While flash floods can occur with little to no warning, they most commonly happen between spring and fall. However, depending on your geographic location, these times can vary. Here are some location-specific tidbits for homeowners to stay on top of natural disasters and potential flash flood threats. Coastal Areas Though they have a reputation for being hot and sunny, states… Continue reading

Leaning – Most trees will lean a little bit, but sometimes trees lean because of poor weight distribution or root damage. If your tree looks like it is leaning a little more than usual, check the base of the tree. If you see cracked or heaving soil on the opposite side of the lean or exposed roots around the bottom,… Continue reading

Standing Water – Standing water is a visible sign of a moisture problem. If you notice standing water in the building, it can be a sign of plumbing leaks. Make sure standing water is cleaned up within 48 hours to prevent extensive water damage. Mold – Another major red flag is the visible growth of mold. Mold thrives in damp… Continue reading

Find a Safe Place – The first thing you need to do when you hear that tornado siren is get to a safe area. If you are in a mobile facility, go to a sturdy building or storm shelter nearby. If you cannot get to a building, do not attempt to drive away; find a ditch, get down in it… Continue reading

Examine the Exterior – A flooded basement can be a sign of structural damage to the exterior of your property. Look for signs of deterioration. Do not enter your basement if the exterior appears structurally unsound, as it can be extremely dangerous. Turn off Utilities – Before entering your basement, turn off your electricity and gas. Water is a conductor,… Continue reading

Make Some Phone Calls – Assuming first responders have already been called and are working on putting out the fire, the first thing you need to do is contact family members. Give them any necessary information, including updates on your safety. Next, call your insurance provider. It is important to get in touch with the insurance company as soon as… Continue reading

When it takes a couple seconds for your sink to drain or there’s a strange odor coming from the pipes, it might be time to investigate and unclog your drain. Unfortunately, throwing out the visible gunk at the top of the drain is not always enough. Unclogging can require remediation, ranging from easy at-home methods that won’t ruin your pipes… Continue reading

We have all heard it: the chirp of a smoke alarm asking for new batteries. While every so often they become a pestering headache, we often take smoke alarms for granted and forget to perform regular maintenance on them. They are though, in fact, the most important appliances we have, as they can prevent fire damage and injury. With spring… Continue reading

With temperatures starting to rise and the warm weather coming to many snow-ridden cities, you might be starting your annual spring cleaning routine. The spring sunlight has a way of exposing home issues that require maintenance and care. When following your regularly scheduled spring cleaning, it might be time to check for damage in the following areas that may have… Continue reading

Water damage can occur when we least expect it. Whether it is caused by broken pipes or a blocked drain, water damage can quickly become a mold/mildew problem for the landlord and the tenant. DKI Services is here to provide water damage tips for landlords to prevent the need for emergency water damage restoration: Open communication with renters – Your… Continue reading