10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes - Would Yours Make the List?

Posted on: 02/14/2012

When you become comfortable in a home over a period of years, sometimes you can become blind to the structural fixes it needs. The experts at Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma have seen how floods, windstorms, wildfires and other weather disasters can unfortunately leave even the most sturdily built home in a pile of rubble. Through our years of service restoring homes and personal property, we know that a house that’s unprepared or constructed with the wrong materials for any given region can be seriously damaged by an event that leaves other structures unscathed. Here are pictures of 10 houses that will be in big trouble when the next storm hits.

1. Rain, Rain, Go Away

The gutters in this home in Antioch, Virginia, aren’t just clogged with a few leaves and twigs. They’re supporting an entire ecosystem! When gutters are stopped up, a heavy rainstorm can hurt a house from top to bottom. Rain may seep in under the eaves, rotting the wood fascia. It can also pour directly onto the ground around the house, leading to foundation issues. Mold, insect infestation, flooded basements and more can result from this type of clogged gutter.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/artdrauglis/3849505103/

Photo credit: Flickr

2. Blow Me Away

A falling tree limb struck this house in Salt Lake City, Utah (a common event during weather disasters). Any time shingles are worn and torn, they become much easier for the wind to lift off. You can see why it needs to have the roof restored before the next windstorm. There may also be hidden damage to the substructure or underlayment of the roof. Putting new shingles on without ensuring that all the other problems are fixed is like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/deltamike/204302921/

Photo credit: Flickr

3. Fire and Water

Disaster is literally raining down on this residence that appears to be a victim of a house fire. The fact that it was left un-restored means it’ll be vulnerable to rainstorm damage. In the meantime, insulation in the walls that was soaked during efforts to extinguish the fire is probably festering with mold. Even worse, the house is directly joined to the neighboring structure! If the damaged house leaks or floods, this could potentially lead to problems for the adjacent dwelling. You should look at any attached structures on your property as part of your house. If they are vulnerable to infiltration by water, the rest of your home is also at risk.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlevine/87841928/

Photo credit: Flickr

4. All Hail the Tile Roof

Ah, the tile roof. Reminiscent of the Mediterranean and oh-so-dreamy blue skies. However, a roof like this on a home in states like Kansas and Texas can leave some homeowners very unprepared when hailstorms hit. Tile doesn’t respond well to sharp impacts and can easily crack under pressure from hail stones. The Midwest is particularly prone to severe hail. Storms regularly cause hundreds of millions in property damage every year. Any type of roof should be inspected after a heavy hail storm – but you can expect a less extensive insurance claim if your shingles are rated for hail resistance.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7147684@N03/543564835/

Photo credit: Flickr

5. Light It Up

This old-fashioned straw roof would go up like a matchstick if a wildfire blew through town! Modern homes obviously don’t have thatch roofs. However, not all shingle materials are equally fire resistant. If you live in an area like the west coast that’s prone to wildfires, you should choose a ‘class A’ fire resistant roofing material.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shibuya246/5106627299/

Photo credit: Flickr

6. Ice, Ice, Baby

This house in New England wasn’t equipped to prevent ice buildup during a recent snowstorm. The ice dam above the gutters could allow moisture to seep in under the shingles since proper drainage is inhibited. This type of roof leak can lead to rotting wood and mold-infested insulation. The problem is likely to get worse with each subsequent blizzard if it’s not addressed. If you’ve let a winter go by without checking the integrity of your roof, eaves, and gutters, inspect them soon!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/misssage/3128629886/

7. Don’t Let the Rain Come Down

This skylight is quaint, but it’s obviously not leak proof. You can see the stains from previous water penetration along one corner. It’s ripe for another soaking with the next rainstorm. This old-style skylight has a flat surface and is designed to open – two features that aren’t actually needed and make the design much more prone to leaking. New, domed models that maximize light through refraction while allowing rain to run off onto the roof make more sense. No matter what type of skylight you have, you should check the flashing around it at least once a year to make sure there’s no chance of water getting in.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12099014@N03/5541318125/

8. Does Anyone Have Noah on Speed Dial?

Basements are a fairly common house feature in northern areas of the U.S. They can be very useful for storage or an extra room (it’s the ideal spot for a “man cave”). But the basement in this photo shows you one common problem that can leave a home very unprepared for flooding. Imagine what’s going to happen down in this basement when snowmelt brings spring floods! Cracks like this are a sign of foundation problems that will only get worse with time – leaving a home vulnerable to cracked walls, busted plumbing, and worse.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/buymelunch/4024807886/

