What is a Five-Alarm Fire?
Fire departments respond to fires of all kinds—from small outbreaks, to roaring conflagrations. [...]
Signs of Mold Inside of Your Home, and Where to Check for It
It's obviously not safe to live with mold inside of your home, but in most cases it begins to f [...]
House Fires: 2 Tips to Protect and Prepare Your Home
A house fire could break out at any time, so it's always best to be both proactive and prepared [...]
Where to Look for Water Leaks and Active Termites Inside of Your Home
It's easy to miss certain safety hazards that may exist inside of your home. Some oversights, i [...]
3 Tips to Make Sure Your Fire Extinguisher Still Works
Home fire extinguishers tend to be out of sight, out of mind. That is, until there's a fire eme [...]
4 Fire Pit Safety Tips to Consider
Who doesn't love a good fire pit? Winter temps are in full swing, but an unseasonably mild day [...]
Are Termites Active During Winter? 4 Things to Know
Termites can be the undoing of a home. They can eat away at major structural components of your [...]
3 MORE Mistakes That Could Set Your House on Fire
Your home is perhaps one of your biggest financial investments, and the last thing you want is [...]
5 Tips to Prevent Your Christmas Tree From Catching Fire
It's that time of year when colorful lights adorn the exterior of homes, and trees inside of th [...]
4 Mistakes That Could Cause a House Fire
Everyone wants to protect their family from a house fire. But certain everyday habits and pract [...]
5 Things That Could Catch Fire in Your Home, and How
Your home is your safe haven. But without the proper attention, certain items and appliances ca [...]
9 Common Home Fire Safety Mistakes That Nearly Everyone Makes
Nobody wants to cause a fire in their home, but certain actions and inaction greatly increase t [...]
Here’s What to Do if a Fire Starts Inside of Your Home
Even when the proper precautions are taken a fire can still break out inside of your home. You [...]
Dos and Don’ts to Prevent a House Fire
Smart everyday practices in your home can help prevent a house fire. Consider these dos and don [...]
3 Tips to Escape From a House Fire
Everyone in your household needs to know exactly what to do and where they should go if a fire [...]
4 Simple Steps to Winterize Your Outdoor Faucets
Winter temperatures have arrived and now is the time to prepare your outdoor faucets for the co [...]
Are Your Pantry Items Safe to Eat After Smoke Exposure from a House Fire? Here’s What Has to Go
After a house fire you're very likely trying to salvage as much as possible, especially possess [...]
Here’s How to Clean Soot Off of Your Walls After a House Fire
If your home has experienced a fire, walls in close proximity to the flames and smoke will like [...]
What Is a Derecho?
Some thunderstorms can reach destructive wind speeds as strong as those of hurricanes and torna [...]
2 Things That Are Inviting Spiders Into Your Bathroom
Breaches in the exterior of your home are an invitation to not only spiders, but to all manner [...]
5 Tips to Use Your Fireplace More Efficiently This Fall
Consider these five tips to make the most efficient use of your fireplace during the chilly fal [...]
5 Signs Your Home May Have a Gas Leak
During the winter months natural gas and propane gas can be ideal ways to heat your home. If th [...]
4 Important Questions Answered About Mold and Mildew
Although you may hear the terms mold and mildew used synonymously, there are distinctive differ [...]
5 More Ways to Keep Moisture and Mold Out of Your Basement
If you've got a damp basement it can become a nursery for mold. Mold spores are ever-present in [...]
4 Ways to Keep Moisture and Mold Out of Your Basement
Molds thrive on moisture, and a damp basement can become a mold incubator that feeds airborne s [...]
3 More Causes for Concern As Your House Settles
Typically within a year of being built all homes will finish settling. During that time a house [...]
2 More Reasons Why Your House Settles, and 4 Signs That You Need to Be Concerned
Whether a structure is a home or a commercial building, it will experience settling. For the mo [...]
What Happens When Your House Settles, and 2 Reasons Why
A house that "settles" doesn't always result in a pair of keys to a new residence. Settling als [...]
2 More Bugs Likely to Enter Your Home’s Exterior Breaches This Fall
As the chill of fall weather gives warm temperatures the boot, insects go on the prowl in searc [...]
2 Bugs That May Haunt Your Home This Fall, and How to Stop Them
This fall you can expect the usual multi-legged suspects to try to invade your home in search o [...]
4 Major Things to Know About Installing Storm Shutters
The chances of a hurricane occurring in Michigan are slim to none, but in September 1996 a cycl [...]
2 Types of Impact-Resistant Windows to Protect Your Home
Straight-line winds or a tornado can cause airborne debris to strike your home at high speeds. [...]
4 Tips to Prevent a House Fire
There are about 385,500 house fires a year, according to data from the National Fire Protection [...]
5 Types of Fire-Resistant Siding to Protect Your Home
If you're looking for ways to fortify your home against the threat of a fire, think about inves [...]
5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Prepare Your Home for a Power Outage
At one time or another you’ve probably experienced a power outage during a storm or other extre [...]
4 Tips to Remember During and After a Power Outage
Once your neighborhood is plunged into darkness during a power outage you have to be wise with [...]
What Types of Mold Might Lurk Inside of Your Dishwasher?
Although dishwashers are intended to sterilize your dishes and flatware, they can also be a bre [...]
