Remember to practice extreme caution when handling broken pipes, as they could be more damaged than they appear and could collapse further.
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With recent freezing temperatures affecting the greater Houston area, the winter season is far from over... Read More
BBB on Homes: Follow winter weather storm damage tips
Homeowners who like the DIY repair approach need to determine how extensive the damage is, are they capable of doing the repairs, and do they have all the necessary tools and materials? Read More
DIY: When drywall is no longer dry, it’s time to repair
While some people may feel comfortable tackling the jobs themselves, many homeowners hire contractors to do most or all of the home repair or redesign work. Read More
Do your research when hiring a home contractor
With rolling blackouts and power surges causing big fluctuations and hard re-starts, home electronics can be affected, and that includes appliances. Read More
Blackout casualty? Get appliances fixed and back on track
If the storm caused extensive damage to wood, tile or carpet flooring in your home, don’t wait until you get assistance money to begin the repair process,. Read More
What's Underfoot?
To be ready for storms and flooding, be weather-ready. Check the forecast regularly, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed, sign up for notifications - Know how your community sends warning. Some communities have outdoor sirens; others use media and smart phones to alert residents to severe storms. Have a family plan and “talk it through” with family members – don’t forget to include pets in that plan.
Create a “readiness” communication plan:
This winter storm didn’t mean to take its toll on swimming pools, Texans’ cure for sweltering summers, but it did for many homeowners. Read More
Freezing weather can sink expensive pool systems
During stressful, chaotic hours of a storm or natural disaster, it’s wise to have a list of numbers and websites handy to reach out for assistance. Read More
Emergency numbers to keep on hand
Texas storms texas is a storm magnet BBB Homes Ready for a plumber DIY: When drywall is no longer dry Blackout casualty? Freezing weather can sink pools Do your research on home contractors what's undeerfoot create a readiness plan emergency numbers to keep on hanD
EMERGENCY INFO
Between no power and heat, no water, food shortages, extreme temperatures, snowfall and ice, Texans, who thought they had seen the worst with hurricane season, endured a winter storm that took everyone by surprise. Looking ahead, preparation will be critical to protect you and your family from a situation this serious. Being ready is easy to do with a premade emergency kit. According to www.Ready.Gov/Plan the goal is to be able to survive for several days with stored food, water, and a wide variety of supplies. The basic kit, which can be stored in airtight plastic bags and then put into portable containers or a duffel bag, should provide supplies for at least three days, including nonperishable foods, 1 gallon of water per person, flashlights and batteries, and first aid kit. Once basics are covered, it can be further customized with: It’s key to prepare the home as well. Insulating outside pipes ahead of time protects against the elements, and insulating hot water pipes reduces heat loss. Get materials early on to have on hand when situations arise so you’ll be ready. For hurricane season, the first thing to do is determine if you have to evacuate or shelter in place. Always heed authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay put. According to the CDC, do the following for the home: If a power loss has left you unable to prepare meals or make your daily coffee, cooking with propane and charcoal can come in very handy — even to cook items thawing in your fridge with extended power loss. Propane tanks, which come in sizes small enough for tabletop grills, can go to very large to even mid-size, from 20 and 30 pounds. Most importantly, make sure to have the correct equipment to get your gear going, from connectors to filling tanks. Many tend to forget those flame-starting matches or lighter as well. Propane and charcoal can be found at big market retailers, hardware stores, grocery stores, gas stations and online shopping venues. Last but not least is the importance of staying connected with power to get the latest information on supplies, weather advisories and being able to get in touch in case of an emergency. Portable batteries and battery packs are stronger than ever. Or, many simply purchase a generator for the home. The February 2021 Popular Mechanics article, The Best Battery Packs to Keep Your Gadgets Going, stated options are endless. Whether looking to power up your phone, tablet or laptop, know that a battery pack’s capacity is measure in milliamp hours (mAh). The capacity can range from 1,000 to tens of thousands of units. The largest could even weigh as much as a laptop. Most importantly, keep your charging gear together to simplify the process during an outage.
Texas storms: Be ready for the next big thing
With recent freezing temperatures affecting the greater Houston area, the winter season is far from over.
