Halloween Safety Tips for Children

Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a fire-safe one. Taking simple fire safety precautions, like making sure fabrics for costumes and decorative materials are flame-resistant, can prevent fires.

Federal, State Crews Plan Cleanup of Hazardous Materials from Wildfire Burn Areas

First comes ridding the fire zones of obvious threats such as propane and gas tanks, asbestos and pesticides. But the process to give a site the all-clear is going to take a long time. Allen Martin reports.

New Chapter Begins for North Bay Victims of Wildfires

People who lost their homes in the Wine Country wildfires are being told they need to register with FEMA. Susie Steimle reports.

County Reminds Residents To Arrange Fire Clean-Up By Approved Contractors Due To Toxic Ash

Jessica Flores reports on Napa and Sonoma County officials warning returning residents about toxic ash from burned homes (10-19-2017)

Water Damage The Cleanup And Repair Procedure

Water damage can be quite disastrous as it can cause extreme damage to the building. During a flood many unwanted things can come into your home like sewage, debris, chemicals, mud and other types of contaminants. All these unwanted materials are dropped and left behind as the water recedes.

Even if the water damaged is caused from a source of clean water like bathtub overflow, an unattended faucet or a refrigerator water line break, the water mixes with the dirt and other substances on the floor and carpets of your home.

Shorted-out electrical systems, ruined carpets and soggy drywall are common after-effects of water damage, making the matter even worse. If the cleaning work is not done in a proper and swift manner, then the mold will likely sprout and cause more damage to your home.

Whatever the cause of the flood, you must ensure that the affected area is quarantined as soon as possible.

Safety Should Be Priority

Where there is water damage the safety of your family should be given high priority. Ensure that all the main power switches are turned off and are not in contact with the water. It's recommended that you should leave affected until the water is removed completely.

Stop the Water Flow

Once you are sure that the area is safe to enter again it's important that you stop the flow of the water. If the water is still flowing then of course any cleanup effort will go waste. You should shut down the water mains if the water damage occurred due to a mishap while plumbing.

If nature and weather conditions are the reason for the water damage then you will have no choice but wait for the conditions to improve. Damage can be minimized by doing emergency, quick repairs. Wherever it is possible try to limit the amount of water coming inside your house. You can use buckets, tarps, storm shutters, sandbags and other tools to limit the water flow.

Cleaning and Drying

Mopping and drying your home is very important. The sooner it's done, the better. If neglected, the water will soak into the carpets, walls and floors making it an ideal environment for mold to flourish. It's advisable that you use proper protective clothing like gloves and a breathing mask. This should be done to avoid spreading disease due water contaminated with sewage or chemicals.

Depending on the level of damage caused, you may need to remove the carpets or furniture. For insurance purposes be sure to list any goods you have to dispose of. You must clean all items in your home that have come into contact with water. Electronics devices might not work properly again so it's better if you replace them.

It is recommended that you hire professionals who are expert in handling all types of water damage. The professionals will use various tools and techniques to clean your house in the right way. If you are searching for professional expert in handling water damage repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jason_Kimbel/1918928

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How To Keep Your Sanity While Remodeling - A Dos And Don'ts List

You have either experienced a nightmare remodeling or know someone who has. But don't let that deter you from creating your dream home. By simply following a few tips you can keep your hair and your sanity and have what you want.

1. Choose a contractor you feel comfortable with and who had genuine good reviews from clients. He should possess good communication skills as they will be invaluable throughout the process.

2. Have a plan: know what you want before you start. Whether remodeling a new bathroom, kitchen or basement, have an idea of what you want it to look like. Also don't forget the details that make life easier like enough electrical outlets, enough counter space or storage for your kitchen appliances.

3. The more details you start with the more time and money you will save in the long run. Realize that once you have a signed contract any changes you make can change the cost and timeframe. If you are not completely sure of those details, a good contractor with a lot of experience can help you figure them out.

4. Don't assume that the lowest bidder will do the best job. What appears to be saving money at the beginning can costs countless headaches and extra money in the long run. It is better to spend a bit more and be worry free ultimately.

5. Ensure that your contractor gives you a contract and timeline. If the contractor you are thinking of hiring is unwilling to give you a written agreement or commit to a time frame, it's time to look for someone else.

