The Dangers of Flooding: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Home

Did you know that flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States? Every year, floods cause billions of dollars in damage and affect thousands of people. If you live in a flood-prone area, it's essential to understand the dangers of flooding and take steps to protect your home. In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of flooding and outline some steps you can take to protect your home from water damage.

Flooding can occur suddenly and without warning. Heavy rains, melting snow, and overflowing rivers can all lead to flooding. Flood waters can rise rapidly and reach heights of several feet. Once the water starts to fill your home, it can cause serious damage quickly. Flood waters can damage walls, floors, furniture, appliances, and electrical systems. They can also lead to mold growth and other health hazards.

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If you live in a flood-prone area, there are some steps you can take to protect your home. 

6 Ways to Prepare Your Doors and Windows for Winter

 

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Winter is approaching once more. That means your home may have to deal with icy storms, cold air, and harsh winds for several months. As such, you must ensure that your doors and windows are adequately prepared for the cold elements. If they are not properly weather-stripped, insulated, sealed, or securely installed, they can cost you a lot of money in energy bills throughout the cold weather months. Additionally, cracks, condensation buildup, and broken locks, to name a few, can lead to very expensive damages. So, while you still have time before winter hits, here are six ways to prepare your doors and windows for the cold weather. 

1. Replace old doors and windows

Home windows and doors usually have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. So, if you have old windows and doors that have come close to 15 years, you should replace them, as they would have lost their effectiveness considerably. Once a door or window hits the 15-year margin, the seals weaken and fail, leaving you open to water seepage and drafts. 

Be sure to replace all old doors and windows, including the doors on your patio. You can find experts like Renewal by Andersen to replace the windows and doors on your patio to ensure they’re ready for the cold weather. 

Your Energy Bills Are Out Of Control, Here's Why

 Are you struggling with costly energy bills? You’re far from alone here. A lot of people are currently feeling the squeeze from energy bills that they are unsure how to manage. So, let’s explore some of the key strategies that you can take to get your bills back under control, ensuring that you have more money to spend on other aspects of your life. 

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The Wrong Supplier

First, you should think about whether you are using the right energy supplier for your home. Don’t forget, you always have a choice here and there might be better options available on the market that are worth exploring. If you switch suppliers, you might be able to access a more favorable rate overall. This is just a case of checking the market. Luckily, there are some great sites worth exploring that make this process quick and simple. 

Poor Insulation

Next, you should consider whether there’s an issue with the insulation of your property. Poor insulation can be due to problems with your windows and doors. If they are not providing the right insulation, then they’re going to let cold air in and warm air out or vice versa. This can lead to a situation where you need to push your thermostat to the brink or your AC system to breaking point to keep your home at the right temperature. New windows, siding & doors is often going to be the best way to bring the insulation to the point you need. 

How to Ensure Proper Sanitation for Disaster Relief Showers

Preparing for the limited water supply and other sanitary concerns is essential when disaster strikes. This means planning for the proper disposal of human waste and solid waste. For example, your sanitation worker won't be coming around every week, and you will have to find a way to clean your clothes without a washing machine. In addition, you will need to make arrangements for pest control.

Portable Handwashing Stations

Portable handwashing stations can be an indispensable addition to disaster relief showers. Portable handwashing stations are highly portable, meaning they can be placed in areas where hot water is scarce. Moreover, they are a cost-effective way to provide hot water to people. Portable handwashing stations can provide clean, running water and can be plugged into an electrical source.

Portable handwashing stations provide disaster relief showers with clean water and soap. They can save victims from wasting precious time cleaning clothes. Also, they offer a comfortable space to wash hands. The handwashing sinks have separate tanks for fresh and grey water and are equipped with soap and paper towel dispensers.

4 Signs You May Have Squirrels in Your Attic

 

Squirrels appear cute and almost cuddly. However, they are wild animals and can be dangerous if cornered. Alongside this, if they set up their home in your home then they can cause a significant amount of damage.

It’s also important to note that squirrels can carry a variety of diseases, including salmonellosis, Lyme disease, and rabies.

Similar to mice and rats, squirrels are very good at gnawing their way through things, such as wiring in the loft or your insulation. They can cause a significant amount of damage.

If you notice any of the following symptoms you may have squirrels in your attic. You can check but, remember they can become vicious if cornered. It’s best to click here and get some professional help.

1.      Strange Sounds

In general, you shouldn’t be hearing sounds from your attic space. You’ve probably got a variety of sentimental possessions stored up there and nothing else. If you start to hear a lot of noises, as though something is moving around in your attic, then there probably is something.

The only question is whether it’s a squirrel or something else.