BBB: Follow winter weather storm damage tips
If the storm caused extensive damage to wood, tile or carpet flooring in your home, don’t wait until you get assistance money to begin the repair process, advises the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This winter storm didn’t mean to take its toll on swimming pools, Texans’ cure for sweltering summers, but it did for many homeowners.
• prescriptions, • pain relievers, • eyewear, • infant supplies, • pet food, • important family documents, • blankets, • transistor radio, • change of clothing, • plasticware, • paper towels, • feminine supplies, • a notebook, • pencil, and • activities for children.
• Clear front and backyards. Make sure there’s nothing that could move around during winds and damage your home. You’re essentially putting away all dangerous projectiles. Store bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter. • Cover windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from broken glass. • Get ready to turn off your power. If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave, switch your power off. • Fill water containers with drinking water. Do this in case you lose the water supply during the storm. Also fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing or commodes. • Check the carbon monoxide (CO) detector battery to prevent CO poisoning.
By Valerie Sweeten CORRESPONDENT
Did your home lose electricity during the snow and ice storms in Texas, leaving family members uncomfortable in frigid temperatures and no power to run the stove to even boil water — among other household necessities? It could be time to think about getting a generator for annual cold weather needs — and the 2021 hurricane season is fast approaching. Summer/fall heat extremes also can bring brownouts in a state using so much air conditioning. A generator could save the day and provide a backup solution the next time the power goes out. Whether portable or in-place automatic standby models, there are many types and sizes of generators. As a rule of thumb, the higher the power output, the more expensive the generator can be. Some consumers may balk at the price tag, which can be in the thousands, but peace of mind is key, and if you have health devices and other critical-need items that need to run nonstop, they can be life saving, as well as a way to “save” many electronics from surges. And, life can be a lot more comfortable during an outage. An automatic standby generator is permanently installed and is fueled by natural gas or liquid propane (LP). It sits outside the home, ready to leap into action. Seconds after the power fails, it can run key things in the home and will remain on until the power grid is up and running again. These types of generators tend to be quiet as well. Alternately, there is the portable generator. Depending on what level of power it provides, it can keep critical home systems and appliances up and running during a power outage. It’s also possible to run more than one portable generator at a time. They typically run on regular unleaded gasoline Either in a store or online, every generator should come with full information as to what level of power, or wattage, it will provide. These generators help in dangerous weather by: To find how much power is required to run certain appliances, it’s a matter of matching how much power you will need to the generator capable of supplying it. The size of the generator you use must be such that it will start up and run (not just run) the home items. According to homedepot.com, multiply the running wattage of a device times three, which is the starting watts. Add the running wattage to the starting wattage for the overall wattage the device needs to operate. A generator producing more watts can accommodate more devices at one time. If you get a generator that is too small to run appliances, they will try to start, but the voltage will drop and their motors will overheat/ burn out. If you cannot find the wattage, estimate from the following from NASD: How long can a generator run per gallon of fuel? On average and depending on what kind of generator you have, a 1-2 gallon fuel tank can last from eight to 10 hours. A gallon won’t last for more than five hours. What is needed? Generators require gas, oil, and power cords to run. It’s important to keep an adequate supply on hand, ready to use in an emergency. It may be hard to get to a store in dangerous weather, and once you need them, these things may be hard to keep in stock. Once your portable generator is running, it’s generating electricity. You’ll need to transfer that electricity to the appliances you want to power via generator power cords that match the wattage of your generator. Each cord will list its maximum wattage. Make sure that the length of your generator power cords is long enough to reach appliances from the generator outside. Or, you can move appliances closer to the generator. Safety tip: Never run a portable generator inside your home, garage, or near open windows or doors, as exhaust from a gas-powered generator contains carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. What’s the correct generator? Often, the choice of generator is dependent on cost and need. It’s a good idea to make a list of what needs to run in the home and select a generator wattage to match that. A sales professional can help with that calculation, and there are many resources online to review/create that lineup and power estimate. The cost of generators can vary greatly, with small portable ones at less than $1,000, while large installed ones can run up to $10,000 and more. For more about generators: https://www.chron.com/life/article/generator-emergency-texas-sales-tax-holiday-15972384.php?IPID=Chron-HP-CP-Spotlight https://www.chron.com/shopping/article/The-most-affordable-generators-hurricane-season-15543764.php
• Keeping the lights on in the home, • Keeping the house heated or cooled, • Keeping the refrigerator/freezer powered so there’s no food spoilage • Keeping the Internet connection on so residents can stay connected
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Essential home equipment Running wattage: Refrigerator 400-800 Freezer 600-1,000 Furnace blower 400-600 Optional home equipment Running wattage: Electric skillet 1,150-1,500 Electric stove 3,000-4,000 Washing machine 400 Water pump 800-2,500 Water heater 1,000-5,000 Electric fan 75-300 Light bulb 100 Phone charger 10 Central air conditioner 2,000-5,000
By Jan Burns | FREELANCE WRITER
Between no power and heat, no water, food shortages, extreme temperatures, snowfall and ice, Texans, who thought they had seen the worst with hurricane season, endured a winter storm that took everyone by surprise
While some people may feel comfortable tackling the jobs themselves, many homeowners hire contractors to do most or all of the home repair or redesign work.