9. We Have Achieved Liftoff

Check out the flimsy corrugated roof on this house on stilts! Fortunately, this residence is located in the UK. If it was in Oklahoma, we can just see the entire roof being peeled off in a single swipe by a tornado. If the house was along the West Coast and a mudslide hit, the weight of the soil would probably snap those stilts like toothpicks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/johndunster/57531562/

10. Knock Me Over with a Feather

What can we even say about this sad shack in Ontario, California? We’re afraid that even a slight breeze might cause it to completely collapse!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobolink/5708424710/

Photo credit: Flickr

Do you have a ridiculously unprepared home in your neighborhood? Send us an image! gtac@pdr-usa.net

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma assists the following zip codes: 98001, 98002, 98003, 98022,98023, 98030, 98031, 98032, 98035, 98038, 98042, 98047, 98055, 98056, 98057,98058, 98063, 98064, 98071, 98089, 98092, 98093, 98131, 98132, 98138, 98148,98158, 98166, 98171, 98188, 98198, 98321, 98328, 98332, 98335, 98338, 98352,98371, 98372, 98373, 98374, 98375, 98387, 98390, 98391, 98401, 98402, 98403,89404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98411, 98412, 98413, 98415, 98416,98417, 98418, 98419, 98421, 98422, 98424, 98430, 98431, 98433, 98438, 98439,98442, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98447, 98448, 98464, 98465, 98466, 98467,98471, 98481, 98490, 98492, 98493, 98496, 98497, 98498, 98499

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

Posted on: 02/09/2012

All types of sinkholes could pose a problem for anyone who’s living on top or near an area that suddenly gets consumed by the earth. Sound too dramatic to believe? The experts at Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma can tell you - this can actually happen if your home is built over an ancient mining tunnel or sewage system. We also know from experience, homes that don’t fall into a crevasse can still suffer major structural damage. We’ve helped families recover from the most dramatic and unexpected property disasters to restore their homes and their sense of safety.

While you don’t have to worry about the most famous sinkholes (located in Guatemala City and Berezniki, Russia), you’d be surprised how many big’uns exist across the U.S., including ones near the Pacific Northwest!

SINKHOLES NEAR YOU

#1 San Diego, California

In 2007, subsidence created a huge manmade sinkhole 50 yards wide and 12 feet deep in La Jolla, California just outside of San Diego. It destroyed 6 multimillion-dollar homes and damaged 2 others. In all, it caused 48 million dollars worth of damage and knocked out electricity for 2,500 customers. 111 homes were evacuated at one point during the expansion of the sinkhole. A state of emergency was declared by the Governor of California before the ground finally stabilized. Since this incident, there have been several other smaller but notable sinkholes formed in the area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuCHsdRatqc

#2 Daisetta, Texas

Like a tale of a fish that got away, this sinkhole got bigger and bigger very quickly – expanding from 20 feet wide to 900 feet wide in one day. You can actually see it happening in this video. The mess was made much worse by the fact that this was an area where oil drilling was taking place. The resulting mud and oil sludge created a Texas-sized mess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEvCP7TXIEU

#3 Picher, Oklahoma

The fate of this town is another example of what happens when toxic waste and sinkholes mix. Picher, Oklahoma, used to be a prosperous lead and zinc mining town, until the huge heaps of mining waste began to give way. The area is considered too toxic to even clean up. In 2006, the government determined that the entire town might be swallowed up by the rapidly multiplying sinkholes at any time. The residents were bought out so they could move to safer ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV0EKE9nGgA

#4 Sterling Heights, Michigan

A damaged 11 foot diameter sewer pipe along a road in Sterling Heights, Michigan eventually led to the opening of a 30’ deep, 60’ wide, and 160’ long sinkhole on the 22nd of August 2004. It was only 2000 feet away from a similar sinkhole along the same sewer line (built in the 1960s) that opened up in a sinkhole in 1978. Unstable soil conditions were blamed for both incidents. The repair bill for this sewer line break was 25 million dollars. A number of houses in the area had to be evacuated temporarily.

http://www.sewerhistory.org/images/mi/mid/michigan04_1.jpg

#5 Detroit, Michigan

In 2011, a roadway sinkhole on the east side of Detroit almost swallowed an SUV whole. The driver thought there was just some water standing on the road, but the puddle was masking a gaping hole in the ground. The driver and passenger escaped.

