The Allstate Blog » Home Safety

5 Ways to Landscape for Hurricane Preparedness

Pauline Hammerbeck — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:02:39 +0000

It may be difficult to entirely protect your home and yard from the strong winds of a hurricane, but there are certainly steps you can take to help minimize the damage. Here are five storm-wise landscaping tips to better prepare your property for a potential hurricane.

1. Choose salt-tolerant species.

Whether plants survived or died after Sandy last fall depended on their salt tolerance, according to an expert at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, who said inland gardeners normally unaccustomed to hurricanes experienced salt damage when the storm carried salt spray many miles inland. A local agriculture expert or cooperative extension office can help you choose species that are tolerant to salt on their stems, leaves and roots.

2. Plant the right trees, in the right places.

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), some trees are prone to more storm damage than others. For example, trees that are shallow-rooted in soft soil have a tendency to topple over in high winds. The roots get pulled out of the ground. Carefully consider the type of tree you plant in your yard, but also where you site it: The South Florida Water Management District says storm-wise planting should consider the mature height of the tree to avoid future interference with fences, buildings or power lines.

3. Prune properly.

Thorough and frequent pruning will make your landscape look nice. But proper pruning is also a good way to prevent property damage in the event of a storm. IBHS suggests trimming dead, damaged or diseased tree limbs, and those that are too close to your home or near power lines. (Consider calling an expert for any work near a power line). Also, look around the yard for any cracked, hollow or decayed trees and have them removed to minimize the possibility of a strong storm uprooting them.

4. Use soft mulch.

If you have rock or pea gravel in your flower beds or along paths around your yard, IBHS suggests you consider replacing the materials with shredded bark or other soft mulch. In high winds, small rocks can become projectiles, often breaking windows or damaging the siding of the house. Shredded bark is softer and less dangerous if caught in the wind.

5. Minimize storm hazards.

If a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching, take care to bring anything that can be a potential wind hazard or projectile (toys, potted plants, lawn furniture, etc) inside. The South Florida Water Management District also suggests running a check of the yard to determine whether any debris in your swales or drainage systems might prevent water from flowing away from your property. Recommended by the editors:

How to Avoid Electrical Hazards in Your Backyard

Pauline Hammerbeck — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:03:35 +0000

Memorial Day kicks off the summer season for many homeowners. And, chances are, this will be the beginning of many weekends spent barbecuing, enjoying a backyard swim or just doing yard work, home maintenance, landscaping and other projects outdoors. But whether you're taking a dip in the pool or planting flowers, it's important to remember that you are surrounded by electricity and that outdoor electrical safety shouldn't be overlooked. Here are some electrical safety precautions to consider when you're out in the back yard.

Pools and Electrical Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, electrical hazards in and around swimming pools were to blame for 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks over the past 13 years. The CPSC, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, has compiled the following electrical safety tips for preventing backyard fires, or any other potentially dangerous or life-threatening electrical situations that may occur.

Inspections. Before the warm weather arrives, have an electrician inspect the pool, spa or hot tub. Make sure all the equipment is in accordance with both the local codes and the National Electrical Code. Follow up with any necessary upgrades or repairs.
Locations. According to the NEC, all electrical wires and junction boxes need to be at least five feet away from the water. It is also important to know where all electrical switches and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
Battery-operated devices. Having electronics around the pool can be dangerous. The CPSC recommends you use battery-operated devices around water instead of cord-connected devices.
Emergency plan. Have a detailed emergency plan posted around the pool, spa or hot tub area. This plan should outline the necessary course of action you should take if someone is suffering from an electric shock.
Weather ready. Do not swim or hang out near the water before, during or after a thunderstorm. Water and lightning are a dangerous combination.

