How to Prevent Mold In Your Home

Summertime in Georgia means humidity. Humidity leads to moisture problems and MOLD. How can you prevent moisture problems in your home? Here are some tips from EPA.gov.

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY.  If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low.  If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.  Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.  (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.  Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

Atlanta Area Events for August 2015

August 7, 21, 22, 28th: Concerts in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden

August 15th: Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival at Harmony Park in Oakhurst

August 16th: HOToberfest Barrel Aged Ball at Georgia Freight Depot

August 18th - 23rd: Motown the Musical at the Fox Theatre

August 29th: National Beer Mile at Atlantic Station

August 30th: Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin' in Roswell

Summertime Grilling Safety

It's Summertime and that means grilling time for most families! However, according to one study gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2005, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.  So before you fire up that grill, take a few minutes to check out these safety tips so your cookout doesn't turn into a fire damage claim or a trip to the emergency room.

1. Make sure the grill is stable and can't be tipped over.
2. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line to be sure it is not leaking.
3. Place the grill away from flammable materials, and at least 10 feet away from any structure, shrubs, trees or vehicles.
4. Never use a barbeque grill in an unventilated space.
5. Open all vents before and during cooking.
6. Never leave a grill unattended once it has been lit.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If this is not possible, have a garden hose handy.
8. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for those grills. Never use gasoline.
9. Be sure to soak the coals with water before you put them in the trash.
10. Avoid exceptionally loose clothing, especially sleeves that can catch fire.
11. Long handled grilling tools make grilling easier & safer.
12. Keep children and pets away from the grill until it is completely cool.

July Events for the Metro Atlanta Area

July 4th: The Peachtree Road Race from Buckhead to Piedmont Park

July 10th - August 2nd: The Secret Garden at Serenbe

July 11th: Reptile Day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

July 11th: Atlanta Street Food Festival at Piedmont Park

July 17th - 25th: Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee

July 18th-26th: Downtown Restaurant Week

July 25th: Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park

July 25th: Chattahoochee River Summer Splash

July 28th - August 2nd: Atlanta International Fashion Week

Georgia Lightning Awareness Week: June 21st - 27th, 2015

June 21st - 27th is Lightning Awareness Week in Georgia. Check out this informative article from Ready GA on how to prepare for lightning.

Lightning is a common occurrence in Georgia, and it's easy to forget just how dangerous it can be. Each year, lightning strikes the U.S. an estimated 25 million times and causes an average of 60 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. In Georgia alone, 11 people have died due to lightning strikes since 2006.

"Thunderstorms are such a regular part of life in Georgia, especially in the warmer months, that it's easy to let your guard down and forget the danger of lightning," said GEMA/HS Director Jim Butterworth. "Following the 30/30 rule is a good way to make sure you are taking the proper precautions and avoiding unnecessary risk."

Lightning has the potential to travel more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, and it can strike the same location twice. When you are outdoors, be aware of current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. In addition to the 30/30 rule, here are more lightning safety tips:

Before Lightning Strikes

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app.

When a Storm Approaches

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.

If Caught Outside

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.

Protect Yourself Outside

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
• Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target.

Atlanta Area Events for June 2015

June 11th: Performance On The Promenade Featuring The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Piedmont Park

June 12th: Summer Wined Up Wine Stroll in Newnan

June 13th: Kenny Chesney - The Big Revival Tour Feat. Eric Church

June 13th - 14th: Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games

June 13th - 20th: Atlanta Cycling Festival

June 20th: Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Masquerade

June 20th: Weird Al: The Mandatory World Tour at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

June 20th: Summer Fun Festival at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

June 28th: Def Leppard at Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood

Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricanes in Georgia? Yes! According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Georgia is at particular risk of being affected by hurricanes because it is a coastal state.  The hurricanes that affect Georgia are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season lasts from June 1st until November 30th, but the majority of activity is from August until October. Therefore, every state resident and business owner should plan what to do in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. The following tips can help you keep you and your family safe this hurricane season.

Preparing for a Hurricane

 If you are under a hurricane watch or warning, here are some basic steps to take to prepare for the storm:
· Learn about your community's emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters. 
· Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials. 
· Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it. 
· Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc. 
· Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
· Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability. 
· Make plans to ensure your pets' safety http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp

May Events in the Atlanta Area

May 2nd - 31st: The Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn

May 7th: Taste of the Nation at the Georgia Aquarium

May 8th & 9th: Pick'n in Grant Park

May 8th - 10th: Shaky Knees Music Festival at Central Park

May 13th - 17th: Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy at Gwinnett Center in Duluth

May 16th: East Atlanta Beer Festival in Brownwood Park

May 22nd -24th: Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park

May 28th - 31st: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival at Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown

It's flood season in Georgia...are you ready?

It's important to know your area's flood risk. If you're not sure, call your local emergency management agency, whose contact information can be found on Ready Georgia's website.

Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage, so talk to your insurance provider about your policy. You may need to consider purchasing additional coverage. If you are in a flood-prone area, the National Flood Insurance Program from FEMA is available to many Georgia communities, and you can find more information at floodsmart.gov.

Here are some important tips to help you prepare for flooding:

• NEVER drive through standing water. It only takes two feet of water to float a full-sized automobile. And, unfortunately more than half of flood victims are in vehicles that are swept away by moving water.
• Stay out of floodwaters, if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising water, get out immediately and seek higher ground. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock a person off his or her feet.
• Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

Don't return to your home until local authorities say it's safe. Even after floodwaters recede, roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution. 

Atlanta Area Events for April 2015

April 10th: Atlanta Braves Opening Day at Turner Field

April 10th - 12th: Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park

April 17th - 19th: Sweetwater 420 Festival at Centennial Olympic Park

April 18th - 26th: Buckhead Restaurant Week

April 24th: Symphony on the Sand at Callaway Gardens