Water damage in your house can be stressful and costly to deal with. From small leaks to major flooding, water can quickly cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly and properly. Given that Clearwater Beach has an extreme risk of flooding over the next 30 years, residents of this community are especially advised to stay vigilant.
In fact, there are 3,895 properties in Clearwater with a significant risk of being severely affected by flooding in the coming decades.
Let’s explore five effective ways you can deal with water damage in your house. Being prepared and knowing what to do can help minimize the impacts and get your home dried out and restored as quickly as possible.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that for families in Clearwater living on a median income of $54,182, and with 10.7% of them living in poverty, mitigating flood damages becomes even more crucial to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
1. Stop the Source of the Leak
The first priority when discovering water damage is to halt the flow. Whether it’s a malfunctioning appliance, a leaky pipe, or nature’s elements breaching your home, addressing it promptly is crucial.
For instance, if you reside in a coastal location like Clearwater, Florida, that faces occasional severe weather events, you may have to deal with unique challenges when it comes to water damage.
Knowing whom to call in such situations can make all the difference. If you’re unsure about the source of the leak or how to best address it, consider getting in touch with Clearwater water damage restoration services.
They have the expertise to tackle these local challenges effectively and efficiently.
Homes in this region, more than others, can also benefit from being prepared and knowing the right steps to take.
Here are some tips to handle the situation:
- For appliance leaks, turn off the appliance at the source.
- Shut off the main water valve if facing a major leak.
- Use towels to soak up standing water and wring them out in a bucket.
- If external factors are causing water to enter, secure openings like windows or doors.
2. Remove Excess Water
Once the water source is stopped, the next step is to remove any standing water. The goal is to get rid of as much excess moisture as possible to prevent further damage.
- Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck up water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Empty the tank frequently.
- Place buckets or pans under dripping or leaking areas to collect water.
- Remove any wet items like furniture cushions, rugs, towels, clothing, etc, and take them outside to dry.
- Lift curtains and drapes to allow air circulation and drying.
- Pull up the damp carpet and pad carefully if possible.
- Open closet and cabinet doors to allow airflow to dry out contents.
- Run dehumidifiers and fans to help dry out the area.
Removing standing water quickly is key to reducing the possibility of mold growth and additional water damage. Act fast to collect and discard excess moisture.
3. Inspect for Damage
Once excess water has been cleared out, it’s time to inspect for any damage caused by the water. Look carefully for these common types of damage:
- Warped or bulging floors, walls, or ceilings: Water can cause wood and drywall to swell and warp. Push on suspect areas to check for sponginess.
- Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper: Moisture will cause adhesive and paint to lose bond. Check walls for any lifting or bubbles in the surface.
- Mold or mildew growth: Look for fuzzy white or black growth on surfaces, which indicates the presence of mold.
- Cracked or delaminating tile: The plywood underlayment can swell, causing tile and grout to crack or lift up.
- Damaged furniture: Wood furniture may swell or start to fall apart. Check for loose joints or cracking.
- Rust on metal: Exposed metal surfaces like nails or pipes may start to rust if exposed to moisture.
- Rotting wood: Any untreated or poorly sealed wood can quickly rot from excess water exposure.
- Damaged drywall: Drywall soaks up water like a sponge and can become soggy, crumble apart, or grow mold.
Documenting any water damage found is essential for insurance claims and restoration work. Take photos or videos of affected areas for your records.
Take active measures to facilitate drying within the first 24-48 hours after water damage for best results. Lingering moisture will only make restoration more difficult and expensive.
4. Monitor for Mold Growth
As excess moisture lingers in the home, the risk for mold growth escalates. Mold can begin forming in as little as 24-48 hours in wet conditions.
Be vigilant in checking for signs of mold, including:
- Visible fuzzy or slimy black, green, or white growth on surfaces
- A musty or earthy smell in affected rooms
- Allergy symptoms like runny nose, headaches, sore throat or itchy eyes when in the home
- Small black or brown dots along baseboards, drywall, or paneling
If mold is spotted, take proactive measures to kill and remove it:
- Mix 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon of water and scrub onto moldy surfaces. Ensure the area dries fully after bleaching.
- Use concentrated mold killer sprays and follow product instructions.
- Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask to prevent breathing in mold spores.
- Carefully bag and dispose of any porous materials like drywall with mold growth.
Preventing mold from taking hold is much easier than removing an established mold problem. Stay vigilant and act at the first sign of mold to prevent it from spreading.
Conclusion
Dealing with water damage effectively requires quick action and smart restoration methods. Following these guidelines can help minimize the impacts on your home and possessions. Stopping the water source, drying quickly, monitoring for mold, making repairs properly, and inspecting the restored areas are all critical steps when recovering from water damage.