After the recent Arctic blast across the state, water from leaking pipes left behind a lot of destruction...
With recent freezing temperatures affecting the greater Houston area, the winter season is far from over. In the aftermath of any winter storm, some homeowners may be dealing with frozen or burst pipes and possibly fallen tree branches damaging their homes. Unfortunately, scammers tend to take advantage during these times, so if your home is damaged, you will want to make sure repairs are made swiftly and that you avoid any scams. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for homeowners seeking repairs: Check out any business with the BBB. If a business approaches you offering to repair your home, ask for their contact information and allow yourself time to fully research the business, check for references, and review their BBB report at BBBHouston.org to determine if there are any issues of concern. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Inform your policy holder of the damage and determine what they will and will not cover and any requirements for your claim. Be sure to document the damage to your property or your car and take photos if possible. If you are staying at a temporary location, keep any receipts for lodging or food as some of these costs may be covered by your insurance, depending on what your policy allows. Avoid high-pressure sales pitches. Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid letting your emotions get the better of you. Be proactive in selecting a company and not re-active to sales solicitations. Make temporary repairs if necessary. For major repairs, take time to shop around and get three to four estimates based on the same specifications and materials. Be wary of door-to-door solicitors. Especially be cautious of those who claim to have leftover materials from a job “down the street” or who do not have a permanent place of business. Also, be leery if a worker shows up on your doorstep to announce that your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect or building official inspect it. Require a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, the materials to be used and the price breakdown. Any promises made orally should be written into the contract, including warranties on materials or labor. Be sure their name, address, and phone number, along with a start and end date for the work is included in contract. Read and understand the contract in its entirety; don’t sign a blank contract and a copy of the signed contract is to be given to you at time of signature. Always remember, in Texas, you have three days to cancel any contract for a sale made at your home. Verify if the business is insured and licensed. Once you have found a contractor, request proof of a current insurance certificate covering workman’s compensation, property damage and personal liability. General contractors are not licensed in Texas, but certain trades, such as plumbers, are licensed. If you need plumbing repairs for burst pipes or other damage, check licensing with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at tsbpe.texas.gov or 800-845-6584. Never pay in full for all repairs in advance, and do not pay cash. While many companies may ask for a deposit, BBB suggests that no more than one-third of the job be paid up front.
Did your home lose electricity during the snow and ice storms in Texas, leaving family members uncomfortable in frigid temperatures and no power to run the stove to even boil water...
Thousands of homes across Texas experienced water damage as a result of the winter storms, so homeowners have to decide if they’re capable of repairing this damage themselves...
With rolling blackouts and power surges causing big fluctuations and hard re-starts, home electronics can be affected, and that includes appliances.