What You Should Know about Sinkholes

No region of the country is exempt from this eerie phenomenon, including [state]. Besides the immediate risk of engulfment in a sinkhole, houses that surround unstable ground are at risk for damage from mudslides, flooding from broken pipes and serious foundation issues. You may be able to spot sinkhole activity in your area by looking for doors that no longer open smoothly and cracks around the windows and doors. Holes or bowl-shaped depressions in nearby yards, cracked sidewalks and dips that form suddenly in the street are also warning signs.

Contact the experts at Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma right away if you believe your property is developing problems from a sinkhole. The damage to your home will need to be fixed right away. There are sometimes steps that can be taken to stabilize the ground again (although sinkholes can recur over time).

Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma serves the following communities: Pierce County, King County, and Thurston County.

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Weather-Related Disaster

Posted on: 02/08/2012

Who can forget the images of stranded dogs and cats on the television in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina? At Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma, our first priority is the safety and well being of your family — which of course, includes your pets. We have a soft spot for your furry loved ones and we know from experience that all it takes is a little preparation to avoid the heartbreak of seeing them injured in a storm. When [weather event] approaches [location], be sure you’ve planned ahead with these tips from Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services to protect your four-legged companions from getting lost or injured. We suggest you keep this basic checklist for Socks and Buster on the fridge next to all your other emergency contacts.

Develop a written plan of action that includes your pet…NOW before any weather-disaster strikes. Play the “what if” game so that you can prepare for a variety of scenarios. Have a back-up plan in case things don’t work out with “plan A”. You should develop your plan based on the most likely weather-related disaster in your area. For example, if you live where wildfires rage every year, your plan will be all about evacuation. If you live in “Tornado Alley”, you should plan for how to keep your pet indoors with you when it’s time to batten down the hatches.
When it is safe to do so, leave early with your pet whenever a disaster emergency is declared. Generally, the longer you wait to move, the more dangerous the situation will become. Observe prior warnings and recommendations so that you are better prepared when an evacuation is ordered.
Include outdoor pets in your disaster preparedness plan. It’s too easy to forget these friends or assume that they can fend for themselves because they are outside. The truth is that they are likely to go missing even if they are not injured or killed. This means you should be on good enough terms with your outdoor pets to coax them into a carrier easily.
Most emergency public shelters and evacuation centers don’t accept pets. Find out in advance which locations in the Puget Sound are pet-friendly in case you need to leave your home to avoid a weather-related disaster. Remember that current vaccinations are an absolute must if you expect your pets to be welcome in any shelter. Consider evacuating to a pet-friendly motel if there are no shelters that accept pets. The following websites and search tools will help you locate motels, restaurants, places and services that allow pets under various circumstances: Go Pet Friendly, TravelPets, PetsWelcome, PetTravel, DogFriendly.
Consider pet insurance as part of any preparedness plan. Although ConsumerReports.org states that there is generally little value over the long run for the cost of premiums, the benefits of such a policy may depend on your location and whether you pet has special medical needs. It may be best to set up a self-insurance savings account specifically for the purpose of handling emergency situations for your pet. You can use this fund to pay for the cost of emergency supplies, veterinary care, evacuation, etc.
If you have sufficient notice of an incoming storm, talk to local boarding kennels and pet shelters about the preparedness of their facilities. Your pet may be able to safely ride out the storm in a kennel. This approach might be a good idea if you have small children who will need your undivided attention during an emergency. Ask about the capacity of the kennel – and whether they usually get overcrowded when there are weather-related disaster warnings.
If you must leave home, don’t leave your pets. You might be gone longer than you think, putting your pet at risk for dehydration and starvation. Never leave your pet alone in an evacuation area unless you absolutely have no other choice. Your pet will likely die if left inside a mobile home alone. Even in a safer structure, the chances of pet survival are slim, especially in heat or frigid temperatures. If they do manage to survive, this may be because they found a way to escape the house. They may not be there when you get back. If they are, they may have caused significant damage to your property while trying to get out.
Identification is critical for making sure your pet can be returned to you as soon as possible. Use a combination of contact tags (external collar tags and microchip) to make it easier locate a pet that is separated from you during a weather-related disaster. This is especially critical in large-scale disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes when local shelters and animal control centers may be dealing with a high volume of missing pets at one time.
Keep photos of your pet in a dry location in case you need to make lost posters. If you really want to be prepared, make up some “missing pet” posters before the severe weather hits, just in case you need them. Be sure to include a way to contact you that will still be accessible even if the power lines are down.
The safest area of your home for humans is usually also the safest area for pets. Make your furry friends comfortable with their favorite bedding and toys. Bring in a crate or carrier in case your pet becomes agitated and tries to get out of the room. This is especially important with cats since they can slip out very easily and run away. Keep all exit routes shut.
Put together an emergency travel kit for your pet that includes a carrier, leash or harness, food, water, towels, poop cleanup supplies, medications, etc. Include enough supplies to last several days at a minimum. Some organizations suggest a week minimum. This should give you enough time to find other resources. Make sure there are some First Aid supplies that can be used for your pet as well (gauze, bandages, disinfectant).
If you have reason to believe you might be out of the house when a weather-related disaster strikes, post prominent signs in the windows letting neighbors and rescue workers know there are pets inside. Include the names and descriptions of each pet along with any special handling instructions (such as ways to tempt them into the open with a favorite treat).
Exchange pet information with neighbors so they can help evacuate pets when you are not available to do so. Make sure anyone who has a key to your home is familiar and comfortable with all your pets. These friendly neighbors should know the animal’s habits and their special place where they are likely to feel safest. Animals are often frightened by high winds, thunder and heavy rain fall associated with weather-related disasters and will hide away.
Keep your pets close to you even after the severe weather is over. The debris left behind, contaminated water and stray animals running free in your neighborhood can continue to pose a threat to your pet’s life and health. Flooding creates lots of opportunities for pets to drink or drown in unsafe water. Wildfires can leave behind toxic residues including chemical-laden soot and ash from building materials. There may also still be smoldering remains that can burn your pet. Mudslides can create entrapment hazards even after most of the ground has stopped shifting. Broken glass is usually left behind by hurricanes, windstorms and tornadoes.
If your pet does get lost and you can’t find it in your neighborhood, call the local animal control office. They should have information on where lost pets are being housed waiting for owners to come pick them up.