If damage is extensive, don’t hesitate to call in professional water damage restoration services. Many companies specialize in responding quickly, extracting water, drying properties effectively, and properly restoring homes to pre-loss condition.
With the right techniques and help when needed, your home can recover fully from a water damage event.
If you find that allergies are making your life hard work at the moment then there are a few things that you can do about that. This guide will show you what steps you can take to kick your allergies to the curb, today.
Shut your Windows
One of the first steps you should be taking is shutting your windows, and locking out any breeze. If the pollen count is very high then you can choose to install a HEPA filter over your air conditioner. You can also install a flat panel on your furnace, so keep that in mind.
Consider an Alternative
If you want to get the best result out of your allergy treatment then one thing you can do is consider alternatives. Look into what else is out there and find out if there is anything you can do to treat your allergies with natural supplements. Online, you can also build your own vitamin pack, which could be an option if you don’t feel as though you are as physically healthy as you could be.
Wash Up
Every time you walk into your home, you need to wash your clothes and your hair. This may sound like a monumental task but at the end of the day, it could make a major difference to your health. Take a bath and make sure that you are always mindful of how you could be contributing to the allergens in your home.
Wear a Mask
Wearing a mask is a great way for you to keep allergens from getting into your airways. It also helps you a lot when you are unable to avoid certain allergens, so be mindful of that. You can get respirator masks from most stores and they are ideal when you are doing work in the yard or when you are getting the vacuum out.
Eat Well
Studies have found that children who eat a lot of fresh vegetables, along with fruit and nuts, experienced fewer allergy symptoms. Researchers are working hard to try and find the link, but one thing is for sure, a healthy diet is good for your whole body. Make sure that you are adding at least one portion of fruit to every meal if you can, and if you can’t, have it as a smoothie.
Rinse it Out
Nasal rinses are great, as they clear mucus from your nose and they also ease congestion and itching. Buy a rinsing kit or make one using a nasal bulb. You will need to use salt free from iodide, and then mix that with a teaspoon of baking soda. You can then put this into an airtight container, and use it whenever you are ready. Put one teaspoon of your mixture with 8 ounces of distilled water. Lean over a sink and then proceed to rinse out one nostril at a time. This is a great way for you to get the result you are looking for out of your allergy treatment, so keep it in mind.
Positive lifestyle choices are worth adopting and can significantly impact your quality of life. Building such a lifestyle requires consistency and discipline. Daily habits, such as your diet, alcohol consumption, and your sleep routine, can make or break your health. Therefore, embrace healthy lifestyle choices to maintain optimum physical and mental health. It all starts with knowing the right choices to make and which habits to avoid. Here are a few lifestyle choices that may affect your health without your notice.
- Poor hydration
Water is among the vital nutrients your body requires to function properly. Poor hydration increases the risk of experiencing health issues like kidney stones, problems with heart valves, and cancer. A minor dehydration can also affect your mental and physical performance. Women and men should drink at least 8 and 10 glasses of water daily, respectively, for good health. Hydrate during meals, and keep your water bottle near to quench your thirst.
- Sleep deprivation
Sleep helps refresh your mind and body. It boosts immunity, protects vital organs like the heart, and aids memory and mood. If you usually go to bed late, try and start sleeping early. Controlling your pre-sleep behavior can help improve your sleep quality. You can start by cutting back on caffeine in the evening. Develop a schedule for going to bed and waking at regular intervals; this will help train your system to sleep at the right times. Additionally, reduce your screen time before bed, as blue light from your devices can impact your sleeping ability. If you have a sleeping disorder, you may visit health websites like https://sleepmedicinedfw.com/ for more information on how to treat the condition.
- Not doing enough exercises
Staying physically active is important for your cardiovascular and brain health. Those who don’t exercise have increased risks of diabetes, stroke, cancer, and dementia. Physical activities promote good brain, muscle, and bone health. Irrespective of your age, you can do basic exercises like yoga, walking, running, swimming, and jogging to stay in good shape. These small routines can drastically transform your wellness in the long run. Completing 30 minutes of physical activities daily is a healthy lifestyle.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Over-drinking alcohol can increase the risks of mental health disorders, cancer, obesity, liver failure, and infertility. Alcohol may be legal in your locality, but it may negatively impact your well-being if you don’t do it in moderation. For instance, in the short term, this substance can impair judgment and increase injury risks. New studies suggest alcohol actually has no safe limits. Many drinks have more than one serving of alcohol. You can talk to your general practitioner for medical assistance to limit your alcohol intake or give up drinking. Remember that overcoming excessive alcohol consumption takes time and consistency, so take little steps to help you stay committed.
- Not eating nutritious foods
Unhealthy diet choices can easily creep into your menu. However, unbalanced diets can set you up for diseases, including malnutrition. A healthy diet should contain enough fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Control your portion sizes to ensure you don’t take in more calories than you require. Also, check your eating manners and pay attention to the triggers for unhealthy eating. You can improve your dieting habits by replacing unhealthy foods with better ones.
