If you’ve ever lived through an emergency, you know that knowledge + preparedness = peace of mind; and a 72-hour kit is a critical component of this. Each family member should have a kit containing the essentials needed to survive for at least three days. The final product should be portable so everyone can evacuate quickly during a natural disaster… Continue reading

If you spot mold growth or notice a persistent musty odor in your home or business, you should contact a mold remediation specialist as soon as possible. The faster you act, the less damage mold can do to your home, belongings and your health. However, you should take the time to interview a few mold removal professionals to ensure you… Continue reading

When a flood, tornado or hurricane rips through a community, the wind and water don’t politely dodge the hospitals and other medical facilities in the area. Indeed, natural disasters strike hospitals just as fiercely as other commercial buildings. In fact, the outcome may be even more detrimental because of the potential for infectious diseases to spread. This is why it’s… Continue reading

Hoarding is an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by stockpiling items. Hoarders are compelled to obtain more and more belongings and refuse to throw anything away due to the fear of losing something valuable, important or useful. As a result, hoarding can take over living spaces, thwart everyday activities, and cause sanitary and safety issues. Consider the dangers of hoarding and… Continue reading

About 1,000 tornadoes occur in the US every year, and March marks the start of tornado season. Are you ready for the hail and high winds that spring and summer can bring? While there’s no way to mitigate the damage of an extremely violent storm, most tornadoes are mild to moderate in severity. It’s these storms that you can prepare… Continue reading

Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because it’s colorless, odorless and otherwise undetectable until it starts causing harm. Exposure to high concentrations of CO gas can be lethal. Even long-term, low-level exposure can cause prolonged health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 15,000 people are admitted to the hospital each year in the… Continue reading

Did you know 45 US states and territories have moderate to very high earthquake risk? Earthquakes can strike without warning at any time of day or night. Since February is Earthquake Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to learn tips to prepare for and survive an earthquake. Prepare for an Earthquake Put together an emergency survival kit. Discuss the… Continue reading

Your home is probably the place where you feel safest, due in large part to window and door locks, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, security systems, and surveillance cameras. But what good are these protective measures against Mother Nature? To stay informed of incoming storms and natural disasters, you need a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio. Here’s… Continue reading

No one wants a wet, musty, moldy basement, but this problem is all too common in homes across the country. Use these tips to prevent moisture problems in the basement that can lead to mold growth. Diagnose the Problem A wet basement can be caused by two sources: high indoor humidity that condenses on cold surfaces and water that seeps… Continue reading

The extreme cold, freezing rain, blowing snow and ice caused by winter storms can lead to power outages, frozen and burst pipes, damaged roofing and siding, water leaks, and hazardous road conditions. Such severe weather may be hazardous to your family and property. By planning and preparing now, you’ll prevent the next winter storm from catching you off guard. Create… Continue reading