Outlets, Power Tools and Electrical Cord Safety

The CPSC recommends an annual check of outdoor electrical equipment, including:

Outlets. Check that each outlet has its own weatherproof outlet cover, and keep it closed when not in use. Also, make sure each outlet is powered by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which turns itself off if it senses a current leak or a short circuit. If you must use an outlet during wet weather, the CPSC suggests a "weatherproof while in use" cover, which keeps an outlet covered even when a cord is plugged in.
Electric garden tools. Avoid using corded power tools in wet or damp locations, advises the CPSC. The agency also suggests checking all tools for cord damage, such as cracks or exposed wires, and to make sure they are in good condition and operating properly. Use tools with insulated grips to avoid the potential of electric shock.
Extension cords. Use only extension cords that are rated for outdoor use; indoor cords can't withstand the weather conditions when they're used outdoors, and may become a fire or shock hazard. An estimated 3,300 residential fires originate from extension cords each year, according to the CPSC, so electrical cord safety precautions make good sense.

Tree Trimming and Landscaping Safety

Most experts advise leaving tree trimming to the professionals, particularly when the tree and its limbs are anywhere near a power line. But if you do plan to do some trimming, here are some safety reminders from the Electrical Safety Foundation International:

Always look up before raising a ladder or pole to make sure it won't come within 10 feet of a power line, says the Electrical Safety Foundation International; you do not have to touch a power line to be in danger.
Use wooden or fiberglass ladders outdoors; metal ladders conduct electricity.
Do not climb with tools in your hands, and be sure to wear safety equipment at all times.
Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.

And an important general landscaping reminder: Call 811 before you begin any digging project. A federally mandated national number, 811 will connect you with a local call center that sends out a crew to identify underground utility lines. It's really the best way to make sure you don't inadvertently dig into one while planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool. Good electrical safety habits can help you to make sure your family, friends and neighbors are safe and free to enjoy a little outdoors time in your back yard this season. You might also like:

Storm Shelter? Safe Room? Build Your Own Ultimate Secure Shelter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:37 +0000

Safety is a significant issue for every homeowner and eliminating unsafe situations inside the home should be a top priority. Proper installation and usage of electrical and gas lines, carbon dioxide and fire alarms, and window and door locks are all important for day-to-day home safety. But what about extreme conditions? Tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and even home invasion are all examples of severe situations in which families may benefit from a safe room. What is a safe room? Simply put, a safe room is a secure, reinforced, well-stocked room where individuals can go to avoid the risks and potential dangers that may arise in other parts of a home. But how do you create a safe room in your house? Our infographic provides some ideas: [infographic]

Fuel Your Grill with Man Power [VIDEO]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:15:34 +0000

In Episode 5 of our web series The UnReal Adventures of Ted and Traci, our heroes are enjoying the warm summer weather. Ted fires up his gas grill for a nice outdoor meal, but only after he’s “improved” it. It turns out, jet fuel doesn’t make for great steaks, but Ted's mistake helps illustrate some basics of grill safety. Check out all episodes of this web series (new episodes added weekly): Trailer - The UnReal Adventures of Ted & Traci Episode 1 - Om on the Road Episode 2 - Up in Smoke Episode 3 - Supercharged Episode 4 – Stranded Episode 6 - Staycation Transcript: ‘Grillmeister 7000' Ted: I can’t believe the neighbors got a Grillmeister 7000—that thing costs more than our car. But don’t be jealous, Traci: I’ve been working on something even better. Ted: I made just a few adjustments to our old grill… Now it runs on manpower!! Traci: Manpower, huh? Then what’s in the tank? Ted: Just a little something I like to call JET FUEL! YEAH! Let’s get this baby fired up! Ted: Hurry up, babe! Go get the steaks! Traci: So… Wanna order a pizza? Voiceover: Don’t add fuel to the fire. Connect with me on Google+ or follow me on Twitter

King of the Grill: Serving Up Grill Safety [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:00:34 +0000

Throughout the United States, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer. This federal holiday is observed annually to honor American soldiers who gave their lives in defense of this country. One of the grand traditions associated with Memorial Day weekend is cooking food on an outdoor grill, enjoying the weather and spending time with friends and family. Grilling and barbecue can be fun and tasty, but certain safety precautions are a must. The infographic below provides some general grill safety information, grilling tips and common pitfalls to avoid to help ensure a safe holiday weekend. [infographic]

Lessons From The World’s First Indoor Hailstorm

Pauline Hammerbeck — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:45 +0000

Who would take the time to fashion hailstones from a mix of tap water and seltzer water in a special laboratory, and then fire them at a variety of roofs, windows and doors from air cannons? Isn't that painstakingly detailed work? Of course. But the scientists at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in Tampa, Fla., decided to do just that as part of a major study to help homeowners, manufacturers of home products and others better cope with this natural disaster.