6. Make sure that your contractor is licensed and insured. While accidents and damage rarely happen it is a good thing to be prepared. You don't want to be left holding the bag if an unforeseen mishap occurs.

7. Your contractor should pull permits where they are required. Trying to cut corners by doing a job illegally spells trouble. Should a building inspector catch wind of a job being done without a permit, the job will be shut down and fines can be levied, and that in turns means more time and more money. It's simply not worth it.

8. Don't micromanage the job. If you hired the right contractor, he knows what he is doing and micromanaging him, or his crew, will cause aggravation and add time which all translates into more money being spent.

9. Remove valuable and breakable out of the construction zone. A construction zone is as the name implies, and not a space for a favorite vase or picture frame.

10. Seal off any entrance to other rooms from the construction zone with plastic sheeting and masking tape. While it is almost impossible to keep dust from traveling to other parts of the house, it is best to keep it to a minimum.

11. Make sure you do a final inspection. Walk through the job with your contractor and together you can put together a list of all minor details that have to be finished if needed.

12. Keep in mind that remodeling doesn't last forever and that soon or later the process will be over but your new space will be a source of enjoyment.

13. If your contractor did a good job (and if you chose right, he should) give him a good reference.

Remodeling can be an easy experience with a few simple rules

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sandra_Lucas/2365221

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North Bay High School Students Work to Save Animals from Wildfires

Schools in Napa may be closed but students at one high school are still coming together to use the property as a haven for hundreds of displaced animals. John Ramos reports.

Fire Safety - Have Two Ways Out

Plan and practice home fire drills at least twice a year. Make sure you know two ways out of each room.

Water Damage Restoration - In Fact, Water Damage is Downright Hazardous to Your Health!

When your home has water damage, be it from a burst pipe, overflowing sewer, leaking roof, or natural flood, it is in dire need of restoration. There's more to water damage restoration than simply mopping up and drying out the home. In fact, water damage is downright hazardous to your health!

First, if your home is flooded, the immediate danger is electrocution. In addition, structural damage to the building could cause injuries due to falling debris and unstable footings. The water itself may be carrying dangerous chemicals, raw sewage, or microorganisms that can make you sick.

Even when the home has been declared safe to enter, damage restoration isn't easy and is best left to a professional. Time is of the essence as well. The longer water soaks your home and belongings, the more damage occurs. Plus, mold starts to grow in moist environments making it essential to dry out the home ASAP. You can minimize losses and future damage by acting promptly.

What's involved in water damage restoration? Stabilizing the environment, cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and repairing.

Before you can begin cleaning up, you must stop the inflow of water. For example, if your damage is the result of a hole in the roof, you must secure the roof so that the water stops flowing inside. Likewise, if a burst pipe is shooting water into the house, turning off the water supply to the home is your first step followed by emergency repairs.

Other issues involve removing water-soaked insulation, determining if asbestos is present in water damaged walls or ceilings, and reinforcing damaged floors and ceilings. Opening windows and setting up a ventilation system such as fans is also an important step for stabilizing the environment. Depending on the nature of the flooding, this step may come after cleaning.

Next, standing water, mud, and debris must be removed. This cleaning step should be followed by disinfecting because rarely is water damage "clean." For example, floodwaters from swollen rivers carry fertilizer, sewage, chemicals, and other hazards. When the water recedes, not only is the residue left behind muddy and messy, it's dangerous. Disinfecting all surfaces is a must. Even if the damage is due to a broken washing machine hose, the clean water that spills soon mixes with the dirt and grime embedded deep within your carpet and carpet pad.

Once everything has been cleaned, dried, and disinfected, the water damage restoration job is not over. Now, it's time for repairs. You may need to replace or repair carpets, floorboards, baseboards, wallpaper, drywall, electrical systems, pipes, insulation, cabinets, and other building materials. In addition, the contents of your home may need to be repaired or replaced.

Cleaning up water damage is a major project requiring speed, expertise, safety precautions, equipment, cleaners, disinfectants, and reconstruction know-how. Don't do it on your own. Instead, water damage restoration companies are equipped to restore your home promptly and professionally. Let the experts handle the mess - they'll prevent further damage and dry out your home ASAP.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Decherd

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Home Smoke Alarm Basics

NFPA's Sharon Gamache discusses the latest information on types of smoke alarms you need, their placement and special features. Working smoke alarms give you early warning to help you escape a fire.