In the heart of our bustling town, there’s a brand new hidden gem that not only provides a haven for home decor enthusiasts but also reflects the passion and creativity of its owner, Bets Miller. Welcome to Finch & Co, where comfort meets style in the most delightful way.
Nestled on the quaint corner of Purchase St Finch & Co. is a haven for those seeking to infuse their living spaces with a touch of personality and warmth. As you step through the charming entrance, you’re greeted by an array of carefully curated pieces that seem to whisper stories of comfort and elegance.
Bets Miller, the creative force behind Finch & Co., is not just a business owner; she’s a curator of dreams and a connoisseur of aesthetics. Her journey into the world of home decor started with a simple idea—to create a space where every item tells a unique tale, and where homes can be transformed into havens. She began her design journey in her first store in Rye, Nest, and when her partner retired, Finch & Co was born. They also have a new Instagram…please follow HERE.
Bets is more than just a store owner and an interior designer; she’s a storyteller. Each piece in Finch & Co. is handpicked by Bets herself, with an eye for detail and a commitment to quality. From vintage-inspired furniture to modern accents, every item has a purpose—to bring joy and sophistication into the lives of those who make Finch & Co. their shopping destination and or their resource for designing their living spaces
One of the remarkable aspects of Finch & Co. is its commitment to sustainability. Bets believes in the beauty of repurposing and upcycling, and you’ll find a delightful collection of eco-friendly and ethically sourced products. It’s not just a store but a testament to the idea that style and responsibility coexist harmoniously.
Bets is not just a businesswoman; she’s a community builder. Finch & Co. hosts regular events, from trunk shows to local artist exhibitions, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity within the community. It’s not just a place to shop; it’s a space to connect, create, and be inspired.
Whether you’re a seasoned interior design aficionado or someone just starting to explore the world of home decor, Finch & Co. has something for everyone. It reflects Bets’ vision—a vision that transcends the boundaries of a mere store and transforms it into a hub of inspiration and comfort.
So, the next time you find yourself strolling down Purchase St, make sure to step into Finch & Co. Discover the magic that happens when passion meets craftsmanship, and experience the warmth of a store that goes beyond selling furniture—it sells dreams of a more beautiful and comfortable home.
Everyone wants to be able to live their best life for as long as possible. Although it is important to live in the moment, it is equally as important to plan for your future too. If you don’t think about what your next steps are in life, you can often find yourself in places that you do not wish to be in. Luckily, most of these situations are avoidable when you give a little thought into your day-to-day life, and what you can do for the future version of yourself. Here are several top tips for helping you to plan a great future.
Make a bucket list
One of the most common things that almost all people will have, whether they realize it or not, is a bucket list. Subconsciously, most people will have certain experiences, accomplishments, milestones, or achievements that they want to meet during the course of their lives. Sadly, a lot of people will not manage to complete parts of their list. Even though some of this will be down to unforeseen circumstances, quite a lot of it will come down to not making time for the activities, or just forgetting about them in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. So rather than simply allowing these things to exist in your mind, and forgetting about them, a good tip is to write them down physically and actively look at how you can take steps to hit or accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. You can also look back at this list, and at everything you have ticked off over the years too.
Talk with your partner
When it comes to planning for your future, if you live with a partner then it is important that you communicate effectively with each other, so as to outline important points regarding where you see yourselves in the future. Even though you must stay true to yourself, and think about your own wants, and needs, if you live with another person then there will need to be some compromise, and discussion around certain subjects. Many people will live together for years, and simply assume that their partner is happy with the direction in which their lives are headed when in some situations, this is not the case. To avoid any unneeded confusion, make sure that you regularly check in with your partner, and even family so that you can all see where each other stands with regards to how you are moving towards the future. This will help create a strong bond with each other, and give you all a common goal to aim for.
Take care of your health
Something that a lot of people don’t think about, or even understand, is that taking care of your health today is one of the most important things you can do for yourself in the future. As you grow older your body will slowly start to become weaker, and less healthy. Depending on what you do in your younger years will significantly impact the rate at which your body, and mind decline. For example, if you smoke, or drink a lot, and eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, while simultaneously doing little to no exercise, then you will likely be in for a fairly rough future health-wise. However, if you can put several lifestyle changes into place to avoid all of these negative decisions, then the future version of yourself will be a lot healthier, and therefore happy. There is no time deemed as “too late” to start implementing healthy lifestyle changes, but the earlier that you start in life, the easier it will be, as well as being more impactful in the future. Making sure that you exercise regularly, as well as being mindful of what you put in your body, and expose yourself to are all important factors when it comes to setting yourself up for a great future.