Orchestrating an indoor hailstorm

The IBHS has a huge indoor facility measuring a half-acre across and 70 feet high at its existing research center in South Carolina. It sent scientists into the field to study hailstorms in six states to gather a variety of data, as hail varies in size, shape and hardness. Then, in February, after creating hailstones that closely mimics those produced by Mother Nature, it orchestrated the first-ever full-scale indoor hailstorm. Within a four-minute time span, the IBHS used ice and air cannons to fire 9,000 pieces of man-made balls of ice (some as large as 2 inches in diameter) at top speeds of 76 mph at a test house featuring different roofing and siding materials, windows, and doors, along with a car and outdoor furniture to replicate a residential setting. IBHS Hailstorm Demonstration Highlights from IBHS on Vimeo. The goal was to achieve conditions present in a typical super-cell thunderstorm known to produce hail. While IBHS has only begun to analyze the results, it has found that the damage was confined mostly to roofs, and particularly to soft areas with less coverage, similar to what researchers found during “real” outdoor hailstorms in the field. This spring, the Institute is collecting more data, and it plans to bring back damaged housing parts to its research center to determine their longevity once hail has wrecked havoc. Spring Means Hail Season Hailstorms are common in the spring, because of the season's frequency of thunderstorms with strong, tilted updrafts, which are known for producing hailstones--some as big as marbles and balls. But they can happen anywhere, and at any time. According to the IBHS, the U.S. experiences more than 3,000 hailstorms a year, resulting in more than $1 billion in damages. "Hail Alley” -- which runs from Texas north through the middle of the country to the Dakotas -- is particularly prone. Hail Preparedness Tips for Homeowners So, what can you do to prepare for the next hailstorm? According to the IBHS, you should consider these precautions:

As soon as a hailstorm starts, if it's safe, move vehicles under cover and move outdoor furnishings indoors.
During a hailstorm, stay indoors and stay clear of windows; they may break.
After a hailstorm, inspect your property for signs of hail damage; snap photos to document the impact.
If you plan on a replacing a roof, the IBHS recommends using materials that are “impact resistant,” specifically those with a Class 4 rating from Underwriters Laboratories' 2218 standard. (Siding, window and door products aren't yet graded this way.)
Be sure to hire a reputable contractor. Before you hire anyone, check references; ask for proof of certification or licensing, and be sure they’re bonded and insured, too. “Some ‘storm chasers’ are not reputable, demanding money up front, then disappearing,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the IBHS.

It can also be a good idea to stay on top of changing weather. Sign up for email or text weather alerts, or get a weather radio, to alert you to emerging weather hazards and reports of hail in your community. Recommended by the editors:

Not All Smoke Alarms are Equal: Knowing the Difference Could Save Your Life

Admin — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:08:11 +0000

You change the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year, and test them every month. But do you know what type of smoke alarms you have? Or, that having one kind over another can make a difference in getting out safely in a home fire? There are two chief smoke alarm types, and each has a sensor that detects smoke and fire differently depending on the origin of the fire.

Ionization vs. photoelectric smoke alarms

The most common smoke alarm type, Ionization alarms are generally more responsive to a flaming fire ( for instance, when a lit candle tips over and ignites a towel), according to Underwriters Laboratories. These alarms use "ions," or electrically charged particles, to detect smoke in the air. UL says that, because they are inexpensive, ionization detectors are the most commonly found smoke alarms in North American homes. The second type of detector is the photoelectric smoke alarm, which uses a light beam to detect the presence of smoke. According to UL, these alarm types are more effective at sounding when a fire originates from a smoldering source, like a lit cigarette that falls into a couch cushion. Smoldering fires can fill a home with dangerous gases before a fire ever erupts.

