Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Posted on: 05/17/2012

May is National Remodeling and Home Improvement Month, so there’s no better time than the present to make those home upgrades you’ve been putting off! Sometimes, though, that task list can feel overwhelming. How do you know which upgrades need to be done first, and which ones can be saved for another day? At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury, the safety and security of your home, not only today but also many years down the road, is the most important thing to us. We’ve put together a list of five smart upgrades you can make on your home to help protect you in case disaster strikes. Start with these home improvements first—your family will thank you!

1. Upgrade your roof to downgrade wildfire damage

California residents have seen the terrible damage wildfires cause, but wildfires can pop up in any part of the country. To help protect you during a fire, upgrade your roof to an ignition-resistant, non-combustible material, such as concrete tile or asphalt composition shingles. In the event that a fire does come into contact with your home, a non-combustible roof will greatly increase the chances that your roof won’t catch fire or cave in, giving you and your family additional time to evacuate.

2. Install impact-resistant windows to protect yourself in a hurricane

It’s tough to fight back against one of Mother Nature’s most powerful forces, but one step you can take to keep safe during a hurricane is to install impact-resistant windows, particularly if you don’t have a storm shelter or any windowless rooms. Windows are your home’s weakest point, so hurricane winds often shatter them, flinging glass and debris everywhere. Impact-resistant windows have sturdier frames than traditional ones and feature multiple layers of glass to keep the inner pane intact. This is one simple upgrade that will give your family peace of mind during hurricanes, tornadoes and straight line wind storms.

3. Cool upgrade for heat wave season

Even if your home has air conditioning, you may find yourself overheated when the mercury rises. One quick upgrade to protect you during a heat wave is to install weather stripping around all windows and doors. If you already have weather stripping installed, carefully check each section for any leaks and caulk holes. If you have a window-mounted air conditioner, make sure the unit is snug against the window. Finally, keep your shades closed during a heat wave to eliminate any excess sunlight.

4. Keep dry in a flood with a battery-powered sump pump

The 2011 Mississippi River floods were some of the most damaging floods in the past century. An easy preventative upgrade to protect your home in a flood is to buy a battery-powered sump pump to treat pooled waters in your basement. Because it’s not run on electricity, you can use it even when the power is out. This way, a great deal of damage to your home can be easily avoided.

5. Clean and protect your gutters

Falling leaves and winter storms can cause leaves, branches and dirt to clog your gutters and downspouts. When spring and summer rains come, it can cause water to back up under your shingles. This is a great time to clean your gutters out and protect them with a gutter guard. Gutter guards act like a filter, preventing leaves, twigs and other debris from entering them while allowing water to flow freely. They are inexpensive and can be picked up at most home supply stores.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury assists the following communities with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair: Twin Cities Metropolitan area and western Wisconsin.

Top 4 Disastrous Family Reunion Mistakes

Posted on: 05/14/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so many of us are busy planning family reunions this time of year! In your haste to meet your cousin’s new wife or reconnect with your beloved grandma, you may forget how important it is to find a location that accommodates everyone from Great-Aunt Margaret to your infant nephew. As families grow bigger, logistics also become more complicated. You need to ensure that no unfortunate surprises ruin your joyous gathering. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury, your family’s safety is our number one priority. We’ve put together a list of the top four disastrous family reunion scenarios—including thunderstorms and heat waves—and how to plan ahead, just in case!

Dangers out and about:

The weatherman promised thunderstorms for the afternoon of your reunion at the lake, but the skies look clear that morning. Don’t be so fast to shrug it off. Thunderstorm prediction is actually quite accurate, so while the skies may be blue in the morning, you risk being caught in a dangerous storm if you don’t change your plans—Woodbury residents know how quickly thunderstorms can form! The safer bet? If thunderstorms are on the forecast, move the party to an indoor location or postpone it.
There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day outside with those you love! But as midwest residents know, heat waves can quickly turn any outdoor activity into a dangerous one. Your reunion’s guests could be at risk for dehydration and potentially-fatal heat strokes if you try to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a heat wave. Instead, move the party to an indoor location that’s air conditioned to keep your family members safe.

Dangers at home

If you haven’t used your deck much this spring, make sure to give it a good inspection before hosting the family reunion on it. Otherwise, you may wind up with your rotting deck collapsing underneath your guests! Wood tends to rot in wet and snowy conditions, so even though we had a mild winter in Minnesota, test your deck for warped or discolored wood, or soft spots that give under pressure. If you see any of these signs, call in a professional to replace the wood before your family gathers out back!
Perhaps your family chose your vacation home to take advantage of your sparkling pool or nearby lake. While they can provide hours of family-friendly entertainment, swimming pools and lakes can be deadly for children and adults alike. It falls to you to protect your guests—once your reunion is underway, make sure there is always significant supervision around and keep horseplay at a minimum to help avoid dangerous situations. Keep a careful eye on those who cannot swim, and consider hiring a professional lifeguard or babysitter as an additional set of eyes.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury assists the following communities with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair: Twin Cities Metropolitan area and western Wisconsin.

