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6 Steps to Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

8/31/2016

 

Whether you’re keeping up with the Joneses or capturing attention from would-be buyers, give your home’s curb appeal a boost with easy steps, such as making a list of any imperfections that require replacing or repair; prioritizing your to-do list, taking your budget into account; cleaning siding, doors, shutters and delicate items like patio tables with a power washer; making improvements to stop current and prevent future problems; cleaning outdoor surfaces such as decks, sidewalks and driveways; and adding finishing touches like flowers, lighting and other small details.


6 Steps to Up Your Home's Curb Appeal

(Family Features) For good or bad, first impressions count. Whether you’re keeping up with the Joneses or capturing attention from would-be buyers, give your home’s curb appeal a boost with these easy steps.

  1. Even if you’re not planning to sell, give your home a once-over with the critical eye of a buyer. Make a list of any imperfections that require replacing or repair, and be sure to look from all angles. Also, consider a follow-up exam at a different time of day, when different lighting may reveal new flaws, and even invite a friend or family member to lend their own critique for issues you may have become desensitized to over time.
  1. Prioritize your to-do list, taking into account your budget, which changes will make the biggest impact to your home’s appearance and weather considerations (save painting for a dry day with moderate temperatures). If you’re in doubt about which items should receive the most attention, a qualified real estate agent or appraiser can give you some guidance, not only on the improvements that will bring the greatest return on investment, but also insight on the features buyers in today’s market value most.
  1. Don’t overlook the impact of cleanliness. As the calendar pages turn, your home’s exterior accumulates a layer of dust and dirt that can dull its overall appearance. An adjustable pressure washer with Briggs & Stratton POWERflow+ Technology will let you wash siding, garage doors and shutters without stripping paint, as well as delicate items such as glass top patio tables. With the high-flow mode, which delivers up to five gallons per minute, you’ll have extended reach to clean second story windows, eaves and gutters or to blast away hard-to-reach cobwebs.
  1. Even when your goal is upping the aesthetics, keep function top of mind. Avoid putting off improvements that will stop current damage or prevent future problems. For example, chipping paint isn’t only unsightly, it can lead to rotted wood. Similarly, unkempt landscaping not only looks uninviting, it can harbor creepy crawlies and other critters you’d just as soon not make welcome.
  1. Beware of decks, sidewalks and driveways with faded slats and discolored stains, as these can be telltale signs of a home’s age. Fortunately, it’s actually quite easy and affordable to give these areas a facelift. Skip the messy buckets and brush, and instead reach for an outdoor cleaning tool such as one of Briggs & Stratton’s rotating surface cleaners. These cleaners have integrated detergent tanks to apply and then quickly help deep clean large outdoor areas, while controlling overspray to protect walls and flower beds.
  1. Simple finishing touches can go a long way. Little details like new house numbers, freshly potted or planted flowers, a new porch light and a pretty seasonal wreath on the door all create a cheery, welcoming impression for visitors.

Find more solutions to make the view from your curb as appealing as possible at briggsandstratton.com.

SOURCE:
Briggs & Stratton

Bold and Blended

8/30/2016

 

Remodeling your home can be a big, and oftentimes, overwhelming project, but it doesn’t always have to be. If you’re not looking to do a whole home renovation, and just want to give your interior a little pick-me-up, consider revamping colors, textures and your home appliances with these simple tips.


Bold and Blended

Upgrade your home without a full renovation

(Family Features) Remodeling your home can be a big, and oftentimes, overwhelming project, but it doesn’t always have to be. Sometimes all you really need is a fresh coat of paint or smaller upgrades. If you’re not looking to do a whole home renovation, and just want to give your interior a little pick-me-up, consider revamping colors, textures and your home appliances with these simple tips from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating.

Color Is Key
Daring patterns and color combos are gaining favor in homes across the country, especially in the most used room in the house – the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh, new look by taking a multi-toned cabinetry approach. Apply different shades to your upper and lower cabinets to create a completely new feel. Opting for colored cabinets, as opposed to a stain, helps develop a broader palette for the space and produces an identifiable color scheme. A similar approach can be taken for kitchens with islands. Make your island the focal point by opting for a vibrantly colored base or countertop.

When it comes to your countertops and backsplashes, you can also achieve a standout look with a high-contrast approach. Pair deeply colored counters or backsplashes with more subtly hued cabinets and flooring to make a dramatic statement.