Which smoke alarm type is best?

So, which alarm to choose? While both types of smoke detectors are designed to detect any house fire, no matter the source, each technology has its advantages and can offer an earlier warning over the other, depending on the origin of a fire. The challenge is that it's impossible to predict which type of fire could erupt in your home, which is why the National Fire Protection Association says the best protection is offered by having both alarm technologies in your home. There are a couple of ways to get this done. If your existing detectors are ionization smoke alarms, you can purchase photoelectric smoke alarms and install one next to each ionization unit. If you don't know what type you have, check your owner's manual. (Or, try this tip: Take the smoke alarm down and look at the back. Because ionization alarms all contain a trace amount of a radioactive material, Americium 241, they contain a warning about the material on each alarm. If you see this warning on your device, you have an ionization unit.) Another option: If budget allows, consider replacing all of your existing smoke alarms with dual-sensor devices, which combine both ionization and photoelectric technologies in a single unit.

Maintenance is key, regardless of type

Knowing the type of smoke alarm you have is clearly an important part of fire safety, but experts also warn that, regardless of type, smoke alarms won't protect you if they're not working properly. According to UL, an estimated 20 percent of homes have detectors that do not work or are missing batteries, and two-thirds of reported residential fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, or with no smoke alarms at all. So, start by making sure you have the right number of smoke alarms in the right places. The NFPA recommends a smoke detector in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home (smoke rises, so install them high on the walls). Then, set reminders to swap out the batteries on each unit at least once a year, and to test the units monthly. Are your smoke alarms ready to alert you to a home fire? Recommended by the editors:

Things To Know About Well Water Before You Buy a Home

Admin — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:49:47 +0000

When you are thinking of buying a new home, there are many details to consider: Financing, the condition of the home, schools in the area and the quality of the neighborhood, property taxes, insurance, whether all of your furniture will fit. And the water. You will drink, shower, clean, flush, brush and wash with the water in your new home every day. So, what do you need to think about if that prospective home operates on a private well? The majority of homes today have a municipal water source that is regulated by government and Environmental Protection Agency health standards. In these cases, the homeowner has little need to be overly involved in the health and safety of their water. But that changes a bit when your home has its own water source. And some prospective homeowners may not be comfortable making that shift from a home with a municipal water supply to one with its own private water source. If your prospective home has well water, you are not alone. According to the EPA, 15 percent of Americans rely on individually owned and operated sources of drinking water. Here are some tips derived from the EPA for managing a home with a private well:

Research common water problems in your area

If you are moving to a completely new area, it is a good idea to reach out to your local water expert for information on local water problems. The EPA website is also a good resource for local water problems. This way, you will be proactive in preserving the taste and safety of your drinking water.

Find out your state’s well water regulations and recommendations

States vary on policies and regulations for private well water owners. Check with your local water expert or local health department for your state’s policies or guidelines on water testing. In some states, like Colorado, you may need to obtain a permit for your private well. In other states, like New Jersey, it is required by law for a seller to perform a water test and disclose results to potential buyers.

Get the water tested by a trusted local professional

Local water professionals can do an in-home water test for certain contaminants, but some recommended well water tests require a full lab analysis. Your local water professional can help guide you through the most appropriate testing for your home.

Have test results interpreted by someone who knows local water conditions

Make sure your local water expert clearly explains the results of your water test, especially if you are new to well water.

Learn your options if your water does contain contaminants

Many contaminants in well water can easily be reduced with water softeners, drinking water filters or other water treatment systems. If your water does contain a contaminant, reach out to a local water expert who will be able to determine the best option for you in your area.

Set up a regular water testing schedule for your home

The EPA recommends private well water tests once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. The EPA also recommends an extra well water test every two to three years for tannins, hardness, chloride and copper. Potential contamination can occur naturally, or as a result of human activity.

