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Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornados. Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph. Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes. Wind speeds can reach up to 100 mph and can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles. Since most thunderstorms produce some straight-line winds as a result of outflow generated by the thunderstorm downdraft, anyone living in thunderstorm-prone areas of the world is at risk for experiencing this hazard. People living in mobile homes are especially at risk for injury and death. Even anchored mobile homes can be seriously damaged when winds gust over 80 mph.

Windstorm insurance covers the types of excessively gusty events, such as hurricanes and cyclones but some policies might exclude this coverage. Those who live in areas susceptible to this type of peril must purchase additional coverage to protect themselves. Residents of coastal states and midwestern states, where hurricanes and tornadoes are relatively common, fall into this category.

Windstorm insurance will typically cover physical damage to the property and personal belongings inside the home. Many policies also include coverage for detached structures such as garages and sheds. When big winds harm roofs and windows, rain and debris can cause additional damage. In such cases, most policies will cover repairs as long as the claim is filed soon after the event. Sometimes, windstorms are followed by storm surges and flooding, but windstorm insurance will not typically cover damage caused by these rising waters. Flood insurance coverage provided by the federal government must be purchased separately, and it takes 30 days to go into effect.

What To Do Before The Storm Rolls In

These are some tips of things to do in or around your home to mitigate wind damage due to a tropical system.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

• Trees close to your home can snap or uproot.
• High wind can turn branches into projectiles during the storm.

Remove Debris From Your Yard

• Bring in outdoor furniture.
• Lawn chairs, trampolines, pool supplies, etc can be turned into flying debris.

Cover Windows

• This is necessary in order to guard against flying debris.
• Plywood or professionally installed shutters are best.
• Secure materials for this NOW while there is a surplus. Do not wait until a storm is forming in the Gulf.
• Taping windows DOES NOTHING to protect your home from wind!

Reinforce Garage Doors

• This will prevent wind from entering and causing dangerous/expensive damage.

Proper Maintenance

• Ensure that roofing materials, fencing, etc. are properly maintained and in good condition.
• This will allow them to be more resistant to wind damage.

Clear Clogged Rain Gutters and Downspouts

• This will help with the flow of water during heavy rainfall.

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic accomplishments of American workers. Labor Day is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being. Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation. New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday.

The first official Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday. American labor has raised the nation’s standard of living and contributed to the greatest production the world has ever known and the labor movement has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

For me personally as an owner of a company, I believe your workforce is an extension of your personal values and goals, and a key component to your gains, but business wise and personally. Without dedicated and hard working employees whom share your drive and devotion, your business will crumble no matter how good of an owner you may be. It is within this knowledge of understanding the value of a good and loyal employee that has allowed me and my business to grow year over year, while providing a level of service that is second to none. Without each and every one of them, I would still be in the same position I was nearly 25 years ago, when I was just starting out and struggling to survive in a competitive market. And with that being said, I want to personally thank all of my employees, who make my life and my job easier and an absolute pleasure day in and day out. Happy Labor Day!!!

As more below freezing temperatures roll into our area, as it did this Christmas, it’s vital that you know how to prevent pipes from freezing. When water freezes in your pipes, whether due to quick drops in outside temperatures, poor insulation or your thermostat is set too low, its volume expands and puts pressure on the pipe from inside. This can cause a burst pipe, but even a small crack or two can be the start of some widespread and expensive water damage.

There are number of steps you can can take when learning how to keep pipes from freezing in the first place.

• For any outdoor faucets with cut-off valves, be sure they are closed and faucets are drained. You can also protect them by using faucet covers throughout the winter months.
• Keep your thermostat on 55 to 60 if you’re going on vacation, and if you have a trusted neighbor or relative that lives close by, have them check the home periodically if you’re gone for a long period of time.
• Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home. Always install according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Seal or caulk any cracks that might let in cold air, especially places where pipes run from inside to outside the home, such as dryer vents or water pipes.
• Preventing frozen pipes should be done outdoors as well. As you winterize your home, disconnect your garden hoses.
• If cold weather settles in and you notice temperatures beginning to drop, start a small drip of both hot water and cold water in the kitchen, bath, laundry areas and any other faucets in the home. A small water drip is all that is needed to keep water moving through the system and prevent frozen pipes.

Sometimes the simplest measures like just turning off all exterior water lines such as spigots, can avoid major water damage issues. Instead of waiting for temperatures to plummet, turn these lines off once it’s too cold to use them, and thusly this will decrease your chances dramatically from having a flood in your home.