Wind-Driven Snow Covers East Coast, Snarls Traffic on Ground and In Air
December 28, 2010
The three major airports connecting New York with the rest of the world resumed flights after the worst December blizzard in sixty years left travelers struggling in waist high drifts and 60 mile per hour winds.
Central Park recorded twenty inches of snow by Monday morning, the most the park has received since 1948, so says the National Weather Service. The skies were clear Monday Morning over New York but the agency issued further snow warnings to residents in Boston and up into Maine. The storm put a major damper on after-Christmas sales and it may take retailers at least two weeks to recover from lost sales.
New Jersey was the epicenter of the storm. Bergen County received as much as twenty-nine inches of snow by Monday morning – shattering records there. That county reported wind gusts of up to 70 mph in some areas, which made travel all-but-impossible. Local television and radio stations were cautioning people to stay at home and not to venture out on streets and roads. Most took heed but many did not and ended up being stuck in waist-deep snow and being forced to leave their vehicles on roadways.
Thousands of flights were canceled all across the East Coast, causing air traffic delays country-wide on one of the most traveled holidays in the United States. Amtrack cut its service to a large portion of the East as did several bus lines due to high drifting and winds that would not subside. The storm dumped snow as far south as parts of Jacksonville, Florida which delighted some but caused many problems on roadways as snow tires are not used in that portion of the country.
The snowfall totals were large but the Blizzard of 2010 did not bring the Northeast entirely to its knees. Schools were already closed for the holidays and in many cases parents already had time off from work. Public officials in numerous states told people to stay at home, but in fact, millions already had planned to. In other words, it could have been far worse so the timing was a blessing in a way but a nightmare for the hundreds of thousands of people who were attempting to make it back home after being away for Christmas.
Snow can create roof damage and water leak problems
November 11, 2010
During the winter season, snow damage to house roofs is always a problem faced by many homeowners in places where snow falls. The buildup of heavy snow and the accumulation of ice do not only damage the roof but the house walls and ceilings as well. Aside from the inconvenience, the damage is also costly. Most homeowners leave the repair and cleaning to professionals as it can be risky to just do it themselves especially when there are icicles building up on the roof edges.
Occurrence of Ice Dams and Water Leaks
Snow buildup on the roof can be melted through the interior heat coming from the house. When the snow starts to melt, ice dams are created in areas where water flows on the roof, gutter, and downspouts. Ice dams are specifically common to sloping roofs. Once the water flows down to the colder eaves, it tends to refreeze. Eventually, dams of ice are formed out of the frozen snowmelt.
The water from the melting snow is then backed up beneath the roof covering and produces interior water damage through water leaks in the attic, flashings, or along the wall exteriors. The leak is triggered by the heat coming from the interior of the house. Water leaks may also be caused by water that is trapped in the drains of flat roofs. To fix this, homeowners can remove the downspout and open the drain to allow water to flow freely.
Ice that is formed in gutters and downspouts should be taken out right away. It may cause damage on the roof and the gutters themselves. In worse cases, the gutters may be removed from the roof to prevent further damage.
Roof Damage through Attic Condensation
One other cause of roof and attic damage is the condensation of water vapor that usually happens in the colder areas of the attic. High levels of humidity from the interior trigger warm air to transfer into the attic and cause condensation. When condensation occurs, it can cause the wood structure to rot, which means another expense for repairing water damage.
If the roof has skylights, internal condensation is not possible to happen so the moisture turns into water and causes leaks because the “weep holes” are completely covered. The homeowner must quickly remove the snow and ice that are building up around the skylight.
Dealing with Snow and Ice Damage
If there is no necessary prevention and preparation before winter comes, the roof system is definitely going to incur damages brought about by snow and ice. The best solution is to contact professional contractors to take care of the damage. However, this may also mean additional expense to cover for the replacement of any damaged parts.
North Carolina Property Owners Endeavor to Be Prepared for Natural Disasters
September 28, 2010
This month, some areas in North Carolina are experiencing heavy rains and thunderstorms. In Wilmington, locals are dealing with stormy weathers, while North Carolina Piedmont had experienced 4 inches of rain last week. In select areas, motorists were trapped because of the water level and were rescued by firefighters and emergency teams. In an effort to ensure everyone’s safety, firefighters went door-to-door warning residents of the water level increase in creeks near their homes, and were advised to seek temporary shelter.
Although fortunate not to have experienced very severe conditions, North Carolina cities, towns, and counties are quite prone to storms. In March of this year, CNN reported that severe storms hammered various areas in the state, with at least 8 tornadoes destroying homes, overturning mobile homes, and ripping neighborhood trees.