Keep a record of your water tests and any problems that occur

It is a good idea to keep water test results on file. This will allow you to reference them to help identify when a problem began and determine a potential cause. This will also help answer questions from prospective buyers if you ever sell the home. If you are planning on moving to a home with well water, finding a water expert to help you is one of the easiest and best things you can do to ensure your water is healthy and safe. When choosing a water expert, make sure they are Water Quality Association-certified, work in your area and understand local water problems. Check with your local health department, your neighbors or search for your local water treatment company for suggestions on water experts in your area. Becoming educated in well water safety will be beneficial to the maintenance and longevity of your new home! Jim Stewart is the Director of Commercial & Industrial Sales and Dealer Support for Culligan. He has 25 years of Culligan experience that includes the residential, commercial and industrial markets. Recommended by the editors:

What You Need to Know About Smoke Alarms and CO Alarms

Debbie Hanson, First Alert — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:02:52 +0000

With technology so ingrained in our lives, it’s probably no surprise that it's also been used to advance so many safety products over the past decades. In my lifetime, I've seen countless new products developed that help protect my family every day – like security systems for the home and airbags in cars. But how much do we really know about these products that help keep us safe day in and day out? Take the smoke alarm, for example. Did you know that the residential smoke alarm wasn't developed until almost 1970? BRK Electronics, First Alert’s parent company, designed and produced the first residential smoke detector in 1969. Here are some more interesting facts that you might not know about your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms:

Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be installed high on the wall inside each sleeping area. CO alarms can be placed inside or outside the sleeping area at any height on the wall, though. That's because CO spreads evenly throughout the air (it's essentially the same weight).
Smoke alarms do save lives! According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms have led to a nearly 50 percent decrease in fire-related deaths since their introduction in the 1970s. I recommend testing your alarms at least once per month to be sure they are functioning properly. Overlooking the task is a common mistake in smoke alarm maintenance.
Smoke and CO alarms have an expiration date. Since these devices are constantly working, they can’t last forever. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and CO alarms should be replaced every five to seven years, depending on the model. In my home, we write the installation date on the back of the alarm with a permanent marker as a helpful reminder.
The first battery-operated smoke alarm was introduced by First Alert in 1976. If you have battery-operated smoke and CO alarms in your home today, be sure you replace the batteries every six months. A good habit is to do this every spring and fall when you change the clocks. (We spring forward on March 10 this year.)
People have nearly a 50 percent better chance of surviving a fire if their home has the recommended number of smoke alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and inside each sleeping area.

Guest blogger Debbie Hanson is director of external affairs for First Alert, a trusted brand in home safety products. Recommended by the editors:

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips for Chimney and Furnace Season

Frank Rivera, ADT — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:16:46 +0000

Winter is here. And while you’ve probably fired up the furnace plenty, and stocked up on firewood, have you studied up on carbon monoxide safety? A common output of malfunctioning or improperly used appliances, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that’s nicknamed the “silent killer” because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it. Furnaces, stoves, ovens, water heaters and blocked chimney vents can all be potential sources of carbon monoxide, or CO. So how do you protect yourself? Here are some important safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration that can help keep you safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter.

Furnace and Chimney Safety Precautions

Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected annually by a licensed professional. This includes your furnace, water heater, wood stove and any portable heaters.
Make sure the damper is opened and clear of debris before using a fireplace.
Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.
When purchasing new appliances, look for products that have been tested and are labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside and is kept clear and unblocked.
Damaged or discolored bricks at the top of your chimney, moisture around the windows and walls near a furnace, and excessive rust on vent pipes or the outside of appliances can all be signs of a potential CO problem. Call in a professional if you spot these signs.

CO Alarm Testing and Replacement

Run a test on your CO alarms at least once a month, and replace them if they aren’t responding correctly. Sensors in carbon monoxide alarms have a limited life.
A CO alarm isn’t a substitute for a smoke alarm, and vice-versa. You should familiarize yourself with the different sounds each alarm makes.
If the carbon monoxide detector is beeping, go outside and immediately call 911 or the fire department.

Proper ventilation, a solid cleaning, and a working early-CO-detection alarm are your biggest allies when it comes to preventing a carbon monoxide buildup this winter. Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Services. To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit www.adt.com. Recommended by the editors: