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If you’ve owned a home for very long, chances are, you’ve experience water damage. Water damage can range from a dripping faucet that warps your cabinets, to a leaky toilet, or an overflowing bathtub on the second floor that leaks water through the light fixtures and can even cause a ceiling to collapse.

Water damage is a hassle and if the disrepair goes unchecked, it can devalue your home. Some water leaks can be fixed by the home owner, if stopped in time–and other leaks need a professional.

If you’re handy and the water damage is not extensive, you may be able to repair a wall yourself.

The number one concern with any water damage is that left alone, mold and mildew can accumulate–and eventually affect your health.

If you’re repairing an older home that has mold or mildew, you may want to gut these materials and start fresh. It’s extremely difficult to stop these fungi, especially within walls, if it’s already severe.

How to Treat a Water Stain:

Water stains are the least damaging and can usually be treated since it’s mostly a cosmetic issue. Streaks and blotches are common due to a roof leak or other water that has seeped in.

If it’s no longer leaking, or the leak has been repaired and there’s no swelling or buckling of the drywall, follow the steps below:

The first step is to wash the area with a mild detergent. If you’re concerned about mold, then purchase TSP (Trisodium phosphateP. Wipe the stain without saturating the area. Let dry for 48 hours (longer in humid areas, or put a fan in the room).

After the area is dry, use Kiltz, or some other stain-blocker product to cover the stain. If you choose to paint the walls another color, you can do so after the Kiltz has dried.

Be sure to check the wall for other water damage. Press for soft spots, look for sagging, buckling, or crumbling.

If the project is bigger than you think you can manage, call a professional, such as www.Wateroutnow.com.

Your family’s health could be at risk–so it’s worth doing it right.

The year of 2008 saw plenty of disasters.
But each disaster was met with a response–aid to people and communities in need.

The American Red Cross announced the top five disaster responses for 2008.
The top five disasters were Hurricane Dolly, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, the Midwest Flooding, and the tornadoes that hit Indiana.

As the list illustrates, there were a record number of tornadoes that ripped through towns and rural areas. There were two strong hurricanes–Gustav and Ike. Flooding also took its toll as it ravaged a large swath of the Midwest. Not mentioned on the list were the Tea Fires of southern California that destroyed close to 500 homes and displaced thousands.

And before and after each disaster, the American Red Cross was in place ready to give aid–everything from sandbagging efforts to food and emotional support.

“No matter where our help was needed, we were there,” said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross, “But helping those affected by all of these disasters has been costly. We’ve spent all funds contributed for Red Cross Disaster Relief.”

During 2008, the American Red Cross opened over 900 shelters to serve that in need. They also prepared 6.5 million meals and handed out close to 300,000 comfort and clean-up packets. Red Cross workers numbered close to 30,000 that responded to these five disasters alone.

What made this possible was the $100 million fundraising campaign that brought in necessary funds needed to support communities in times of devastation. Contributions to the Red Cross allow for their critical work to continue.

“We thank all those who have supported our disaster relief efforts,” Becker said, “and ask those who have not yet made a donation to please give whatever they can to help us continue to be there with food, shelter, and comfort when disaster strikes.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fourteen animations can be downloaded from the site in high definition format. The 3-D animations show, from the perspective of a several different Southern California locations, how intensely the ground would shake and shift during a very strong 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault.

The science-based earthquake scenario, developed by USGS scientists and partners, is used for both the Great Southern California ShakeOut drill on November 13 and the statewide Golden Guardian 2008 emergency response exercise from November 13 - 18.

The ShakeOut earthquake scenario animations provide a graphic tool for first responders, engineers, decision makers, Southern California residents and other members of the public to understand, visualize and prepare for the devastating effects, even far from the epicenter, of a large, damaging earthquake. The San Andreas Fault has produced earthquakes of this magnitude in the past and could again in the future.

The USGS is also making available new broadcast-quality background interviews and footage of the San Andreas Fault-crossing Cajon Pass, a narrow corridor through the San Gabriel Mountains known as an important “lifeline corridor” where roads, railroads, water and energy pipelines, and electrical and communications infrastructure provide service to millions of residences, businesses, commuters and communities in Southern California. In the ShakeOut earthquake scenario, this narrow corridor would be greatly affected, as the 3-D animations also show.

For more information, visit the USGS.gov.

