The Dangers of Lightning

What is lightning? Lightning is the flash of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity
that occurs within clouds, between clouds or between clouds and the ground. The spark can reach over 5 miles in length, raise the temperature of the air by as much as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and contain a hundred million electrical volts. The rapid expansion of heated air causes the thunder. Since light travels faster than sound, the thunder is heard after the lightning. If you see successive strokes of lightning in the same place on the horizon then you are in line with the storm, and it may be moving toward you.

Facts & Statistics: More than 200,000 lightning damage claims are filed each year with insurance companies. 1 out of every 200 homes get struck by lightning each year. Lightning starts about 4,400 house fires each year. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures up to 50,000 degrees, which is 5x hotter than the surface of the sun. The chances of becoming a lightning victim in the U.S. in any one year is 1 in 700,000. The odds of being struck in your lifestyle is 1 in 3,000. Lightning can cause cardiac arrest or even death. Injuries from lightning range from severe burns and permanent brain damage to memory loss and personality change. About 10% of lightning strike victims are killed, and 70% suffer serious long-term effects. About 400 people survive lightning strikes in the U.S. each year. Lightning is not confined to thunderstorms. It's been seen in large hurricanes, extremely intense forest fires, volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations, and in heavy snowstorms.

Safety tips: 

• Lightning rods can help protect a building from catching fire, although, they are not 100% effective, they do not protect against power surges. 
• Do not use the telephone, electrical wires may be hit by lightning. Even using a cellular phone is hazardous because the metal parts can conduct lightning. Most people hurt by lightning while inside their homes are on the telephone. 
• A motor vehicle with a metal top can offer some protection but you should keep your body away from metal inside the vehicle.
• Victims of lightning do not retain the charge and are not "electrified". It is safe to help them.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and stay indoors.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• If outdoors do not stand underneath or near a tree.
• Whether inside or outside do not be in or near a water source.

Lightning can enter your home in three main ways: (1) direct strike, (2) through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and (3) the ground. Once the lightning has entered your home it can travel through the electrical system, phone, plumbing, and radio or television reception systems. Lightning can ruin your electrical system in your home and it can also cause a fire. The fire could very well start within the walls so you may not notice it until it's too late. You should call 911 immediately after your home is struck by lightning. The fire department handles all lightning calls and they are equipped with thermal imaging cameras to locate a possible fire burning in your home. They also will be able to survey the damages and let you and your family know when it is deemed safe to enter again.

What if lightning strikes your home? After you have gotten everyone out safely and the fire department has assessed your home you may be left with damages. A standard homeowners insurance policy should cover damages caused by lightning, including fires and fried electronics. Below are some tips you can use that will help get your home back in order. 

• Keep detailed records of all big ticket purchases such as TVs, laptops and other expensive
  
  electronics. The insurance company will want to see proof of ownership. 
• Report a lightning strike to your agent as soon as possible. 
• Check with your claim representative before you discard any items you plan to claim as damaged. 
• Keep accurate records of how much you spend repairing or replacing items.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.

Lightning's destruction can be random. In some instances your computer could be fried yet your TV still works. You should check all electrical equipment that was plugged in during the time when the lightning struck to inspect for damage. If lightning causes a fire in your home you will need a professional to restore your home. Call PRS of Tampa Bay, Inc. at 727-NO-WATER. They have the technology, the experience, and are available 24/7. PRS is equipped to handle fire and smoke damage as well as any other disaster your home may encounter. 

What You Need to Know About Asbestos

What is asbestos? It is a tiny mineral fiber that occurs in rocks and soil. It is 50 to 200 times thinner

than a human hair. Asbestos is often used because it can be made into a material having great thermal and sound deadening properties. The issues with asbestos arise when it becomes damaged or improperly removed and tiny particles are released into the air. It can stay in the air for a long period of time and if breathed in, can damage lungs. It has been known to cause lung scarring, pleural disease, and lung cancers including mesothelioma.