10 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

Posted on: 02/05/2012

A Surprising Checklist of Things You’ll Need for a Windstorm

You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If you don’t own an underground storage cellar, you’re going to end up flying through the air and swallowed up by a big, dark cloud. But forget the silver screen – Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Greater Tacoma has seen the aftermath of real storms, right in our area. We’ve experienced the true-life heartbreaking stories…and have proudly helped families restore their property after they’ve thought there was no way to repair the damage. In the process of helping property owners recover after a windstorm, we’ve also learned about some other surprising lifesavers that can protect Washingtonians and your property from a windstorm. Here are 10 tips we hope can help you.

1. Your Door

Wind pressure can rip your home open at its weakest points. You may think the most likely points of damage are the windows, but doors are also vulnerable. Doors manufactured before 1994 aren’t usually rated for pressure. Consider replacing your exterior doors with newer models that are code approved for both wind pressure and debris impact. Have them installed to open outward rather than inward.

2. Wooden Furniture

A sturdy, solid piece of wooden furniture can be your best friend during a tornado or hurricane. As part of your emergency preparedness plan, think about which table, desk, or workbench you can easily move to the safest part of your house such as the bathroom or closet (make sure the furniture fits through the door). When you hide under this piece of furniture, you will have an extra shield against falling debris – including heavy pieces like roofing materials or tree branches.

3. Mulch

Gravel and rock are lovely choices for landscaping. But they can easily become deadly projectiles in high winds. They can break your windows and cause shrapnel-like damage to the human body. If you live in an area that is prone to windstorms, use materials like wood mulch instead of gravel in your flowerbeds. Choose to pave your driveway with concrete instead of pebbles.

4. Smokey the Bear

You don’t want to ignore fires if you live in Washington. When most people think of windstorms, they picture hurricanes accompanied by heavy rain and flooding. But fires can also occur in conjunction with windstorms in the Puget Sound region. This often happens when straight-line winds take down power lines that spark grass fires. When you get a severe weather warning, make sure your fire safety and evacuation plan is up to date.