While some people may feel comfortable tackling the jobs themselves, many homeowners hire contractors to do most or all of the home repair or redesign work. Finding trustworthy contractors can be hard, and it is important to do your research before you hire anyone. First, take time to figure out how much you are willing to spend and what you want the project to look like. Visiting showrooms or looking at magazines and websites for ideas is a great way to get started. If you have friends or acquaintances who have done similar projects, ask to see the work they had done and discuss what they learned, what they liked and what they would avoid. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips for planning your project and selecting contractors: Do your research. Ask friends for recommendations on contractors, but do your homework as well. BBB Business Profiles are available on more than 5.3 million companies nationwide, including local remodelers, painters, plumbers and general contractors. The profiles include ratings from A+ to F that are based on several factors, including how long a company has been in business and how it has responded to customer complaints. Consumers can read about complaints against a business and how the company resolved them. They also include contact information for companies. BBB Customer Reviews also let potential customers see how a company satisfied its customers. Check references and licensing. Interview several contractors before you settle on one. Ask them for a list of references on work they've done and contact those customers. Find out whether the contractor has any required licenses and insurance. In Texas, general contractors are not licensed, but certain trades, such as plumbers and HVAC contractors are. Also, be sure the contractor will get a permit for the work if it's required. BBB recommends you get at least three bids on a project before choosing a contractor. Develop a budget. Can you afford to pay for the work out of pocket or do you need to borrow money? If you're financing the project, can you afford the payments in addition to your regular expenses? Get everything in writing. Make sure you get a written contract that specifies materials that will be used, a timeline for completing the work, warranty information and any conditions that are important to you, such as cleaning up debris. Don't pay for the entire job up front. Instead, consider paying a third to secure the contract, a third when the project is mostly completed and the final third only after the work is completed and you are satisfied. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the BBB of Greater Houston and South Texas.
With rolling blackouts and power surges causing big fluctuations and hard re-starts, home electronics can be affected, and that includes appliances. How do you detect if an appliance has been damaged, and why did it happen in the first place? Hunker.com’s article, Can a Sudden Power Outage Damage Electrical Appliances?, stated that a “tidal wave” of electricity can hurt appliances. When power returns, the surge flows rapidly to fill wires, and can exceed the basic current appliances were designed to handle. With this in mind, severe surges can damage — or destroy — most equipment. Waiting game The article also stated if the power goes out for an extended time, it’s wise to switch off or unplug electric lights and any appliances including computers, televisions, and refrigerators. After the power returns, let the electricity stabilize before turning appliances back on. Yuriy Gerassimenko, owner of Reliant Appliance Repair in Sugar Land, said some appliances can suffer damage as the high voltage comes on. “Some can’t take it, and it will damage the whole thing at once,” he said. The best protection for your home is being proactive. Gerassimenko recommended turning off breakers to prevent the surge. “It depends on appliances. Once they have lost power, they’re not going to be stable,” said Gerassimenko. When damage occurs, it’s time to evaluate if an appliance is repairable if it is not working. HouseLogic.com offers recommendations in its story, When to Repair or Replace Your Appliance — Is It Truly at the End of Its Useful Life? Take stock It stated to follow the “50 percent rule” that if an appliance is past more than 50 percent of its lifespan, and if the cost of one repair is more than the cost of buying new, you should replace instead of repair. Also keep in mind there could be a “trip charge” for someone to diagnose the problem. If a company repairs the appliance, the fee could be possibly waived, depending on policy. “Most parts are replaceable, but all these computer circuit boards are expensive,” Gerassimenko said. “Sometimes it’s cheaper to replace,” adding that surge protectors can be beneficial for future power outages. “It depends on the brand. They have to be certified; read reviews to get better quality,” he said. NBCNews.com reported the Best Surge Protectors and Power Strips 2020 in March 2020. Some in various categories are: Gerassimenko also said to keep your appliances maintained for a healthier lifespan. “You have to do regular maintenance at least once a year,” he said. “Replace water filters. Also, clean condenser coils if the appliance is working hard, especially on refrigerators.” WHEN IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR APPLIANCE? (HouseLogic.com)
• Tripp Lite 8-Outlet Surge Protector, • Tripp Lite 6 Outlet Clamp Mount Surge Protector, • Belkin 3-Outlet USB Surge Protector with Rotating Plug, • Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Surge Protector, and • CyberPower CP825LCD UPS System.
1. How much will the repair cost? 2. How old is the appliance? 3. Do you need a more energy-efficient appliance? 4. Could better maintenance extend the life of your appliance? 5. Are you a stickler for style?