Where is asbestos found? According to the EPA, it is found in an estimated 3,600 materials. Because of it's fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire retardant. It has also been used in a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings. Even though it has been known to cause us illness there is not a complete ban on the use of it today. The more we learn about asbestos the more we try to distance ourselves from the use of it.

The manufacture, importation, processing and distribution in commerce of these products, as well as some others are not listed, are not banned.

• Cement corrugated sheet
• Cement flat sheet
• Clothing
• Pipeline wrap
• Roofing felt
• Vinyl floor tile 
• Cement shingle 
• Millboard
• Cement pipe
• Automatic transmission components
• Clutch facings
• Friction materials 
• Disk brake pads
• Drum brake linings
• Brake blocks
• Gaskets
• Non-roofing coatings
• Roof coatings

How can you tell if asbestos is in your home? You cannot tell just by looking if asbestos is in your home. A thorough inspection commonly referred to as an asbestos survey needs to be done by a licensed asbestos consultant. They collect samples and send them to a third party lab who inspects the sample. NESHAP, the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and each state have rules governing the testing, encapsulating or removal, and disposal of asbestos in place to minimize the chance of exposure. These professionals not only know how to and when to remove asbestos (or when to simply encapsulate it), they have the ability to properly dispose of the material as well. If a property is located in Pinellas County and either remodeling or demo is going to occur there is a law in place that must be followed. 

Pinellas County Code, Chapter 58, sec 58-149(d),

Requires a written asbestos survey be performed before demolition of a building, before any building renovations, and before maintenance is performed on insulated equipment or building systems. A copy of the survey report must be available on-site during any renovation activity and must be included with the written notification for demolition operations.

The Three Categories of Water Damage

Many people cannot tell the difference between the three categories of water damage; black water, grey water and clean water. There is a huge difference when it comes to the damage caused by the different kinds of water. It pays to have knowledge about water damage.

The Categories of Water Damage

• Category 1. The first category is clean water damage. This type of water damage is from a clean and sanitary source. After 48 hours, Category 1 can become a Category 2.

Clean water damage sources:

1. Faucets
2. Toilet tanks
3. Leaky clean water supply line to dishwasher 

• Category 2. The second is grey water. This type of water damage is hazardous due to significant levels of contamination of bacteria, mold, and/or chemicals, all which could easily damage your property and pose risks to your health. Category 2 becomes a Category 3 if left untreated for 2 days or more. 

Grey water damage sources:

1. Dirty water from washing machine
2. Broken aquarium
3. Toilet overflow containing urine (no solids)

• Category 3. This third is the worst classification and is unsanitary. Black water is very dangerous and you should always use caution when coming in contact with this type of water damage. This type of water is not only unsanitary, but corrosive as well. Black water hosts very destructive bacteria, fungi, and blood borne pathogens that could cause serious illnesses. 

Black water damage sources:

1. Broken sewage pipe
2. Flood water
3. Toilet overflow with feces

Comparing Mold and Mildew - What's the Difference?

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi and both will grow in similar conditions. They both can be dangerous to your health and can cause allergic reactions to certain people. How can you prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home?

Comparing Mold and Mildew

Definition

Mold: Mold is a fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei. It grows in the form of hyphae of filaments.

Mildew: Mildew is a specific kind of mold, usually with a flat growth habit. 

Appearance

Mold: Mold can appear cottony, velvety, granular or leathery and can come in any shade or color. It will usually have a musky or earthy odor. 

Mildew: Mildew appears as a thin, powdery film with white, gray or black color. 

Prevention and Control

Mold: To prevent mold in your home, you need to keep all the areas dry and moisture-free. You should check the humidity levels in the house and take the necessary measures to control humidity. 

Mildew: To prevent mildew at home, keep all the areas moisture-free. There are mildew removers available at stores to eliminate mildew. To protect crops from mildew use mildew-resistant seeds, remove infested plants, avoid overhead heating.

Reference:

http://www.diffen.com

How Do Flood Zones and Evacuation Zones Differ?

Flood zones and evacuation zones are different. They measure different conditions that may not occur at the same time.