5. Trimmed Hedges

Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. When you see vegetation and trees growing into the utility lines near your home, give the city a call to report this unsafe condition. When they cut back vegetation, this reduces the risk that you will step outside after a windstorm and find that downed power lines are energizing the puddles of rainwater around your home.

6. Mask and Goggles

Do you live in an area where windstorms are laden with dust? Are you lucky enough to live adjacent to the beach? Then you will need added protection if you absolutely must go outside to secure your belongings. Make sure you have dust masks on hand along with airtight goggles. These will help keep dust and sand out of your lungs and eyes. Getting a splinter in your eye during a weather-related emergency makes a bad situation worse!

7. Duct Tape (Duck Tape)

Don’t laugh! This adhesive really is very useful during and after a windstorm. Securing windows with duct tape does little to improve protection from broken glass (boarding up your windows is ideal). But it can be helpful for other last minute safety adjustments since this tape is strong and waterproof. For instance, duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain. You can also use duct tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out.

8. A Whistle

If you get trapped in your home or under debris, blowing a whistle may save your life. The sound will travel farther than your voice with far less effort. A loud whistle can sometimes be heard through solid structures. Using a safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting.

9. Waterproof Heavy Duty Flashlight

You can use a bright flashlight to signal rescuers in low light situations during pounding, wind-driven rain. Sound does not carry very well during extreme windy events, especially upwind in a rainstorm. If you sustain injuries that prevent you from speaking, flashing a light can draw attention to you when you need help most. Take a moment to learn SOS in Morse codeif you don’t know it already (· · · — — — · · ·). Power may be out immediately after a windstorm. A reliable emergency light source will help you get around in the dark without injury. Keep in mind that a flashlight may require backup batteries to ensure longer life.

10. NOAA Weather Radio

If you live near the coast and own a boat, always carry an NOAA Weather Radio to warn you of windstorms and unexpected waterspouts. Waterspouts are cousins to tornadoes that form over the water during cold late fall or late winter storms, when you’re least expecting a tornado. If you’re on the water, get out of the way by going at a 90-degree angle from the motion of its path. It may be tempting to draw in close, but a waterspout can overturn your boat or send items flying through the air (and these can become deadly missiles!).

Major snowstorm barreling toward Western Washington

Posted on: 01/18/2012

Hundreds of schools are already closed or delayed, but today is just a warm up for the coming storm that sparked a winter storm warning for most of Washington and is expected to dump heavy snow across the region on Wednesday.

The winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday until midnight Wednesday, when heavy snow is forecast to hit.

“This next storm is picking up a lot of moisture offshore that’s moving to the south of us. It’s the perfect setup to push all that moisture right over that colder air and set us up for very heavy snowfall tomorrow morning and throughout the day,” said KIRO 7 Eyewitness News meteorologist Sam Argier.

The storm is tracking father south than originally forecast, so the snow totals in the Seattle area may be less than was earlier expected.

Estimated snowfall totals for Wednesday are as follows:

Seattle: 4 - 8 inches
Everett: 2 – 6 inches
North of Everett: 1 - 4 inches
Foothills: 6 - 12 inches
South/Southwest: 6 – 12 inches
Coast: 4 – 8 inches

Light to moderate snowfall should begin first around the South Sound at about 4 a.m. and increase into 7 a.m. Between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., the heaviest of the snow will fall, and should be on the ground in the Seattle area.

The biggest snowfall will be seen Seattle southward, Argier said, with Olympia and Thurston County getting hit hard. By 1 p.m., snow showers will taper off briefly.

Argier said people should plan ahead as it may be hard for many to get out of neighborhoods. According to AccuWeather, the last big pileup in Seattle was 7.6 inches in on Nov. 27, 1985. On the ranking of great Seattle snowstorms, that day came in last out of 11 records.

“Compared to what we’re looking at tomorrow, today is just a warm up,” said Argier.

For Tuesday, a winter weather advisory is in effect until 4 p.m., when there is expected to be a break in the weather in time for the evening commute. Metro buses are operating on snow routes.

http://bcove.me/rbu47xq1

During the day though, Argier said there will be snow showers, heavy at times, with most of the action in the morning.

About 1 to 3 inches of snow could fall, with Seattle in the lower end of that range and Snohomish County, the convergence zone, and the higher hills away from the water getting the higher end of the range.