4 Worst Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

Posted on: 03/20/2012

Have you ever seen video images of a mudslide in action? The power of all that wet soil bearing down on houses and other buildings is immense. Mudslides in the Midwest region affect homes in several significant ways: structural damage to the foundation and load bearing walls from the weight of the mud, water damage from related flooding and infiltration with bacteria and sludge from broken sewer lines in the affected area. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury, we have experience restoring all of the types of damage your home may sustain in a mudslide. We want you to know that you can pull through disasters like this with help from our experienced and compassionate restoration professionals.

The primary area for mudslides and flooding in the U.S. is the West Coast. However, this danger can occur anywhere there’s flash flooding from wet weather—including fertile areas along the Ohio River Valley and the Great Lakes.

In 1913, March and April Ohio floods killed 467 and resulted in 143 million dollars in damages. The changes in seasons, particularly for residents in this region, can spell trouble for homeowners. Weatherproofing your property in advance and having a firm evacuation plan in place for your loved ones can make all the difference in an unexpected or prolonged weather-related event.
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 resulted in 400 million dollars in damage and 246 deaths in seven different states. Being vigilant of weather patterns in neighboring regions is a must for those who reside along the Mighty Miss. Floods and mudslides in a surrounding area can have a domino effect.
The Great Mississippi and Missouri Flood of 1993 was one of the worst floods in US history with property damage of about 15 billion dollars. A total of 50 people were killed throughout a wide area of the country. Be sure that if you live in or near a storm-prone region that your home is prepared in advance for several different kinds of weather events—you never know when one will hit, only to trigger another!
In August of 2007, the Midwest was ravaged by thunderstorms causing mudslides, washouts and leaving towns throughout the region sitting in deep water. Remnants of Tropical Storm Erin moved into Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Minnesota turning the countryside into swamplands, at one point sending down 15 inches of rainfall in just four hours.

Severe flooding in your town could leave you and your loved ones cut off for hours or days due to severe flooding and inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your community’s flood procedures and warning system. Know the difference between the various flood announcements such as a flood warning and a flood watch. The scope of a wet weather disaster makes it difficult for any community (or even the federal government) to manage. This is one good reason to have our number here at Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury 651-414-0056. That way, when a weather disaster strikes, you can call someone who cares to start restoring your home as soon as possible.

*All dollars are unadjusted unless otherwise noted.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Woodbury assists the following communities with mudslides and other weather disasters such are fire, mold and all sources of water.

5 Places You Didn't Think to Look For Mold

Posted on: 03/20/2012

Where Might You Find Mold in Your Home?

Posted on: 03/12/2012

Everyone is suspetable to mold growth within their home. Take a look at this info-graphic for some of the most common places we identify mold in our customers' homes. If you do find mold, contact Paul Davis Emergency Services to schedule a FREE mold remediation estimate!

Emergency Ready Kit For Home & Business – What To Include

Posted on: 03/07/2012

Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury is proud to support American Red Cross Month in March.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in the U.S., collects and distributes more than

40 percent of the nation’s blood supply, trains more than nine million people in life-saving skills, plus provides support to military veterans and their families worldwide.

For many years, Paul Davis offices have provided local Red Cross chapters with “comfort kits”, personal hygiene items, and clothing, plus volunteer time and funding. The company also donates professional expertise and emergency preparedness planning before, during and after catastrophes.

Paul Davis’ work is to help customers restore their lives when disasters affect homes and businesses.

To support this year’s Red Cross campaign, “Get a Kit, Make A Plan, and Be Informed”, Paul Davis is offering the following tips for an Emergency Ready Kit:

First aid kit -- sterile gloves; adhesive bandages; antibiotic ointment; gauze pads; iodine/alcohol pads; pain reliever; emergency Mylar blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and prescribed medical supplies.
Water - One gallon per person per day for at least three days.
Food - Three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Clothing - A change of clothing and sleeping bag for each person.
Duct tape, heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting, filter masks.
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, flash light, extra batteries.
Cell Phone and charger.

Waterproof, portable containers for documents.

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Flood and Other Weather Disasters

Posted on: 03/07/2012

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/Emergency Services of [location] 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!

