Georgia Lightning Awareness Week: June 19-25, 2011

Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather deaths in the United States. From 1995 to 2010, lightning caused 26 deaths in Georgia. Most lightning deaths occur in the summer months - usually in the afternoon and evening hours. Also, most deaths occur when people are caught outside during a storm.

Lightning results from the buildup and release of electrical energy between positive and negative charges between the earth and a thunderstorm. A single lightning bolt can be as hot as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit - hotter even than the surface of the sun. This rapid heating and cooling of the air creates a shock wave which we hear as thunder. Lightning will usually strike the highest object in area. This includes trees, antennas, a boat on a lake, or a person standing in a field.

 So, what should you do to protect yourself?

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Be Hurricane Ready This Spring

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

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HOW TO PREVENT A CLOTHES DRYER FIRE

Doing laundry is most likely part of your every day routine. But did you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? With a few simple safety tips you can help prevent a clothes dryer fire.

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.


• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.



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Should I buy Earthquake Insurance?

This following information is from United Policyholders:

The horrific images and aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami should be a call to action for property owners and public officials, and not just in California. There are known (and unknown) faults in the mid west and throughout the United States Use UP's Earthquake Insurance Shopping Guide to compare policies by what they cover and cost "apples to apples." Read our earthquake insurance buying tips for homeowners, and tips for renters to get a clearer understanding of how the policies work. Yes, typical earthquake coverage is expensive for what you get. Most policies don't pay until the loss is more than 15% of your total coverage.Even so, a 15% deductible is a lot less painful than the 100% you'll have to shoulder if you have no insurance at all. (See recent L.A. Times article, "Are you insured for the Big One?")The decision whether or not to buy earthquake insurance is an individual, financial decision. Key factors to research and consider are:

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How Do I Know If I Have Hidden Mold?

Suspicion of hidden mold:

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides

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Be Prepared for Hailstorms

Hailstorms are frequent occurrences across the U.S. Most hailstorms occur during either the spring or fall months, are very localized events, and don't cause extensive property damage. However, occasionally hailstones can reach about 1.5 inches in diameter. When this occurs, they can cause significant property damage to cars, windows and siding. When hailstones reach three inches in diameter, they can cause major roof damage.

How to Stay Safe

• Listen to weather updates about hail activity.


• Seek shelter immediately if you are caught outdoors - preferably not under a tree.


• Close drapes, blinds or window shades for protection

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What to Do Before a Thunderstorm

Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.

If thunder roars, go indoors" because no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area. We want everyone to stay indoors until 30 minutes have passed after they hear the last clap of thunder.

Summary of Lightning Safety Tips for Inside the Home

• Avoid contact with corded phone.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry.

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Wintertime Trivia

1. What is the snowiest city in the United States? A. Blue Canyon, California B. Lander, Wyoming C. Syracuse, New York D. Marquette, Michigan The answer is A: Blue Canyon, California with 240.8 inches a year. 2. What state holds the record for the lowest recorded temperature in the United States? A. Maine B. Michigan C. Montana D. Alaska

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What To Do If Your Home Is Vandalized

The Do’s and Don’ts if you have a vandalism at your home or business:

DO:

• Report the damage to the police as soon as possible. They will need to collect evidence and take photographs.



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What To Do If You Have A Water Damage

The Do’s and Don’ts if you have a water damage at your home or business:

DO:

• Have a professional plumbing contractor eliminate the water source.



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