Spring is in full swing in our area, and despite the unseasonably warm stretch we had enjoyed in March, we are now right back in our normal weather pattern, which means a lot of damp, rainy days. As the ground begins to get more and more saturated, the chances that your sump system and drain tile system could be overwhelmed and back up grow higher and higher.
For every homeowner with a finished basement, the specter of water damage to that area of the house can be a recurring nightmare. The cost of cleanup can be thousands of dollars, and that's before factoring in the stress and time spent dealing with damage post-loss.
If you have a home with a sump system, be sure to check it to confirm that it is still in working order, and that your battery backup system is fully ready to kick in in the event of a power outage. Don't have a backup sump battery? Consider purchasing one! The cost of one of these backup systems is a fraction of the cost of a claim, and can save you from having to deal with a ruined basement. Be sure the sump pit is clear of any blockage or obstruction, and make sure the ejector pipe is likewise clear, and carrying the water away from the foundation of your home.
Finally, speak with your insurance professional and confirm that you have coverage on your policy in the event that a loss occurs. Fewer things are more frustrating than thinking you are covered when you are not! A quick, five minute phone call can save you time, money and stress-and everyone can appreciate the value of a stress free envrioment!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Do You Have An Emergency Kit?
Everyone in the area experienced power outages last spring and summer due to severe weather, and this year has the potential to be just as voliatle when it comes to the kind of storms we can expect to see. From uncomfortable heat to lost food and medicine, we were all affected in some way, shape or form, and in some cases the power was out for over a week!
While there isn't anything we can do to prevent the power from going out in the event of severe weather, there are steps that we can take to help get us through until the power comes back on. Here are some helpful suggestions:
-Keep enough bottled water in your home for one week. The average person needs one gallon of water per day. Keep gallons or bottles off the floor, elevated on a shelf.
-Keep one flashlight per person in a central location, and change the batteries every six months. A good time to do this would be every time change we have; just as we change the batteries in our smoke detectors, change the batteries in your flashlights just as often.
-Food in the freezer can last up to 48 hours if the freezer is full, and 24 hours if it's half full, provided it's not opened and closed frequently during this time. Food in the refrigerator will only last about 4 hours in a power outage. Throw out any dairy, meat, cream based dressing or leafy green that's been in a refirgerator with the power out for longer than 4 hours.
-Keep one weeks' worth of non perishable food in your home at all times. Peanut butter, canned foods, granola, peanuts and the like are all excellent foods to keep on hand, along with any foods that can be heated on an outdoor grill.
-When in doubt, throw it out!
-Enjoy the silence! One of the things that I personally found last summer during the several days my power was out was how peaceful and quiet things were, especially at night. Without the usual light pollution we normally have, it was fantatsic to see the starscape and everything else out there and up there. Take advantage of the downtime to read a book, relax, play a board game and enjoy the company that you keep.
While there isn't anything we can do to prevent the power from going out in the event of severe weather, there are steps that we can take to help get us through until the power comes back on. Here are some helpful suggestions:
-Keep enough bottled water in your home for one week. The average person needs one gallon of water per day. Keep gallons or bottles off the floor, elevated on a shelf.
-Keep one flashlight per person in a central location, and change the batteries every six months. A good time to do this would be every time change we have; just as we change the batteries in our smoke detectors, change the batteries in your flashlights just as often.
-Food in the freezer can last up to 48 hours if the freezer is full, and 24 hours if it's half full, provided it's not opened and closed frequently during this time. Food in the refrigerator will only last about 4 hours in a power outage. Throw out any dairy, meat, cream based dressing or leafy green that's been in a refirgerator with the power out for longer than 4 hours.
-Keep one weeks' worth of non perishable food in your home at all times. Peanut butter, canned foods, granola, peanuts and the like are all excellent foods to keep on hand, along with any foods that can be heated on an outdoor grill.
-When in doubt, throw it out!
-Enjoy the silence! One of the things that I personally found last summer during the several days my power was out was how peaceful and quiet things were, especially at night. Without the usual light pollution we normally have, it was fantatsic to see the starscape and everything else out there and up there. Take advantage of the downtime to read a book, relax, play a board game and enjoy the company that you keep.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Melting Snow
While this winter has been very mild both in terms of temperture and snow, what snow we have had has melted very quickly. While this is a good thing in terms of comfort and such, it can present a risk to finished basements and other home spaces that are vulnerable to a sudden increase in surface water.
Please take care to make sure your sump pumps and downspout drains are functioning, and draining any excess surface water away from the foundation of your home. Make sure window wells are covered and the drains within them are clear of leaves, dirt and other debris that could prevent water from draining safely away.
This will help avoid any costly water damage incidents from occurring. Additionally, it will also prepare your home for the spring season ahead, which is forecast to be wet as usual.
