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2016 Restoration Articles

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2016 RESTORATION ARTICLES
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Art- MZ article – Restoration- December 2016

What Can FEMA Do for You?

A flood, fire and other disasters are devastating to families. Thankfully, there is assistance you can take advantage of.
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides help to many of those in need; homeowners and others that need special aid when a disaster strikes.
 
What do you have to do to get assistance? Just ask for it. Here’s how.
 
Although the government and its workers are not always quick to respond, you can get the process started by visiting this link. You can also call the FEMA helpline at (800)621-3362. You will enjoy an automated voice service but be patient and you should have your questions answered.
 
What’s next?
 
After you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and a copy of a document entitled “Help After a Disaster.” This is especially helpful if you don’t have insurance coverage for the disaster event your family is facing. This happens more than you think.
 
Here is what FEMA says they will do for you, in part, according to the government website:

• If you do not have insurance: An inspector will contact you after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home.
• If you have insurance, you need to file your insurance claim and provide FEMA with a decision letter (settlement or denial) from your insurance company before FEMA issues an inspection.
• There is an exception for damages caused by flooding; if you have flood insurance, FEMA will issue an inspection before receiving a copy of your flood insurance decision letter to evaluate your eligibility for temporary living expenses since these are not covered by flood insurance.
• About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will decide if you qualify for assistance. If so, FEMA will send you a check by mail (or direct deposit) with an explanation of what the money covers (i.e. rent or home repair).
• If FEMA determines that you are ineligible for any reason, you will receive a letter and be given a chance to appeal. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of the determination. Read the letter carefully for the reason of ineligibility before filing your appeal.

But no matter what, when in need, your disaster restoration company can take care of you. Give them a call today!

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- November 2016

3 Ways to Avoid Water Damage

What is a water damage? It’s anything that happens in your home that causes problems for you and your family.
 
It can be a simple over-flowing of a sink onto the kitchen floor. Or perhaps a toilet didn’t flush properly and it sloshed out a bit onto the bathroom floor. Then again it can be a little more serious such as from a broken pipe that spewed water everywhere in the basement when it was time for spring watering of the flowers.
 
No matter what, a water damage in your home is bad news. Even the tiniest bit of water can cause all kinds of problems, from the worse (mold damage) to the least (pesky odors).
 
There are three things you can do to help prevent water damage in your home.
 

• Know the water supply turn-off location. If a pipe breaks and spews water all over, knowing how to turn off the water is important. You have pipes and water supply points all over your home. The one main turn-off location should be on everyone’s mind.

 

• Repair leaking faucets now. What may be dripping slowly can quickly become a bigger problem soon. And don’t forget those hoses under the sink that feed the dripping faucet. They can burst, too. Look for wet areas under all sinks.

 

• Change the hoses on your washing machine. Washing machine hoses are pretty cheap to replace but if one of them were to burst, it’s disaster time. These hoses are always under pressure and if they, for some reason, tend to break when you are not at home.

 
While there are other ways water damage situations an occur in your home, these are the common ones. Don’t make a mistake… prepare now and avoid problems in the future.
 
But when the worst thing happens, such as a water damage in your home, don’t delay. Call your water damage pro today!

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- October 2016

Protecting Important Documents
 
It’s natural. It’s human nature. You don’t really think about this very often.
 
What are we talking about? Water, fire and smoke damage.
 
When you do think about what may happen to your home, and then take action to prepare, what you do is usually minor and easy to do… such as turning off your outside water supply when winter approaches and testing smoke alarms and replacing fire extinguishers on a regular basis.
 
Yet there is one very important action you should take right now in preparation for the unthinkable. That’s right, protecting your important documents, such as your birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers, insurance policies and similar documents.
 
Most homeowners keep all their important papers and documents in what they consider a safe place, such as in an organized folder in a home office or secure location where they know exactly where everything is. Unfortunately, that’s not really very safe when there is flooding or fire and smoke. Others might utilize a water and fire proof safe, which is a great idea.
 
Yet there is something additional you can do to 100% guarantee your important documents are safe no matter what happens.
 
Scan them and put them on the “cloud.”
 
You may already do this, and if so, congratulations. No matter what happens to your home, your documents are safe and can be accessed from any device connected to the internet.
 
But if you don’t, get a cloud-based storage account that has plenty of storage space for your needs and start scanning those documents. Keep them organized in online folders, and make sure those in your family who should have access to them have username and passwords they can use in an emergency. You should still keep the originals as safe as you can, of course.
 
And when the unthinkable happens, when you do have a fire, flood or mold damage, don’t forget there is professional assistance for you: Call your disaster restoration pro for help.

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- September 2016

Stressed-Out Lawns

Remember how lush and green your lawn was in the spring and early summer? You loved it. Then August hit and things started to go downhill from there (unless you carefully and regularly watered your lawn, that is!)