By Valerie Sweeten FREELANCE WRITER
Thousands of homes across Texas experienced water damage as a result of the winter storms, so homeowners have to decide if they’re capable of repairing this damage themselves or if they need to hire a professional for the work. Drywall absorbs water easily, so it could get heavy enough to pull away from the mounting screws and/or nails. It can also be a magnet for mold growth, so before you begin patching and repairing, make sure it is completely dry. Cut out damaged drywall in rectangles or squares using a drywall or keyhole saw. These are long, narrow saws. Go slowly and be cautious, avoiding contact with wire and plumbing. After cuts are made, measure the size of the hole. You will need to cut a new piece of drywall the same size. Place drywall clips around the hole and secure each with a drywall screw. Countersink the screwhead (drive it below the surface). Cut out the patch and insert it, securing it with drywall screws to the drywall clips. Tape over the seams with mesh or paper tape. Then, apply the first coat of joint compound (“drywall mud”). Cover the joint and use the mud to blend the repair in with the rest of the wall. Spread the mud out 4 to 6 inches from the repair area’s edge. Then, let it dry for 12-24 hours. Later, wearing a dust mask, sand off any ridges. Vacuum or wipe off any dust and apply a second coat of drywall mud. Let dry, and then sand smooth to match the surrounding surface. Repaint water-damaged wall Using a brush or roller, apply two coats of oil- or alcohol-based primer. Allow the spot to dry between coats, which seals any leftover dampness. It will also prevent the stain from coming through. Sand until smooth, making sure it blends with the rest of the wall. Wipe off dust. Brush or roll on a finishing coat of paint. Homeowners who like the DIY approach need to determine three things: 1. How extensive is the damage? 2. Are they capable of doing the repairs? 3. Do they have all the necessary tools and materials? Hiring a professional is a wise move if patches or spackling are out of the question due to extent of the damage. “We repair water damaged walls and we’re getting a lot of calls from people with them,” said Shannon Taylor, office manager at Home Remedy Houston. “Their needs vary. Some have minor damage, while others have extensive damage. It’s all different.” Here are sites with costs estimates for repairing water-damaged walls: https://www.fixr.com/costs/water-damage-restoration https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-water-damage.htm
By Jan Burns, FREELANCE WRITER
After the recent Arctic blast across the state, water from leaking pipes left behind a lot of destruction with soaked and collapsing ceilings, ruined sheetrock, and destroyed furniture and flooring. When dealing with this type of water emergency, it’s key to turn off a home’s main water supply, and then drain any remaining water to relieve pressure. If your home doesn’t have a shutoff valve near the home perimeter, head to the street, where there is a large black box with a lid. Turn the valve to the right. This may require a special valve wrench, available from a hardware store. It’s a good tool to have, and should be readily available. Remember to practice extreme caution when handling broken pipes, as they could be more damaged than they appear and could collapse further. If your pipes are broken, call a licensed plumber immediately, but until they arrive (and many have had to wait days for a plumber due to high demand for their services), there are things you can do for temporary, “shoring up” emergency repairs. Some pipe repair options to turn to, according to www.PlumbingSupply.com, range from simple temporary repair with a clamp, electrical or duct tape and epoxy putty on leaking “pinholes,” to longer-term repair with more complex fixes. One extended repair option is a pipe repair kit, which can include resin-permeated fiberglass tape that when fully cured creates a more permanent self-repair without the use of tools. Keeping some of these kits on hand in your home can help during future emergencies. Another fix involves Sharkbite fittings, which can join copper, CPVC or PEX pipe in any combination with no soldering, unions, clamps or glue. Recommendations for short-term solutions from www.angieslist.com include using pipe clamps, epoxy compounds, pipe wraps, rubber pipe connectors and pipe sleeves. Finding the right professional When hiring a plumber, it’s important to know what to ask. At the top of the list the AngiesList.com’s article, 7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber, is to ask whether the plumber is licensed, as this means the plumber is registered with a governing body at the state or local level. In addition, ask are what the total cost will be, is the rate hourly or flat, when is payment due, who will be doing the work, and will they clean up the job-site mess. Lastly, before signing any contract, ask regarding the guarantee or warranty that comes with the work. Make sure this information is in writing, and that the contractor is bonded and insured. If extensive damage is done, is it time to replace more than just a few broken pipes? HouseLogic.com has advice in its article, Do You Need to Replace Your Plumbing? explaining why that might have to be considered. One thing to think about is the age of your home, as the piping might already be showing signs of wear with discoloration, stains, and flaking, which are signs of corrosion. If you are seeing this, it’s easiest to replace exposed areas in a crawlspace or utility room. This will allow the plumber easy access. The second factor is to replace pipes if you are renovating. If remodeling, this is the perfect opportunity to inspect and replace pipes when walls and floors are exposed due to the ongoing work. What to ask plumber before hiring (AngiesList.com) 1. Are you licensed? 2. What will be total cost? 3. Is the rate hourly or flat? 4. When is payment due? 5. Who will be doing the work? 6. Who cleans up the job-site mess? 7. Is there a warranty or guarantee for work done?