In response to this, several organizations working hand-in-hand with FEMA have devised ways and techniques to counter and at least reduce the aftermaths of storms. They want to ensure that local residents and business operators are properly educated about hurricane risks and storm surge flooding. Everyone is advised to assess the risks in the area where their properties are situated, and are required to regularly inspect their property for potential problems that could arise when storms and other natural calamities strike.
North Carolina areas that are frequently hit by storms, such as Cape Hatteras and Morehead City have strictly implemented pre and post disaster plans including the development of evacuation centers and shelters to take care of residents whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. The local communities are advised to always pay close attention to hurricane warnings by staying tuned to the radio, TV, and weather updates. To help reduce the extent of damage, the government agencies tasked to handle natural disaster mitigation have been:
1. Promoting land use planning
2. Elevating structures that are within the hazard zones
3. Encouraging homeowners and property owners to secure flood insurance
4. Enforcing effective building standards
5. Advising homeowners and property owners to secure hurricane straps in walls and foundations
The collaboration between government agencies and the local community has certainly gone a long way in helping to address the concerns of the people in the state to ensure their safety and prevent a disaster from becoming even worse.
In addition, homeowners and business owners also seek the help of professional disaster cleanup services when their properties get affected or even damaged due to the storms. There are companies that provide the following:
1. Property repair for water and storm damage
2. Mold remediation
3. Property restoration
These services are very important and in-demand when natural disasters strike, particularly during the hurricane season.
Flooding Disaster Carpet Cleaning in Four Steps
August 3, 2010
One of the major problems of flooding is dealing with a wet carpet. It can be such a hassle however it is something that needs to be attended to immediately or else it could result to dire consequences, specifically to those living in the house.
Wet Carpet Problems
In a flooding disaster, carpets and floorings that have been left for days without drying could result to the growth of molds and formation of mold colonies, which can cause respiratory problems. Moreover, it could also result to you having to throw away your carpet and get it replaced, which could mean additional expenses. For this reason, it is but necessary to take it upon yourself to save your carpet, which in turn, could keep your loved ones safe and at the same time, save you money.
Steps in Saving Your Carpet
The good news is that even though it may initially seem like a daunting task, saving your carpet after a flooding disaster is not that difficult to do. Here are 4 steps to take in order to protect your carpet from further damage and ensuring that you will still be able to use it in spite of being wet.
1. Firstly, you need to make sure that you follow safety precautions. For one, you need to have safety paraphernalia including hand gloves and safety masks. Wearing these will keep you from exposing yourself to germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
2. Secondly, make an assessment of the extent of damage. How wet is the carpet? If it is completely soaked, then you may need the help of a restoration service provider to dry it. There may even be times when the carpet can really no longer be salvaged due to the presence of molds on it. However, for partly wet carpets, you can simply let it out to dry under the sun, or use a vacuum cleaner and electric fan to dry it.
3. Thirdly, after the assessment, you can then proceed with the drying process. Again, for carpets that need extensive cleaning and drying, the best option is to hire professional services for everybody’s safety. Now for drying that you can do on your own, make sure that you cover every inch and corner of the carpet. Use vacuum cleaners, fans, and dehumidifiers. As another safety precaution, check the electrical outlet first to find out if it is dry and has not been affected by the flood. You may need to take the carpet out for sunlight exposure if all outlets are wet or if the carpet is too wet for the vacuum cleaner to dry.
4. Lastly, deodorize and clean the carpet. Check for any traces of dampness and mold growth and use only if none are present. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process again just to ascertain that it will not pose any health problems to anyone in the house.
The Second Tropical Storm of 2010 is Heading Toward the Gulf Coast
July 23, 2010
It’s official: the second tropical storm and possible hurricane of the 2010 season has formed over the Bahamas and Haiti and is expected to head into the Gulf of Mexico this weekend. The center of the storm is expected to pass over the Florida Keys and part of the southern Florida peninsula on Friday and forecasters say it is very possible that the system will strengthen as it approaches the Gulf.
The heavy rains that accompany a tropical storm the size of Bonnie are responsible for more than significant flooding in the area where the storm initially strikes; it can also affect areas far from where the storm came ashore. It would not be impossible for Bonnie to dump up to ten inches of rain in the affected areas. If the system continues to strengthen and moves slowly, the rainfall amounts could be even higher. Storms of this magnitude are downgraded to tropical depressions as they move inland, but the continued storm circulation and moisture can cause many areas to flood, putting homes and businesses in peril.
One of the most concerning aspects of a storm like Bonnie are storm surges. A storm surge is a rapid rise in the level of water that comes onto land as the storm’s eye makes landfall. Quite typically, the stronger the storm system, the greater the storm surge. Once the storm draws nearer to the coastline, the winds associated with it drive water toward shore. In the beginning of a storm surge, the level of the water climbs rather slowly, but as the eye of the storm drives nearer, the water rises quickly. Wave after wave hits the coastal region as tons of moving water hammer away at any structures in its path.