Temperatures will be in the mid- to low 30s.

“Tomorrow morning, that’s what we’re really focused on. We’re looking at heavy snow; significant snow,” Argier warned.

http://bcove.me/0snwb0vm

Marybeth Turner with Seattle DOT said they will have all crews available, but if the snow is more than what they can handle, they have more drivers and equipment they can get from vendors.

The main routes they will be attending to will be major arterials for emergency vehicles to get to hospitals and Metro Transit routes.

Turners said hills will not be closed until they are deemed impassable. You can view where the snow plows are on the Seattle DOT snow plow response map.

Looking forward, on Thursday, there will be a few more snow showers that could add up to 1 to 2 inches in some areas. Friday makes the transition into rain with temperatures warming to the 40s.

Original article can be found at: http://beta.local.yahoo.com/news-major-snowstorm-barreling-toward-western-washington

Wildfire and Mudslide Preparedness: The First 5 Calls to Make After This and Other Major Disasters

Posted on: 01/10/2012

Who should you call when adisaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of thecatastrophe. If a major flood, wildfire, or mudslide has hit the Puget Sound,you may be in the middle of a natural disaster that is affecting hundreds orthousands of families. In this case, landlines and cell towers could beaffected, limiting who you can contact immediately.

Ingeneral, here are the most important calls to make:

First Responders – Emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed in the event of a wildfire or mudslide. Call 911 only if there is an immediate danger to your life and health or that of your family. Otherwise, contact neighbors or friends to help you out (or so you can help each other).
Utilities – A broken gas line or a downed overhead power line can be a serious hazard after a wildfire or mudslide. Call the utility company right away to address the issue. Move to a safer area until a crew arrives and corrects the problem.
Loved Ones – You’ll want to contact family and friends to let them know you are OK and to check on their well-being. In the event of a major disaster, use text messaging when possible to minimize the overload on the voice network. Get in touch with at least one person who lives outside your local area. This individual may serve as an important contact point in getting you the help and information you need (such as the distribution locations for the American Red Cross or local relief agencies).
Shelter – If your home is unsafe or completely destroyed in a major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to provide temporary housing. The number is (800) 621-3362 to register for assistance. FEMA may also have vital information about where to find necessities like food and clothing after a disaster.
Restoration – Once you’ve ensured your family is safe, it’s time to start the process of rescuing your home. This involves contacting your insurance company, submitting a claim and working with a company that specializes in property damage clean up and repair. Most policies require you as the homeowner to make immediate reasonable repairs to your home following a disaster to prevent additional damage and will reimburse you for these repairs. Don’t wait for a contractor to knock on your door (there will be all kinds of fly-by-night repair companies coming through your town after a wildfire or mudslide). Be proactive in calling a licensed restoration company that specializes in repairing the specific type of damage your home sustained in the disaster (we suggest Paul Davis Restoration Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Greater Tacoma).

AdditionalTips:

The amount of warning youhave before an event can also affectyour communication strategy. Wildfires may come with a different warning timethan a mudslide. You might be able to make some of your calls ahead of timerather than after the fact. For example, notify your employer that you probablywon’t show up for work tomorrow because a major weather event headed your wayis likely to cause damage.

And if you know someone whois experiencing a disaster in their own city, be in contact with them and letthem know you’re there to help. You may be able to serve as a resource to themeven from thousands of miles away.

Snowstorm! 6 Storm Safety Tips to Share with Your Snowbound Loved Ones

Posted on: 12/21/2011

On the Pacific coast, weexperience a wide range of weather year-round. Winter can bring some of themost extreme differences. Los Angeles may be sunny and 75 while Portland couldbe 25 and snowy. Whether (no pun intended!) you never get snow or it fallsevery winter, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Greater Tacomaencourages you to make sure your family and friends remain safe during thewinter months.

1. Prolongedpower outages can be dangerous for families that are snowed in after a sub-zeroblizzard. If you can’t pick up loved ones and bring them to you, call toprovide them some helpful tips for preventing hypothermia. For example, theycan wall off a small room with thick blankets to create an insulated space thatis easier to keep warm.

2. Ifyou have older or mobility challenged relatives, they could be snowed in byeven a minor snowstorm. Be in touch with nearby relatives or neighbors andarrange for them to check on your relatives and dig them out.

