Firms gird for climate change

Reprinted  in part from The Boston Globe

 

While little action is expected from Congress on climate change, many businesses in Boston and beyond are taking matters into their own hands, preparing for a warmer world in which severe weather, rising sea levels, and increased flooding threaten property, operations, and earnings.

Developers have moved electrical units from the basements to rooftops of buildings in the Seaport District along Boston Harbor. Utilities in New England have elevated substations several feet above the ground and replaced wooden electrical poles with steel ones that can withstand powerful winds.

Insurance companies, in response to clients, are testing products designed to protect against varied effects of climate change, and providing more coverage against natural disasters. The Hartford insurance company now offers small businesses policies against losses due to widespread power outages, a growing concern as major storms occur more frequently.

A recent federal study warned that the climate in the United States was changing at a faster pace due to the burning of fossil fuels - such as oil, coal, and natural gas - that emit greenhouse gases blamed for rising global temperatures. The Northeast, the study found, would be particularly hard hit as climate change accelerates, baked by heat waves and flooded by rising sea levels and torrential downpours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protecting your property from the threat of Spring Flooding

By Deborah Rashti, VP of Marketing and Sales for Servpro of GN/PW, a National Member of CAI

This was some winter!  And the deluge of water that fell from the sky the last day of April was another example of Mother Nature’s wrath.  While we count on spring showers to bring us May flowers, we do not take too easily to the flash flooding that sometimes accompanies it. Last month’s mudslide in Washington State that smothered almost an entire community is one of many examples of how dangerous spring flooding can be. 

When rainwater overpowers drainage systems, basements are easily susceptible to flooding.   Being proactive about keeping our gutter systems clear of debris is one of the simplest ways to minimize this possibility.  Depending upon the surrounding landscape, you may need to do this more than a couple of times a year.

 

Unbenownst to most people, flushing gutters with hose water after removing leaves is a necessary step to make sure debris is completely removed. Since gutters need to hold a tremendous amount of water during heavy rains, the best time to see if they are working properly is 15 minutes after the downpour while it is still raining.

 Overflowing gutters near a home’s foundation is not a good thing.  While it may not necessarily cause flooding in a basement, this overflow can cause erosion around your foundation that could lead to cracking of walls and ceilings.  Adding an additional spout or expanding the width of the spout can easily solve this.

While most of us do not like the esthetics of a spout that extends 10 feet from our home, it really is an excellent way to keep water away.  Depressions of soil around the foundation of our home can be a red flag that there is a water problem.  Catching this early can make a huge difference in the money you’ll save from avoiding a cleanup from flooding.

 Don’t discount the risk of flooding coming from your sprinklers either.  Not only do we not want sprinkler heads pointed at our home, but we also do not need more water after a significant rain.  Adding more water to an already saturated property is opening yourself up to potential problems.    Rain gauges serve an important purpose for our sprinkler systems and having them checked annually is in our best interest.

 
In the event that water is penetrating our basement from a source that lies below ground level, you will need an experienced waterproofer who has an excellent reputation.  This is a tricky problem as hydrostatic pressure can push water through hairline cracks for a multitude of reasons.  You need a good diagnostician to identify why the water is coming in and what is needed to correct the problem.  Don’t even think about putting your basement back together BEFORE this is worked out. 
 
As with anything, proper maintenance is key to minimizing costly repairs later on.  As opposed to pipe breaks, basement’s flooded by rainwater is generally NOT covered by homeowners insurance.  The amount of money involved in getting your basement back to pre-existing condition can be costly.  Simple steps to maintain your home may require a commitment on your part, but may save you money in the end.

 While it is hard to embrace our potential for flooding, keep in mind that much of the country is experiencing severe drought conditions and brush fires are a very real threat to their community.  With careful planning,  we can mitigate the potential loss of flooding due to heavy rains.  Enjoy those spring flowers that we have waited so long to see.   