On December 1st and 2nd, 2008, Thailand held the 2nd International Conference on Geoinformation Technology for Natural Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (git4NDM). This conference focuses on why natural disasters occur, and how to develop a plan to circumvent potential disasters and deliver aid to communities in need.

The impact of natural disasters in 2008 on areas such as India and China will be analyzed–why were these areas hit so hard, and can we predict where will be the next area of impact?

In 2008, more than a million people are affected by severe floods in India alone. Several hundred thousands are still missing and are homeless. More than 2.6 million people in 16 districts have been affected by the flooding according to India’s Disaster Management Division.

China’s Sichuan province was hit in May of 2008 and destroyed more than 70,000 homes, killing 60,000 people. This one earthquake orphaned more than 5,000 children and left more than 4,000 elderly without their family caregivers.

GIT4 conference will explore the spatial relationship and impact of disasters on humans and the communities they live in–villages, cities, or rural areas. They will work to develop a preparedness plan that will attempt to cut the risks disasters bring and help reduce the number of disaster victims.

The symposium on geoinformatics will offer cutting edge information about the effects of natural disasters such as severe storms, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis have on human communities. By exploring the causative factors, GIT4 will institute plans to reduce the risks and get necessary aid to those in need.

Attendees of GIT4NDM include government and non-governmental leaders, and professionals from academia, Industry and research institute leaders will give key speeches.

GIT4NDM Conference Topics Include: Disaster and Preparedness
Climate Change a Global Threat
Remote Sensing for Disaster Monitoring
NDM Planning and Management
Early Warning Systems, and also special sessions on earthquake, floods,
Coastal disasters and forest fire
Rehabilitation and Retrofication

From Yesterday’s Post:

Floods can wreak havoc on some of our most treasured items.
Marriage licenses, birth certificates, a favorite childhood book and photographs can be ruined by food waters. While some can be duplicated (with much trouble, just try to get a new social security card, (it’s a headache), other items can never be retrieved.

More Ways to Save Your Waterlogged Documents and Photos:

8. If you have a lot of books and papers to try to save, you can freeze the water-logged books in a large Ziploc bag. This stops the deterioration, but it’s best if it’s a frost free freezer—the fan will also help draw out the moisture.
9. Be aware that even if your books were high up on a bookshelf, they may have absorbed enough moisture to incur damage. Check all your books and other paper items during the clean up process. Move all your books to a dry location during the drying process since books are a breeding ground for mold. Open each book periodically to inspect for mold. If the book is “swollen,” that indicates it is retaining moisture.
10. As you continue to dry out your books and paperwork, place dried items in open containers or cabinets that contain several boxes of baking soda—this will help with mold and that musty smell that accompanies moisture laden areas.
11. Even if a photograph or important paper is damaged, continue to dry it out and then scan it in the computer before throwing it out. There are a lot of photo programs such as Photoshop that can digitally work on damaged photographs and restore them remarkably well.

You may lose some precious items. You may not even realize something is missing, particularly if you’re a flood, tornado, fire, or hurricane victim. Keep a running list of items you need/hope to find and then check them off as you either find them or get a suitable copy.

Grieve your losses. All disasters exact an emotional toll, and while you are grateful your family is safe, it’s natural to feel shock, hurt, and a real sense of loss.

Don’t feel surprised if you take it hard—get depressed, anxious or edgy. Write about or talk about your experience and what you lost. It’s a way of preserving the memory as well as dealing with your own pain. Contact the Red Cross and participate in disaster victim’s support groups. It’s a part of the healing process, and will allow you to express your pent up emotions in a safe environment.

Floods can wreak havoc on some of our most treasured items.

Marriage licenses, birth certificates, a favorite childhood book and photographs can be ruined by food waters. While some can be duplicated (with much trouble, just try to get a new social security card, it’s a headache), other items can never be retrieved. This natural disaster can take months to recover from, but know that many of your items are salvagable.

Among my treasured objects are letters my father wrote my mother during World War II, the small Bible I carried as a part of my wedding bouquet, and pictures my children drew when they were little.

Can waterlogged papers be saved?

Perhaps the most important lesson here is to prevent them from water damage in the first place. It’s smart to store the most important documents—birth certificates, insurance policies in a water/fireproof safe.

But what about photographs and family momentos?

A good idea is to buy the oversize baggies and store your kid’s drawings, photo negatives, and other special paperwork in plastic bags—just as an extra safety precaution.