Blend In
Whether your style is big and bold or clean and minimalistic, creating a cohesive look for a space is important. Oftentimes, outdated home appliances get in the way of an otherwise seamless home design. A simple home appliance upgrade can easily change the overall style of a room for the better.

With more homeowners tuned into online and televised DIY resources, manufacturers are challenged like never before to deliver high-end products that blend flawlessly into the background of a living space. One example is Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series indoor units. These units are sleek, stylish, slim and available in three different colors – glossy white, matte silver and glossy black – making matching the appliance to the style of a space effortless.

A Little Texture Goes a Long Way
Also take into consideration textures and materials – tile and stone are the norm, but unexpected pairings such as brick and butcher block can lend a whole new level of style.

These simple details can make a drastic difference in the feel of your home, no matter what room in the house you’re sprucing up. In the kitchen or bathroom, choosing the right style and material of countertop can make or break your intended design. For example, the beauty of granite’s natural patterns make it a one-of-a-kind look for your home, while a newer kitchen design trend, stainless steel, provides a distinctive look.

Another easy way to play with the texture in your home is by placing small, decorative objects throughout your living quarters. Natural and organic objects, like shells, stones or twigs, can be used to inject an outdoor feel in different rooms.

Most importantly, consider balance when seeking out different textures. Overdoing it can detract from your attempts to liven up your home, making it instead feel cluttered or disorganized.

Find the right features
While the aesthetic fit of a new appliance is important, so are the features that ensure your purchase answers the needs of your lifestyle. When shopping for updated appliances, look at how the models you’re considering perform in areas such as:

  • Noise control: Especially if you’re replacing an older cooling and heating system, you may have been battling the sounds it was emitting for years. You’ll immediately notice the difference with many of today’s appliances, which are designed to offer quiet operation. Some even function at a sound level lower than a human whisper.
  • Energy management: Look for models that offer features to help manage your energy consumption. One solution is a timer that allows you to create scheduling options to adjust the temperature, and thus the amount of energy, being used in rooms when they are not occupied.
  • Intelligent comfort: For appliances like refrigerators and freezers, it’s an automatic assumption that they will maintain a consistent temperature. You may be surprised to discover that other appliances can offer the same continuity when it comes to comfort. For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series indoor units offer Econo Cool, a temperature control feature that automatically adjusts airflow speed to maintain the desired level of comfort once it has been established.
  • Programmable functions: With continuous developments in technology, various home appliances now have the capability to connect to smart phones and tablets. Through these apps, you can regulate multiple settings for your home appliance operations from virtually anywhere with just a click of a button.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, these units give homeowners the ability to choose their desired room temperature for each zone in their home, while using 30-40 percent less energy than traditional cooling and heating systems, and providing better indoor air quality. Learn more at mitsubishicomfort.com.

SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric


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Tips for Tackling Storm-Related Roof Damage

8/28/2016

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Having your home severely damaged by a storm can turn your world upside down. Often, foremost among your concerns will be your roof, as it is protects the rest of your home and possessions. Take action on your post-storm repair process with these tips.


Tips for Tackling Storm-Related Roof Damage

(Family Features) Having your home severely damaged by a storm can turn your world upside down. The damage could simply be cosmetic, or so extensive as to render your home uninhabitable. In either case, you need to act fast, but smart, to ensure that your home will be properly repaired.

Often, foremost among your concerns will be your roof, as it is protects the rest of your home and possessions. Start your post-storm repair process with these tips from the experts at CertainTeed Roofing.


  1. Keep safety first. Leave emergency repairs to the professionals. A crisis that affects your home is an emotional event, but your safety is paramount. Do not attempt any emergency repairs unless you are qualified to do so.
  1. Prepare for your insurance adjuster. Take time to do your own documentation. Take plenty of photos and notes on the damage to your home. This information will become a helpful checklist to compare against the insurance company’s findings. When it comes to the roof, check outside for things such as blown off shingles, damaged gutters and large branches that may have fallen onto your home. Also, if you can safely access your attic, examine the underside of your roof for damage or leaks. 
  1. Find the right contractor. You will want to interview at least three contractors for your roof repair. This allows you to compare prices, work styles and other factors before making your selection. Here are some key questions to ask:

    • Are you a credentialed installer? Most shingle manufactures have strict guidelines for installation. These assure that you get the best performance and meet the requirements for the product and/or workmanship warranty. For example, CertainTeed Roofing issues education-based credentials such as the ShingleMaster or SELECT ShingleMaster.

    • Do you have storm experience? Some contractors are experienced in storm restoration and trained in storm damage evaluation and repair. These are the contractors you want when dealing with an insurance claim.