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

Posted on: 02/29/2012

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 & Emergency Services of Woodbury 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 Minnesota!

SINKHOLES NEAR YOU

#1 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.

http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2011/08/19/news/doc4e4e507d10002953572883.txt

#2 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

#3 Bowling Green, Kentucky

This beautiful landscape in Kentucky could have been a commercial transpark. But these plans were shelved when a 200-foot sinkhole gaped open. Actually, it’s surprising that anyone wants to build here since the whole area has more pockmarks than a teenager with acne. The state has spent tens of millions of dollars pumping grout into known cavities in the ground, but it’s not doing much good.

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/119919/Sinkholes-east-of-Bowling-Green-in-the-Pennyrile-region-of

#4 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sinkholes created by human activity are by no means a new phenomenon. In 1923, a 14-foot brick sewer conduit in Pennsylvania failed. Extra storm runoff helped wash away the soil supporting the roadway. There were boys playing in the street at the time. They escaped harm because of the few seconds of warning from the sound of cracking pavement. The result was a 50-foot wide crater that was 20 to 30 feet deep – and some very frightened kids! The houses on either side of the street barely escaped serious structural damage.

http://www.sewerhistory.org/images/mi/mid/1923_mid01.jpg

#5 Centralia, Pennsylvania

Welcome to Hell. That’s what one piece of graffiti says on the blacktop road leading into Centralia, Pennsylvania. Incredibly, the subsidence affecting this town is not caused by water erosion. Instead, the area is peppered with dangerous sinkholes caused by a massive underground fire. The coal-rich ground underneath the town was ignited some fifty years ago – and it’s still burning. Needless to say,
this is now a ghost town.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWW2xANkbSw

What You Should Know about Sinkholes

No region of the country is exempt from this eerie phenomenon, including Minnesota. 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 & Emergency Services of Woodbury 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).

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Flood and Other Weather-Related Disasters

Posted on: 02/24/2012

Who can forget the images of stranded dogs and cats on the television in the weeks after Hurricane Katrina? At Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services
of Woodbury 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 Floods, Water Damage, or Fire approaches Woodbury, be sure you’ve planned ahead with these tips from Paul Davis Restoration & Emergency Services of Woodbury 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 mergency 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 Woodbury 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. AlthoughConsumerReports.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.

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

Posted on: 02/13/2012

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 of [Cityname] 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 [Minnesotans] and your property from a windstorm. Here are 8 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. And remember, any play or lawn care equipment not secured in your yard (swing set, trampoline, lawnmower, etc.) can turn into a large, heavy missile during high winds. If there’s a storm warning in the [Ohio] area, move whatever you can from your yard safely into the garage.

4. Trimmed Hedges

Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. Anytime 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 and sleet around your home.

5. 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. You could use it to help keep smaller items in place should the roof blow off during a hurricane or tornado. For example, you might tape extra emergency-preparedness supplies and tools to the underside of heavy pieces of furniture. Duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain. You can use tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out when a windstorm is accompanied by a blizzard.

6. A Whistle

If you get trapped under debris when structures collapse in a tornado or hurricane, 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. A safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting.

7. 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 code if 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.

8. Air Purifier

An air purifier that removes both particulates and chemicals may help keep your family comfortable indoors during a severe-weather event (assuming the power stays on). As staying inside is your safest option in any windstorm, you might as well still have access to fresh air!

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Spring Flood

Posted on: 01/16/2012

Who should you call when a disaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of the catastrophe. If a spring flood or mudslide has hit Woodbury and the Twin Cities, you may be in the middle of a natural disaster that is affecting hundreds or thousands of families. In this case, landlines and cell towers could be affected, limiting who you can contact immediately.

In general, here are the most important calls to make:

First Responders – Emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed in the event of a flood. 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 flood 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 flood, 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 flood.
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 spring floods and mudslides). 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/Emergency Services of Woodbury)

Additional Tips: The amount of warning you have before an event can also affect your communication strategy. You might be able to make some of your calls ahead of time rather than after the fact. For example, notify your employer that you probably won’t show up for work tomorrow because a major weather event headed
your way is likely to cause damage. And if you know someone who is experiencing a disaster in their own city, be in contact with them and let them know you’re there to help. You may be able to serve as a resource to them even from thousands of miles away.

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 Minneapolis and St. Paul.However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to all kinds ofunfortunate accidents. You already know about the hazards of deep frying aturkey or climbing on an icy roof to put up Christmas lights. So instead, wehere at Paul Davis of Woodbury have gone the less obvious route. Here are 8off-the-beaten-path holiday safety tips to protect your loved ones and yourproperty from dangers.