Do You Have Mold Inside of Your Dishwasher? 3 Places to Check
When it comes to homes, mold is definitely a four-letter word. But a reality is that, over time [...]
Removing Orange Mold Inside of Your Home
Like any mold, orange mold inside of your home can be detrimental to the health of you and your [...]
4 Types of Orange Mold to Look Out For
In order for mold to grow and flourish it needs three key elements: a source of food, like nutr [...]
What Is Orange Mold?
You've seen or heard of green mold and black mold—but orange mold? Is there such a thing? Yes. [...]
What’s Your Home’s Flood Factor in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea?
Not only can a flood cause extensive damage to your home, it can disrupt your entire community— [...]
What Is a Flood Factor?
A flood factor is an indicator of the risk that a property will flood within a given year, and [...]
5 Tips to Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm
Thunderstorms are common severe weather events. In fact the U.S. gets over 100,000 thunderstorm [...]
2 Lighting Mistakes That Could Cause a House Fire
The light fixtures in your home may easily be among the most commonly-used devices that are on [...]
4 Safety Tips to Prevent a House Fire When Using Space Heaters
Autumn is far away, but when it arrives you may choose to use space heaters every now and then [...]
6 Safety Tips to Prevent a House Fire While Using Extension Cords
Extension cords come in handy when you're in a pinch and you need temporary electrical power in [...]
10 Fireworks and Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent a Fire This Fourth of July
This Fourth of July you may have plans to fire-up the grill and light a few fireworks come nigh [...]
5 Common Causes of Home Electrical Fires
Approximately 47,000 home fires that occurred in the U.S. each year from 2015 to 2019 involved [...]
4 Major Things to Know About Above- and Below-Ground Safe Rooms
Tornado season typically lasts from March to June, but a twister can strike at any time of year [...]
Which Trees Can Damage Your Foundation and Underground Pipes?
Some trees are known to have root systems that grow extensively and cause problems for homes an [...]
2 Ways to Kill Invasive Tree Roots
Trees can beautify your yard, help shield your home from summer heat, and provide shade for out [...]
3 More Safety Essentials Missing From Most Homes
When severe weather puts your household in an emergency situation you can be prepared by equipp [...]
4 Safety Essentials That Are Missing From Most Homes
Before severe weather, fire, or other unforeseen circumstance thrusts your household into an em [...]
Building a Safe Room: 3 Things You Need to Know
In late May a tornado tore through the town of Gaylord killing two people and injuring 44, acco [...]
3 Important Things to Know About Safe Rooms
Our state is far from what is considered to be “tornado alley,” which is usually comprised of s [...]
What Is a Safe Room?
Not to be confused with a panic room, which is designed to provide a homeowner with a secret an [...]
Are Nighttime Tornadoes More Lethal?
No time is a good time for a tornado to strike. But one that hits while you and your family are [...]
Here’s the Day When the Most Tornadoes Are Expected This Year
March through June are usually the months when tornadoes are the most active, but it’s not unhe [...]
3 Ways to Lift a Sinking House
A sinking foundation can cause cracks around your windows and doors, and along your ceilings an [...]
Can a Sinking House Be Lifted?
You may wonder: What makes a house sink? Soil movement is the likely culprit. Movement can happ [...]
3 MORE Household Items You Didn’t Know Are Flammable
Preventing accidental fires in your kitchen can be as simple as verifying that the flame on you [...]
More Flammable Items That May Be Inside of Your Home
Cooking equipment, smoking, and heating equipment are the primary sources of home fires, accord [...]
5 Smart Safety Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Cleaning This Spring
Check out these five smart safety tips for indoor and outdoor cleaning this spring. 5 Smart Saf [...]
How to Clean for Home Safety This Spring
If you're like many people, you have a spring cleaning To-Do list – and this guide explains how [...]
What is a Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher?
If you’re like many people, you're aware that there are a variety of types of fire extinguisher [...]
What is a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher?
Most people know that there are different types of fire extinguishers, and that each type puts [...]
What You Need to Know About Air-Pressurized Water Fire Extinguishers
If you're like many people, you know that different types of fires require different types of f [...]
Know Your Fire Extinguishers: What Types of Fire Extinguisher Should You Use?
If you're like many people, you're unaware of the different types of fire extinguishers, what t [...]
How Often – and Where – to Get a Fire Extinguisher Inspected
If you're like many people, you know that fire extinguishers need to be inspected on a regular [...]
What to Do if Your Microwave Catches on Fire
Kitchen fires are incredibly common, and many of them are small enough to handle without involv [...]
How to Put Out a Fire on Your Stove
Unfortunately, thousands of people’s kitchens will fall victim to fire this year. Do you know w [...]
3 Basic Guidelines for Fighting a House Fire
If there's a fire in your home, you may be able to prevent it from causing further damage by fi [...]
The 3 Most Common Causes of Kitchen Fires
If you are like most people, you know that kitchen fires are a very real threat – but what caus [...]
Can a Sinking House Be Lifted?
You may wonder: What makes a house sink? Soil movement is the likely culprit. Movement can happ [...]
4 Household Items You Didn’t Know Were Flammable
House fires impact 350,000 American homes each year, according to the National Fire Protection [...]
What to Put in a Tornado Kit
If you’re like most people, you know that Michigan’s tornado season is right around the corner. [...]