What are some of your most precious items?

Take a mental inventory and begin to put your favorite items in baggies. It only takes a few minutes aand is a good way to organize items into groups.

But if a has flood occured, then the most important key is to get the papers out of the water as soon as possible before mold sets in.

How to Save Water-Damaged Papers and Photos:

Many water damaged papers and books can be laid on blotter paper (or even dry towels) that can absorb the moisture. Even white paper towels will work. Avoid newspapers or anything that contains ink.

1. Remove the papers from the water being careful not to rip the paper. .
2. If the water was dirty or contained sewage, then prepare a bucket of clean water to rinse or dunk the papers in before laying them out on blotter paper, or paper towels.
3. If the papers or photos are already mushy, then simply lay them on the ground and rinse lightly. Try to move them as little as possible.
4. Don’t stack the papers and keep them out of direct sunlight.
5. Papers can be clipped to a clothes line to dry vertically, but only if they’re strong enough—and sunlight should still be avoided.
6. Use an oscillating fan in the room where your papers are drying to increase air circulation and speed drying.
7. Water-logged books can be dried out by placing a paper towel between each of the set papers and lying the book flat to dry. You can place a paper towel every few pages (5-10). Change the paper towels every few hours in the beginning, gradually lengthening the time.

Visit tomorrow for a continuation of this blog post.

Floods are the number one natural disaster most of us will ever face.
Your chances of being flooded are much greater than experiencing a house fire (4 in 10,000, or even killed in a car accident (3 in 10,000).

Why are floods so much more common–and more dangerous?
Because people underestimate the power of water. Also, flood accompany other natural disasters, such as ice or snow storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.

Yes, you can get flood insurance, but is that enough?
Won’t the government “bail” you out of a natural disaster?
(Do you really want to depend on that?)

Many people live in a 100-year floodplain. That means that your chance of being flooded several times within that 100 year time period is much higher. There’s a 1 in 4 chance you’ll experience a flood (if you live in a flood plain) during your 30-year mortgage. Look outside and count four houses. It could be any one of you. During your 30-year mortgage period, you are 27 times more likely to experience a flood than having a fire.

But don’t let this news overwhelm you. There are precautions you can take to avoid being flooded, and to minimize the damage.

Precautions to Take Before a Flood:

Buy flood insurance! Make sure your policy covers “act of God,” as well as home accidents.

Research the area you’re planning to buy in. Some areas are prone to flooding. Do you really want to deal with that hassle? Is there a reason you like that area? If so, take every preventative measure you can to protect your life and property. Don’t rely on your real estate agent to divulge the area’s flaws–do your own research.

Go through your house and take photographs of EVERYTHING you have. If you want to be reimbursed, you have to prove you had it in the first place. Even photograph your landscape, cars, license tags, and pets–anything that a visual record would help locate.

Make copies of your photos and videos (including your house photos). These are oftentimes considered a person’s most beloved possessions. Scan the pictures or negative into your computer, make CDs’s or copies and give them to people (this makes a great gift)–you can also store them on a flash drive.

Purchase a small safe that’s fireproof, flood proof and portable. Keep your important documents (passports, social security cards, house, medical, and car insurance) in this box and know where it is so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Clean out gutters regularly and create runoff paths in your yard if pooling water is a problem. Better to make a gulley than your entire yard to become one.

Purchase a home that doesn’t sit in a valley. Look for signs of erosion in the yard. Check the roof for leaks, and talk to the neighbors about their experiences.

If you have a basement, consider purchasing a sump pump. This is great for minor flooding–and can help you avoid damage and clean up. If you live in a flood prone area, you’ll also need a generator to keep your sump pump working.

Anchor fuel tanks. Propane tanks and septic tanks can rise in floodwaters and contaminate your house and yard as well as damage other homes if they’re swept downstream–and you may be held responsible. .

Your electrical wiring (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) should be placed at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation. If you have an older home, this may not be the case. Contact a certified electrician to fix this problem. It’s cheaper than the damage a flood can do to your electrical system–and safer.

Buy a portable battery or crank radio so that you can stay informed of impending disasters if your power goes out.

Have your emergency kit packed and ready–include bottled water, first aid kid, energy bars, and glow in the dark tape so you can be found.

