Preparing for Storm Damage

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Preparing your home for storm damage is extremely important this time of the year as we are in the midst of hurricane season. The 2019 hurricane season is between May 20 to November 30, and in Atlanta, we are often faced with the heavy rains caused by these torrential storms. The water damage can completely destroy your home, and often, the strong winds will cause trees to fall and cause further damages.

How to Stay Safe During a Storm 

Whether you are staying home during the storm, or are ordered to evacuate, we have tips to keep you and your family safe during all stages of a storm. 

Staying at Home

• Identify and stay inside the safest area of your home throughout the duration of the storm. If there is not a safe area in your home, find the nearest storm shelter.

• Know the different health hazards and physical dangers that are associated with a flood

• Keep enough non-perishable foods in your home to last at least a week

• Have a first-aid kit, battery-powered radios, flashlights, and bottled water on hand 

• In case of power outages, keep a fully charged cell phone and portable battery, and fill up bathtubs and sinks for extra water to flush toilets 

If Ordered to Evacuate

• If an evacuation is ordered, you should listen to authorities and leave the premises to ensure the safety of you and your family

• You should have an evacuation route ready and it should be known by your family and loved ones

• Before leaving your home, unplug all appliances and electronics and move important belongings to elevated surfaces to reduce the risk of water damage

• Turn off the water and electricity 

• When leaving, fill up your car and pack first aid supplies and enough clothes to last at least a few days

What NOT to do During a Hurricane 

• Do not use electrical equipment that has been affected by water - only use a phone if there is an emergency

• Do not go outside, even if the the storm may appear to be dying down

• Do not use candles during the storm because of the risk of causing a fire - use battery-powered flashlights instead

• Do not walk or wade through waters that are higher than your knees - the water may hold contaminates like glass

What to do After a Storm?

If evacuated, you should not enter your home or property until it is fully cleared by a safety official. Once you have returned to your home, you should throw away all perishable foods and other items that have been contaminated. You should also continue to drink and cook with bottled water until pipelines and water systems are inspected. Additionally, you should also avoid using electrical items until inspected. 

After you start settling back into your home, you should begin the flood damage cleanup and restoration process. If standing water is remaining inside your home, you should extract immediately to prevent further damages.

Protect Your Home From A Sewage Backup

Did you know that sewage lines are used for everything in your home that involves water? Sewage lines are used to move water from showers, baths, dishwashers, washing machines and more out and away from the home. If one of the line is compromised due to a clog or break, it can cause a sewage backup that can clog your whole home. The water in a sewage backup is incredibly harmful because it is full of harmful bacteria, fungus, human waste, and other microorganisms that can cause discomfort and illnesses to you and the people in your home.

---

What Causes A Sewage Backup In Your Home

Crosses Sewage Lines

After a heavy rain storm, sewage lines can become crossed. During a storm, pipelines can become flooded with more water than was originally indented for the pipe. Due to the increase in water and pressure, the sewage line can backup into low-lying drains, basements, or other flooring.

Older or Aging Sewage Systems

Prior to the popularization of the PVC Pipe in the ‘80s, sewage pipelines were often made with clay pipes - which were the most economical option during that time. The clay pipes have an average life of 50 to 60 years, so if you’re in an older home, investing in a new sewage system could save a lot of money in the long run. Once the use of PVC pipes rose, all contractors began using these pipes for sewage systems. PVC pipes have an estimated life of over 100 years. However, these pipes can still undergo other damages that lead to sewage backups.

Rooting Plants

Deep rooting plants can also cause sewage backups in a home. Plants root into the ground looking for any moisture that is present, and if there is a tiny crack in a sewage pipe, the plant will root into the pipe. If this happens, the small crack will expand and create a huge sewage backup. It is also important to note that the owner of the tree pays for all damages caused by the roots. So it a tree on your property roots into your neighbor sewage systems, you will pay for the damages.

---

How To Prevent Sewage Backups

As a homeowner, it’s important to know how to protect your home from sewage backups. Follow our tips to keep this type of water damage out of your home.

1. Do not flush products that cannot be dissolved. This includes feminine products, paper towels, contact lenses, diapers, baby wipes, or any other hygiene product. All of the items listed should be disposed of in the trash, not down the drain.

2. Do not pour hot oil down the sink. When cooking oil is hot it is a liquid, however, when the oil cools of it will begin to solidify and can cause clogs in the drains and will trap other foods in the drain.

3. To prevent excess hair from clogging the drains, place drain covers on the drains to catch hair.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Leave Home Water Damage Untreated

A very common misconception that homeowners often have is that just simply cleaning up surface water is enough to stop any other damages from occurring. We’re here to tell you that is is not always the case, and without identifying and stopping the source there is likely still water damage in the home.

Our Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Never Leave Home Water Damage Untreated

1. You’re Property Value Will Immediately Begin to Decrease

   If your home has been affected by water damage, it is very likely that structural damage has also occurred. Additionally, if there are water stains on the ceilings or walls, an appraisers will immediately identify the damage, no matter how many layers of paint you have covered it with.

2. Mold. Everywhere.

   Did you know that mold can grow within 24-48 hours if giving the proper environment? That’s why it is so important to act upon water damage as fast as possible. Once mold is present in the home it can cause severe health issues to you, your family, and your pets.

3. Structural Damage

   Depending on the amount of water in the affected area, structural damage can occur. The water in combination with the mold will eat away at the wood structure, which can be quite costly to repair.