Applying for Disaster Assistance From the Government
Natural disasters can happen anywhere, any time. If the state of Michigan is hit by a natural d [...]
3 Disasters That Could Hit Your House When You’re Out of Town
If you’re like most people, you have a friend or family member swing by to check on your house [...]
What Happens if Your Home’s Insulation Gets Wet?
If your home’s insulation gets wet, it likely needs to be replaced. This guide explains why. Wh [...]
Can Floors Sag Simply Because They’re Old?
Floors in most homes start out even and firm, but with time they can dip, slope, and show visib [...]
4 Reasons Why Your Floors Are Sagging
The floors in your home should be firm and even. They shouldn't bulge downward underfoot. Neith [...]
3 Ways a Wet Crawl Space Can Damage Your Home
If your home has a crawl space you're probably not very well acquainted with it. After all, a v [...]
Can You Prevent Mold in a Wet Carpet?
Is it possible to prevent mold in a wet carpet? Mold grows quickly – so here’s what you need to [...]
Who to Call for Winter Storm Damage
This winter has been unlike any other in recent memory – and though it’s a far cry from the Bli [...]
5 Scary Long-Term Effects of Mishandled Smoke Damage
If your home has been through a fire, you need an expert fire and smoke damage remediation expe [...]
4 Things to Throw Away After a House Fire
If you’re like many people, you’d like to know what you can save – and what you should throw aw [...]
Is it Possible to Salvage Items That Were in a Fire?
If your home has been through a fire, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to save an of [...]
3 Causes of Winter Mold Inside of Your Home
Although the winter season is not humid like the summer months, mold can still grow inside of y [...]
Can Mold Grow Inside of Your Furnace?
Mold spores travel through the air, so it’s not uncommon for mold to grow inside of your furnac [...]
Watch Out This Winter: Poor Attic Insulation Can Cause a Leaky Roof
If your attic isn’t insulated and vented properly, you could have a big problem on your hands t [...]
3 Ways Winter Can Damage Your Home
Michigan winters can be tough on your house – and in some cases, winter weather can do signific [...]
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Water Damage in Ann Arbor?
If you’re like many people with a water-damaged home in Ann Arbor, Jackson or any of the surrou [...]
What’s the Difference Between Regular Mold and Black Mold?
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of toxic black mold – but what’s the difference betwee [...]
2 More Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Winter is just around the corner. Make sure your home is prepared to weather freezing te [...]
3 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter
Winter is fast approaching and now is the time to make sure your home is prepared for the cold [...]
House Fire Statistics Every Homeowner Should Know
If you own a home in Ann Arbor, Jackson or anywhere in between, you know that fire safety is im [...]
7 Winter Fire Safety Tips to Prevent Disaster
If you’re like most people, you know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – and [...]
4 Tips for Staying Hydrated When Sheltering-in-Place After a Disaster
Although tornado season ended in June portions of our state continued to experience tornado act [...]
What Is a Weather WEA? Here’s What You Need to Know
Public safety officials use swift and reliable systems to alert you of weather emergencies. Her [...]
Should You Invest in a Secondary Sump Pump?
A sump pump helps keep your basement from flooding by collecting and re-routing excess water aw [...]
4 Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Maintenance
When heavy rains fall your sump pump helps keep your basement from flooding and incurring water [...]
Gutter Cleaning Tips to Save You Money on Roof Repairs
If you’re like most people, you know you need to clean your gutters from time to time – and now [...]
4 Common Questions About Sump Pumps Answered
A sump pump is a behind-the-scenes device, and for most people it tends to be out-of-sight and [...]
7 Signs Your Home Doesn’t Have Enough Insulation
If you’re like most people, you simply assume that your home is well-insulated enough to protec [...]
How to Check Your Home’s Insulation Before Winter
If you’re like most people, you know that your home needs to be well-insulated before winter hi [...]
3 Detailed Steps to Prepare for a Natural Disaster
Although you can’t predict when a natural disaster will strike, you can prepare. Don’t wait unt [...]
2 More Bothersome Bugs That Want Inside of Your House This Fall, And How to Stop Them
There's something extra creepy about bugs with lots and lots of legs, but as fall temperatures [...]
2 Bugs That May Invade Your Home This Fall
As cool fall weather ushers out the heat, the prospect of a warm shelter for fall and winter, a [...]
Can a Dirty Vent Fan in Your Bathroom Cause Mold?
Your bathroom’s vent fan has two main functions: one is the obvious job of helping to ri [...]
What Causes Mold in a Michigan Basement?
If you’re like most people, the one of the last things you want to deal with in your basement i [...]
5 Ways to Prevent Your Roof From Collapsing From Snow
The last thing you want is for your roof to accumulate so much snow and ice that it collapses – [...]
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage From Snow?
If you’re like most Michiganders, you’re well aware of how much snow can build up on your roof [...]
What to Do if Your Home Sustains Wind Damage From a Winter Storm
What to Do if Your Home Sustains Wind Damage From a Winter Storm What should you do if your hom [...]
5 Cold-Weather Home Safety Tips for Michiganders
Michigan winters are only getting colder – and with the chilly weather well on its way, check o [...]
5 Ways to Prevent Ice Dams
Winter is right around the corner, and if you’re like most people, you know that you need to pr [...]
Why Are Ice Dams Bad?
