The goal of any disaster plan is to act—not react. This requires a degree of training and planning ahead for what to do in an emergency. Whether it’s riding out a severe storm or reducing the risks associated with the coronavirus pandemic, adequate preparation is the key to confidently tackling whatever disaster comes your way. September is National Emergency Preparedness… Continue reading

If you are a business owner, you are accustomed to making plans, keeping an eye on the future, and working hard to meet your goals every day. Still, it’s always possible that something unforeseen will happen that threatens your team’s safety or compromises your ability to conduct business. In the event of a fire, floods, tornado, infectious disease outbreak, or… Continue reading

Every September, the government observes National Preparedness Month to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for natural disasters, house fires, and other emergencies. The theme for 2021 is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” In accordance with this year’s theme, we want to focus on emergency planning when children are in the picture.… Continue reading

You may love the large picture windows in your home or business for the natural light and great views they provide. Unfortunately, if you live in a hurricane zone, your beautiful windows could prove to be your building’s weak spot. Don’t let a hurricane catch you unaware—install one of the following window coverings to secure your home or business before… Continue reading

If you’ve been house hunting for a while now, you may be relieved to have finally found your dream home. Before closing the deal, be sure to hire a home inspector for your peace of mind. Then, if the home inspection report reveals obvious signs of water damage, seriously consider scheduling a separate mold inspection as well. Why a Mold… Continue reading

Whether you’re shopping for insurance policies or reviewing your existing coverage, you may want to know—does home insurance cover water damage? The short answer is “maybe.” It depends on where the water damage came from and the details of your policy. Basically, if water damage stems from a sudden and accidental problem with your water supply lines, your home insurance… Continue reading

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters and can occur nearly anywhere in the world. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, a mere inch of water in your home can cause more than $25,000 worth of structural and property damage. That’s why it pays to make your home flood-resistant, whether you live in a floodplain or not.… Continue reading

Broken pipes are most notorious in the winter. When cold temperatures freeze your water supply line, pressure builds up inside and causes the pipe to burst. But frozen pipes aren’t your only concern. Here are six surprising reasons pipes can break in the summer and what to do if this happens to you. Why Do Pipes Break in the Summer?… Continue reading

It’s easy to neglect your rain gutters, but gutter cleaning is essential for proper water drainage. Here’s everything you need to know about completing this home maintenance task. Why Clean the Gutters? Rain gutters are notorious for becoming clogged with leaves, pine needles, animal nests, roof shingle debris, and more. When this happens, rainwater overflows the gutters and runs down… Continue reading

Got vacation plans? Some of you may be planning that final summer vacation before the kids head back to school. But, before you leave on your next trip, follow this pre-vacation home maintenance checklist to protect your house from intruders and potential disasters while you’re away. Ask a friend or neighbor to housesit: Have them water your plants, feed your… Continue reading