A Break In The Hurricane Action....

After the one two knockout punches of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, which pulverized much of the Eastern and southern Gulf coasts, it would appear that Mother Nature is giving the United States mainland a momentary reprieve.

Communities are still crawling out from under the damage left over by Irene and Lee, with billions of dollars in water restoration costs staring property owners in the face.  No sooner had the cleanup process begun than reports began to circulate about a new tropical depression in the Atlantic basin.  Named Katia, this storm would eventually blow into a Category 4 hurricane, with initial models taking it along the same course Irene had followed two weeks before.  Fortunately, however, Katia curved back out to sea, weakening as she went, and posing no danger to the East Coast. 

The last week also saw the formation of Tropical Storm Nate in the Gulf Of Mexico.  Nate posed a momentary threat to the southern coast of Mexico, but dissipated rapidly without presenting any serious danger to the southern US coastline. 

Now we have Hurricane Maria moving past the Caribbean and Bahamas, possibly strengthening into a category 2 storm over the next few days.  Maria is not expected to impact the US coastline, but may adversely affect the Bahamas and possibly southern Canada if she continues along her current projected path.  

The US coast may experience effects of Maria in the form of stronger surf and rip currents.

Maria comes along as we move into the peak of hurricane season, which will end November 30.  Already the season has been a busy one, with forecasters actually modifying their predictions of just how many named storms will be seen this year. 

Florida, which has routinely found itself in the crosshairs of storms forming in the Atlantic basin, has been spared Mother Nature’s wrath so far this year, but that could change over the coming three months.  The last major hurricane to strike Florida was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Unfortunately, inactivity can breed complacency, and it is only natural that folks might have the tendency to get lazy, not making adequate preparations for the arrival of a strong storm. 

For now and the remainder of hurricane season 2011, resident in Hurricane Alley (and pretty much anywhere along the coast) should be diligent in watching the news for reports of newly formed tropical depressions or storms.  Technology has provided for excellent computer models to be drawn up with regard to a given storm’s projected path (the models generated for Irene proved to be right on the money), which makes it possible for home and business owners to make adequate preparations, secure their property, and get out of harm’s way in plenty of time. 

In the event of serious storm or hurricane damage, Water Damage Local.com is your one stop shop for water restoration and repair services.  Our network of providers is available 24/7 and able to handle even the largest water damage repair needs, from water removal and drying, carpet cleaning, mold remediation, etc…..let Water Damage Local.com serve the needs of you and your family following the next great disaster.

Steps To Take In Repairing Basement Flooding...

As the room at the bottom of the house, the basement and its contents will often be the most susceptible to flooding.  So if this does happen, taking the right steps to cleaning and repairing the consequences of basement flooding can be a very important step to getting back full use of the property.  Because the floodwater does tend to get everywhere, making sure that all of the water is removed, and that the whole basement is thoroughly cleaned will be very important to make sure that basement flooding doesn’t have permanent consequences to the property.

Probably the first thing that must be done when trying to deal with basement flooding is to make sure that everything is dried out, and that all the flood water is either carried, drained or pumped out from the basement. After that, then starting to repair the damage caused by the basement flooding can be carried out.  There are specific problems which can arise when trying to dry out after the basement flooding, and this can be especially problematic when wooden supports for the main property have been immersed, because it can take many months for those to actually dry out. 

Another area where it can be particularly difficult to actually deal with after basement flooding is in cleaning the basement.  Because flood water will also often have a dirty or even a sewage element, it is vital to make sure that the basement is thoroughly clean to make sure that it is safe to use, and that any diseases that may have been carried by the flood water are eliminated.  For this, disinfecting all of the surfaces which were contacted during the basement flooding will be important.  And although it may not be pleasant, it will also help to reduce the chance of a long term problem with smell from the flooding.