Ice dams can cause catastrophic damage to your house – but what are they, and how do they creat [...]
5 Winter Home Disasters
As you can tell by the weather, winter is right around the corner – and it’s in your best inter [...]
5 Things to Do Immediately After a Flood
It’s no secret that Michigan is facing some serious flooding issues right now – but what are yo [...]
3 Things That Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation
Damage to your home’s foundation can be a daunting concern since it’s one of the costliest prob [...]
Is it Hard to Remove Mold From a House?
If you’re like many people, you know that mold can be extremely pervasive – and that it can cau [...]
Can You Fix a Water-Damaged Wood Floor?
If your wood floor has been soaked with water, whether the cause was a flood, a leaky pipe or s [...]
What to Do When Your Business Floods
Michigan’s weather is unpredictable – and this year has had more ups and downs than years past. [...]
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Commercial Water Damage?
If you’re like many business owners facing a water-damaged building, inventory or office space, [...]
Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage
If you’re like most business owners, the last thing on your mind is a flood at your place of bu [...]
Do You Have to Replace Your Carpet After a Flood?
Experiencing a flood in your home can be an extremely stressful experience. Less than an inch o [...]
What’s a Slab Leak? 3 Signs Your Home Has One
A slab leak is a leak that develops in the copper pipes beneath the concrete foundation of your [...]
Backup Generators vs. Batteries: Pros and Cons to Consider
Within the past 12 months chances are you’ve experienced at least one power outage during a sto [...]
Should You Get a Generator?
If you’re like most people, you’ve heard of backup generators – but should you really invest in [...]
2 MORE Areas in Your Home to Monitor for Mold Growth
In a moist and musty basement you may easily be able to spot patches of mold growth on walls, c [...]
2 Places in Your Home Where Mold Can Secretly Thrive
Mold can be easily detected in places like showers and on walls in damp and musty basements. In [...]
Home Backup Power: 2 Things You Should Know About Batteries
Each year the average American experiences about 1.3 power outages that last for approximately [...]
Home Backup Power: 3 Things You Should Know About Backup Generators
Like most people on the planet, at one time or another, you’ve likely experienced a loss of pow [...]
5 More Things You Should Do After a Tornado Strikes Your Home
If you’re returning home to assess tornado damage to your property consider the following recom [...]
7 Things to Do After a Tornado Strikes Your Home
Tornado season is over, but if you’ve recently been the victim of a tornado’s destructive force [...]
What Is Roof Algae? Is It Harmful?
If you have a roof of a certain age you may have begun to see stains and streaks appear over ti [...]
Tornado Activity in May and EF Ratings
Although May typically marks the last month of tornado season, things are far from over. In fac [...]
Do You Know What to Do During a Tornado?
First thing’s first. In a nutshell… A tornado watch means a tornado is possible, and you should [...]
Do You Know What to Do AFTER a Tornado Strikes?
After the devastation of a tornado many Americans are faced with picking up the pieces and putt [...]
What to Do Right Before a Tornado Strikes
Michigan averages 15 tornadoes each year. And although we’re in what is considered the last mon [...]
3 Things to Know About Tornado Season, and This Year’s Forecast
Severe weather is an ever-increasing danger across the U.S. Tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical sto [...]
2 Ways to Fortify Your Home and Yard Against Brood X Cicadas
The cicadas are coming. The cicadas are coming. By now you’ve probably heard it a million times [...]
Could a Home Addition Make Your Retaining Wall Fail?
Everyone wants a home that suits their lifestyle and needs, and to that end a home addition can [...]
2 More Reasons Why Retaining Walls Fail
When you think of a retaining wall failure images of a crumbling structure may come to mind. Al [...]
Retaining Wall Failures Can Put Your Home in Jeopardy. 2 Reasons Why They Fail
A retaining wall failure doesn’t necessarily mean that one day your entire wall crumbles to the [...]
How Do You Know if Your Gutters Are Failing?
If you’re like many people, you don’t think too much about your roof, gutters or other things t [...]
What Kind of Equipment Do Water Damage Restoration Experts Use?
Water damage restoration experts have access to industrial equipment that helps dry out your ho [...]
7 Water Damage Tips You Can Use After a Disaster
When your home floods, whether it’s due to heavy rains, a broken pipe or a sewage backup, your [...]
5 Things NOT to Do if Your Home Floods
When your home floods, it’s tough to know what you should – and shouldn’t – do. This guide expl [...]
How Do You Restore Water Damage?
If you’re like most people, you know water damage can be incredibly serious – and it can lead t [...]
3 Ways Heat and Humidity Can Damage Your House
Heat and humidity can jeopardize the integrity of the structure of your home. From a crawl spac [...]
Turning Off the A/C While You’re Away Can Harm Your House. Here’s How
The spring season is here, and if you and your family plan to be away for a while you may be th [...]
3 Ways to Protect Your Home From a Bug Infestation This Spring
Spring’s back…and so are the bugs. Warm weather brings with it all sorts of insects that are cu [...]
Can You Paint Over Lead-Based Paint? Yes, and No.
If a home inspection reveals that your residence contains lead-based paint you can paint over i [...]
Does Your Home Contain Lead Paint? 3 Ways to Know
Although paint is pretty, it can sometimes be pretty dangerous. It’s not news that lead [...]