'Flood fighter' mobile game teaches Asian kids survival tips

Dodging electrocution, drowning and even crocodiles, the Thai virtual hero of a new mobile game called "Flood Fighter" aims to educate children across Asia about the perils posed by Mother Nature.  More than 800 people, including dozens of children, were among the victims of devastating floods that hit Thailand in 2011, affecting 65 of 77 provinces.

The free download for smartphones and tablet computers has proved a hit in a country which in 2012 had almost 130 mobile telephone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Just a few weeks after its launch in January, the game topped the charts for educational apps in Thailand, with more than 22,000 downloads.

The concept is simple: the house of lead character Sai Fah, whose name means "lightning", has flooded. He must complete missions during 22 episodes before, during and after the rise in the waters, each one carrying a message of prevention.

Why This Summer Could Be Hot Hot Hot!

Summer 2014 is now emerging as an El Niño summer. The climate prediction center has placed the East Coast, Southeast, and West in an area of very hot weather. How hot would it get? Temperatures heading into an El Niño summer would mean 50% more 90+ degree days in places like Boston, Providence, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. High humidity will accompany the heat, with at least 25 days exceeding 100 degrees with the afternoon heat index.

This would also mean bad news for West Coast's wildfire season and a continuation of the current drought in California. Relief for CA wouldn't come until December-February, with Southern CA, Southwest, and Southern Rockies getting more relief in the winter vs. Northern California. 

The pre-El Niño months of May and early June should definitely see a sign of warmer-than-normal temps in the East and Southeast and West, and the core of summer will bring once we get into the core of summer we'll see an El Niño roaster for the East Coast and South. The confidence is trending up with the forecast, and the latest IPC computer modeling shows a 66% chance of an El Niño this winter.

Models can overplay the warming of the oceans due to climate change and the predicted El Niño could be masked like the one in 2012; however, the law of averages shows it's time for the seven year El Niño itch.

Called a Kelvin Wave, an expanding pool of water now 4-6c above normal on the upper surface water of the Pacific Ocean which gets bigger and bigger. Some experts say it's may rival the Kelvin Wave of 1997-98 - the biggest El Niño of all-time. Why is this wave important? As the surface waters start to warm, the pool of water pushes East against the normal West flow of the Pacific. The true indicator of whether we end up with a weak or moderate El Nino will be how far this huge, warm pool of water travels over the Pacific Ocean the next 2-12 months. If the entire pool of toasty water moves Eastward to the West Coast of Mexico and South America, you set the stage for a potential Pineapple Express. Throw in a moisture-laden jet stream from Hawaii and strong El Nino, and the entire southern half of the United States is wet this winter. On the contrary, if the pool of water stays parked in the Central Pacific you get a weak to moderate El Nino. 

If you have summer plans for the beach, or plan on visiting the local lake to cool off, you'll be glad you made that reservation. The areas of the U.S. to see the biggest increase in the heat this summer will be: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, DC, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Insurance Spring Cleaning - Tip #4 Schedule an annual insurance “checkup”

One of the best strategies to help you better manage your premiums is to have regular consultations with your insurance agent. Make sure to have periodic “checkups” to reevaluate your situation.

Not only will this help you in the long run, but it will also build rapport with your agent and have your best interests protected.

Insurance Spring Cleaning - Tip #3 Document your personal property, especially valuables

 

You can be best protected if you have access to a comprehensive view of your tangible assets, including fine art, jewelry, wine and other valuables.  Take an inventory of your high-value items and move forward to best protect yourself against potential losses. Moving eligible items to a valuables coverage policy can reduce costs and strengthen protection, but you first need to inform your agent what needs to be protected. By documenting your high-value items, clients and insurers can have a more productive dialogue about coverage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Insurance Spring Cleaning - Tip #2 Make sure you aren’t overpaying to be underinsured

A recent survey by ACE Private Risk Services found that wealthy families often over-pay for insurance coverage, a trend that has worsened since 2010. 