Once the basement flooding has been cleaned and repaired, many people will view this as a trigger to start looking at how they can deal with the threat of flooding in the future and how they can reduce the chances of the basement being flooded again.  Looking at plans such as adding a drain that will help get any future floodwater out of the basement, isolating the electronic system, and raising any sockets that are close to the floor can all be a part of the plan to help flood proof the basement, so that the results will be less pronounced if more basement flooding would occur.

Being practical when trying to deal with basement flooding is certainly the best approach to the problem, and getting specialist help will often be a very good idea for those who haven’t dealt with the situation before, as there are many things that will need to be considered.  Taking steps to help prevent basement flooding from occurring, or if it is difficult to prevent, then trying to flood proof the basement will also help to make the recovery from the situation in the future much easier.

Severe Weather 102 - Post Flood...

In our last installment we looked at what you should do to prepare yourself and your home for a flood emergency.  Now we are going to assume the worst is over, the storm has passed, and the flood waters have receded.  In the words of the fish in the baggies floating in the ocean at the end of FINDING NEMO, “Now what?”

Remember, just because the storm is over does not mean that the danger has passed.  Extreme care needs to be taken when returning to your home or business, as carelessness can serve to make a bad situation worse.

For starters, don’t be in a hurry.  Do not return to your home until the all clear has been given by local emergency management or whoever the authorities in your situation happen to be. 

Don’t forget to be a good neighbor.  Keep a look out for those who may require special assistance. 

Avoid areas where flood waters may still be standing, keep an eye out for any downed power lines, and report them to the proper authorities.

When you get back to your property, resist the urge to go in right away.  Look around the exterior for damage and to make sure the building is structurally sound.  Remember that flood waters can literally shift a building on its foundation, making it prone to collapse.  You do not want to risk the whole thing coming down on top of you.

If the utilities were not turned off before you left, do so at this time.  Remember that water and electricity do not mix, and it only takes a spark to ignite a leaky gas line with unfortunate consequences.

Throw away any food that has come in contact with flood waters.  Just automatically consider any such food items as contaminated.

If your basement is flooded, pump the water out slowly, at the rate of about a third a day.  Any faster and you run the risk of serious structural damage to your property.

Take care of damaged septic tanks or sewage systems as soon as possible, as these can pose a serious health hazard if left unattended. 

Try to avoid coming into contact with flood waters, since you never know what kind of contaminates it may contain.  Again, always assume the water is contaminated and shower/wash clothes if you do happen to get wet.

You may find yourself in need of assistance with shelter or food, so stay tuned to your local radio or TV station for details on where to go for aid. 

Properly document the damage to your home through the use of photo or video recording.  This will prove invaluable when having to deal with your homeowners insurance. 

Of course, the cleanup process following a flood is going to be quite a bit beyond your ability to handle.  Water Damage Local.com is available 24/7 and can take care of even the most severe flood damage problems.  Our network of IICRC certified professionals can take care of everything from water removal and drying, to carpet cleaning and mold removal, and even structural repair and restoration. 

Call our professionals today and have your home and your life back as soon as possible.

Coping With Flood Damage And Water Restoration

Getting over the damage and destruction that has caused by flooding is something that will be on the minds of many people after the worst happens, but especially in situations where there isn’t insurance cover, or the cover isn’t paying out on all the work, finding out more about water restoration will be vital to getting the home fully repaired and brought back in a safe condition.  The problem with flood water is that it will get into every corner of the ground floor and basement of a property, so the important thing about water restoration is that it is vital to deal with all of the areas where flood water damage has had an impact.

One of the first things that will need to be done in terms of the damage caused and the water restoration is to find out if there has been any damage caused to the electrical sockets and the wiring of the house.  More often than not, this will be the case, and the property may need to be completely rewired in extreme cases.  Any wires that have come into contact with the flood water will need to be torn out and completely replaced.  And if the flooding was surprising or you weren’t there to switch off the electricity before the flood water struck, then the water restoration will mean it could need to be entirely rewired so that it will work correctly.