FIRE IN THE FLUE: When you’re lighting up the wood fireplace, 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.
WARM AND TOASTED: Perhaps you live up north but have your California cousins staying over the holidays. Using a space heater for the guest room may seem like a good way to keep the shivering relatives warm. However, space heaters are involved in 25% of home heating fires (and cause 75% of home heating-related fatalities). It might be safer to simply turn up the thermostat on your central heating to keep everyone cozy.
WINTER SLIP AND SLIDE: A blizzard can make it difficult to open a door; but even a small snowdrift can make it tough to close your sliding glass door. When you slide the door open, snow that’s piled up on the other side falls down into the track. This creates an icy obstacle in the door track and leaves a pile of snow to melt on your floor, creating a slip and fall hazard. To prevent this, keep the outer sliding screen closed during snowy weather. It will act as a buffer to keep most of the snow from direct contact with your glass door.
NOT SO WARM TIDINGS: Did you know that homes located along lakes or major rivers can be at risk for flooding during the winter holidays? Winter windstorms can create tidal flooding, ice jams can break suddenly, or an unexpected winter thaw can cause a sudden rise in water levels. FEMA provides a full list of ways to protect your home from flood damage – download PDF here.
THE DE-ICE THAT’S NICE: De-icing your walkway is a smart safety tip; but it can cause damage to your property. Regular rock salt can harm concrete and kill vegetation. Treat the pathway to your home with more environmentally friendly magnesium chloride instead. Mix this ice melt product with green sand to cut down on salt contamination even further and add a festive look to your walkway.
GET A WARM GLOW: Christmas lights installed alongside walkways during snowy and icy weather are actually a good safety tool. These lights give off a soft glow at night - unlike harsh halogen lamps that create glare. If you pick a neutral color like gold or white, you can leave them in place even after the holidays are over.
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GASHING: Cuts from scissors or knives used to open gifts are some of the most common gift-related accidents. Keep your party from turning into a bloodbath by purchasing gifts that are easy to open and avoiding those sealed clamshell plastic packages. Remember, everybody loves a gift bag!
CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: It’s all fun and games at Christmas until someone puts their back out. Cords from holiday decorations and toys can create a spider web of tripping hazards across the floor. Make sure to keep at least one pathway in the front room clear at all times.

PDES Featured on Patch.com!

Posted on: 12/07/2011

Click here to read how owners Caleb and Stephanie Brunz are using Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury and Paul Davis Restoration of Greater St. Paul as part of their business strategy during this recession.

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury, MN 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 here.

Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury, MN
Your Emergency. Our Response.

The PDES Blog

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4 Worst Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

5 Places You Didn't Think to Look For Mold

Where Might You Find Mold in Your Home?

Emergency Ready Kit For Home & Business – What To Include

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Flood and Other Weather Disasters

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Flood and Other Weather-Related Disasters

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Spring Flood

Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

PDES Featured on Patch.com!

September is National Preparedness Month

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Top 4 Disastrous Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Worst Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

5 Places You Didn't Think to Look For Mold

Where Might You Find Mold in Your Home?

Emergency Ready Kit For Home & Business – What To Include

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Flood and Other Weather Disasters

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Flood and Other Weather-Related Disasters

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Spring Flood

Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

PDES Featured on Patch.com!

September is National Preparedness Month

Check us out on Facebook for our latest promotions and news!

Latest Tweets from Paul Davis

Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury, MN Your Emergency. Our Response.

The PDES Blog

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Top 4 Disastrous Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Worst Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

5 Places You Didn't Think to Look For Mold

Where Might You Find Mold in Your Home?

Emergency Ready Kit For Home & Business – What To Include

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Flood and Other Weather Disasters

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Flood and Other Weather-Related Disasters

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Spring Flood

Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

PDES Featured on Patch.com!

September is National Preparedness Month

Tips for home improvement month: 5 smart upgrades that can protect you should disaster strike

Top 4 Disastrous Family Reunion Mistakes

4 Worst Mudslides and Other Wet Weather Disasters

5 Places You Didn't Think to Look For Mold

Where Might You Find Mold in Your Home?

Emergency Ready Kit For Home & Business – What To Include

10 Ridiculously Unprepared Homes for Flood and Other Weather Disasters

Top 5 Sinkholes Near You

15 Tips for Protecting Your Pets In a Flood and Other Weather-Related Disasters

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make After a Spring Flood

Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

PDES Featured on Patch.com!

September is National Preparedness Month

Check us out on Facebook for our latest promotions and news!

Latest Tweets from Paul Davis

Paul Davis Emergency Services of Woodbury, MN
Your Emergency. Our Response.