Families can manage, or even reduce, their premiums by being proactive. Take control of your coverage by taking the following steps:

·         Increase you homeowners’ deductibles

·         Install preventative measures such as burglar alarms and water leak detection systems to earn safety credits

·         Bundle policies with one carrier

·         Move artwork and other collectibles from home contents to valuables coverage

Insurance Spring Cleaning - Tip #1 Understanding your Insurance needs

As you de-clutter and file your paperwork, also take time to review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage and that your beneficiary information is up-to-date. This is an opportune time to revisit home, auto, valuables, umbrella liability and other aspects of your personal insurance programs.

Consult with your agency, as agents and brokers can help you determine what is appropriate coverage depending on your age, assets and lifestyle. 

Insurance Spring Cleaning Tips - Series

With warmer temperatures, chirping birds and longer days, spring is in the air, and often, the season comes with housecleaning and yard work to start fresh after a long winter.

While many are spring-cleaning their homes, it is also a good time to do some financial spring-cleaning. This is an opportunity to revisit an often neglected aspect of financial planning—home, auto and other insurance policies.

Failing to review policies annually can allow your coverage to grow increasingly out of sync you’re your assets and lifestyle. As a result, you are likely overpaying for coverage that will still leave you exposed to severe financial loss, especially due to natural disasters. 

Follow along with us this week as we provide thoughtful tips to help you Spring Clean your insurance.

April Storms cost hundred of millions

Now it’s official. April’s thunderstorms were big.

The series of storms that wreaked havoc across much of the United States in April rank as the first billion-dollar economic loss event of 2014 that can be attributed to convective thunderstorms, according to Aon Benfield’s monthly Global Catastrophe Recap report, released Wednesday. At least 39 people were killed by flash flooding and severe weather during the storms, which included nearly 70 confirmed tornadoes across more than 20 states in the Plains, Mississippi Valley, Southeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Are Home Warranty’s Worth the Money?

Many people believe the only good thing about owning a home warranty is that it might help sell your home, but if you're not moving, their protections are limited.

Typically, warranty companies are difficult to deal with. Most require you to use their contractor only; rendering the warranty company only as good as their authorized contractors. If the company partners with unlicensed contractors or contractors with poor Better Business Bureau histories, you could have a mess on your hands. That is, if they even show up.

Consider an alternative: set aside $50 a month in a repair fund. Tap into it instead of a $400 to $600 annual warranty when major things start to fall apart.

Like anything else, you should shop several types of home warranties. Compare their costs, histories and reputations, especially their deductibles and rates-of-response.  But also compare them to the cost of starting your own repair fund -- and to the cost of a solid termite contract that includes a repair guarantee

 

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Sudden, Swirling Firenado Rises out of Farm Fire

Photographer Janae Copelin caught a snapshot last week of a rare weather marvel known as a firenado.  The whirling "fire-devil" was spawned as a farmer burned off his field in Chillicothe, Missouri.  A swirling rotation of smoke, gas and debris, a firenado is generated when an active fire is swept upwards by strong winds, creating a vortex.

"The heat of the fire rising through the air allows the vortex to strengthen and create the firenado," AccuWeather Meterologist Eric Leister said. "The firenado can then suck more brush and debris into itself and fuel the fire further."

Firenadoes can be extremely dangerous, as they have the ability to throw burning embers miles away. They are usually between five and 10 stories high and can measure up to 10 feet wide.

While this rarity lasts usually only minutes, the largest firenadoes have been known to create winds topping 100 mph.

Homeowners need to stay updated on what policies covers

Owners of the 22 homes submitted badly damaged or destroyed in the Yarnell, Arizona area during recent wildfires have asked the Arizona Department of Insurance to review their claims and coverage limits to verify whether insurers carried out policy terms correctly. For other Arizonans and millions of homeowners across the country, the episode underscores the importance of checking occasionally to make sure you have enough insurance to rebuild after a disaster. Insurers regularly urge customers to review their policies and alert them when buying new furnishings or making improvements that increase the value of a dwelling, but homeowners counter that it's still up to the companies to make sure coverage amounts are accurate.

Your homeowners insurance policy might not provide adequate compensation in the event of fire or other disaster. You might be underinsured if:

• Your coverage estimate is based on market prices, which aren't the same as rebuilding costs.

• You haven't included changes or improvements such as a new bathroom, customized kitchen, new flooring or expensive window blinds.

• You live in an outlying area into which laborers and construction materials would need to be imported at added expense.

• You haven't adjusted the coverage value to reflect inflation in materials and labor costs.

• Your home has historical significance or was constructed with unusual building materials.

• You haven't factored in separate structures, added living expenses or landscape-debris removal.

 

Federal report: Climate change puts LI at risk

A new report on climate change could have important implications for Long Island.

According to the National Climate Assessment released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, rising sea level and coastal flooding are problems that will need to be addressed over the next century.

Experts estimate that the sea level is rising 1 to 2 feet each century, which is bound to cause problems for barrier islands and low-lying areas of Long Island.

The report also warns of prolonged heat waves and drought situations, which could increase the risk of wildfires.

The report states that the implementation of adaptation measures is still at early stages.

 

 

Lesson 5 - The Color of Mold & Moldy Smell

Molds come in many colors including white. "Black mold" is not a species or specific kind of mold, and neither is "toxic mold." Sometimes the news media use the terms "toxic mold" and "black mold" to refer to molds that may produce mycotoxins or for a specific mold, Stachybotrys chartarum. Molds that produce mycotoxins are often referred to as toxigenic fungi.

Some compounds produced by molds have strong smells and are volatile and quickly released into the air. These compounds are known as microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). Because mVOCs often have strong or unpleasant odors, they can be the source of the "moldy odor" or musty smell frequently associated with mold growth. A moldy odor suggests that mold is growing in the building and should be investigated.

The health effects of inhaling mVOCs are largely unknown, although exposure to mVOCs has been linked to symptoms such as headaches, nasal irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. More research is needed to determine whether there are any human health effects from non-occupational indoor exposures to mVOCs.

If You See Signs of Mold, Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington

-  (516) 767-9600

Lesson 4 - Mycotoxins and Health Effects

As molds grow, some (but not all) of them may produce potentially toxic byproducts called mycotoxins under some conditions. Some of these molds are commonly found in moisture-damaged buildings. More than 200 mycotoxins from common molds have been identified, and many more remain to be identified. The amount and types of mycotoxins produced by a particular mold depends on many environmental and genetic factors. No one can tell whether a mold is producing mycotoxins just by looking at it. Some mycotoxins are known to affect people, but for many mycotoxins little health information is available. Research on mycotoxins is ongoing. Exposure to mycotoxins can occur from inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. It is prudent to avoid unnecessary inhalation exposure to mold.

If You See Signs of Mold, Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington

 -  (516) 767-9600

Lesson 3 - Health Effects That May Be Caused by Inhaling Mold or Mold Spores

Inhalation exposure to mold indoors can cause health effects in some people. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances or chemicals (mycotoxins). Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Dead or alive, mold can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold, and repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity. Allergic responses include hay fever-like symptoms such as headache, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Molds can cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold. In addition, molds can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of individuals whether or not they are allergic to mold.

When mold grows indoors, the occupants of a building may begin to report odors and a variety of symptoms including headaches, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, allergic reactions, and aggravated asthma symptoms.

If You See Signs of Mold, Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington

-  (516) 767-9600

Lesson 2 - What Mold Needs to Grow

To grow indoors, mold needs moisture and food. Moisture is the most important factor influencing mold growth indoors. Controlling indoor moisture helps limit mold growth.

Moisture control is the key to mold control.

Mold does not need a lot of water to grow. A little condensation, in a bathroom or around a window sill, for example, can be enough. Common sites for indoor mold growth include bathroom tile and grout, basement walls, and areas around windows, near leaky water fountains, and around sinks. Common sources of water or moisture include roof leaks, condensation due to high humidity or cold spots in a building, slow leaks in plumbing fixtures, humidification systems, sprinkler systems, and floods.*

Besides moisture, mold needs nutrients, or food, to grow. Mold can grow on virtually any organic substance. Most buildings are full of organic materials that mold can use as food, including paper, cloth, wood, plant material, and even soil. In most cases, temperature is not an issue; some molds grow in warm areas, while others prefer cool locations such as bread stored in a refrigerator. Often, more than one type of mold can be found growing in the same area, although conditions such as moisture, light, and temperature may favor one species of mold over another.

