by hoff1 | Nov 13, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA, Uncategorized |
Tips to Prevent Damage to Electronics The disruption of electrical service can create costly damage to your electronics. Whether it’s lightning from a thunderstorm, the strong winds or the heavy snows of a blizzard, or too much pull of electricity during hot summer months- Mother Nature can cause blackouts, brownouts, and other electrical disruptions. While you can’t control the weather, you can safeguard your valuable appliances and electronics against the threat of a power disruption. Following these tips can save time and potentially expensive replacement costs. Power Down and Unplug Whenever a storm approaches, take the time to go through your home to turn off and unplug small electronics and appliances. Lightning can enter your house through the wiring and disconnecting them from their power source will protect them from damage. If you notice signs of a brownout once the storm hits, such as a prolonged dimming of lights, your refrigerator’s motor might have difficulty operating in this low-voltage situation. Don’t risk touching the plug or outlet during the storm. Purchase Surge Protectors Think of surge protectors as inexpensive insurance for your electronic items. If you have a $1,000 television, it’s worth investing a few more bucks in a UL-listed surge protector. The same goes for any expensive electronic devices you own. Back-up Your Computer Power If the power goes out while you’re working on a desktop computer, you risk losing everything that wasn’t saved. An uninterruptible power source (UPS) gives you a “grace period” of five to seven minutes of reliable power to save all your work and shut down properly. A more expensive alternative...
by hoff1 | Jun 5, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA, Uncategorized |
The season of rain is well underway, but it’s still not too late to leak-proof your home to avoid potential damages. It’s estimated that 90% of all residential buildings experience some sort of leak at some time in their history. Any heavy rain or long rainy period will do; or what if it was an “out of control” sprinkler system. Weather-related water damage costs near $1 billion annually in the United States. That figure doesn’t consider lesser problems such as water stains or small patches of mold. So, it’s important to know how to prevent water damage that starts on the outside of your home. Prevention can be a lot less time consuming than filing an insurance claim. Leak Proof Your Home Keeping rainwater from seeping into your home takes a lot more than a quick look at the roof each fall, but it’s well worth the effort. Here is our list of some of the most important tips on how to protect your home from water damage due to rain. Clean out your roof gutters. It’s the spring and fall ritual everyone hates, but clogged roof gutters can be a big problem. When they are full, they spill water against the foundation, exactly what they were designed to prevent. Plus, they can cause water to seep under shingles and between cracks in the eaves and trim. Don’t forget that the downspouts can become blocked with leaves and other debris as well. If noticeable debris accumulates before the rainy season is over, consider installing gutter guards. Inspect your roof at least once a year. Look for missing, loose, damaged,...
by hoff1 | May 30, 2018 | TBA, Uncategorized |
Pre-Disaster Planning – Are You Prepared? It is no secret that almost 50% of businesses that sustain a major disaster never fully recover. Shockingly, most are out of business within two years. Being prepared for a disaster can, and does, make a difference in the final toll that the event will bring. Without proper preparation, you may find yourself facing substantial damages and possibly the loss of life. Whether due to a simple lack of awareness, or a disregard for the possibility of disaster, some business owners instead choose to rely on emergency services alone whenever disaster strikes. This is never a good concept, especially when pre-disaster planning services are available. Businesses and their staff face a variety of hazards: Natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. Health hazards such as widespread and serious illnesses like the flu. Human-caused hazards including accidents and acts of violence. Technology-related hazards like power outages and equipment failure. Considerations for Disaster Planning The question then becomes one of choosing the best way to actually be prepared. Preparation means different things to different businesses in different locations. In particular, factors that you will need to consider include: Your location, and the prevalence of certain forms of weather or other natural disaster. The environmental concerns of a business operating in Austin, TX are different from one that is in Rhode Island. There are also local concerns, such as bridges, neighboring buildings, and your proximity to industrial facilities which should be considered in the event of a disaster. The type of business that you’re running. Whether or not you have certain hazardous chemicals in site...
by hoff1 | Apr 22, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA |
The National Severe Storms Laboratory reports that thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe damage reports in the lower 48, each year. When these gusty winds are around, homeowners lose shingles, lawn furniture goes flying (which can cause all kinds of damage), and even trees can be blown over. Wind destroys roofs and allows water to enter buildings. It is possible for your claim to be denied if you fail to take proper action. Many home and business owners aren’t aware that as consumers and insurance policyholders, we are required to take steps to prevent further damage. This is why you don’t need to get estimates for emergency services. Pick a company, like ResQ24 by Thompson Building Associates, that you trust and get moving quickly. Typical Services Provided by ResQ24 Following Wind Damage Events • Removing fallen trees • Removing standing water • Securing your home from further damage (board-ups, temporary doors, etc.) • Securing your home from vandalism and theft • Winterizing your plumbing in freezing temperatures so your pipes don’t rupture • Providing temporary power source • Managing the insurance claim process on your behalf and reduce the stress levels • Consultation services that provide solid data for making the best decisions • Procure insurance funds to bring your property back to a pre-loss condition Types of Wind Wind damage has become so common that the government has now labeled different types of winds: • Microburst Wind – This is a short burst of damaging winds that are on the surface of the earth. They usually last a very short time. • Haboob – This...
by hoff1 | Mar 28, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA, Uncategorized |
Have you experienced a flooded basement? For most people, uninvited water in their basement is more like a disaster than an inconvenience. Situations like a flooded basement seem to happen at the worst possible time, usually when another of life’s curve-balls is being thrown. Whatever the cause, flooded basements are a major issue to the health, safety and structural integrity of your home. An immediate reaction to a flooded basement is key in saving your property and preventing further damage. Preparing for a flood is not on most people’s priorities, but when it happens, a quick list of what to do is invaluable. Here are the first steps to take when cleaning up a flooded basement Address Health and Safety issues Keep children and animals out of the basement and away from standing water and any aerosol effects from stagnant water. Depending on the source, water might be polluted with fecal matter or dangerous chemicals. Wear protective clothing like boots, coveralls, gloves, goggles or even a respirator when entering your flooded basement. Deactivate Services Before entering your basement, ensure all services are deactivated. This includes electricity that should be shut off at the main breaker panel and the gas valve being closed at the outside meter. Domestic water might have to be turned off at the street to stop a running water tank or burst line. Don’t guess at how to terminate services. If in doubt, ask for help from neighbors or service authorities. Stop the Flood Source The flood source may not be apparent, especially if the flood has been occurring for some time and a great deal...
by hoff1 | Mar 13, 2018 | RESQ24, TBA |
Is your yard ready for Spring? It’s time to put the snow shovels in the back of the closet and pack your snow boots in the attic, spring is finally almost here! Now is the time to look at your yard and see what you can do to bring it back to life and get it looking great for the summer. Listed below are a few simple tips to help you get started. Shrubs and Tree Care Look for broken branches on your trees and shrubs caused by heavy snow and strong wind gusts. You could either prune and remove them yourself or hire a reputable landscaper / tree removal specialist to do so for you. For shrubs that bloom mid to late summer, the earlier you prune the better. They should be pruned late winter, early spring. For shrubs that flower in the springtime, prune the branches once the flowers fade. If you have a question about a tree in your yard, it is important to contact a professional tree company to take a look at it. A dead tree in your yard is not only unsightly, but it is also dangerous during a storm. If you have a dead tree in your yard, it should be removed as soon as possible by a tree service company. Before you have a company come to your home, make sure that they are fully insured. All tree debris should be removed from your yard once the tree and / or shrub work is complete. Lawn Care It is important to rake and thatch your lawn before the spring is in high...