A Bird’s Nest in Your Dryer Vent Can Cause a Fire. Here’s How to Keep Birds Out
Birds aren’t very different from most animals when it comes to seeking shelter from the element [...]
2 More Ways to Winterize Your Home When You’re Away for the Season
If you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period during the winter you can help s [...]
3 Ways to Winterize Your Home When You’re Away for the Season
If you’re a snowbird who flocks to warmth when winter sets in, or you simply plan to be away fr [...]
3 MORE Bad Habits That Could Catch Your House on Fire
House fires can start in many different ways. An unattended pot on the stove or an improperly e [...]
4 Bad Habits That Could Catch Your House on Fire
No one intends to start a fire in their home, but everyday habits that might not be given a sec [...]
3 More Ways to Prevent a Chimney Fire
Cold winter evenings spent fireside with a mug of hot cocoa doesn’t sound like a bad way to unw [...]
Water Damage from Ice Dams
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) [...]
3 Ways to Prevent a Chimney Fire
If your chimney has a build-up of combustible creosote residue and the internal temperature of [...]
What Causes Chimney Fires?
Sitting fireside with a mug of hot chocolate or a good book on cold winter evenings can be idyl [...]
3 Causes of Sewer Backups That You Can and Cannot Control
Sewer line backups across the nation are increasing at a rate of 3 percent every year, accordin [...]
2 Signs You Have a Sewer Backup, and Its Potential Hazards
Your property has incoming water lines and outgoing sewer lines. The sewer lines transport used [...]
Who Cleans Up After a House Fire?
If you’re like many people, you don’t know a lot about what happens after the fire trucks leave [...]
Can You Live in a House With Smoke Damage?
If your home has been damaged by fire, you’re well aware of how devastating it can be – but whe [...]
How Long Does It Take to Repair Fire Damage to a Home?
A house fire can be devastating – and if you’re like most people who have experienced this type [...]
How Do You Restore a House After a Fire?
If you’re like many people, you know that a fire can be devastating – but how do you restore a [...]
3 Signs Your House Could Be Sinking
While earthquakes aren’t common in Michigan, since the state isn’t located near any major fault [...]
How Much Does Fire Damage Restoration Cost?
How much does fire damage restoration cost? Because every home is different – and because so ma [...]
How Do You Clean Up After a Fire?
How do you clean up after a fire? The answer may be more intensive than you think – so here’s w [...]
How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take?
How long does fire damage restoration take? Here’s what you need to know. How Long Does Fire Da [...]
Fire Damage Restoration FAQ
If you’re like many people, you know that fire damage restoration is necessary if your home or [...]
What Are Ice Dams? How Do You Prevent Them From Damaging Your Roof?
What are ice dams? When snow accumulation on your roof is warmed by heat from within your home [...]
3 Ways to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Removing water from within your sprinkler system before freezing winter temperatures set in is [...]
How to Fend-Off Freezing Pipes, a Faulty Heating System, and Cold Air This Winter
As winter nears and temperatures continue to drop keeping your home and its infrastructure warm [...]
My Basement Carpet Got Flooded. How Long Before Mold Begins to Grow?
So, one of the kids left the basement bathroom sink running and now your entire carpet is soggy [...]
5 Things You Can Do Today to Prepare for Any Natural Disaster
Each year tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, and wildfires threaten the homes of m [...]
Ready for Winter? A 3-Point Home Preparation Checklist
It’s time to batten down the hatches as the winter season approaches. Here’s a quick checklist [...]
Should You Cover Your A/C Unit During the Winter?
Now that colder weather is here your outdoor A/C unit has probably become as dormant as your la [...]
Could Your Home Be Infested With Arthropods?
Is there any truth to the myth, “You’re never more than 3 feet from a spider”? A 2016 study of [...]
3 Pests That Want to Invade Your Home This Fall, and How to Stop Them
As the cool fall weather settles in for the long haul outdoor insects seek shelter from the col [...]
What Is Furnace Puff Back?
What It Is You ever turn on your furnace and have clouds of oily soot pour from vents throughou [...]
What Causes Mold in a Basement?
Mold can pose serious health risks to you, your family and your pets – and that’s true even if [...]
Can You Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home This Fall and Winter?
If you’re like most people, you know that mold growth inside a house is a huge problem. While m [...]
Mold Removal vs. Mold Remediation: What’s the Difference?
When you have mold in your home, your health is at risk – and you probably know that you have t [...]
3 Little-Known Secrets to Keeping a Tile Floor Looking New After Restoration
When your home has been through a disaster, whether it was a fire, water damage or something el [...]
Fire Damage Restoration Process for Commercial Businesses
A fire in a commercial building is definitely a disaster – and if you’re like most people, you [...]
Can You Protect Your Roof From Mold?
Michigan isn’t necessarily what you’d consider a humid state – it’s nothing like Florida or “de [...]
The 3 Most Common Places to Find Mold in Your Michigan Home
If you’re like most people, you already know that mold growth in your home can be dangerous. It [...]
4 Energy Efficient Window Options to Conserve Heat
Energy-efficient windows can help conserve the heat inside your home. As outdoor temperatures d [...]
Does Your Company Have a Disaster Response Program?
Natural disasters happen every day – and there’s no way to predict things before they go wrong. [...]
3 Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage
Commercial water damage can be a disaster – and if your business has been flooded or otherwise [...]
