The most common reason for storm power outages is a tree falling onto power and communications lines. The utilities do their best to clear the lines of branches to prevent this, but in strong storms, this is not always enough.
After a stor…
Home Gardens and Floods
If your backyard garden was in a flooded area, chances are it lost some nitrogen. You will have to refertilize. If you were about to prepare your garden, wait a couple of days. Do not till or cultivate your garden w…
Flood damage to your home or office may be extensive and overwhelming. What about your landscape and garden? Your first impulse may be to pull all the plants out and start over. But wait. Your landscape may at least partially recover.
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You are responsible for clearing debris from your property after a damaging natural event.
Here are some guidelines for setting priorities for clearing debris after a severe storm.
Land Use and Value
Clear streets and roads to …
Professional conservators offer several basic guidelines for searching for and recovering family treasures in the ruins of a fire. Once you are allowed to reenter the fire area, keep these safety tips in mind:
Before moving into a fi…
Many items that have been in a fire may be salvaged. Your first thought may be to rinse items. Don’t do it. Water and other cleaning solutions will drive soot and ash further into the surface of your items. They will become impossible to …
Not all warped wood flooring can be repaired. The extent of damage depends partly on the kind of material used in the floor. Different woods react differently to dampness or flooding.
Plywood
Many home have plywood subfloors. Plyw…
When you have flood-damaged carpeting and rugs, your options depend on the source of flooding. If sewage-contaminated floodwater has covered your carpeting, you will need to discard it for health safety reasons. You can assume the water and…
Decide which pieces are worth restoring. Make your decision according to these factors:
extent of damage
cost of the article
sentimental value
cost of restoration
Consider each piece individually. Antiques may be worth th…
Floodwater may be contaminated, so it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect flood-soiled clothing to kill harmful bacteria. Prompt attention may save much of your clothing that has been damaged by floodwaters. If possible, do not l…