Another aspect that will have to be considered when overcoming the flood and promoting the water restoration of the property will be in terms of dealing with the structural issues that can arise because of flooding, which can be especially problematic where the property has a frame that is largely made of wood.  However, drying out the property will be a big part of the water restoration process, and especially where any large beams have been immersed in flood water, then this can take a significant amount of time. Usually, using a dampness measuring device will be required for many months as the wood dries.

It will also be important when trying to start the water restoration of the property to actually treat the issues that can arise before doing anything like repainting and replastering.  Because if there will still be surfaces that are damp and have elements of floodwater included, then this can actually ruin any remedial work which is carried out before the drying process has been completed.  This is why water restoration has to be done correctly, or otherwise, the work will be in vain, as the water absorbed by the surfaces within the home can ruin any work carried out. 

For most people, the water restoration process is one which should be organized and carried out by the insurance company.  But if there is no insurance company in place, at least getting some professional advice will help those people to avoid falling in to the pitfalls that can often affect those people trying to manage their own water restoration.

Severe Weather 101 – Flood Prep

With all of the severe weather the country has been experiencing this year, it probably isn’t a bad idea to take a moment and consider the appropriate steps to take in advance of less than desirable conditions, steps that can go a long way towards protecting your property and your family.  In this entry we will look at flood preparation.

Firstly, you should be aware of the various terms used to describe flooding conditions:

-         

Flood Watch – this means that a flood is possible, that conditions are right for flooding to occur.  You should stay tuned to your local radio or TV station for additional updates.

-          Flash Flood Watch – Flash flooding is possible.  Because flash floods form so rapidly, it is advisable to go ahead and move to higher ground.

-          Flood Warning – flooding is either occurring or will occur soon.  Promptly heed any evacuation orders.

-          Flash Flood Warning - a flash flood is occurring and you should seek higher ground immediately.

-          Urban & Small Stream Advisory – flooding of small streams, streets, and low lying areas is occurring.

You should be aware of any types of storm or flood warnings that are used by your community.  These may vary from region to region, so keep yourself up to date.    

Be prepared to shut off all utilities at their source.  This means electricity and gas, so familiarize yourself with where the various shutoff valves are. 

Have backflow valves installed on all sewer traps to prevent water from backing up through drains.  You can also use corks or stoppers to prevent backflow.

Look into purchasing flood insurance.  Find out if your community participates in the Nation Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and get signed up.  Of course it will cost an additional premium, but it will more than pay for itself if you get totaled by a flood.

In a related vein, properly record and document all of your possessions for reference with insurance adjusters later on.

If you are ordered to evacuate, do so promptly.  Far too many people wait until late in the game to get out of Dodge, and the bulk of flooding related deaths are credited to folks who become trapped in their cars while trying to cross flooded roadways.    You should be familiar with the evacuation routes serving your area.

Have a “go bag” prepared for each family member, well stocked with enough provisions to sustain a stay of several days in a shelter or motel.  Each bag should be packed with clothes, food items, bottled water, cash, first aid, and any important documents or ID. 

Monitor radio and television broadcasts to stay on top of rapidly changing weather conditions.  You’d be surprised at just how fast the game can change when it comes to severe weather. 

Tomorrow we will look at what you can do after the flood.  In the meantime, call Water Damage Local.com for prompt, courteous, and efficient service for any and all water or flood damage problems.  Our network of providers are available 24/7, with trained staff and the latest in equipment and procedures.  All providers are IICRC certified and can have a technician to your home or business within an hour of your call.

How Preventive Measures Can Reduce Damage From Basement Flooding

Living in an area which is liable to flooding can be something that preys on the minds of those homeowners, but one of the important things that can help to reduce this worry is to take the preventive measures that can reduce the chances of basement flooding and can help make the cleaning process after any flooding much easier and quicker.  Some of these things can be done with no initial expense, while others may require some investment, but whatever the state of the household budget, it will be possible to take steps that will reduce the chances of basement flooding and also help reduce any damage that can occur.

