Top 4 Disastrous Kentucky Family Reunion Mistakes

Posted on: 05/10/2012

Summer is the quintessential time to kick back and relax with the people you love, which is probably why so many of us are busy planning family reunions this time of year! In your haste to meet your cousin’s new wife or reconnect with your beloved grandma, you may forget how important it is to find a location that accommodates everyone from Great-Aunt Margaret to your infant nephew. As families grow bigger, logistics also become more complicated. You need to ensure that no unfortunate surprises ruin your joyous gathering. At Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Bowling Green, your family’s safety is our number one priority. We’ve put together a list of the top four disastrous family reunion scenarios—including thunderstorms and heat waves—and how to plan ahead, just in case!

Dangers out and about:

The weatherman promised thunderstorms for the afternoon of your reunion at the lake, but the skies look clear that morning. Don’t be so fast to shrug it off. Thunderstorm prediction is actually quite accurate, so while the skies may be blue in the morning, you risk being caught in a dangerous storm if you don’t change your plans-South Central Kentucky residents know how quickly thunderstorms can form! The safer bet? If thunderstorms are on the forecast, move the party to an indoor location or postpone it.
There’s nothing better than spending a beautiful day outside with those you love! But as Kentucky residents know, heat waves can quickly turn any outdoor activity into a dangerous one. Your reunion’s guests could be at risk for dehydration and potentially-fatal heat strokes if you try to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a heat wave. Instead, move the party to an indoor location that’s air conditioned to keep your family members safe.

Dangers at home

If you haven’t used your deck much this spring, make sure to give it a good inspection before hosting the family reunion on it. Otherwise, you may wind up with your rotting deck collapsing underneath your guests! Wood tends to rot in wet and snowy conditions, so even though we had a mild winter in the Ohio Valley, test your deck for warped or discolored wood, or soft spots that give under pressure. If you see any of these signs, call in a professional to replace the wood before your family gathers out back!
Perhaps your family chose your vacation home to take advantage of your sparkling pool or nearby lake. While they can provide hours of family-friendly entertainment, swimming pools and lakes can be deadly for children and adults alike. It falls to you to protect your guests—once your reunion is underway, make sure there is always significant supervision around and keep horseplay at a minimum to help avoid dangerous situations. Keep a careful eye on those who cannot swim, and consider hiring a professional lifeguard or babysitter as an additional set of eyes.

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Bowling Green assists the following communities with water, fire, mold and storm damage clean up and repair: Rochester, Morgantown, Lewisburg, Welchs Creek, Jetson, Auburn, Russellville, Olmstead, Allensville, Adairville, Roundhill, Bee Spring, Mammoth Cave, Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Bowling Green, Rockfield, Woodburn, Alvaton, Oakland, Smiths Grove, Franklin, Scottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Park City, Cave City, Glasgow, Lucas, Austin, Mount Hermon, Fountain Run, Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, Hestand, Horse Cave, Center, Knob Lick, Edmonton, Summer Shade, Dubre

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Top 10 Billion Dollar Disasters

Posted on: 05/02/2012

Check out our new storm info-graphic!

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homewoners

Posted on: 04/25/2012

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homeowners

Prepping the home for warm weather can be a chore that makes the average homeowner drag their feet. But the good news? There may be an interesting product out there tailored to getting the job done for you! At Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Bowling Green, we’re invested in seeing your family and home receive the quality attention you (and it) deserve. Here, we’ve reviewed a list of four unusual (and sometimes hilarious) home improvement and safety gadgets. Before you get excited—not all of these novelty doodads are up for the “big” tasks that require serious help from home restoration professionals, but we do admit they certainly would make things entertaining around your home! Take a look at these household contraptions that promise to clean up after a windstorm, predict thunderstorms and keep you safe. Would you use these??

Yard Duty

1. When out-of-towners come to visit can this little robot help mask the fact that a windstorm took hold of your neighborhood last winter? The Kyodo LawnBott is designed so you can “turn it on and walk away” while your yard becomes debris free! Oh, wow! We’re not necessarily convinced that with the hefty price tag ($1199 as of Spring 2012) this robot is a better bet than a strong back and a wheelbarrow—especially since a lawn after storm season really requires a homeowner’s close inspection. You be the judge!

2. Were you frequently caught off guard by last summer’s Storms? A scare like that can make a Weather Glass Barometer sound like a good idea. Although this solution is a relic from the days of the American ancestors, the storm-predicting power of this pretty glass when it’s filled with water is quite impressive (if it works, that is). Air pressure tends to drop during a storm, which causes the liquid in the barometer to rise, signaling an impending weather event. Of course, this isn’t a scientific way to prep your home for a storm—always pay attention to warnings, no matter what weather your barometer predicts!

