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Flooding on Cape Cod

We’ve seen many storms and some pretty nasty winters the last few years here on Cape Cod, but last week was certainly something different for the area. While locals braced themselves for a storm after sustaining a long cold snap they didn’t quite expect to be facing such a major flood situation.

Provincetown’s high tide just after noon measured a whole 4’ higher than the previous tide, hitting a total height of over 10’ and turning Commercial Street into a river. Not only did the tides raise, the groundwater level rose so places like dirt crawlspaces flooded and all of the melting snow didn’t drain completely into the ground. Some areas reported surges that exceeded those of the historic Blizzard of ’78!

Eastham, MA Storm Surge Flooding

Not only were areas of the Cape being devastated with storm surge and groundwater damage, the warmer temperatures thawed homes with frozen pipes causing water damage in other areas. We can’t stress enough the importance of winterizing your home if you’re going to be away for an extended period of time. Even if it’s just a short while, make sure someone checks in on it, that your water is off and that your heat is on. Open your cabinets under sinks to allow for the warm air to flow to the plumbing. If you’re away often, purchase a water detector for damage prone areas like the basement to alert you as soon as water is detected, and Wi-Fi enabled thermostats so you can monitor the temperature in the house. These things help you act fast when disaster strikes so you can minimize the amount of damage you sustain.

Complicating matters even further were the power outages. Most heating systems rely on electricity to work so when the storm knocked out power to areas it also knocked out the heat. Later that night temperatures dropped to a deep freeze. It was a recipe for disaster. Pipes were even freezing in homes that were primary to the residents and the heat was on. It was really that cold, and the wind was that strong that it froze pipes in their exterior walls and ceilings.

Although there are a lot of areas where homeowners are required to purchase flood insurance because of their location on FEMA’s flood maps those policies don’t cover damaged contents. Think of all of the things that people keep in their basements; seasonal clothes, pantry items, extra furniture, etc. Finished basements could be entire bedrooms, offices and TV rooms. Flood insurance at least covers damage to burners and electrical equipment, but the cost to not only replace but dispose of all of the contents can be in the thousands.

“25% of homes with flood claims each year are in low risk zones.”

It has been a real eye opener. As restoration efforts continue and our crews remain available round-the-clock for emergency services we hope that everyone really takes a look at the measures they have in place for such disasters to protect themselves, their business and their homes from future events. It’s obvious the weather patterns continue to change, and the storms seem to be getting stronger, so please, stay safe out there and make sure you prepare for all of the possibilities.

December Home Maintenance

Decorations, strolls, carols, parties, football and the start of winter weather – December sure has a lot going on! We’ve simplified this month’s maintenance to-do list so that you can focus on the beauty of this special time of year. From our big Whalen Restoration Services family to yours, Happy Holidays!

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  1. Test all of your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
  2. Unpack and test all electrical holiday decorations. Repair or discard any that do not function properly.
  3. Review the family fire escape and emergency plans with every household member.
  4. Check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date and the gauge to ensure that it is fully charged.
  5. Check that there is still insulation around all exterior pipes and make sure that water cannot seep under the insulation.
  6. Detail clean your dishwasher, trash compactor and countertop appliances.
  7. Clean your range hood and either clean or replace the filter.

Printable version: December Home Maintenance Checklist

Holiday Safety

With all of the decorating, cooking, company and busy schedules it’s no secret that the holiday season brings a large increase in property damages and injuries. We’re here to help those numbers go down! Before you deck the halls, light the menorah or ring in the New Year with a crowd read this refresher on holiday safety.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

Cooking
  • Think twice before frying your turkey. Yes, fried turkey is delicious, but it’s one of the most dangerous methods you could ever try. If you do plan on frying up the main course don’t overfill the pot, turn off the flame when you lower the turkey into the pot, fry outside far away from the house and shed on a flat, level surface that is not wood, make sure the turkey is properly thawed before dropping it, and keep a grease-fire-approved extinguisher (Class B Dry) close by just in case! See what can happen.
  • Don’t leave cooking food unattended. Cooking a turkey in the oven takes hours but please resist the urge to leave, even for just a few minutes. If baking, simmering, roasting, or broiling make sure to check on the food often and stay in the kitchen. If you need to step away even for a short period of time, turn it off.
  • If you have pots and pans on the stove make sure you turn the handles away from you, and keep kids and pets away from the stove and oven.
  • Make sure your fire extinguisher is not expired, that it’s fully charged, and remember the PASS instructions (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
  • Keep knives, matches, lighters, and hot things out of reach of children.
  • Keep your floors clear of tripping hazards.
  • If you end up with a fire in your oven turn the heat off and keep the door CLOSED.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

Decorating
  • Location, location, location – Make sure decorations and candles are kept at least 3’ away from the reach of kids and pets. Keep your tree at least 3’ away from any heat source or electrical.
  • Keep your tree hydrated – A dry tree is a major fire danger. Preventing a fire starts with selecting a fresh tree that keeps its needles when touched. Lowe’s helps us select the perfect one! After you cut the tree to size you need to check it daily and add water as needed. Set yourself an alert on your phone to remind you, or purchase a Tree Nanny!
  • When the tree starts to lose needles and dry out make sure to quickly dispose of it away from your house, garage, or shed.
  • Before plugging them in inspect every inch of each string light to make sure there are no breaks or tears in the wiring. Discard damaged ones. Every string has a limit set by the manufacturer of how many can be connected together before you’re risking electrical shock or fire. Mark each set with a tag indicating that limit and connect no more than recommended.
  • The fire is so delightful but putting anything near it can end up frightful! Just as we said with the kids and candles you want to keep things clear of your fireplace as well. If you light fires under your mantle then hang your stockings elsewhere. Consider purchasing flameless candles instead of lighting real ones.
  • The Ooohs and Ahhhs for your outdoor display are not worth the risk of an overloaded electrical outlet. This coincides with only connecting the maximum amount of strings that the manufacturer recommends. Refrain from using extensions or outlet splitters.
  • If your string lights have loose connections toss them out.
  • Indoor or outdoor? – Pay close attention to the type of lights you’re buying and where they should be hung. If you’re not storing them in their original boxes make sure to label them for next year. Here are some great decoration storage ideas!
  • Before you leave the room or fall asleep make sure to turn off all lights and extinguish all flames first!
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, like these Command Clear Decorating Clips.

November Home Maintenance

We can smell the Turkey already! Within the hustle and bustle of planning your Thanksgiving holiday celebrations and Black Friday shopping lists, work in these maintenance items to stay on top of your game.

Cooking Image
  • Daylight savings ends this month. Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clocks.
  • Shut off outdoor water spouts and empty hoses for storage.
  • Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off is and how to use it.
  • Drain or stabilize the fuel from your gas powered lawn equipment that you won’t be using for the winter season and test your winter equipment.
  • Inspect your automatic garage door opener and lubricate it according to the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Reprogram your thermostats for the winter season and reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.
  • Clean your refrigerator inside and out removing all food, shelves, trays and old ice from the ice maker. Replace the baking soda.
  • Restock and update your severe weather emergency kit. Check expiration dates on first aid and supplies.
  • Back-up your computer files either on the cloud or on an external hard drive that you keep in a weather tight place.

Printable Version: November Home Maintenance Checklist

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