clearly depends on real estate laws and customs of the place where you are looking to purchase, however; most home buying steps are quite conventional but their order of processing might differ depending on your location.

Each of us feel apprehension and anxiety when we undertake our home buying journey, however, you can acquire much confidence when you understand exactly what is needed of you and the other people who are involved in the transaction. The following eight steps have been put together after careful consideration, designed to aid each of us in buying our dream home.

1)         Check your finances and make sure they are in order

There is no doubt over the fact that our credit reports are a clear reflection of how you handle your finances. Credit reports give a detailed record about your financial history which is accurately checked and reviewed when you apply for a loan or mortgage. Credit reports are carefully scrutinized before your mortgage application is approved and also aids in determining the interest rates and the other loan terms as well. When you look through the credit reports you will be surprised to note that errors are not uncommon in them.

2)         Understand the mortgage industry

The home buying process certainly involves hunting for the right loan and the lender is a vital part of the home buying process. You need to understand for yourself what type of lender will work in favor of you and which lender is able to comprehend your requirements in the right manner. You need to have a little knowledge about the loan procedure prior to speaking to a lender.

3)         Understand the pre-approval part of the mortgage process

Before you think of buying a house at a particular price, you need to understand what is the mortgage amount you are eligible for which is based on your income, credit history and numerous other factors.

4)         Have an Idea about what you want and need

We need to remove the part of stress and anxiety from the process of home buying as it is not a very difficult procedure as we think it to be. Understanding the real estate market will aid you narrowing down your list of needs and wants before you buy your home.

5)         How to work with real estate agents

The group of real estate agents actually includes both the buyer and the seller category and each of them have their separate duties and loyalties so having a little understanding about their roles will help you in handling them better.

6)         Search for your dream home

Once you have got the right agent for you, you can study the multiple listing sheets and this will give you an idea of what type of homes are available for sale which matches your needs and budget.

7)         Deciding about the home you would like to purchase

Over the course of time, you will be visiting several homes which are put up for sale and before deciding on buying one, you will be checking its structure and features and numerous other aspects before you decide if it is the right one for you.

8)         Make an offer

Once you are satisfied with a house, you need to make an offer on it. The house might be on sale on a higher price but you must have an idea of how much it is worth it and accordingly you can make your offer on the house.

After The FLood; What To Expect...

A flood can be a high stress event even on the best of days, but unless you have the luxury of another home to go live in if one is wiped out, flooding is going to significantly change your life on virtually every level.  In most cases, it goes beyond the flood damage to your home and into the arena of parasites, disease, and psychological stress.

Recent flooding in Canada saw over 3000 homes flooded in a period of days.  Government agencies breached a dike on the Assiniboine River, intentionally flooding another 150 homes but saving over 800 from damage.

Floodwaters often mix with sewage, containing human and animal waste material.  This may contaminate well water and food, putting residents at risk for disease and other serious health issues.

Sewage alone contains numerous bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms.  E-coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are some of the risks associated with it, causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever.  Parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium may cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps that may last a month or longer.

Seven people died and about 2,500 others became ill in 2000 when E. coli contaminated the municipal drinking water system in Walkerton, Ont. In 2001, 7,100 people became ill and 1,907 cases of cryptosporidiosis were confirmed in North Battleford, Sask., after a water filtration plant failure. Flooding was not a factor, however, in either case.

Of course the other major health problem associated with flooding (or any kind of water damage) is mold.  Mold may pose special problems for people with asthma or other allergy symptoms; they may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, skin irritation, and even more serious disorders such as lung infections.

In addition to mold, another problem that occurs as the result of standing water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus.  While reported cases of this disease have been on the decline, it is still a very real threat and should not be ignored.

Contaminated water may also cause infections if exposed to cuts or sores, so protective clothing should always be worn when working in and around flood waters.  Protective eyewear is also recommended as germs can gain access to your system if contaminated water gets splashed in your eyes.  If you believe you may be dealing with mold, a face mask is suggested or better yet, a respirator, designed to filter out any harmful spores. 

One problem that is not as widely talked about is the psychological stress that may result from flooding, caused by the significant changes brought about in their lives as a result of the flooding.

With all the risks involved in dealing with water damage, it makes little sense to try and repair the problem on your own.  Your best choice in such matters is to contact your local IICRC certified water damage restoration company.  These professional outfits are available 24/7 and prepared to deal with all of the circumstances outlined in this article.  They can be at your home within an hour of your call, ready to begin the water cleanup and restoration procedures that will return your home or business to its pre loss condition. 

IICRC certification means that the company you choose will be fully staffed, up to date on all the latest water damage repair equipment and techniques, and offer a full range of services from basic water extraction and drying, to more involved processes such as carpet cleaning and mold remediation.

Don’t put your home or health at risk…call your local IICRC professionals today for a free estimate or phone consultation.