Please take care to make sure your sump pumps and downspout drains are functioning, and draining any excess surface water away from the foundation of your home. Make sure window wells are covered and the drains within them are clear of leaves, dirt and other debris that could prevent water from draining safely away.
This will help avoid any costly water damage incidents from occurring. Additionally, it will also prepare your home for the spring season ahead, which is forecast to be wet as usual.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Valentine's Day Gifts!
Gentleman, today is February 13th, which means tomorrow is February 14th, which means there will be inordinate pressure upon you to find the perfect gift for your significant other. 10% of the roughly 2.3 million people who get engaged each year do so on Valentine's Day, which means there are about 230,000 engagement rings being purchased and given right around this year.
As anyone who has purchased a ring (or any kind of jewelry, for that matter) is aware, diamond rings are not cheap. They represent a very large investment, and any sort of large investment needs to be properly protected against the random events that can occur in life. From being lost or misplaced to the stone falling out of the mounting, the last thing you want to have happen is for your very large investment to go unprotected.
If you are getting engaged, or are already engaged and do not have the ring insured, please contact your insurance agent today. There are many different ways to protect your valuable jewelry, and your agent can help you choose the option that best protects your investment.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and romantic Valentine's Day!
As anyone who has purchased a ring (or any kind of jewelry, for that matter) is aware, diamond rings are not cheap. They represent a very large investment, and any sort of large investment needs to be properly protected against the random events that can occur in life. From being lost or misplaced to the stone falling out of the mounting, the last thing you want to have happen is for your very large investment to go unprotected.
If you are getting engaged, or are already engaged and do not have the ring insured, please contact your insurance agent today. There are many different ways to protect your valuable jewelry, and your agent can help you choose the option that best protects your investment.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy and romantic Valentine's Day!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
It's Ice Dam Season!
While the mild winter we've had has been a blessing in many ways (it's just 1 year ago today that we were all buried under 3 feet of snow!), one of the unfortunate side effects of the relatively mild winter has been the increased risk of ice dams which can form at the edge of your roof.
An ice dam can occur in an area which isn't exposed to direct sunlight on your roof. Ice can build up in the gutter and eventually force an opening between the roofline and the gutter. When the ice melts, the runoff can damage interior walls, insulation and attic space.
If you notice unexplained water damage to walls or ceilings this winter, call us today. We can discuss the best course of action to take to not only repair the damage, but remedy the cause.
In the meantime, enjoy the weather!
An ice dam can occur in an area which isn't exposed to direct sunlight on your roof. Ice can build up in the gutter and eventually force an opening between the roofline and the gutter. When the ice melts, the runoff can damage interior walls, insulation and attic space.
If you notice unexplained water damage to walls or ceilings this winter, call us today. We can discuss the best course of action to take to not only repair the damage, but remedy the cause.
In the meantime, enjoy the weather!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Happy New Year!
From all of us here at Havlic & Associates, to all of you and your loved ones, please enjoy a safe and happy New Year! Please drive safely and carefully this coming holiday weekend, and we look forward to taking care of you and your families in 2012!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Driving On Icy Roads
With winter weather finally here, here are some tips for making sure you're driving safely no matter what nature throws at you on the roads this winter:
-Make sure your tire treads are in good shape. As a general rule of thumb, if you place a penny in the tread, and can see Abe Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires! Having worn out treads can greatly reduce your car's ability to remain stable on an icy road.
-Make sure you can see. This one seems fairly obvious, but people sometimes do forget to clear off snow and ice before driving. Make sure you give yourself enough time in the morning to clear your car so that your field of vision is not impeded. Additionally, replace your windshield wipers! They should be replaced at the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring.
-Don't rely on technology. Newer model cars might offer electronic stability control, but there is never a substitute for simple care and attention to the road. Always give yourself space between you and any other cars on the road, and always drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions.
For more tips like these, check out http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/driving-on-snow-and-ice-10-safety-tips.html. Remember to drive slowly, and safely wherever your travels take you!
-Make sure your tire treads are in good shape. As a general rule of thumb, if you place a penny in the tread, and can see Abe Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires! Having worn out treads can greatly reduce your car's ability to remain stable on an icy road.
-Make sure you can see. This one seems fairly obvious, but people sometimes do forget to clear off snow and ice before driving. Make sure you give yourself enough time in the morning to clear your car so that your field of vision is not impeded. Additionally, replace your windshield wipers! They should be replaced at the beginning of winter and the beginning of spring.
-Don't rely on technology. Newer model cars might offer electronic stability control, but there is never a substitute for simple care and attention to the road. Always give yourself space between you and any other cars on the road, and always drive at speeds appropriate for the conditions.
For more tips like these, check out http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/driving-on-snow-and-ice-10-safety-tips.html. Remember to drive slowly, and safely wherever your travels take you!
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