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

Mold is a vital part of natural decomposition. It breaks down dead plants and animals to make room for new life. This is perfectly acceptable outdoors, but you never want mold to grow inside your home. If left untreated, indoor mold can cause unpleasant odors, health issues and property damage. Learn more about different types of mold and where to… Continue reading

No one expects a disaster to affect them directly. Burst pipes, a house fire or a basement flooding might happen to others but never to your own house – right? If you have ever filed a homeowners insurance claim though, you know this isn’t true. Disasters may be few and far between, but they can happen and when they do,… Continue reading

When you think of the ways water can damage a home, you might picture flash floods, storm surges and hurricanes. However, the most common causes of home water damage actually come from inside the house. While many sources of water damage are not nearly as dramatic as a catastrophic flood, they can still do plenty of harm. Learn more about… Continue reading

Emergencies often strike without warning. By the time a flood, fire, earthquake or tornado is upon you, it’s too late to devise a plan. That’s why you need to sit down with your loved ones and create a family disaster plan today. Decide how everyone will get in touch, where you’ll meet and what you’ll do in an emergency. This… Continue reading