Flood zones are areas mapped by FEMA for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. Each flood zone designation, represented by a letter or letters, tells homeowners exactly what the risk is for flooding at their property over a period of years, regardless of the cause. By law, all homes in high-risk zones carrying a mortgage must be covered by flood insurance.

Evacuation zones, on the other hand, are based on hurricane storm surge zones determined by the National Hurricane Center using ground elevation and the area’s vulnerability to storm surge from a hurricane. The evacuation zones are marked from A through E, plus non-evacuation zones.

The flood zones and evacuation zones are determined by different methods and have different purposes. A home may be located in a non-evacuation zone, yet still be located in a flood zone because of a nearby stream or pond. 

Residents need to check both zones.

An important thing to remember is that flood losses are not covered by homeowners insurance policies. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. Any flooding damage covered under the policy – whether or not a federal disaster declaration is made – will be reimbursed per the policy limits, which can include structural damage or the loss of contents.

For more information on flood zones, visit the National Flood Insurance Program at www.floodsmart.gov or call (888) CALL-FLOOD (225-5356).

For more information on evacuation zones in Pinellas County visit the website below:

http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/PDF/hurricane_guide/Hurricane_Guide_6-7.pdf

The Dangers of Flood Water

Flood water is deceptive. The depth and the speed of the water is not always obvious. If you cannot see the bottom of a flooded road, do not walk or drive through it. Flood water can erode and wash away road surfaces leaving deep holes and uneven surfaces which cannot be seen. About 60% of all flood deaths are people in vehicles that moving water sweeps away. Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly.

Flowing Flood Water

• Flood water moving at only 4 mph, a brisk walking pace, exerts a force of about 66 pounds per square foot of anything it encounters
• Double the water speed to 8 mph and the force zooms to about 264 pounds per square foot. That's enough force push a car or light truck in 2 feet of water, imagine what that would do to a person!
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars causing loss of control and possible stalling
• A foot of water will float many vehicles
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's, buses, and large trucks.

Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, down power lines, and unknown material capable of causing injuries. Flood water may have high levels of raw sewage or other hazardous substances. Early symptoms from exposure to contaminated flood water may include; upset stomach, intestinal problems, headache, and other flu-like discomfort. Anyone experiencing these and any other related symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. 

Flood Water Contact

If you come in contact with flood water you should:

• Wash your body off immediately
• Wash frequently using a disinfecting soap
• Limit any other direct contact with contaminated flood water
• Look for cuts or open wounds, report all symptoms of illness

Home septic systems - Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house. If you have a home-based or small business and your septic system has received chemicals, take extra precautions to prevent contact with water or inhaling fumes. Proper clean-up depends on the kinds of chemicals in the waste water.

Home/private drinking water wells - Do not turn on the pump. There is danger of electrical shock and damage to your well or pump if flood. Do not drink or wash with well water. Water from a private well that has been flooded may be contaminated. Boil water before any use. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute.

PRS of Tampa Bay, Inc. - "Restoring peace of mind, one emergency at a time"

If you should experience a flood, safety is your first priority. When the water has receded and your property has been deemed safe to return, call your insurance company and then call Professional Restoration Services of Tampa Bay, Inc at 727-NO-WATER. Time is of the essence, the longer the moisture sits the more damage to your home. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year. With the experience and technology PRS if your one stop shop, from water extraction, structural drying, and mold remediation to soft contents restoration.

Hurricane Season Preparedness

Be Informed, Make a Plan, Building an Emergency Kit

Know the Difference

Hurricane Watch - Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issue, and stay informed. 

Hurricane Warning - Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities. 

Make an evacuation plan & make sure all family members know where to meet and what to do.

An emergency supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages. 

Emergency Supply Kit

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
  
  for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or blanket for each person.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 8 drops or 1/8 tsp of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per gallon of water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, and other activities for children

First Aid Kit Supplies

• Two pairs of latex or sterile gloves if you are allergic to latex
  
• Sterile dressings
• Cleansing soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontamination
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine, and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates. 
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment supplies

Non-Prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxative 

Other first aid supplies:

• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Petroleum jelly