If the storm caused extensive damage to wood, tile or carpet flooring in your home, don’t wait until you get assistance money to begin the repair process, advises the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The agency offers some advice about getting things in order, and the best process to follow: If covered by insurance, call an adjuster or insurance company to let them know what flooring repairs are needed. Then, after applying for federal disaster assistance, contact FEMA to make an appointment to have an inspector come out. You may receive an email, auto-dial call, or text message to provide FEMA with the extent of damage from the storm. You may also get a call from FEMA to determine eligibility. Based on the information you’ve given FEMA, you will receive a determination of award for personal and/or real property. If FEMA deems a home inspection necessary, a FEMA inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment. As eager as you are to fix or install new flooring, because of the large number of damaged homes, it could take as long as 30 days for an inspector to schedule an inspection. Options The best way to repair many seriously water-damaged wood floors is to eliminate and replace bad boards and then refinish the entire floor. If a carpet has been wet for 72 hours or longer, it may have to be replaced, especially if it has layers of padding. Also consider that a professional water-damage restoration company can salvage carpets with special cleaning materials. The good news is that there is no shortage of flooring professionals in Texas. Many offer free estimates, said Christopher Oliver of Houston Flooring Warehouse (www.houstonflooringwarehouse.com) in Houston. Oliver offers the following tips for finding a qualified flooring professional: Feedback, action In addition, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are asking Texans to complete a voluntary Self-Reporting Damage Survey, which does not replace reporting damage to an insurance agency and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. It’s designed to help emergency officials understand the extent of damage sustained across Texas. The information is also needed to provide information to FEMA about the extent of need for assistance.
• Clean up debris as soon as possible post storm. Don’t wait for an insurance adjuster or FEMA home inspector to come to your home. • Take photos or videos of damaged flooring and label them before you remove anything. • Keep samples of carpet and flooring. • Separate damaged from undamaged personal property items to show the adjuster.
By Bob Weinstein | Freelance Writer
• Try to get three estimates, which may be difficult, because flooring companies are overwhelmed. Two estimates are OK if need be. • Search for companies that are well established. • Prior to getting estimates, do some research. Look for companies that have good social media reviews, and that care about good media image. “We’ve always cared about the importance of excellent social media reviews,” Oliver said. “The result is we have more work than we can handle.” • When the estimator comes out, don’t be shy about showering them with questions, Oliver said. “Ask for a written and detailed explanation of what exactly has to be done and what it costs,” he said. “Don’t accept generalities.” Oliver suggests thinking like this: “Is there a question I should be asking you? I don’t want any surprises.” In short, cover all bases, so that the job, whether it’s replacing carpet or wood flooring, will meet all specifications. Finally, when it comes time to choose a contractor, Oliver said to listen to your instincts. “While price is important, quality work is ultimately your most important criterion,” he said.