Wind is the cause of much damage brought with a storm such as Bonnie. It can uproot trees and tear down weak structures as well as power lines. If the storm is fast moving, the winds can become even more powerful, causing roofs to be torn off buildings and unsecured items on the ground to become airborne and very dangerous.
Tropical storms can also trigger tornadoes to form which are highly unpredictable and which can form in a matter of just a few short minutes. Tornadoes are most likely to form when a storm such as Bonnie quickly intensives near or on land.
Problems Can Still Occur After Your Basement Flood Clean Up Is Completed
June 21, 2010
If you have had to deal with a flood in your basement you probably found the whole thing very stressful; especially if it involved a lot of damage. A clean up after a flood can be a big job; you may have needed to shovel muck and throw away some of your favorite possessions. Getting the job finished likely came as a great relief, but the reality is that you might still have more problems to come. If you didn’t manage to remove all the moisture you might have to deal with mold and mildew in the near future.
What is mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are practically the same thing; they are both types of fungi. The main difference between the two is where you find them; mildew prefers to live on things like fabric while mold is less fussy and will take up residence on any dead organic material. Mold and mildew are not fussy guests but they need moisture to prosper; they spread via spores. If you have a dark place with poor ventilation and a bit of moisture you have just created the ideal conditions for mold and mildew.
Is Mold and Mildew really that Big a Deal?
These two types of fungi can cause problems for not only your home but also you and your family. Once mold catches hold in a building it can be hard to eradicate; some homes have needed to be demolished because it has gotten so bad. The real problem with mold and mildew is that it is dangerous for your health. It has been associated with different respiratory conditions such as asthma and there has even been some concern that black mold might be a cause for cot death/ sudden infant death syndrome. Pregnant women are also advised to keep well away from any mold.
How to Stop Mold and Mildew Occurring after a Flood Clean Up
If you want to prevent mold or mildew following a flood clean up then you will need to make sure that you remove the conditions that attracts this type of fungi. Make sure that you dry your basement completely and ensure that it is well ventilated. You should also keep an eye on your basement over the coming weeks to ensure that no problem arises. If you do this then hopefully your problems will have ended with the clean up.
Many South Carolina Homes at Severe Risk for Flooding
May 24, 2010
Thanks to global warming and the fact that South Carolina receives more than its fair share of inclement weather, many homes situated along the coast in low-lying, formerly swampy areas are at high risk for future flooding.
During the 1960s, land situated near a South Carolina southern marsh was very cheap to buy as it was considered to be very flood-prone. By the 1970s with the availability of new federal flood insurance, many people suddenly were not so worried about the threat of floods and had homes built. Today, salt march property along the ocean can cost just as much as beachfront property. During the last few years, barrier islands along the coastline have been developed bringing with it the construction of single family dwellings, condos and restaurants.
During the latest series of hurricanes that moved into the area, these coastal residents were reminded that living on the coast brought real risks. The rise of the sea level is already pushing some of the marches inward which exposes homes and businesses to an increased risk of flooding. Those homeowners who are taking the time and effort to construct walls to slow erosion are actually increasing erosion in areas situated downstream. A typical, older house that is located next to a South Carolina salt march consists of a first floor that is less than ten feet above mean high tide. Many of these houses are on sea islands and other very vulnerable locations which puts them in dubious danger. It is predicted by weather experts that sooner or later, a storm surge will sweep through the area and cause mass devastation in the way of flooding.
The only real solution to this dilemma facing South Carolina is to cut the emission of greenhouse gas by enforcing stricter standards of auto efficiency and the usage of wind and solar power. In short, the United States must address this growing urgency for better control of green gas emissions. However, no matter how quickly Washington responds to cutting emissions, the residents of South Carolina’s coastal communities will be facing the grave and definite danger of flooding which could totally devastate the region and force hundreds of thousands to evacuate.
So South Carolina residents not only have to deal with and face the harsh reality of the effects of global warming, but the also have to cope with the all-too-real threat that large, tropical storm fronts that gather momentum as they leave the Gulf of Mexico bring with them. Couple that with the yearly deluge of hurricanes, residents do have a lot to worry about when it comes to flooding.
The Effects of Home Flooding
April 19, 2010
Buying a home is an investment; you spend more than a hundred thousand dollars just to purchase a modest house, and spend at least a decade paying off the mortgage. It makes a lot of sense that homeowners become very protective and concerned of this particular real estate property.
One of the problems an owner usually faces is home flooding. If you are living in an elevated area, perhaps on a mountain or a hill, you are saved from having to deal with it but if you are like most of us, you would have to face this too.