Buildings that have been heavily damaged by flood waters should be assessed for structural integrity and remediated by experienced professionals.

If You See Signs of Mold, Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington

 (516) 767-9600

Lesson 1 - What Molds Are

Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns. It is essential for the health of you and your family, as well as the protection of your property, to address the issue and arrange for professionals to conduct mold removal and mold remediation as soon as the presence of mold is identified.  Follow along this week as we provide 5 valuable lessons about Mold and what to look for.

Molds are organisms that may be found indoors and outdoors. They are part of the natural environment and play an important role in the environment by breaking down and digesting organic material, such as dead leaves. Also called fungi or mildew, molds are neither plants nor animals; they are part of the kingdom Fungi.

Molds can multiply by producing microscopic spores, similar to the seeds produced by plants. Many spores are so small they easily float through the air and can be carried for great distances by even the gentlest breezes. Although mold spores cannot be eliminated from indoor environments, they will not grow if moisture is not present.  Some mold spores will be found floating through the air and in settled dust; however mold is not a problem unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. As molds grow they digest whatever they are growing on. Unchecked mold growth can damage buildings and furnishings; molds can rot wood, damage drywall, and eventually cause structural damage to buildings. Mold can cause cosmetic damage, such as stains, to furnishings. The potential human health effects of mold are also a concern. It is important, therefore, to prevent mold from growing indoors.

If You See Signs of Mold, Contact SERVPRO of Great Neck/Port Washington  at

516) 767-9600

 

 

 

Do You Have The Business Insurance You Need?

Do you have the business insurance you need?

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. When we're talking about your business, losing the shoe can be serious indeed.

Think of business insurance as the nail; as in the old saw, it can help you hold onto what's really important. You personally cannot control or eliminate every potential risk that threatens your livelihood. Business insurance can provide the protection against these risks... if you carry the right kinds.

Unfortunately, insuring your business is not as simple as insuring your car. Because your business is unique, you'll need to design a package of insurance that meets your business needs and provides the level of protection you're comfortable with. Your first decision is to decide which types of insurance your business needs.

Two types that all businesses need are property and liability insurance.

Property insurance protects the assets your business owns, including the building and equipment, from destruction or damage. Even if you run a home-based business and have home insurance, you'll need to protect your business assets with separate contents insurance; your home owner's policy will not cover business equipment.

Contents insurance protects your business equipment from perils such as fire, flood, or theft. To determine how much property or contents insurance you'll need, create an itemized list of your business' assets and their individual dollar values. Then decide which assets you actually want to insure and for what value, which will determine the insurance premium.

In some cases, you may decide against insuring a particular asset, because it just doesn't warrant the cost of the premium. In other cases, the premium may be well worth paying. Ask yourself, if this equipment, such as a computer, was stolen, would I be able to afford to replace it? If the answer is no, you should insure it.

 

 

May is National Electrical Safety Month

The most recent statistical data from the National Fire Protection Association indicates an annual average of more than 53,000 electrical home structure fires, claiming more than 450 lives, injuring more than 1,400 people, and causing more than $1.4 billion in property damage. In the workplace, electrical hazards are the cause of another almost 4,000 non-fatal injuries. “Eliminating electrical hazards begins with education and awareness,” says ESFI President Brett Brenner.  “National Electrical Safety Month is a time for all of us at home and at work to reexamine our surroundings and determine what steps we can take to prevent the hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and billions of dollars in productivity and assets that occur each year because of electrical hazards.”

 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to electrical safety in the home and the workplace. To help promote electrical safety, ESFI has developed a campaign toolkit where you will find tools you can use to facilitate an effective electrical safety awareness campaign for your community, organization, customers, and workplace associates.

 

ESFI’s complimentary 2010 NESM Campaign Toolkit can be downloaded on the foundation’s website at www.electrical-safety.org.