    • Where is your business located? You will want a local contractor with an established business location who can provide at least four to five references. This way, if you need to follow up for any reason, they will be easy to reach.

    • Do you carry liability and worker’s comp insurance? Your contractor should be fully insured with liability and workers compensation insurance. This will protect you should any workers get hurt during the repair process.

    • Are you licensed with the state or municipality? The answer to this question may be no, as not all states or municipalities have licensing requirements for roofing contractors. If licensing is required, there are websites, such as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, where you can look up a company’s status.

    • Check for special repair designations required by your insurance. In some instances, insurance companies require that certain materials be used in the repair of your home. In areas prone to hail storms, for example, you may be required to install shingles that are classified as impact resistant, which stand up better to hailstorms.

Find more tips to help guide your roof repair, and find qualified installers in your area, at CertainTeed.com.

SOURCE:
CertainTeed


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You're Free! Five Great Ideas for Repurposing Kids' Bedrooms

8/28/2016

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(BPT) - Now that your kids have launched lives of their own, you may be considering how to maximize the extra space they left behind.

Making renovations can be a fun way to turn their now-empty rooms into a useful and/or relaxing space for your own enjoyment. And your timing could be spot on; a recent survey found half of empty-nesters of pre-retirement age are opting to stay in their family homes instead of downsizing.

"Retirement isn't all about being practical," notes Ken Dychtwald of California-based consulting firm Age Wage. "More and more people are turning their empty nests into nurturing nests."

Even better, with today's easy-to-use construction tools, repurposing rooms can be stress-free and efficient. If you haven't engaged in DIY projects lately, it's worthwhile to check out some of the newest market innovations in saws, cordless drills, portable nailers and belt sanders. One of the most consumer-friendly is the RotoSaw+ with Dust Vault attachment from RotoZip that can effectively custom-cut a variety of materials (including drywall) while reducing the dust and debris that is sure to be produced by any great remodel project by 90 percent.

Here are some DIY ideas for using such tools to repurpose your space:


*Private gym:
Building a workout space right into your home should eliminate any excuses to avoid exercise. Features might include mirrored walls, storage space for gear, a sound system, extra ventilation and/or rubber floor tiles for acoustic control.

*Man or woman cave:
This room could incorporate an endless array of hobbies specific to your interests including reading, watching movies, creating art, practicing music, playing video games or cheering on your favorite sports team.

*Guest bedroom: Now that your kids have flown the coop, you have more time to entertain friends, whereupon an appealing guest bedroom could be a boom to your social life. Another option is using space-saving furniture to combine a guest bedroom with a room that serves other purposes, such as an office or reading room.

*Walk-in closet:
Multiple retailers now offer dream closet components like drawers, bars, shelves, mirrors and containers. Consider a vanity and/or benches for relaxing as you apply makeup, try on shoes and accessories and create the perfect outfit.

*Meditation room: Create a space to recharge yourself physically and mentally, perhaps with natural light, a sound system and elements of nature like plants, flowers and/or a water fountain. To achieve a Zen quality, minimal furniture and accessories are recommended. Pastels or dark colors are considered the most relaxing colors. Consider building a customized meditation table to work as the centerpiece of your room.

Your DIY remodeling project doesn't have to be complicated. RotoZip offers three models of RotoSaws able to cut multiple surfaces while greatly reducing construction dust and debris. Call 1-877-ROTOZIP or visit www.rotozip.com for more info.


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Color psychology: Using different hues to create emotion with paint

8/27/2016

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(BPT) - Do you ever wonder why you feel immediately relaxed when you enter a spa, yet when you enter a gym, you feel alert and energized? The answer can be found in the colors selected to decorate the space.
"Interior designers use color psychology to evoke an emotional response," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "Homeowners can use this strategy to connect colors with emotions and memories to create one-of-a-kind spaces."

Color psychology starts by exploring warm and cool hues and then using these different tones to manipulate mood throughout your home. It's easy to do with the tips below.

Warm color families

Red, orange and yellow are considered warm colors since they are associated with images of heat, like fire or sunshine. Warm families of color are bold and powerful when incorporated into home design.

Yellows
Because yellow reflects light, it's an excellent choice for foyers and dark hallways. Its cheery nature has the ability to create an uplifting mood in homes. Rich yellows are great accent colors because they catch the eye. A great color to consider is Wadden's favorite: Butterscotch SW 6377.

"This color isn't for the faint of heart," she says. "The color features an acidy, deep mustard feel but is a great accent color paired with neutrals. I find its pop can really spark up a room."

Reds
Reds evoke feelings of passion, energy and intimacy, so it's an excellent color for workout rooms and master bedrooms. Red also inspires the appetite, so is a logical choice for dining rooms or kitchens.

Michael Plank, director of color marketing and design services for Sherwin-Williams, enjoys Chinese Red SW0057.
"Chinese Red is one of my perennial favorites to play off dark stains with its saturated and sophisticated nature," he says. "Rich in hue as it is in Chinese culture; the harbinger of joy and fortune."

Oranges

Orange has a friendly attitude that awakens and welcomes. Never understated, orange works well in family rooms and is a playful choice for children's bedrooms or bonus rooms. Orange tones can also integrate into other colors, such as Coral Reef SW6606.

"Ever since I was little I had a love affair with orange," says Wadden. "I painted my daughter's room Coral Reef. I love the rich complexity of the color."

Cool color families


Blue, green and violet are considered cool colors because the inherent tones of each shade. Reminiscent of water and the outdoors, cool colors stimulate feelings of peace and tranquility, and are great options for bedrooms, bathrooms and patio spaces.

Blues

Blue is soothing and elicits feelings of relaxation, which is perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms. Alternatively, blues should be kept out of the kitchen because it's a color that's associated with appetite suppression.

"I love cool greenish blues," says Plank. "Blue Sky 0063 is from our historic palette and is a calming hue that works in virtually every room."

Greens

Green tones provide a feeling of familiarity because they are found throughout nature. Light greens are ideal for living rooms and offices; dark greens are wonderfully rich as accent colors.

Vivid greens add unexpected pop, notes Sherwin-Williams Senior designer Karrie Hodge, who likes Marea Baja SW 9185.

"I really like dark colors and this color reminds me of the deep turquoise part of the ocean," she says. "This would make a great front door color on a white or gray colored house. This color would pair well with some natural stone or brick or wood."

Violets

Purple tones are immediately attractive to children, making them a great paint option in playrooms or bonus rooms. Additionally, violet is also a stunning accent color in bathrooms.

When it comes to the violet family of colors, Hodge likes the versatility of Veri Berri SW 9069.

"Its a rich berry tone that is playful," she says. "This would make a really dramatic accent wall color in any room; I could even see this as a really fresh front door color."

For more color inspiration and to learn more about warm and cool colors, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.


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Fall entertaining forecast: casual, comfortable and outdoors

8/25/2016

 
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(BPT) - Whether an afternoon tailgating before the big game or a fun-filled evening under the dazzling autumn stars, the forecast for this season's entertaining is trending toward cozy, comfortable and outdoors.


"I think the big lifestyle shift right now is toward eating out less and entertaining more at home, and autumn is the perfect season for taking your get-togethers outside," says Keith Winkler, marketing manager for dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. "Think about it - the temperatures are cooling down following our record breaking summer heat. You can have more people at outdoor gatherings than you can generally fit in your home. Plus, there's more flexibility because you can easily have one or more set ups, whether that means setting up tables for dinner or having canapés and finger foods around a fire pit."


Fall is a great season for ditching the paper and plastic and taking your dinnerware outdoors. Tableware industry experts say there are many positives to introducing your "good stuff" to Mother Nature. It won't blow away like paper plates, and it's far more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam.


Mix it up


While serving finger foods on small plates is extremely popular and encourages your guests to mingle, there's a definite return toward the comfort and connection of a sit down meal. To set the perfect fall table, designers encourage mixing and matching patterns to reflect your distinctive style.


"I generally start with a pattern that sets the tone for the evening, one that reflects what I'm feeling for this particular gathering," says Replacements' designer Julie Robbins. "Whether that's a cute salad plate that's going to sit atop the dinner plate, or a fun color I want as my main design element or theme. I then add pieces that either draw out that feeling or ground the place setting to give me the ambiance I want for my entire table."


Robbins says that may mean pairing a current fall favorite, such as a dinner plate in Woodland by Spode, with vintage American amber glass from the 1940s. She also mixes different pieces. For example, adding a hued glass accent salad plate creates another layer of dimension, while a bright goblet can infuse a much needed pop of seasonal color.


Light up your evenings


There's really no need to go heavy on the decorations for fall outdoor entertaining. Bright leaves, pumpkins, seasonal berries and other naturals create the perfect autumn decor. Experts say you don't need a floral centerpiece if you have nature all around you. Instead, use candles to light up your evenings.


"It's time to upgrade from the Mason jar look by mixing glassware and candles," says Robbins. "Lighting can truly set the mood for your gathering, which is why I'm big on creating an eclectic grouping down the middle of my table by mixing glass and metal candlesticks with hurricanes, clear decanters and other pieces I can use to hold candles. If you don't think you have enough pieces, old tumblers make great votive cups, while you can also turn wine glasses and goblets upside down and place candles on the inverted base. This is beautiful for daytime entertaining, and when lit, creates a simple, warm feeling on those nights when you're just starting to feel a nip in the air."


Looking for more fall inspiration? Robbins and team suggest checking out Replacements' website at www.replacements.com.


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Starting Your Smart Home Transformation

8/25/2016

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Converting to a smart home may seem like an intimidating task, but breaking the process into manageable steps makes it easier to choose and install the best smart devices for your home and lifestyle. You can begin turning your house into a smart home by following these simple steps, such as setting a budget, brainstorming ideas for each room and prioritizing what you install – such as a garage door upgrade kit or opener.


Starting Your Smart Home Transformation

(Family Features) With the aid of modern technology, it’s now possible to convert virtually any ordinary house into a smart home filled with features that make daily tasks more convenient. These technologies allow for greener living, customization of your living space to personal tastes and the peace of mind that you can control key home systems with your smartphone.

Converting to a smart home may seem like an intimidating task at first, but if you break the process into manageable steps you’ll find it’s not so hard to choose and install the best smart devices for your home and lifestyle. You can begin turning your house into a smart home by following these three simple steps.

Set a budget.
All of the technology and gadgetry that comprise today’s smart homes were once viewed as luxury, reserved for the rich and famous and those whose lives played out on the big screen. What once seemed impractical for the average homeowner is now quite attainable. When you consider that some smart devices, such as light bulbs, have a life span of up to 25 years, in the end you may end up even saving money.

How much money you’ll ultimately spend to create your smart home depends on numerous factors: the size of your home, number of systems and appliances you wish to automate and the level of integration you desire are significant considerations. Assuming that your home is already wired for a high-performance broadband connection, you can get into the smart home game for under $100 with a thermostat that you can manage remotely. On the other hand, adding smart-home technology throughout the whole house will likely cost in the thousands.

Pay attention to the levels of integration various products offer. Purchasing products from brands that partner with many other smart-home device makers will help ensure the products you add in the future will work with those you install now. Selecting highly integrated products will save you time during the installation process, help you avoid unnecessary expenses down the road and improve your overall smart-home experience.

Brainstorm ideas for each room.
Once you’re past the nuts and bolts of practical considerations, it’s time to start imagining. The key about designing the perfect smart home for you is to remember that the very essence of smart devices is their ability to make your life more convenient. Choosing the products and how you connect them is all about you and your lifestyle – there’s more than just one way to build your smart home.

Go room to room in your home and think about the activities that occur in each space. Consider which of these can become easier or more enjoyable with the support of smart technology. The living room, where you likely have a host of entertainment and audio equipment, offers plenty of obvious benefits, but also look at the kitchen, for example. Did you forget to start the dishwasher on your way out the door? Initiating a wash cycle remotely will let you come home to dishes clean and ready for dinner.

Prioritize what you install.
When it’s time to begin the actual transition to a smart home, it’s a good idea to start with the most important products first. For most homeowners, those are the devices that you use every day.

Opening and closing the garage door is so much a part of your daily routine that it is often hard to remember if you closed it on the way out. Products such as the Chamberlain MyQ Garage upgrade kit, or Chamberlain garage door openers with built-in MyQ technology, put peace of mind in the palm of your hand. This technology allows you to control and check the status of your garage door from anywhere, at any time, so you know if your garage was left open or if it’s being opened while you’re not there. The innovative technology works with numerous smart-device brands and their devices, such as NEST thermostats and Xfinity home security products. Learn more at chamberlain.com.

With the all-important lead-in to your home covered, you can turn attention to devices that help manage your home’s operation and efficiency. Thermostats that auto adjust to designated climate settings are a popular option for many homeowners because they bring immediate returns in reducing your overall energy usage. Irrigation systems and power management products are also wise investments when it comes to optimizing your home’s use of natural resources.

Stepping across the threshold to a smart home may feel like a big step, but once you get settled and experience the convenience and control, you’ll likely find yourself exploring ways to incorporate smart technology every place you can.

Smart Devices for Every Room

The number of devices that can be integrated into a smart home is growing at an accelerated rate, but not all are complex gadgets and gizmos. Some of the simpler options for every room in your home include:

Living Room: Outlet Adapters

Walk into your home late at night and flip on the lights, the TV or both without searching in the dark for a switch or remote. After your smart outlet adapter is plugged into the wall, appliances can be plugged into the adapter and controlled from a smartphone.

Bedroom: Motorized Drapes

Adding motorized drapes to your bedroom allows for an easy way to adjust lighting and privacy – all without leaving the comfort of your bed. Properly adjusting drapes, which is easy to do with smartphone control, can also help manage energy consumption by regulating solar heat.

Kitchen: Coffee Maker

Wake up to your favorite morning beverage without drowsily scooping and pouring. A smart coffee maker can make the right amount of coffee at just the right time through simple settings on your smartphone.

Garage: Remote Garage Door Access

Open, close and monitor your garage door anywhere, anytime, with MyQ technology from Chamberlain. With remote access to one of the main entry points to your home, you can ensure the garage door is shut when you’re out or ready to open when you return.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Chamberlain


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Flood Recovery Tips to Get You Back on Your Feet

8/22/2016

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More than 40,000 homes flooded in the state of Louisiana after historic rainfall since Friday, Aug. 12, causing more than 20 parishes to declare federal disasters. FloodSmart, the marketing and education campaign of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, encourages residents to protect their families, property and pets as floodwaters recede, providing these tips on what to do after a flood.


Flood Recovery Tips to Get You Back on Your Feet

(Family Features) More than 40,000 homes flooded in the state of Louisiana after historic rainfall since Friday, Aug. 12, causing more than 20 parishes to declare federal disasters. Across the state, only 20 percent of homes have active flood insurance policies.

“Our top priority is the safety of Louisiana residents,” said Tony Robinson, regional administrator for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 6. “We are working closely with the Louisiana governor’s office to respond and help residents recover from this devastating flood. We encourage those with flood insurance to file a claim. People with disaster damage and expenses not covered by insurance can register for Individual Assistance from FEMA. Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA.”

Communities, families and businesses can take action to recover quickly from flooding caused by severe storms, as well as prepare for the next one. FloodSmart, the marketing and education campaign of FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, encourages residents to protect their families, property and pets as floodwaters recede, providing these tips on what to do after a flood:

Following a Flood

  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. If you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines, contact authorities.
  • Immediately remove wet carpeting, furniture and bedding. Take photos of the property before disposing of it and keep samples for the adjuster to see. For example, cut out a piece of wall-to-wall carpet. Find cleanup tips at emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods.
  • Keep your pet safe. Learn more at Ready.gov/animals.

Rebuilding After a Flood

  • Understand your flood insurance claim and policy, and call 800-621-3362 with any questions.
  • Get a repair permit from your local building official. A substantial damage determination is required for building repairs in the Special Flood Hazard Area. A building that is damaged beyond 50 percent of its market value is considered a substantially damaged building, which requires that all repairs meet local flood damage prevention ordinances. That determination is a factor in future premium rating for a flood insurance policy and is needed for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) claims.
  • Learn more about ICC, as you may be able to obtain up to an additional $30,000 toward elevating, relocating or demolishing your home to comply with local floodplain management requirements. Ask your adjustor about opening an ICC claim.
  • Ask about mitigation grants that may become available for elevating homes because of a flood. Ask your parish officials about applying to the state on your behalf for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding.

Filing An Insurance Claim

  • Know your insurance company's name, your policy number and a telephone number where you can be reached. Take photos of water in the house and anything that is damaged. List damaged or lost items. Refer to the Flood Insurance Claims Handbook to help navigate the claims process and appeal your claims decision, if necessary.
  • Review your Summary of Coverage, which helps you understand your flood insurance policy. It provides general information about deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance and how items are valued at the time of loss.
  • Ask about federal disaster assistance, which might be available if the president declares a federal disaster. Aid typically comes in the form of a loan that you pay back with interest.

To learn more about filing a flood insurance claim and flood insurance, contact your insurance agent or find one using FloodSmart’s Agent Locator Tool. Flood damage is typically not covered by homeowners insurance, so it’s important to financially protect homeowners and business owners from flooding’s costly consequences.

Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more about staying safe after a flood, and to find other helpful tips.

SOURCE:
FEMA


  • Family Features
  • FEMA 
  • flood
  • flooding
  • home
  • homeowners
  • insurance

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