How to Prepare Your Basement for Fall and Winter
If you’re like many Michiganders, you’re already starting to feel the colder weather making its [...]
What Is Permeable Pavement? 5 Things You Need to Know
What Is It? Permeable pavement, which is also referred to as porous or pervious concrete, is a [...]
4 Ways to Detect Leaks and Prevent Water Damage Inside of Your Home
Consider these tips to make sure your home stays dry and leak-free. Install a Wireless Water Sh [...]
3 Ways to Protect the Outside of Your Home This Fall
It’s that time of year when bare tree branches have littered the yard with their leaves, dried [...]
More Ways to Protect Your HVAC and Wiring From Damage During a Flood
As severe weather becomes increasingly common due to climate change, flooding and other damagin [...]
Can I Raise My Home’s HVAC to Prevent Damage During a Flood?
Warmer sea surface and atmospheric temperatures have caused changes in the environment, like ri [...]
2 Ways to Reduce the Chances of Flooding on Your Property
If your property has a tendency to flood you can help reduce the chances of flooding by buildin [...]
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Gutters?
Fall in Michigan is spectacular – and you don’t want to ruin yours by forgetting routine mainte [...]
Will an Air Purifier Help Protect My Family From Coronavirus?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air purifiers can help reduce a [...]
Key Signs of Mold and Mildew Growth in Your HVAC, and How It Got Started
You expect the air inside your home to be safe, but it may not be as clean as you think. Mold a [...]
3 Ways to Protect Your Home From Falling Trees and Branches
Severe storms bring torrential rains and strong winds that can down trees and cause branches to [...]
3 Ways to Protect Your Home From a Hailstorm
Hailstorms can produce golf ball-sized stones that can damage your windows, roof, and other ite [...]
4 Ways to Prepare Your Family for a Severe Storm
The possibility of extreme weather is ever present, and when it strikes you don’t have to simpl [...]
4 Ways to Protect Your Home Against a Storm
Although tornado season is over the possibility for extreme weather is ever present. When sever [...]
Prevent Household Mold: 5 Moisture Trouble Zones to Monitor
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That adage couldn’t be truer when it comes to [...]
4 Simple Tips to Prevent a Grease Fire
In 2018 cooking fires accounted for a little over 50 percent of residential fires across the co [...]
Tornado Season Ends This Month
Michigan averages about 17 tornadoes each year, and most of them occur during tornado season be [...]
3 Major Ways Water Can Enter Your Home
Water intrusion into your home can create foundation problems and cause damage from rot and mol [...]
What Was the Flint-Beecher Tornado?
If you’re like many Michiganders, you know that we get our fair share of tornadoes each year – [...]
Bonfire Safety for Your Michigan Backyard
Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time to have bonfires in our backyards – but not [...]
What to Do if You Find Lead Paint in Your Home
If you’re like most people, you know that lead paint can be incredibly harmful to your health – [...]
4 Home Fireworks Safety Tips to Remember This Fourth of July
With many fireworks shows and parades being canceled or rescheduled across Michigan this year, [...]
4 Fire Pit Safety Tips to Remember
A fire pit is a fun way to get the family together for some fresh air and quality time. A [...]
2 Ways to Kill Tree Roots Near Your Foundation or Sewer Line
If a tree on your property outgrows its location its roots can become a hazard to your home’s f [...]
4 Ways to Improve Water Drainage in Your Yard
You had another heavy rain last night. Precipitation is generally good for your landscape but t [...]
Homebuyer Beware: The Hazards of Aluminum and Knob and Tube Wiring
Finding a home that’s just right for you and your family can be a challenging and emotional pro [...]
Don’t Confuse Flying Ants With Termites – Here Are the Differences
If you see ants with wings in or very near your home don’t panic and assume that they’re winged [...]
Steps to Take If You Suspect a Sinkhole on Your Property
Sagging trees and fence posts, and water pooling in your yard. Walls and ceilings in your home [...]
A Clogged Air Filter Can Harm Your Health and Hurt Your Wallet. Here’s How
Although air filters may be one of the least thought-of or appreciated devices in your home, re [...]
4 Signs You May Need to Change Your Air Filter
Air filters perform a thankless but critical job—maintaining a comfortable temperature and a he [...]
3 Warning Signs That You May Have a Sinkhole
3 Warning Signs That You May Have a Sinkhole You’ve probably seen them on the evening new [...]
What is the #1 Cause of House Fires?
Fire doesn't discriminate - it can strike anywhere at any time. But there are some reasons fire [...]
How Long Does it Take to Repair a House After a Fire?
Repairing a house after a fire can take quite some time - but it depends on several factors, in [...]
What You May Need to Replace After a House Fire
After a house fire, you have a lot on your mind - and there's just so much to do and so many pe [...]
3 Things to Do After a House Fire
If your home was devastated by a house fire, you have a lot on your mind. So what are you suppo [...]
After the Fire: What You Need to Know
A fire can change your life - but what happens right after the flames are extinguished? Here's [...]
Is the Paint on Your Walls Harmful?
Paint is pretty, but in some cases it may also be pretty dangerous. Many of today’s paints cont [...]
I Have Asbestos Siding and Not Much Money to Fix It. What Should I Do?
You’re excited about your new home—a 1950s rancher. It’s your dream house. One thing though: it [...]