Indoor Solutions

3. If you’re ready to give your vacation home a nice scrubbing up, what could be a more festive way to clean than with bubbles? While the Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner apparently has a short battery life and expensive product refills, watching it spin 360 degrees and delightfully spray bubbles up to eight feet away is certainly intriguing. Plus, let’s face it, the term ‘automatic cleaner’ makes any homeowner’s ears perk up. For a property that’s been shuttered for several months, though, be sure to check your home for any serious clean up issues before handing the job over to a novelty device. If you’re suffering from allergic reactions like eye and nasal irritation or respiratory problems, for instance, this could be a sign of black mold and requires the assistance of a professional.

4. If a storm blew grime all over your hardwood floors, you might have more fun cleaning up in a pair of Slipper Genie cleaning slippers! Simply put on the slippers and walk around your hardwood floors—the microfiber “fingers” pick up dust and hair. But if your home has suffered water damage from the river floods that are so frequent in the Great Lakes region, it’s time to hang up the Slipper Genie and pick up the phone and contact a professional to avoid mold, warping, electrical hazards and a cornucopia of other issues that crop up with water damage.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Bowling Green assists the following communities: Rochester, Morgantown, Lewisburg, Welchs Creek, Jetson, Auburn, Russellville, Olmstead, Allensville, Adairville, Roundhill, Bee Spring, Mammoth Cave, Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Bowling Green, Rockfield, Woodburn, Alvaton, Oakland, Smiths Grove, Franklin, Scottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Park City, Cave City, Glasgow, Lucas, Austin, Mount Hermon, Fountain Run, Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, Hestand, Horse Cave, Center, Knob Lick, Edmonton, Summer Shade, Dubre

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

Posted on: 04/18/2012

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

We all know how much joy, love and fun a house full of children can be—but they also get into (and create!) messes at an astounding rate! Even when your whole property is meticulously childproofed, any parent can tell you you’re never totally in the clear. Fatal injuries in the home are still a leading cause of death in the U.S. Yes, maybe teaching your children the basics of home safety is a huge bore, but we here at Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Bowling Green, still think your family’s safety is our number one priority…boring or not! To that end, we’ve compiled a list of four outstanding children’s books to “edu-tain” your little ones! Here’s how families in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley region can turn their kids into experts and scientists about backyard hazards, storms and emergency preparedness.

The wild world outdoors

1. You know your stove poses a danger to your kids, but what about your backyard? Teach your kids outdoor safety smarts with Jeff Day MD’s Don't Touch That!: The Book of Gross, Poisonous, and Downright Icky Plants and Critters. This fun book, filled with history, activities and clever cartoons, humorously guides 3rd-6th graders through the wonderful world of the backyard! They’ll learn the basics about plants, insects, wildlife and ecosystems including which ones to avoid touching or eating (like the ever-present poison ivy which grows as a vine in the Great Lakes region)! Reading this book will be far from a chore for your little bookworms and will give you some peace of mind as well.

2. Kids who live in South Central Kentucky may be used to thunderstorms, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t afraid of them! Help lessen their fear with Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll, also by Franklyn M. Branley. The beautifully-illustrated book teaches new readers all about thunderstorms, how to perform your own weather experiments, and, of course, thunderstorm safety.

General home safety tips

3. It’s never too early for kids to learn about fire safety! Stop Drop and Roll (A Book about Fire Safety) by Margery Cuyler is a funny, fictional book about a young girl who worries about everything—including having to demonstrate fire safety at an all-school assembly. But will her worrying keep her from succeeding? The great read teaches kids fire safety lessons and even includes a list of 10 safety tips.

4. Once your child is old enough to stay home alone, a whole new realm of safety issues open up! Dottie Raymer’s A Smart Girl’s Guide to Staying Home Alone teaches older children the basics of staying home without you, including invaluable safety tips and quizzes designed to get them thinking about emergency situations ahead of time. The book also delves into basic first-aid, which can come in handy in the event of a blizzard or flood.

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling serves the following cities: Rochester, Morgantown, Lewisburg, Welchs Creek, Jetson, Auburn, Russellville, Olmstead, Allensville, Adairville, Roundhill, Bee Spring, Mammoth Cave, Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Bowling Green, Rockfield, Woodburn, Alvaton, Oakland, Smiths Grove, Franklin, Scottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Park City, Cave City, Glasgow, Lucas, Austin, Mount Hermon, Fountain Run, Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, Hestand, Horse Cave, Center, Knob Lick, Edmonton, Summer Shade, Dubre

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

Posted on: 04/18/2012

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm (and How the Experts Really Do It)

Sometimes it’s easy to predict an incoming storm—all you have to do is look outside and see the first dark clouds gathering in the distance. But other times, blizzards can appear in the Great Lakes region out of a week of perfect skies and mild temperatures. Preparation is key to staying safe in a storm, and at Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Bowling Green, we are invested in your safety. The sooner you know a storm is on its way, the sooner you can take the necessary precautions to protect your family and your home. Take a look at our list of how centuries of people have predicted the weather—and how today’s experts really do it!

6 Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

MYTH: If a dog starts to whine for no reason, you can expect a major storm.

Before computers, radars, televisions and radios, our ancestors relied on their furry buddies to help warn them of incoming disasters. Many of their predictions were based on an ever-present barometer, their animal’s nose—they thought that if Fido was wailing, a major storm was on its way to the Ohio Valley.

MYTH: Cats predict windstorms by scratching a post and predict snow by sitting with their back to the fire.

Would your cat’s actions prompt you to prepare for snow, Bowling Green Farmers used to believe that a cat turned away from the fire was the most telling sign that an impending storm was near. Good old Patches also could warn them of windstorms (if she was scratching a post) or rainstorms (if she was washing her face).

MYTH: If a cat licks its fur against the grain, a hailstorm is coming….

Before radars existed, sailors brought cats on board to help predict the weather (and to chase the rats that made their way into the sailors’ food supplies!). Hail was on the way if the cat licked its fur against the grain. If the cat sneezed, the sailors knew to prepare for rain, and if a cat was acting frisky, a windstorm was brewing!

MYTH: If the anthill is closed, a thunderstorm is on the way.

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) in China, people perfected the art of weather prediction via animals. But they weren’t drawing conclusions from cats and dogs—they were using insects! According to this proverb, a closed anthill indicated a thunderstorm in the near future.

MYTH: Aching knees predict a storm.

How many times has your grandma claimed to predict an incoming storm—rain, snow or even a blizzard—with her aching knees? Research has shown that a change in barometric pressure can cause joint pain, so while grandma’s predictions certainly aren’t scientifically accurate, there may be some truth in those sore knees!

MYTH: A ring around the moon means rain or snow is coming.

An old folk legend states that if you see a ring around the moon, you can predict rain or snow. Unfortunately, the ring around the moon is an optical illusion—you’re actually seeing diffracted light rays hitting ice crystals in our own atmosphere. So while the ring may indicate that a storm is on the way to the (region), you’re better off checking the radar to make a firm prediction!

How (Your City) Experts Really Do It

No cats, ants or knees here—today, meteorologists predict the weather using radar, satellite and light detection (LIDAR) technology. With these devices, meteorologists can see large air masses and where they’re forming over the earth. Because air masses typically move quite predictably, scientists can predict weather patterns and types fairly accurately. It’s when they try to predict specific storms that things get a little less certain.

Blizzards

South Central Kentucky residents who are familiar with lake effect will be the first to tell you that blizzard prediction is an inexact science! Blizzards depend on the arrival of a cold front in conjunction with moisture and low atmospheric pressures. While satellites and radars can predict these weather patterns a few weeks in advance, those patterns can change very quickly. Things are literally “up in the air” when these systems can either create a blizzard or bring in a warm front instead!

Wind

South Central Kentucky residents who suffer through the lake effect each winter know that winds have the power to cause a lot of damage. Luckily, meteorologists use a variety of factors to predict windstorms. Besides the typical satellites and radar measurements, they also look at ocean currents to see how rough the surface is. Weather balloon data also measures and transmits wind speeds to scientists. When you see reports of high winds, pay attention and take precautions to stay safe!

Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling of Bowling Green, serves the following communities: Rochester, Morgantown, Lewisburg, Welchs Creek, Jetson, Auburn, Russellville, Olmstead, Allensville, Adairville, Roundhill, Bee Spring, Mammoth Cave, Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Bowling Green, Rockfield, Woodburn, Alvaton, Oakland, Smiths Grove, Franklin, Scottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Park City, Cave City, Glasgow, Lucas, Austin, Mount Hermon, Fountain Run, Tompkinsville, Gamaliel, Hestand, Horse Cave, Center, Knob Lick, Edmonton, Summer Shade, Dubre.

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

Posted on: 04/05/2012

March comes in like a lion, but it doesn’t really go out like a lamb. Instead, the spring storms that arrive during this time of year depart like St. Patrick’s Day revelers who’ve had too much green beer—it can get a little messy. Since your house is just waking up from a long winter nap, right now it needs extra TLC. Below you’ll find some of the fastest, easiest ways you can get your property ready for the spring storm season. Some of these fixes are DIY projects while others may require professional assistance. Rest assured that Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of (location) is here to help give your home a springtime makeover in preparation for the boisterous weather ahead.