One of the first things to consider for those looking to reduce the chance of basement flooding becoming a reality is to consider the situation that lies around the property, and to see if there are any options available that will help them to prevent any flood water from actually entering the property.  It will also be important to know the routes of any water courses near your property, and where the drains are.  It can also be wise to look for any particularly narrow or easily clogged parts of these that could be widened to help water to drain away more quickly, which will reduce the chance of any basement flooding.

As well as planning in the area of the house, it can also be wise to look at the immediate vicinity around the property, and to see where any flood water would be likely to come from, and whether any amendments can be made to the area around the house or the garden to help the drainage, and prevent any basement flooding.  Because there can be many ways in which flood water can enter the basement, looking to divert any flood water away if possible is certainly the best course of action if it can be done economically.

However, in many situations, it won’t be possible to make changes that will prevent the basement flooding from happening. In such situations, the best course of action is to plan for the drainage of the basement, and to look at how the basement can be changed to help the recovery process.  This can include carrying out work such as raising the level of the electric sockets or waterproofing any electronics in the basement, and can also include plans for water to actually drain from the basement, or to be pumped out if this isn’t possible. 

Dealing with basement flooding certainly isn’t a pleasant thing to confront, but certainly in areas that are prone to flooding, it can be something that has to be accepted as a possibility.  In many cases, a simple act like checking the water courses and drains are clear of obstruction before a period where heavy rainfall is expected can make all the difference, and help prevent the need for the steps to be taken to deal with the aftermath of basement flooding.

Flood Insurance Program Still Foundering....

As with most government run programs that eventually run out of budgetary steam, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has been on life support for quite some time, and the funding for it is due to expire on September 30.  This comes as especially bad news in the wake of Hurricane Irene, which blew up the Eastern Seaboard causing billions of dollars in damage from North Carolina to Vermont.

Most lawmakers agree that the time for a long term solution has come and gone, with nothing more than a short term fix being a distinct possibility.

Of course the single biggest obstacle is the fact that flood damage is not covered by normal homeowners’ policies.  The only way to obtain flood insurance was through the government funded NFIP.  In a year of 

record breaking rainfall and flooding, that becomes a game changer.

The NFIP has actually been living on borrowed time since 2088, when Congress implemented a series of short term fixes designed to increase the program’s life span.   The reason was politics as usual….Congress simply could not agree on the best course of action to take in order to revamp the program and make it solvent again.  The NFIP went almost $18 billion in the hole following 2005’s hurricane Katrina.

As of July, several changes had been approved by Congress, not the least of which was the allowance of a 20 percent annual increase in premiums.  Most lobbyists remain divided over how much of a rate increase there should be and what sort of intervals they should occur. 

The Senate authorized a 15 percent rate increase, as well as forgiveness on all of the program’s current debts.  This would of course, be in keeping with our current administration’s policies of bailing everybody out who needs it.

The current plan is to continue funding of the NFIP through 2016, with some form of gradual rate increases in place to cover some of the additional costs.  Subsidies will be phased out, flood maps will be updated and improved, and the public will be allowed to participate in the mapping process.

The legislation will also promote private insurer and reinsurer participation in the program. Two new additions to the coverage will include limits to policies based on inflation and higher deductibles for properties that receive financial assistance with rates.

Property owners in communities newly designated as a flood area will see the largest increase in the first year of coverage. They will be brought up to cost based pricing over the initial five year period. The first year they will see increases that bring their rates up to half of the actual risk indicator cost.

The following four years their increases will rise around 20 percent each year, until they are at their actual risk cost. Minimum deductibles will be set at one thousand dollars for properties that will be paying cost based rates, and two thousand for properties receiving financial assistance with rates.

Water Damage Local.com is available 24/7 to handle all of your water and flood damage needs.