How Protected Is My Townhome If There’s a Fire Next Door?
The possibility of a house fire is a reality faced by every homeowner. If you live in a townhom [...]
Should You Buy Impact-Resistant Windows?
If you live in Michigan, you know we get our fair share of heavy storms and tornadoes - but is [...]
Buying a Home? Ask These Questions First
If you're buying a home in Washtenaw County or Jackson County, there are a few things you want [...]
Buying a Home? Find Out About Its Insurance Claim History First
If you're buying a home, you should ask about its insurance claim history before you sign the d [...]
Could Your Property Flood This Spring?
If you're like many people, you don't think a lot about flooding - after all, we live in Michig [...]
Should You Have Flood Insurance?
If you're like most homeowners, you don't have flood insurance. Why would you? We live in Michi [...]
Do You Have a Plan in Case Disaster Strikes?
Disaster can strike at any time, whether it's a fire, an ice storm, a tornado or an earthquake. [...]
3 Tips to Handle Mildew, Cockroaches & Squeaky Hinges
Mildew and cockroaches: unhealthy for you and your family. Squeaky door hinges: just plain anno [...]
Is the Paint on Your Walls Harmful?
Paint is pretty, but in some cases it may also be pretty dangerous. Many of today’s paints cont [...]
My Home Doesn’t Have Smoke Alarms. Where Do I Start? (Part 2): More Questions Answered
This is the second post in a two-part series. You can read the first post here. Smoke alarms ar [...]
My Home Doesn’t Have Smoke Alarms. Where Do I Start?
This is the first post in a two-part series. You can read the second post here. When it comes t [...]
6 Signs That You May Have Termites
Termites can spell disaster for your home as they eat their way through its wooden structure. W [...]
The 4 Most Common Causes of Leaky Roofs in Michigan
Your roof should last between 20 and 30 years - and that's if you use even the most basic shing [...]
How to Find a Leak in Your Roof
When the snow melts and spring rains start, a lot of Michiganders start noticing roof leaks - a [...]
How to Prevent a Wet Basement This Spring
If you're like many Michiganders, you're dreading spring rains - but they're definitely on thei [...]
Help Fireproof Your Home: 5 Options for Fire-Resistant Roofing
Whether you live in a fire-prone area or not, choosing fire-resistant roofing for your home is [...]
Help Fireproof Your Home: 4 Options for Fire-Resistant Siding
Siding can enhance the look of your home. The right siding can also act as a barrier against fi [...]
Fire-, Termite-, Mold- and Mildew-Resistant Flooring Options
You want flooring that’s not only beautiful, but tough enough to withstand adverse conditions. [...]
4 Ways to Dry Your Damp Basement
Keeping your basement dry and tight can be a challenge. Factors like climate, geography, [...]
3 Reasons Your Basement is Damp
Basements are notorious for being damp, musty places, and here are some of the reasons w [...]
Can Mold Come Back After Remediation?
Mold is a tricky problem to deal with - and it can be a persistent one. But can mold come back [...]
Do You Have a Home Fire Evacuation Plan?
The last thing you want to have to do is evacuate your house because it's on fire - but you def [...]
Why You Should Keep Two Emergency Kits During Winter
If you're like many Michiganders, you have an emergency kit in your house or in your car - but [...]
How to Prevent Winter Storm Damage
Michigan winters are no joke - and big storms can pop up out of nowhere, causing damage to your [...]
Flood Damage Basics
After a flood, you may find that your home is significantly damaged - and you'll probably need [...]
Why You Need a Professional Restoration Company After a Disaster
If you've had a disaster in your home, whether it's been a fire, a storm or anything else, you [...]
How Does Mold Get Into Your Home?
Mold can pose serious health risks to you, your family and your pets. If you have a serious mol [...]
How to Clean Mold and Mildew Yourself
Mold and mildew can be hazardous to your health - and in some cases, you need to call in a mold [...]
How to Install GFCI Outlets in Your Home
If you're like many Michigan homeowners with old outlets in your home, you may need to install [...]
Should You Have GFCI Outlets?
Most new homes have GFCI outlets, which are required when an outlet is near water. But older ho [...]
3 Tips for Decreasing Indoor Air Pollution in Your Michigan Home
The air we breathe can make us sick - and because many people are living with indoor air pollut [...]
Most Common Causes of Air Pollution in Michigan Homes
If you're like most people, you know that the air we breathe every day isn't exceptionally clea [...]
What to Put in Your Tornado Safety Kit
Tornado season in Michigan typically lasts between April and July, which means it’s only a matt [...]
Where to Shelter During a Tornado
Tornado season is less than a month away, which means you need to know how to keep yours [...]
Tornado Myths vs. Tornado Facts
An average of 16 tornadoes occur in Michigan each year – and most of them happen in April, May, [...]
What Are Ice Dams?
When you see icicles hanging from your eaves and gutters, you have ice dams. And ice dams can b [...]
How to Get Your Gutters Ready for Winter
Taking good care of your gutters is an important step in protecting your home from water damage [...]
How to Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning your gutters can help prevent water damage in your home - but if you're like many home [...]
How to Protect Your Home From Water Damage
Water damage in Michigan homes is far too common - and it's expensive to fix, too. The average [...]