Things That Go Boom in the Night

With thunderstorms, it’s not really the thunder that gets you—it’s the rain. We all know the Great Lakes region suffers through copious downpours in the spring! Warm, moisture-laden air travels over most of the country at this time of year, bringing much needed water to freshly sprouting vegetation. You’ll enjoy those May flowers. In the meantime, you may not enjoy the flooding and mold problems that happen when rain is too much of a good thing.

What to Do:

· Clean out your gutters and check them for leaks. Don’t forget to check the downspouts for hidden clogs. Use a garden hose sprayer and a plumber’s snake to unblock downspouts if necessary.

· Consider grading your lawn and installing French drains to direct water away from your foundation and prevent water from pooling in your yard.

· If you have a basement, ensure that the sump pump has a backup power source. Otherwise, it won’t do you any good during a thunderstorm accompanied by a power outage. Installing a backup sump pump is also a good idea. You might even install one with an alarm that lets you know when the basement is flooding. These days, alarm messages can be sent to your phone!

· damage after the snowstorm. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover de-icer in your garage!

· Have any leftover snow from previous storms removed from your roof in preparation for a spring blizzard. Snow removal reduces the total load of snow on your roof and lessens the chance of collapse. This is especially necessary for spring snow because it tends to be particularly heavy and wet.

With Hailstones Like These, Who Needs Golf Balls?

Hail is something every Great Lakes and Ohio Valley homeowner dreads (even though we do like to brag about the size of the biggest hailstones we’ve seen). These storms are often accompanied by lightning and high winds. It’s like Nature is pitching a fit—when it all starts hitting the roof it’s not a pretty sight.

What to Do:

· Close your blinds, shades or curtains. Fasten these window coverings to the windowsill or wall with tape or tacks. That way, if hail does break a window, the glass won’t be blown throughout the room.

· Stock up on some plywood and plastic sheeting so you can immediately patch up damaged windows and prevent rain from getting inside your house.

· Use thick blankets to protect vehicles and other property that can’t be put under a carport or in the garage. This may reduce the impact of hail enough to avoid paint damage and minor dents.

· If the hail is severe and large (at least ¾” in diameter), go ahead and call a roofing restoration specialist while you wait it out. That way, you can be one of the first clients on the list for damage assessment and repairs after the storm.

Everyone Knows It’s Windy

Straight-line winds are common throughout the central regions of the U.S. as the weather warms up. Knowing that you’ve done what you can to keep your house from being totally trashed can help you ride out these wind disasters. Some of the same technology that helps limit damage from hurricanes can also be used for protection against tornadoes and straight-line winds.

What to Do:

· Consider protecting your home with roof tie-down clips. These clips anchor the roof deck to the frame of your house to make the whole structure stronger. Unlike many other roof upgrades, they don’t require extensive retrofitting.

· Install storm shutters and wind resistant doors. These can be helpful in protecting against wind, keeping out water and preventing damage.

· Add a vertical bracing system to your garage door. This type of system takes only a few minutes to put in place (after initial installation) so you can prep your garage at a moment’s notice.

· Prune trees so that the branches are a safe distance away from the roof or other structures around the house. Branches scraping across the roof can do a lot of damage to shingles and flashing. Broken limbs falling on your roof can cause an instant leak.

· If a piece of yard furniture is light enough for you to lift it, high winds can probably pick it up too. Store loose furniture, toys, decorations, lawn equipment, and other items in a garage or shed. Offer to help neighbors move their lawn furniture too since windstorms don’t respect property lines!

Paul Davis Restoration/Emergency Services of Bowling Green serves the following communities: Morgantown, Rochester, Lewisburg, Jetson, Welchs Creek, Auburn, Russellville, Olmstead, Allensville, Adairville, Bowling Green, Rockfield, Woodburn, Alvaton, Oakland, Smiths Grove, Franklin, Scottsville, Adolphus, Holland, Bee Spring, Roundhill, Mammoth Cave, Brownsville, Rocky Hill, Park City, Cave City, Lucas, Austin, Glasgow, Horse Cave, Center, Knob Lick, Edmonton, Summer Shade, Dubre, Mount Hermon, Fountain Run, Gamaliel, Tompkinsville, Hestand.

9 Ways Storms can infiltrate your home:

Posted on: 02/29/2012

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary – a shelter in the storm. But all too often a blizzard, flood or other severe weather event can penetrate that sanctuary. At Paul Davis Restoration of South Central Kentucky, we’ve seen even sturdy, well-maintained properties sustain serious damage as a result of stormy weather. And we’re not just talking about rain and snowstorms. This could be a windstorm tearing through Bowling Green, or a firestorm that occurs as a result of downed power lines from that windstorm. Once a home is opened to the elements, things rapidly get worse. That’s why it’s so important to repair storm-related damage ASAP. Here’s a list of the most common ways your home can be infiltrated by the outside world in a storm…and what to do about it!

1. Falling Trees

In a windstorm or a tornado, trees are often unavoidable casualties. A heavy tree limb or an entire uprooted sapling can pierce through a roof with enough force to reach all the way into the attic. Pine trees are ubiquitous in this region, and even a pine’s smaller branches can damage shingles – leading to insidious leaks that develop slowly over time. Either way, you can end up with mold in your attic insulation. Limit your home’s risk of tree damage by keeping branches trimmed at least 3 feet away from your roof.

2. Broken Windows

You may have heard that the sudden drop in air pressure during a hurricane can cause windows to explode. That’s a dramatic idea, but flying debris is the usual culprit when your windows end up broken in a storm. Golf ball-sized hail that’s driven sideways by the wind can also crack your windows. Even if a window isn’t broken, the seal around the window may be damaged by severe weather. This makes windows a prime entry point for moisture that leads to mildew.

3. Busted Pipes

If you live up in the northern states, you probably know what it’s like to have a blizzard bust your pipes. It’s too darn cold to air out the house and you can’t necessarily get a plumber to your home in the middle of a snowstorm. The best you can do is turn off the water and try to soak up any standing puddles. Areas of carpeting are at special risk since they absorb water into the carpet fibers and padding. If the pipe bursts inside a wall, that’s even worse since you can do little to remedy the situation. A plumber can fix the leak, but that doesn’t repair the water damage that’s already been done. That’s why it’s so important to call a restoration firm as well as a plumber after a pipe leak.

4. Scared Rodents

People and pets aren’t the only ones seeking a safe place to hide in a hurricane or a blizzard. Birds, raccoons, mice, squirrels and rats may all be looking for ways into your home during a storm. An improperly maintained chimney or a missing fascia vent is all they need to infiltrate your attic. Once they move down into your walls, you’re in real trouble. The sooner you get them cleared out (along with their droppings and nesting materials), the better. Remember, these critters are just as comfortable in a big city like Louisville as they are in rural Kentucky. So, don’t assume you’re home is safe from vermin just because it’s in an urban area.

5. Backed Up Sewers

This is by far the nastiest storm disaster. Torrential rains, hurricanes and spring flooding are all culprits in overloading or blocking storm drains and sewer systems. Mold isn’t the only problem you have to worry about when you get sewage backup in your home. Untreated water is often teeming with bacteria. If a sewer in your neighborhood is backed up, immediately plug up all your drains (including the toilet). These are the prime entry points for sewage infiltration. Should your home become contaminated by sewage, it’s important to call a qualified restoration professional. Paul Davis Restoration of South Central Kentucky can help!

6. Rising Waters

Coastal regions, the Great Lakes and low-lying areas along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers are frequent sites of storm-related flooding. Rising waters from a flash flood make a big splash (no pun intended), but a rising water table underground can also cause flooding in your basement. Pay attention to the total amount of rainfall and snowmelt occurring in your area to gauge your risk for flooding. Use the National Weather Service website to check for flash flood warnings in your area.

7. High Winds

In the most extreme winds, your shingles may achieve lift off. This doesn’t just happen during hurricanes. Incorrect installation (particularly the placement of nails) is a common cause of asphalt shingle loss during high winds. Check your roof after a windstorm, paying close attention to the edges of the roofline where shingles are most vulnerable.

8. Muddy Footprints

Sometimes, the one bringing the stormy mess inside is you! Sometimes it’s hard not to track wet soil indoors when it’s everywhere…that’s why so many families in Kentucky have mud rooms. If you do end up with sludge in your house, get a professional to look at the dirty areas. Some soils contain lots of iron, which causes staining. Other kinds of dirt are filled with grit, which can tear up your carpets if you let it get ground in. Correct cleanup from mud damage will depend on what type of soil you have in your area.

9. Clogged Gutters

As winter wanes you may have periods of warm weather. Of course, it could be followed by cold weather! The cycle of warm-cold-warm-cold can cause ice dams. Ice dams are formed when melting ice clogs up gutters and then refreezes when the weather turns cold. Any excess water that melts behind the dams has nowhere to go and backs up under shingles, into attics and walls. To prevent ice dams make sure your gutters are clean of leaves and twigs. If safe, remove any snow and ice from them before they cause damage.

Paul Davis Restoration of South Central Kentucky serves the following locations: Allen County, Barren County, Butler County, Edmonson County, Logan County, Metcalfe County, Monroe County, Simpson County and Warren County.

5 Suprising Places to Look for Mold

Posted on: 03/08/2012

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

Posted on: 02/07/2012

You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If you don’t own an underground storage cellar, you’re going to end up flying through the air and swallowed up by a big, dark cloud. But forget the silver screen – Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green has seen the aftermath of real storms, right in our area. We’ve experienced the true-life heartbreaking stories…and have proudly helped families restore their property after they’ve thought there was no way to repair the damage. In the process of helping property owners recover after a windstorm, we’ve also learned about some other surprising lifesavers that can protect Kentuckians and your property from a windstorm. Here are 8 tips we hope can help you.

Your Door - Wind pressure can rip your home open at its weakest points. You may think the most likely points of damage are the windows, but doors are also vulnerable. Doors manufactured before 1994 aren’t usually rated for pressure. Consider replacing your exterior doors with newer models that are code approved for both wind pressure and debris impact. Have them installed to open outward rather than inward.
Wooden Furniture - A sturdy, solid piece of wooden furniture can be your best friend during a tornado or hurricane. As part of your emergency preparedness plan, think about which table, desk, or workbench you can easily move to the safest part of your house such as the bathroom or closet (make sure the furniture fits through the door). When you hide under this piece of furniture, you will have an extra shield against falling debris – including heavy pieces like roofing materials or tree branches
Mulch, Gravel and Rock are lovely choices for landscaping. But they can easily become deadly projectiles in high winds. They can break your windows and cause shrapnel-like damage to the human body. If you live in an area that is prone to windstorms, use materials like wood mulch instead of gravel in your flowerbeds. Choose to pave your driveway with concrete instead of pebbles. And remember, any play or lawn care equipment not secured in your yard (swing set, trampoline, lawnmower, etc.) can turn into a large, heavy missile during high winds. If there’s a storm warning in the Bowling Green area, move whatever you can from your yard safely into the garage.
Trimmed Hedges - Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. Anytime you see vegetation and trees growing into the utility lines near your home, give the city a call to report this unsafe condition. When they cut back vegetation, this reduces the risk that you will step outside after a windstorm and find that downed power lines are energizing the puddles of rainwater and sleet around your home.
Duct Tape - Don’t laugh! This adhesive really is very useful during and after a windstorm. Securing windows with duct tape does little to improve protection from broken glass (boarding up your windows is ideal). But it can be helpful for other last minute safety adjustments since this tape is strong and waterproof. You could use it to help keep smaller items in place should the roof blow off during a hurricane or tornado. For example, you might tape extra emergency-preparedness supplies and tools to the underside of heavy pieces of furniture. Duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain. You can use tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out when a windstorm is accompanied by a blizzard.
A Whistle - If you get trapped under debris when structures collapse in a tornado or hurricane, blowing a whistle may save your life. The sound will travel farther than your voice with far less effort. A loud whistle can sometimes be heard through solid structures. A safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting.
Waterproof, Heavy Duty Flashlight - You can use a bright flashlight to signal rescuers in low light situations during pounding, wind-driven rain. Sound does not carry very well during extreme windy events, especially upwind in a rainstorm. If you sustain injuries that prevent you from speaking, flashing a light can draw attention to you when you need help most. Take a moment to learn SOS in Morse code if you don’t know it already (· · · — — — · · ·). Power may be out immediately after a windstorm. A reliable emergency light source will help you get around in the dark without injury. Keep in mind that a flashlight may require backup batteries to ensure longer life.
Air Purifier - An air purifier that removes both particulates and chemicals may help keep your family comfortable indoors during a severe-weather event (assuming the power stays on). As staying inside is your safest option in any windstorm, you might as well still have access to fresh air!

The First 5 Calls to Make after a Disaster

Posted on: 01/10/2012

Are you “fingertipready” for South Central Kentucky’s next major storm? Paul DavisRestoration/Emergency Services of Bowling Green is here to help you determinewho you should call first in the event of a snow storms, floods and otherdisasters. Plus, we share some tips for your out-of-state loved ones.

TheFirst 5 Calls to Make After a Snowstorm or Flood

Who should you call when adisaster strikes your home? In some cases, this depends on the nature of thecatastrophe. If a major flood, snowstorm, or mudslide has hit South CentralKentucky, you may be in the middle of a natural disaster that is affectinghundreds or thousands of families. In this case, landlines and cell towerscould be affected, limiting who you can contact immediately.

In contrast, if a tornadotouched down briefly or a household fire started down the block, the damage maybe limited to a few homes. It’s still adisaster for you if your house was involved, but you’ll probably have access tomore immediate support.

Ingeneral, here are the most important calls to make:

First Responders – Emergency services are likely to be overwhelmed in the event of a snowstorm or flood. Call 911 only if there is an immediate danger to your life and health or that of your family. Otherwise, contact neighbors or friends to help you out (or so you can help each other).
Utilities – A broken gas line or a downed overhead power line can be a serious hazard after a flood or blizzard. Call the utility company right away to address the issue. Move to a safer area until a crew arrives and corrects the problem.
Loved Ones – You’ll want to contact family and friends to let them know you are OK and to check on their well-being. In the event of a major disaster, use text messaging when possible to minimize the overload on the voice network. Get in touch with at least one person who lives outside your local area. This individual may serve as an important contact point in getting you the help and information you need (such as the distribution locations for the American Red Cross or local relief agencies).
Shelter – If your home is unsafe or completely destroyed in a major disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to provide temporary housing. The number is (800) 621-3362 to register for assistance. FEMA may also have vital information about where to find necessities like food and clothing after a disaster.
Restoration – Once you’ve ensured your family is safe, it’s time to start the process of rescuing your home. This involves contacting your insurance company, submitting a claim and working with a company that specializes in property damage clean up and repair. Most policies require you as the homeowner to make immediate reasonable repairs to your home following a disaster to prevent additional damage and will reimburse you for these repairs. Don’t wait for a contractor to knock on your door (there will be all kinds of fly-by-night repair companies coming through your town after a snow storms and floods). Be proactive in calling a licensed restoration company that specializes in repairing the specific type of damage your home sustained in the disaster (we suggest Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green).

AdditionalTips:

The amount of warning youhave before an event can also affectyour communication strategy. You might be able to make some of your calls aheadof time rather than after the fact. For example, notify your employer that youprobably won’t show up for work tomorrow because a major weather event headedyour way is likely to cause damage.

And if you know someone whois experiencing a disaster in their own city, be in contact with them and letthem know you’re there to help. You may be able to serve as a resource to themeven from thousands of miles away.

Holiday Safety Tips

Posted on: 12/14/2011

GREAT LAKES, OHIO VALLEY REGION /Follow These Home Safety Tips Before You Deck the Halls

The season of good cheer is an exciting time of year. The day afterThanksgiving, lights are already going up all over South Central Kentucky.However, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can lead to all kinds ofunfortunate accidents. You already know about the hazards of deep frying aturkey or climbing on an icy roof to put up Christmas lights. So instead, wehere at Paul Davis Bowling Green have gone the less obvious route. Here are 8off-the-beaten-path holiday safety tips to protect your loved ones and yourproperty from dangers.

FIRE IN THE FLUE: When you’re lighting up the wood fireplace, you have more to worry about than just soot or creosote residue causing a fire in your flue. There’s also the risk of barbecuing a raccoon, squirrel, or bird that’s gotten wedged in your chimney. That’s a good reason to have your chimney swept and cleaned before you light up that Yule log. Just have the chimney sweep check to make sure it’s not Santa stuck up there.
WARM AND TOASTED: Perhaps you live up north but have your California cousins staying over the holidays. Using a space heater for the guest room may seem like a good way to keep the shivering relatives warm. However, space heaters are involved in 25% of home heating fires (and cause 75% of home heating-related fatalities). It might be safer to simply turn up the thermostat on your central heating to keep everyone cozy -

http://restorationbowlinggreen.com/fire-smoke-damage.