Pool winterizing steps (SwimmingPool.com) This winter storm didn’t mean to take its toll on swimming pools, Texans’ cure for sweltering summers, but it did for many homeowners. Combine wind chill factors, long-term freezing temperatures and loss of power, and many pool owners were devastated by the impact this year. Pools can withstand freezing temperatures, but not for an extended period of time, according to Sean Powers, service manager at The Pool Man Inc. “What was so damaging to the equipment and plumbing is people lost power for days. If the water didn’t circulate, it froze, causing substantial damage to equipment and plumbing. Many customers have thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs to be made,” Powers said. Pool companies are ready with vital solutions, though. Powers said their focus on has been getting main filtrations systems running as quickly as possible since they’ve had an overwhelming number of service requests as well as limited availability of key components. He added that water features, spas and secondary cleaning systems are “on the back burner” until parts are available and customers’ main filtration systems are operational. “We are fortunate to have qualified repair technicians working six to seven days per week to take care of customers,” Powers said. Looking past February’s frigid blast, paying attention to winter storm predictions and preparing pools for freezing weather is advisable. Powers said main components of the pool equipment have removable plugs to allow water to drain. By removing these in case of a power outage, the potential for damage can be alleviated. He added homeowners should be familiar where these plugs are in case of another loss of power with freezing temperatures. “As long as pumps are running while the temperature is below freezing, either by freeze protection activating or manually being turned on, there is minimal risk to the system,” Powers said. “Every single system is unique, so there may be a pipe or two that would still need to be insulated. The best thing to do would be to contact their service company in the fall to ask questions about the location of the equipment drain plugs or which pipes may need insulated.” Below-ground issues could also occur, but aren’t as likely, Powers said. “When pipes break during a freeze, it can sometimes cause a crack to run the length of pipe. With major underground areas, they are very unlikely, as most plumbing is buried deep enough to not be at risk for freeze-related damage,” he said. Waiting for repair Handling a pool damage problem until help arrives is simple as leaving at least one pump circulating if possible. Even with a circulating water feature pump, it can slow the growth of algae. “Most pumps can run independently, but there are some that should only be run in conjunction with another pump. Turn breakers off to equipment that needs repair. When in doubt, turn off all of the breakers to the pool equipment to prevent further damage from occurring to pumps and related components,” said Powers.
• Clean the pool • Balance the water • Remove pool accessories • Clean and backwash the filter • Lower water level • Drain pump, filters, heaters and chlorinating equipment • Empty chemical feeder • Cover pool if possible • Insulate vulnerable pipes
By Valerie Sweeten | Freelance Writer
During stressful, chaotic hours of a storm or natural disaster, it’s wise to have a list of numbers and websites handy to reach out for assistance. Enter the numbers into your phone for ease, bookmark the links or print out this list to have on hand in case there has been a power outage.
HPD: 311 or 713-884-3131 Houston Fire Department: 311 Center Point Energy: 713-207-2222 FEMA: Registration - 1-800-621-3362 Texas United Way: 211 National Emergency Child Locator Center: 1-866-908-9570 American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990
Disaster Assistance/FEMA registration: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ American Red Cross shelters: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html Search for open shelters near you by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362. – Example: Shelter 77092. (Standard text message rates apply.) Disaster Recovery Center Locator: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
The recent devastating, dangerous winter storm Uri drove home the urgency of putting in place a family emergency readiness communication plan. According to FEMA, such a plan starts with a simple question: “What if.” The plan tells family members what to do, how to find each other and how to communicate in case of an emergency. It should include strategies for both communication and meeting up, and then practicing steps until they become a natural response and people know what to do. For those in Texas affected by these weather events, the best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season begins June 1, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Once you understand your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind, create that readiness emergency communication plan, NOAA scientists advise. A flooding emergency caused by a heavy storm can happen at any time in Texas and also needs a plan. This checklist offers a plan guide:
Be Prepared
• Know your “zone.” Find out whether you live in an evacuation area by contacting the local government emergency management office. • Sign up for text or email notifications to stay informed. Also know how and when the community sends warnings (sirens, smartphones, TV, radio). • Check weather reports around the clock and pay attention to local radar. Monitor the National Weather Service’s website (https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww). Storm information and forecasts for an area can be found from the local Weather Forecast Office (WFO). When a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane has formed, the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical advisory analyses and up-to-the-minute forecasts at least every six hours. When coastal tropical storm or hurricane watches or warnings are in effect, the NHC issues tropical cyclone public advisories every three hours. These warnings are at www.hurricanes.gov and on National Weather Service radio (https://www.weather.gov/nwr/). • Sit down with family and even close neighbors, and decide how you will contact each other. Know where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Talk it through so everyone knows what they need to do and feels comfortable doing it. Also include those with chronic illnesses who may need assistance. https://www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-safety • Update the plan regularly. Carefully review every detail of the family plan. It’s likely you missed a few details that ought to have been included. For instance, don’t forget to include pets so they’re properly cared for (enough food and water, and shelter/care). Change or update your plan every six months. Count on changes in names of agencies to contact as well as contact details. • Keep a copy of the plan in an emergency supplies kit (emergency equipment, such as flashlights, tools and storm shutters) or another safe place where you can find it in the event of a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage https://www.ready.gov followed by https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww. • Review insurance policies. Make sure to have adequate coverage for home and personal properties to be covered or replaced due to damage.