What to Do After a Tornado
After a tornado, you still need to keep yourself and your family safe – and now, because Michig [...]
How to Remove Smoke Odor From Your Walls
After a fire, the smoke odor can linger for quite some time – and unless you take steps to get [...]
How to Clean Soot From Your Walls With Trisodium Phosphate
A popular cleaner for soot and smoke on your walls is a trisodium phosphate solution. Trisodium [...]
How to Clean Smoke Damage
If you decide to clean smoke damage yourself rather than hiring a smoke damage remediation pro [...]
Smoke Damage: What You Need to Know
Even a small fire can generate a tremendous amount of smoke – and smoke can do irreparable dama [...]
Should You Attempt to Clean Up Mold Yourself?
Mold can be tremendously dangerous. While not all types of mold will kill you, there are some t [...]
What Furniture Can You Keep if Your House is Flooded?
When your house floods, the results can be catastrophic – and if you’re like most people, you m [...]
Should You Replace Your Carpets After a House Fire?
In addition to fire, smoke and soot damage, house fires often lead to significant water damage. [...]
3 Fire Damage Restoration Tips
When your home has been damaged by fire, you need to get in touch with a fire damage restoratio [...]
How to Find and Seal Exterior Foundation Cracks
The last thing you want is for your basement to flood - but as Ann Arbor disaster experts, we'v [...]
How to Find and Seal Exterior Foundation Cracks
The last thing you want is for your basement to flood - but as Ann Arbor disaster experts, we'v [...]
How to Protect the Exterior of Your Home From Summer Flooding
A big thunderstorm can pop up at any minute - after all, this is Michigan, land of the flip-flo [...]
Ready for a Rough Summer in Michigan?
According to the Detroit Free Press, this summer is going to carry over the spring's rough weat [...]
Important Medications to Put in Your Preparedness Bag
If you're like many people, you have a disaster preparedness bag ready to go in the event of a [...]
Can You Remove Mold From Carpet?
If your home has been hit by a disaster - a flood, a big storm or even a roof leak - you might [...]
How to Clean Mildew From Upholstery
If you've discovered mildew on upholstery, you're in a tough spot - you may be able to clean it [...]
How to Remove Mildew From Grout or Walls
Bathrooms and other spaces - particularly those in the basements of Michigan homes - are prone [...]
How to Remove Mold and Mildew From Fabric
If your home has been damaged by water, you might find that some of your clothing and upholster [...]
How to Deal With Soot Yourself
If your home has smoke damage, you most likely need a fire and smoke damage specialist in Ann A [...]
How to Clean Mold and Mildew in Your Home
Mold and mildew in the home are more than just unpleasant - they can cause odors, destruction, [...]
Can You Reduce Your Indoor Air Pollution?
If you're like most Michiganders, you know that as the weather gets warmer, we all spend more t [...]
Emergency Food Supplies After a Disaster
If you’re facing the aftermath of a disaster, you need to know what to put in an emergency kit [...]
What to Store in an Emergency Preparedness Bag
We’ve discussed what to put in a disaster kit, but what if you have a little more room, such as [...]
What to Put in Your Disaster Kit
If you’re like most people, you know that you need a disaster kit handy – unforeseen circumstan [...]
What to Put on an Emergency List
If you’re like most people, you need to set up an emergency list – that way, if a disaster stri [...]
How to Choose a Fire Damage Restoration Company
If you’re searching for fire damage restoration companies in Ann Arbor, there’s a good c [...]
7 Tornado Safety Tips Every Michigander Needs
If you're like most Michiganders, you're well aware that a tornado can strike at any time. Torn [...]
Tornado Basics You Need to Know in Michigan
Michigan's tornado season starts in April and doesn't end until July - but as we all know, Mich [...]
How to Care for Pets During a Tornado
Michigan's tornado season runs from April to July, but as we all know, Michigan weather is alwa [...]
What Goes in a Tornado Kit for Pets?
Tornado season in Michigan is right around the corner, and that means it's time to make sure yo [...]
Tornado Preparation: Be Ready This Tornado Season
Tornado season in Michigan lasts from April through July, and it's essential that you and your [...]
Tornado Safety Tips
In Michigan, most tornadoes occur in April, May, June and July. Statistically, they're more lik [...]
Common Weather Events That Can Damage Your Home
Storm damage can be extremely serious - but it doesn't just come from blowing winds and rain. H [...]
What Type of Damage Can a Tornado Cause?
Tornadoes can cause serious damage to your home and property - and if it does, you'll probably [...]
How to Prepare for Springtime Floods in Michigan
Spring is (finally) right around the corner - and everybody in Michigan knows that April shower [...]
What Causes Mold Growth in Your Attic?
While Michigan isn't as humid as some states (we're looking at you, Florida), we still get our [...]
5 Appliances That Put Your Home at Risk for Flooding
The appliances you need to live could be putting you at risk for flooding in your home - but do [...]
Washing Machines, Water Heaters and Other Surprise Flooding Causes
If you're like most people, the last thing you're planning for is a flood inside your home - bu [...]
Going on Vacation? Turn on Your A/C to Avoid Mold
When temperatures start to warm up, Michigan gets a little more humid. We're not as bad as Flor [...]
5 Common Causes of Electrical Fires in Michigan
The last thing you want is a house fire - but a lot of homeowners are at risk and don't [...]