Now that summer is quickly fading away, it’s time to start thinking of what you can do to keep your lawn in good condition and prepare it not only for the rest of the year, but also for the next growing season.


The first thing to remember is not to cut grass too low. You have mowed your lawn a dozen times or more, and you are tired of it, right? That’s normal. So your inclination might be, “Well, the lawn is almost done so I’ll just cut it shorter and cut it less frequently.” Don’t forget that taller grass is able to withstand the elements better, not just less rainfall but also fighting off invading weeds.


This is a good time to aerate your lawn. You can hire a professional lawn company to do this for you, or rent a machine for do-it-yourself lawn care enthusiasts. This opens up the soil so moisture can penetrate and help roots to draw moisture and nutrients into the visible grass blades. This helps the lawn continue to grow through the fall and even prepares it for the next spring.


Lastly, consult your local home improvement center and determine, according to where you live and winter weather conditions, the type of fertilizer treatment you can use in the fall to prepare your lawn for winter. Studies show that fall fertilization practices is really good for the health of your lawn.
                                            
Hurry up, before the snow flies!

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- August 2016

Fire Prevention Safety Tips

While a water damage occurring in your home from a rain or windstorm, a broken pipe or perhaps an overflowing sink or toilet is a terrible event to experience, virtually nothing is as devastating as a fire.
 
And while statistics indicate a downward trend in house fires, mainly because of better, modern safety protocols, it is still a huge issue that must be addressed. For example, in 2013 there were more than 1,200,000 home fires, nearly 3,500 deaths and 16,000 injuries reported by the National Fire Protection Association.
 
More than half of home fires start in one of your favorite places: The kitchen. That’s right. Cooking is an everyday occurrence and it is the number one cause of fires. Usually on the stove. Other causes include candles, Christmas trees, overburdened electrical cords/outlets, appliance malfunctions and cigarettes or cigars, to name just a few.
 
What can you do to make things safe in your home and protect your family?
 
Safety protocols
 
The following list of fire safety tips will protect your home and family.

• Smoke alarms: Install modern devices on every level of your home, outside and insider bedrooms. Be sure to install one in your garage as well. Test all alarms each month and replace batteries annually.
• Fire extinguishers: Consult a professional and choose fire extinguishers appropriate for the area of the house, such as one made for kitchen fires. Ensure all family members know exactly where the extinguishers are located. Have them tested or replaced per manufacturer recommendation.
• Escape plan: You need one. All family members need to know what they should do in the event of a fire, such as leaving valuables behind as nothing is worth as much as a human life.

 
If a house fire does happen, we hope your loves ones are perfectly safe and healthy. But odds are, your home and belongings will need professional attention. Call your fire and smoke damage professional right away.

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- July 2016

Water Damaged Electronics

It’s a terrible sinking feeling (pun intended) you get when you drop your iPhone, iPad or Android — or other expensive hand-held electronic device — into water, such as a sink, bathtub or (gross) toilet.
 
When that happens, you respond quickly. You dip your hand into the offending reservoir, grab the device and shake it vigorously, hoping against all odds that you can force all moisture out before permanent damage occurs.
 
You may even dunk your device into a bag of rice, hoping that online tip you read about rice pulling moisture from electronic devices is true. You may submit it mercilessly to the business end of a hairdryer until it is too hot to hold.
 
What’s the best thing to do when electronic devices suffer from water damage?
 
Some devices are water-resistant or water-proof. If that’s the case, quickly removing the device from the water and drying it might be all you need to do, along with hoping the manufacturer wasn’t overselling this benefit. Replacement might be the only option. Check your warranty. It may cover this type of accident.
 
If your device is the victim of a direct spray of water, quickly wiping it down, removing the battery (if possible) and cleaning as much of the interior as possible may solve the problem. With the power off, put the device under a heat lamp or even in direct sunlight — but not for too long. Too much direct heat can cause damage. The rice trick mentioned earlier only works for that last little bit of residual moisture. Remove as much moisture as you can before using rice or other absorbent compounds.
 
If your device, once dried, seems to work… that’s good. But don’t be surprised if you notice a decrease in performance over time. Residues can cause future problems, even resulting in total loss of power or performance.
 
Before any of this happens, you should protect your data, which is often more valuable than the device itself. Use a good online storage program.
 
The best bet, however, with water damaged electronics is to call your water damage professionals right away. Odds are, they have a contents restoration specialist on staff who can give you the guidance and help you need.

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- June 2016

Mysterious Mustiness

It’s easy to know where musty or moldy odors are coming from after you have suffered from a water damage, which happens from a broken pipe, overflowing toilet or flooding from rainwater, to mention a few.
 
But what do you do when you notice a mysterious “musty” odor in your home? Nothing is broken. There was no big storm. The sump pump is chugging away like normal.
 
Mysterious musty odors can be caused by a variety of situations. Figuring out where they are coming from and remediating them is the challenge.
 
What are some common causes?
 
Ice dams are the bane of winter. Ice dams are created on roofs in cold climates. They develop when snow accumulates on a roof with a slope, the snow starts to melt and the water slowly moves down the slope to the eaves or gutters. The water can’t drain because of the amount of debris in the gutters, such as from leaves. It then refreezes, creating an ice dam, which means during the next thaw water can’t drain through the obstruction. This then causes leaks through the roofing material, and into your home. If the water intrusion is minimal, you might not even know it is happening, until your nose knows… detecting that mysterious musty odor.
 
Leaky drains are another cause of musty odors. If the leak is very slow, water can drip, drip, drip… and over time cause damage under sinks. You don’t notice it because it’s hidden, and the amount of water is contained in a small area. But you start to notice the smell, that mysterious mustiness that you are determined to eradicate.
 
Severe condensation on windows is easy to see but often homeowners don’t appreciate the damage potential. This odor-causing issue is caused by excessive moisture in the home, especially in the winter when windows draw the moisture onto cold surfaces. The moisture itself isn’t the problem. The problem is when the moisture moves down into the window sills and any natural woodwork or even wall interiors get wet and create that mysterious musty odor.
 
What can you do? Do an inspection. Look at all areas in your home that water can intrude or accumulate. Your restoration pros have the equipment to do it right, with moisture meters and special cameras that detect moisture.
 
Be smart. Give them a call.

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- May 2016

Kitchen Health Hazards

It’s that time of year when you start planning for family and friends to visit and, since you are hospitable, you start thinking of all the delicious meals, snacks and beverages you will serve them when they arrive.
 
Despite the very best attempts of you and your guests to keep things on the plate, in the bowl, in the glass and on the spoon or fork, the inevitable happens: Food or drinks spill, and for some reason they always spill on the carpet. Usually white carpet.
 
There is no need to panic, but there is a need to gather your thoughts, keep your cool and not overreact to the situation. That is difficult when you witness a full glass of merlot splashing onto your white, wool rug in the middle of the living room.
 
Your first reaction might be to grab a random cleaning product from the collection underneath the kitchen sink. This can be a mistake. Some consumers have been known to use window cleaner, bathroom tile cleaners and other products on carpet.
 
Instead, keep things simple. Use these three, easy-to-remember procedures:
 
1. Scrape and Blot: If the spill is food related, scrape up as much as you can. Then, using white, disposable paper towels or white, washable cotton towels, start blotting up the spill. Keep at it until the area you are working on is fairly dry and you have removed as much of the spot as you can. Then…

2. Add product: Using a flip-top or trigger sprayer application, apply small amounts of a product manufactured specifically for carpet fibers. The best products for this can be obtained from your carpet and furniture cleaning company. Blot in between applications, and when the spot is gone, use a little warm water to help remove the cleaning residue, blotting as you do so. Then…
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3. Blot some more: When the job is complete, and you are happy with the results, blot until all moisture seems to be removed and then leave a white, absorbent towel on the spot with a weight on the towel, so any remaining moisture wicks up into the towel. Leave the towel in place for several hours.
 
But when the occasion occurs (and it will) and the spot just won’t come out, stop your work to avoid damage to the color texture of the carpet and “setting” of the spot or stain. Quickly call your carpet and furniture cleaning specialist. 

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- April 2016

Dripping Your Way to Trouble
 
Drip… Drip… Drip… a leaky pipe or drain may not seem to be that big of a deal, but it could be the first indicator of big trouble coming your way.
 
Most people — just like you — think of water damage situations as a broken pipe spewing water all over the place, or perhaps a failing sump pump resulting in a basement that imitates a swimming pool you did not want.
 
Other water damages can occur from an overflowing toilet or — even worse — sewage backup that can mean replacement of surfaces and belongings in your home.
 
Catastrophic water damage situations, such as from a storm, flood waters and similar water intrusions, are about impossible to predict and prepare for.
 
But when it comes to smaller issues, you can do quite a bit to keep your home nice and dry and free of musty, moldy odors.
 
The first step is prevention. If you have a faucet dripping, you may think the only loss would be pennies a day. But what if your drain plugged up and you were gone for an extended period of time? Drips can quickly add up and create an overflow that can cause expensive water damage. And a leaky pipe under a cabinet or toilet is really bad news as that can quickly get worse and flood your home. So be sure to either fix these issues yourself or hire a plumber.
 
The second step is to dry out any existing moisture that may exist in areas that can be damp from either dripping water supply pipes and hoses to drains. Wipe up as much water as you can and get some air movement onto the surfaces affected.
 
The third step is to get professional help. Call your water damage pro not only when emergencies strike, but to receive valuable advice in advance.
 
Do what’s right. Call your water damage pro!

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- March 2016

Candles and Scents

There’s nothing more inviting than the smell of delicious cookies, cakes or other tasty foods being prepared in the kitchen. Your nose can’t help but lead you to the source.
 
There are other smells in many homes that are inviting as well… those nice fragrances from scented candles. There are hundreds of scents available, from favorites such as vanilla, citrus, lavender, and more. Some scents smell just like cookies or cakes in the oven. Of course, you don’t get the benefit of eating them!
 
Yet, as inviting as those scents may be, there are some concerns you should consider as you burn them.
 
Pollution issues
 
It’s been noted by various environmental groups and indoor air quality specialists that burning candles can produce pollutants such as acetone, toluene, benzene and others. It’s what is found in soot, considered a hazard all on its own.
 
More and more people — perhaps just like yourself — love the smell of these scented candles. Yet are they putting off smoke, even invisible smoke, that can be leaving an unhealthy residue in your home? It could be. Remember, soot is the product of material that didn’t totally go through the combustion process of burning. If the flame of your candle isn’t totally blue, no doubt there is soot being produced.
 
What can you do?
 
Choose your scents wisely. Opt for natural wax materials, such as beeswax or soy candles, both of which are better choices than wax made from petroleum products. Natural materials may cost more, but is a better, safer and healthier choice.
 
Make sure your wick is burning adequately. The wick should burn evening with the melting wax, and curl as it burns. Ensuring the wick is less than ½ inch long when you light it will help.
 
Keep your candles burning where there is limited or no draft. Air movement can cause the flame to burn erratically possibly create more soot or pollution.
 
Don’t burn your candles all the time. Make it a treat. Burn them when you are in the mood for a nice scent in the home.
 
And when you do have issues with your candles, such as a residue on surfaces in your home, call your restoration pro. They can help determine if your candle burning habits are safe!

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- February 2016

Three Steps for Drying Out
 
There are many causes of water damage to homes and buildings, ranging from heavy rains, leaky roofs, broken pipes, failure hot water heaters, sewage back-ups and more.

The cause of the damage must be considered when drying out a home or building. If it is “fresh” water, such as a broken pipe or leaky roof, the drying process is a little simpler than a sewage back-up.

Small water damages that are concentrated to an area, such as under a kitchen sink, can quickly be cleaned up. Large water damages can take days to clean and dry out, often resulting in pesky odors that then must be dealt with. It’s that pesky odor that tells you not all is well, and more work needs to be done.

Remove, Clean, Dry

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces quickly means less microbial growth, which can lead to potentially dangerous mold. Some people are highly sensitive to mold spores, while others show no physical reaction at all. Don’t take the chance in learning the hard way how you might react to mold. Prevention is best.
To ensure the safety of your family, there are three basic steps:

1. Remove the water/contamination: This means get the affected areas dry, and quickly.
2. Clean the area: No matter the water source, a quality disinfectant should be used.
3. Dry the area: Air movement is important. Directed air on damp areas aids in the evaporation process.

Remember, water damage can be potentially dangerous even after you think surfaces are dry. If it feels dry, it just might be… but it might not. Professional water damage removal pros have meters and devices to determine when surfaces are totally dry. And they have the products and equipment necessary to do the job right — items you can’t buy at your local grocery or hardware store.

Play it safe. Protect your family. Call your restoration pros for any type of water damage to your home.

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Art- MZ article – Restoration- January 2016

The True Value of a Restoration Company
 
When a fire, flood, water leak, mold growth or other issue that makes your home either inhabitable or just an inconvenience to deal with, you must decide “Will I clean this up myself, or hire a pro?”
 
While some small, minor “disasters” can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer, most restoration projects are best left to the pros.
 
Here’s why.
 
Safety
 
Obviously, keeping your family and loved ones safe is important to you. When dealing with disaster issues, what might seem like a minor issue may actually be a dangerous situation. Water damage, even from the smallest leaks, can result in mold growth. Wet materials that might seem to be drying out could hold moisture in hidden areas. Smoke from a fire can be dangerous as well.
 
Back to normal
 
Anyone that has never suffered from a loss might not understand the emotions, frustrations and feeling of hopelessness that are common during a restoration project. Using a professional company means things move along quickly, and you are back in your home or able to use damaged rooms as soon as possible. Doing it yourself can make the project drag on for days longer than necessary, often with undesirable results.
 
Insurance coverage
 
Water, fire, smoke, wind, mold… what’s covered? And what’s not? Insurance policies are difficult to interpret, yet a professional disaster restoration company works with insurance companies every day, so they are best equipped to help you through the process of dealing with insurance agents and adjusters. You want to be treated fairly and receive fair coverage from your insurance company. Having a qualified, reputable restoration contractor in your corner helps with the entire process.
 
Do what’s right. Call your disaster restoration company when you suffer any type of loss.