3. Haveyou recently moved from the northern US to an area that rarely has ice or snow?It only takes half an inch of ice to trap people in their homes down South.Your years of experience with driving safely on ice and snow-covered roadscould save lives. Offer to run any emergency errands for your loved ones tokeep them off the road.

4. Doyou have an older relative on a fixed income who is struggling to pay theirheating bill? They could be in danger of hypothermia from having their heat cutoff while they are snowed in. Many municipalities offer emergency fuelassistance programs that can help keep the heat turned on during severe winterweather. Get online and start making phone calls to ensure that your loved onedoesn’t go without.

5. Manycities in warm regions have few snow plows and sand trucks available to treatmajor bridges and roadways after a snowstorm (look what happened in Atlanta).They probably won’t get around to de-icing many residential streets at all. Ifyou have a pickup truck with four wheel drive, you could organize some salt andgravel to treat the driveway and street in front of a loved one’s house.

6. Maybeyou are enjoying a balmy weekend in southern California when you find out onFacebook that relatives up north are snowed in. Spend some time online chattingand suggesting ways for them to stay entertained (and how to keep the kidsbusy). Just don’t talk about how nice the weather is in your neck of the woods.They may un-friend you forever.

Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

Posted on: 12/14/2011

The season of good cheer is an exciting time of year. The day after Thanksgiving, lights are already going up all over Tacoma, WA. However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to all kinds of unfortunate accidents. You already know about the hazards of deep frying a turkey or climbing on a slick roof to put up Christmas lights. So instead, we here at Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Greater Tacoma have gone the less obvious route. Here are eight NEW holiday safety tips to protect your loved ones and your property from dangers.

FIRE IN THE FLUE: Those nights and early mornings can get chilly, so if you have a working wood fireplace, you’re going to want to use it! But you have more to worry about than just soot or creosote residue causing a fire in your flue . There’s also the risk of barbecuing a raccoon, squirrel, or bird that’s gotten wedged in your chimney. That’s a good reason to have your chimney swept and cleaned before you light up that Yule log. Just have the chimney sweep check to make sure it’s not Santa stuck up there.
UNWANTED CHRISTMAS SIZZLE: You know you’re supposed to water your live Christmas tree to keep it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Just remember to unplug the lights first. Otherwise, you could end up as one of the dozens of people who have been electrocuted by their Christmas tree in the last 15 years.
OUTDOOR STRINGS AND THINGS: Wet conditions greatly increase the danger of electrical accidents from Christmas lights. Using UL listed outdoor lights and extension cords plugged into GFCI outlets are standard precautions. A newer safety option is to buy solar powered Christmas lights that eliminate the need for cords and outlets altogether.
VOODOO CHRISTMAS: Straight pins left in garments such as dress shirts cause many injuries every year. How many? Well, statistics are hazy because most guys won’t seek medical help for a straight pin injury, no matter how deep. But note this: Puncture wounds are particularly prone to infection (and not everyone has a current tetanus shot). Remove all pins and refold garments neatly before wrapping them so you don’t make the recipient feel like a life sized voodoo doll.
CONTROLLED GIFT GIVING CHAOS: In the mad rush for everyone to open presents, it’s easy for toddlers to get their hands on small toy pieces or tiny wrapping decorations like jingle bells. Making your toddler wear mittens during gift opening time would be kind of cruel. So, designate an adult to watch each young child to prevent them from swallowing anything they shouldn’t.
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SURPRISE: Antique ornaments are whimsical and are often passed down from generation to generation. Don’t let those happy memories fool you. Old electrical bulb lights can cause shocks and fires. The ancient candle holders that preceded electricity are even more of a fire hazard . Many antique decorations contain high quantities of lead. When you learn the history of your heirloom Christmas decorations, be sure to find out about any dangerous materials used.
LEAD TO SAFETY: Did you know that even modern Christmas lights often have lead in their cords – but that only California requires these products to have a warning label? Remember to wash your hands after handling lights this year (or wear gloves).
HOLIDAY CRUNCH: You can almost hear the Grinch laughing sadistically whenever someone steps on a blown glass tree ornament. These beautiful baubles are like land mines waiting to explode. Replace yours with plastic ornaments that have a metallic finish. This is especially important if you have kids in the house.