Set yourself up financially
One of the biggest things that almost everyone relies on throughout their life is money. If you want to have the best future possible, then you will need to spend a good deal of time, and effort figuring out how to set yourself up financially so that you are able to live the life you want. Some people will focus on a high-paying career, others will create side hustles, and some will reduce their outgoings, or simplify their life to minimize the cost of living. There are many different angles on which to approach this subject from, but the important thing is to make sure that you consider your financial situation and get it right so that you can have a great future with no money troubles.
Plan for old age
A part of your future will include old age. Because of this if you want to set yourself up for a great future, then you will need to consider this period of your life too. You will need to think about what you want to do when you reach your retirement, and whether you need to save up additional money to finish doing the things you want to do, or if you will just be happy to be the grandparent that is around, and able to spend time helping or being around their family. Further down the line, you will also need to consider your living arrangements, and how you will support yourself. For example, some elderly people move into luxury assisted living if they have set themselves up adequately, whereas others will decide to live with their families and have them take care of them. What you plan on doing will be situational, and unique to you, but nonetheless, it is important to plan for your old age in order to have a great future.
There are many different aspects to consider when it comes to planning for your future, but make sure to take these top tips on board so that you can plan for, and have the best future possible.
If you’ve been to a spa or even a fancy 5-star hotel, then you know you’re in for an incredible experience when it comes to the bathroom. It’s so lush, it’s so relaxing, it’s clean, it’s modern, it’s just the perfect experience! Everything looks so clean and modern; it feels so relaxing, too! But with that said, you don’t have to spend a fortune at a hotel to get this swoon-worthy experience.
Sure, it’s incredible, and it’s something you’re never going to forget either, but it doesn’t only need to be just from a hotel or a spa. You can get a similar experience right from the comfort of your home, right in your bathroom! Sure, you might have to update your bathroom a bit for this experience, but at the end of the day, it’s hands-down going to be worth it! So, here’s exactly what you can do to transform your bathroom into a hotel-like bathroom!
Your Bathroom Needs to Sparkle and Be Cluttered-Free
One thing that stands out when it comes to hotel bathrooms is the fact that they’re squeaky clean and free from clutter. Of course, they’re free from clutter since it’s a temporary space, so it’s not like there could be any essentials in there. But even when it comes to your bathroom, you don’t need to have all of your hygienic items out and about. It’s really about having them stored nicely and maybe even discreetly.
This can include having your shampoos and baths washed in glass bottles rather than in their original bottles, storing everything in baskets, you name it. Less is more when it comes to a hotel bathroom, so you’re going to want to implement the same for your bathroom, too.
Spa-Like Color Scheme
Usually, the more updated and expensive hotels will usually opt for soothing, neutral color schemes. Some stick with only white or gray, but nowadays, more and more luxury hotels are working towards updating and improving their bathrooms to have more of a calming allure. So, by choosing calming colors like soft whites, muted grays, or pale blues for your bathroom walls and accessories. These colors create a serene and spa-like atmosphere.
Freestanding Bathtub and Spacious Showers
Hotels don’t necessarily do that bathtub and show combo, and it’s not really something that looks flattering, either. So, you’re going to want to think about the layout of your bathroom. If space allows, a freestanding bathtub or a spacious, glass-enclosed shower can make a significant difference. Hotels often have inviting bathing areas, and replicating this experience in your bathroom can be a luxurious touch.
When it comes to creating that hotel-inspired spa bathroom, this is usually one of the biggest key features in making it happen. So, when it comes to this aspect of the bathroom, you’re far better off getting some professionals to step in and help with this, such as the team from https://www.newbathtech.com/. So, in general, when it comes to creating this eye-swoon of a bathroom, if you’re able to make big changes to the bathroom, shower, or even your sink, then you can absolutely expect that this will be the biggest transformation of them all.
Luxurious Towels
While this sounds small, it’s not always about aesthetics but the actual experience itself. All of those small things really add up and create this wonderful experience. So, you’re going to want to consider your towels and how you wash your towels. Hotel quality towels are soft; they’re plump and plush. You might need to spend a bit more on them, but it’s definitely worth it.
The same goes for how you wash and dry them; adding vinegar to them will really help keep them soft. But when it comes to aesthetics, be sure to pick white towels and keep them rolled up neatly in a basket (or nicely hanging on a towel ladder) to help bring that soft feel to the bathroom.
Choose Your Bathrobe and Slippers Wisely
Just like the towels are an important aspect of giving that hotel bathroom experience, the same can be said for the bathrobes and slippers. When it comes to these, not all bathrobes and slippers from hotels are created; equally, some are great, and some not so much. But for your bathroom, you should absolutely look into getting some high-quality ones to really help with that pampered experience. Of course, just like towels, you’re going to want to keep an eye on how you wash and dry these, but it also plays a role in how plush and soft they’ll be.