Effects can either be mild or severe, or a combination of both. By mild effects, this refers to inconsequential damages such as dampened flooring and wet furniture which can be remedied by simply exposing them to sunlight or drying them out with a vacuum cleaner. Severe effects include damage to electrical wirings and pipes, as well as wooden structures such as walls and wooden furniture. If appliances have been exposed to water, these could also malfunction. Severe damage brought about by flooding are not to be taken lightly as floods are powerful enough to destroy an entire home, in some cases.
You can also prevent home flooding by making sure that your drainage systems are functioning; seal off cracks and foundations with the use of sealants; and if at all possible, you can also opt to elevate your home to a level that is above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) by hiring a contractor who can take care of this for you. This can be costly but it is the most effective means to avoid flooding in your home. And if you live in a flood-prone area, you could still save money because the cost of repairing your home is going to be much, much higher than the amount you pay to get the elevation.
If your home gets affected by flooding, your best course of action is to get hold of your insurance company. But what if you do not have one? Well, do not wait to find out what will happen. This type of protection could certainly give you a lot of benefits in the event that your house gets flooded, especially if it will suffer the severe effects of flooding.
Truly, the effects of flooding are not something that any homeowner should take for granted. If you value your home, you will do what it takes to protect it.
FEMA Steps in To Assist Flood Victims in Rhode Island
April 6, 2010
The recent massive rainstorms that traveled up the east coast of the United States hit the tiny state of Rhode Island the hardest. The Ocean State endured what was called the worst flood to hit the area in over 100 years. The large March monsoon proved too much for many residents in this state as it did an incredible amount of damage to both homes and businesses.
Throngs of onlookers converged on the Warwick Mall in Warwick, Rhode Island to see for themselves what they had heard and seen on the news – the cars left parked in the parking lot were covered with dirty flood water and the entire complex was surrounded by deep water. The state saw massive evacuations and a countless number of businesses and schools had to shut their doors.
President Obama issued a disaster declaration to all of Rhode Island and sent FEMA teams in to help people get back on their feet. Under Obama’s disaster declaration, residents may be eligible for FEMA funded rental payments for temporary housing for those families who were forced to leave their homes and whose homes have extensive flood damage – deeming them unlivable. Assistance may be provided for up to 90 days for those owning their homes and for at least 30 days for renters. This assistance may also be extended by request based on a review.
FEMA funded grants will also be available to flood victims so that home repairs and replacements can be made and also for medical, dental, transportation and other flood related needs that may not be covered by insurance. Rhode Island residents who temporarily lost their jobs due to the flood can also seek unemployment payments for up to 26 weeks. Low interest loans will also be given out to cover losses not fully covered by homeowner’s insurance. The cap for primary residence low interest loans is set at $200,000 while there are loans available for up to $2 million for business property losses.
People residing in Rhode Island who feel that they are eligible for FEMA assistance are encouraged to first talk to their insurance companies to see what, if any coverage they may already have. They should then visit FEMA’s website to read about what steps should be taken to make themselves eligible for the various flood relief assistance programs. Another option is to seek out and visit one of FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Centers located throughout the state.
Storm damage cleanup underway in Rhode Island
April 2, 2010
The second large storm to break records this spring in the Northeastern part of the United States began to dissipate early Wednesday morning but the worst of the threat of widespread flooding is yet to come.
All across the state of Rhode Island, rivers were expected to crest Wednesday or Thursday and state officials are telling residents to brace for what could be the worst flooding to hit the state in over a century. Rhode Island governor Don Carieri said that no one alive has ever witnessed flooding that the state is seeing now or is about to experience.
Interstate 95 – which is a major expressway, was shut down in Warwick due to flooding and the same highway was closed to one lane only in other parts of the state. Highway crews have been working around the clock to stack sandbags along the roadway but it is not known if the road will open again for morning commuters.
President Barack Obama issued an emergency declaration Tuesday night for the state, making federal assistance and disaster relief available. He also authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to step in to manage the flood relief efforts. The National Guard has been called in and many residential evacuations were ordered in Rhode Island as well as in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
In Cranston, all eyes are on the Pawtuxet River that runs through the city. The river’s flood stage is 9 feet and it is expected to crest Wednesday morning near 20 feet, forcing local officials and volunteers into action. Homes near the river’s edge are being sandbagged and homeowners are clearing gutters and downspouts and making arrangements for the possibility of being told to leave.
The cause of this mayhem is a major rainstorm that refused to pass over after it formed Sunday night. The storm dumped more water over the already water drenched state, flooding much of the ground that is unable to absorb more moisture. Nearly nine inches of rain fell in East Providence, over seven inches in downtown Providence and five inches in Cranston. The system also brought with it heavy winds and rain that left thousands without power.
No portions of the Ocean State are being spared as rivers overflow their banks, forcing numerous school closings and causing hundreds of people to flee to dryer land-some even by boat. Everyone in the the tiny state of Rhode Island is on high alert and is being asked to keep a close eye on local news reports and to listen to authorities.