Email from Homeowner

Posted on: 12/09/2011

The following was sent to Dan Lawson from a homeowner:

Sir,

Mywife and I would like to draw your attention to one of your outstandingemployees who we have had the pleasure to work with throughout a recentstressful period in our lives.

Afew months back a water line in our downstairs bathroom burst, which causedflooding throughout the entire bottom floor of our house. After the watermitigation team removed the damaged items and dried the structures out, myinsurance company gave me your businesses name as a preferred contractor withintheir system; I contacted your office and stated that I wanted the “the bestguy you have” to assist with the refurbishing.

AlexPaim was sent out to inspect, and from day one, he was nothing but courteous,sincere, honest, and extremely professional.

Beinga retired Army senior sergeant, I have come to expect tasks to be completedperfectly and within a timely manner (plus I am a bit OCD). Alex was able tomeet all of our expectations by explaining every detail throughout the entirerenovation process, and even peeled me off the ceiling a few times, bringing meback down to earth when I thought things weren’t going as we expected. Whensomething didn’t look correct or didn’t seem right, he explained why it waslike that or had it fixed promptly. He was available to us 24/7 for anyquestions and always followed up with status updates to us via email orverbally by phone.

Alexhas an extremely high standard of craftsmanship and holds his team to the same.He continually went back through and inspected everything that thesub-contractors did to ensure it was done suitably.

Itruly believe that the “best guy” was sent to our house that day, and if youhave built a team as responsive and professional as what you have in Mr. Paim,you have one hell of a team going for you at Paul Davis Restorations.

Iam sure that Alex will humbly feel that he is just doing his job, but for us,during this difficult time, his genuine care and understanding meanteverything. I believe in giving credit where it is due, and Alex Paim deservesall the credit in the world for what he accomplished for us. Please give himour sincerest gratitude on a job well done and recognize him for hisoutstanding professionalism.

Pleasefeel free to get in touch with me at the below contact information if you haveany questions regarding this letter.

Holiday Home Fire Safety Tips from Paul Davis Restoration

Posted on: 12/07/2011

Family gatherings, entertaining and festivedecorations are among the highlights of the holiday season.Accordingto the United States Fire Administration, during the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah,Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s season, there is an elevated risk for home fires due to extensive cooking,decorations, home heating and open flames.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling ofGreater Tacoma a leading provider of fire damage and water damage cleanup and restoration services for residential and commercial propertiesoffers the following tips to make the holidays safe for you and your family.

Holiday Decorations:Decorate with non-combustible or flame-resistant materials. Never use lightedcandles on a tree, evergreens or other flammable materials. Don’t place candlesnear children, pets or gift wrapping.

Lights: Make sure there are no frayed wires, broken socketsor loose connections. Check labels to be sure about the proper use of indoorand outdoor lights. Don’t overload electrical outlets.

Trees: Cut a few inches off the trunk of a live tree andfill the stand with water to keep it from drying out and becoming a firehazard. An artificial tree should be labeled "Fire Resistant." Placetrees away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

Fire Escape Plan: Make sure everyone understands the escape routes andwhere to meet once outside.

Smoke Alarms: Make sure yoursmoke alarms are in proper working order and change the batteries at leasttwice a year.

Fire Extinguishers: Make surethere is a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, laundry room, and garage.Learn how to use the fire extinguisher.

Fireplace/Chimney: Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleanedby a professional chimney sweep. Never burn greens, boughs, papers, or otherdecorations in the fireplace. Check to see that the flue is open beforestarting a fire.

Keep a list with importantemergency phone numbers: Includepolice and fire departments, doctors and the national poison help line.

In case of emergency propertydamage, contact a licensed, professional fire damage clean up andrestoration company.

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Greater Tacoma participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and families about the importance for being ready for disasters.

The program is sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Visit www.Ready.gov for information.

The key is to be informed and have a plan that you and your family discuss and practice. It is equally important to have an Emergency Ready Kit stocked and ready in case a disaster strikes. Below is a quick list of the items that every Emergency Ready Kit should contain.

Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit – to include bandages; sterile gloves; antibiotic ointment; iodine/alcohol pads; medical tape; pain reliever; emergency blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and other prescribed medical supplies.
Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Filter masks – to cover mouth and nose
Heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to protect against debris and toxins
Waterproof, portable containers – for critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

See our Emergency Ready Kit video.

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