WINTER SLIP AND SLIDE: A blizzard can make it difficult to open a door; but even a small snowdrift can make it tough to close your sliding glass door. When you slide the door open, snow that’s piled up on the other side falls down into the track. This creates an icy obstacle in the door track and leaves a pile of snow to melt on your floor, creating a slip and fall hazard. To prevent this, keep the outer sliding screen closed during snowy weather. It will act as a buffer to keep most of the snow from direct contact with your glass door.
NOT SO WARM TIDINGS: Did you know that homes located along lakes or major rivers can be at risk for flooding during the winter holidays? Winter windstorms can create tidal flooding, ice jams can break suddenly, or an unexpected winter thaw can cause a sudden rise in water levels. FEMA provides a full list of ways to protect your home from flood damage –http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=4654.
THE DE-ICE THAT’S NICE: De-icing your walkway is a smart safety tip; but it can cause damage to your property. Regular rock salt can harm concrete and kill vegetation. Treat the pathway to your home with more environmentally friendly magnesium chloride instead. Mix this ice melt product with green sand to cut down on salt contamination even further and add a festive look to your walkway.
GET A WARM GLOW: Christmas lights installed alongside walkways during snowy and icy weather are actually a good safety tool. These lights give off a soft glow at night - unlike harsh halogen lamps that create glare. If you pick a neutral color like gold or white, you can leave them in place even after the holidays are over.
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GASHING: Cuts from scissors or knives used to open gifts are some of the most common gift-related accidents. Keep your party from turning into a bloodbath by purchasing gifts that are easy to open and avoiding those sealed clamshell plastic packages. Remember, everybody loves a gift bag!
CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: It’s all fun and games at Christmas until someone puts their back out. Cords from holiday decorations and toys can create a spider web of tripping hazards across the floor. Make sure to keep at least one pathway in the front room clear at all times.

College Bowl Contest

Posted on: 12/01/2011

Watch for the 2011-2012 PDR College Bowl Mania Contest! The final teams will be picked this weekend and pick sheets will be sent out Tuesday, December 6, 2011. Enter to win a chance at a $100 gift certificate!

September is National Preparedness Month

Posted on: 09/09/2011

Every year, Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green participates in National Preparedness Month in September to spread the word to individuals and families about the importance for being ready for disasters.

The program is sponsored by The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign. Visit www.Ready.gov for information.

The key is to be informed and have a plan that you and your family discuss and practice. It is equally important to have an Emergency Ready Kit stocked and ready in case a disaster strikes. Below is a quick list of the items that every Emergency Ready Kit should contain.

Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
First aid kit – to include bandages; sterile gloves; antibiotic ointment; iodine/alcohol pads; medical tape; pain reliever; emergency blanket; thermometer; prescription medications, and other prescribed medical supplies.
Clothing – A change of clothing and a sleeping bag for each person
Battery-powered or hand crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio, extra batteries
Cell Phone and charger
Flashlight and extra batteries
Filter masks – to cover mouth and nose
Heavy weight garbage bags, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to protect against debris and toxins
Waterproof, portable containers – for critical documents such as IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, computer backup files, emergency and law enforcement information, and other priority documents. Store a second set of records at an off-site location.

See our Emergency Ready Kit video.

Water Clean Up	Mold Damage & Remediation
Water Removal	Reconstruction Services
Fire & Smoke Clean Up	Contents Cleaning
Fire & Smoke Repair	Wind & Storm Damage

Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green
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Before and After Pictures

The PDR Blog

Top 4 Disastrous Kentucky Family Reunion Mistakes

Top 10 Billion Dollar Disasters

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homewoners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

9 Ways Storms can infiltrate your home:

5 Suprising Places to Look for Mold

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make after a Disaster

Holiday Safety Tips

College Bowl Contest

September is National Preparedness Month

Top 4 Disastrous Kentucky Family Reunion Mistakes

Top 10 Billion Dollar Disasters

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homewoners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

9 Ways Storms can infiltrate your home:

5 Suprising Places to Look for Mold

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make after a Disaster

Holiday Safety Tips

College Bowl Contest

September is National Preparedness Month

Join the Conversation on Facebook

Latest Tweets from Paul Davis

Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair

Events

Regional Finals

March Madness

Regional Finals

March Madness

Regional Finals

March Madness

Before and After Pictures

The PDR Blog

Top 4 Disastrous Kentucky Family Reunion Mistakes

Top 10 Billion Dollar Disasters

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homewoners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

9 Ways Storms can infiltrate your home:

5 Suprising Places to Look for Mold

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make after a Disaster

Holiday Safety Tips

College Bowl Contest

September is National Preparedness Month

Top 4 Disastrous Kentucky Family Reunion Mistakes

Top 10 Billion Dollar Disasters

4 Hilarious Gadgets for Kentucky Homewoners

4 Outstanding Children's Books About Safety for Families in South Central Kentucky

Mythical Ways to Predict a Storm

Fastest Ways to Prep for a Spring Storm

9 Ways Storms can infiltrate your home:

5 Suprising Places to Look for Mold

8 Surprising Lifesavers in a Windstorm

The First 5 Calls to Make after a Disaster

Holiday Safety Tips

College Bowl Contest

September is National Preparedness Month

Join the Conversation on Facebook

Latest Tweets from Paul Davis

Paul Davis Restoration of Bowling Green
Water, Fire & Mold Damage, Cleanup & Repair