Your furnace, hot water heater, washer and dryer should also be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

If you know a flood is coming, move your furniture and valuable to higher ground–second floor, counter tope, high in cabinets, etc.

Prepare your family for evacuation.
Do you have a designated meeting place? Out at the street? The mailbox? Do you have a plan for getting out if your house is on fire? Your family’s safety is of utmost importance. Talk about this, especially with children. Don’t worry about scaring them; just reassure them that having a plan is the BEST way to be safe. Kids are smart, and they appreciate parents who look out for their safety.

Make sure even your youngest children know how to call 9/11. Even a three year old can do this. Teach them their name, address, and phone number. Designate someone you know–family member or friend who does not live with you as your “contact person.” In case of a disaster, if your family gets separated, they should know to check in with this person and say where they are.

As much as you love your pets, don’t risk your life. Pets are remarkable–they can find their way out and survive when a human can’t. Do everything you can to get everyone (including pets) out safely, but put humans first. Trust they’d want you to.

Flood waters can rise quickly, so if you’re ordered to evacuate, do so. Don’t wait too long–it’s best to get your family to safety. Items can be replaced.

This is a continuation of Women and Safety Travel Tips: Part I.
Make copies of your passport, credit cards, and pertinent info. Keep one in your suitcase, and one back at home. It’s wise in many countries to keep your passport on you at all times–in case you get stopped by the authorities.

Leave fancy jewelry at home. Travel light and be inconspicuous.

Wear sunglasses and/or avoid eye contact, particularly in developing countries.
Some cultures consider eye contact an invitation, and in other cultures, it’s disrespectful and considered aggressive. Consider reading Culture Shock, and travel books about where you’re visiting in order to understand their customs and way of thinking. Even Europeans think Americans look gullible because we’re considered to be too open and “happy for no reason.”

Dress and act like a local. Learn to eat and drink local cuisine–you’ll actually have a more authentic experience if you don’t look and act like a Westerner.
Even if you’re not married, consider buying a cheap band. Married women are less likely to be hit on.

What to Do If You’re Touched Inappropriately, Harassed, or Raped:

Say no–and learn it in their language–and act like you mean it.

If you have pepper spray, use it. Run and scream!
If they’re after your purse of packages, throw it at them and take off.
Run into a place of business if there’s one open. Get to people, lights, and safety as soon as you can.

If you’re grabbed, poke at the eyes, elbow the nose, knee them, or act like you’re going to throw up, pee, act crazy, bite (even with AIDS, you can take a drug to counter the effects). Do everything you can to stay put and DON”T get into a car or go into a person’s house you don’t know.

Try everything you can to make sure you are not kidnapped or taken to a second location.

Bank tellers and other people who have chosen careers in which becoming a hostage is a possibility are told that it’s better to be shot in a parking deck and lie bleeding on the concrete than to be taken some place. Pitch a fit–pee, scream, bite, flail, act crazy–anything to avoid getting into a car–fight like crazy to not get in that car–kick off your shoes or leave something behind.

If you’ve been raped know that it’s not your fault. Get to people–a business or a house as soon as you can. Report it. Call the police and let them take you to the hospital. Nothing you did, said, or the way you dressed caused you to deserve this. Don’t bathe or wash up–that could destroy evidence. No matter what they threatened, report it. Other women’s lives are also at risk-and it’s just a threat.

If you’ve been in a natural disaster or plane/train accident, your first priority is to get out of danger–move to higher ground, get out of the burning building, evacuate the plane…then call for help, and let your loved ones know you’re safe.

When traveling abroad, always check travel advisory updates, and if you have any trouble, contact the US Embassy.

Don’t let these facts deter you from traveling. Use precaution and common sense–and know that there are some great travel adventures waiting. By just being aware and taking a few precautions, you can stay out of danger and have a pleasure travel experience.

Are you a woman traveling for business or pleasure?
Don’t stop! Traveling adds a dimension to your life that’s enjoying and fulfilling, but be aware that you need to take a few extra safety precautions.

The number one safety factor is to simply be aware.
When you’re getting in and out of your car, in restrooms and public places, and particularly when you’re at your hotel–pay extra attention and know a few tricks that can help you avoid becoming a crime victim or keep you safe during a natural disaster.

Overall Safety Practices for Women:

Be extra alert when you’re traveling.
Look and act confident.

Know that you are vulnerable when you are dealing with transportation–getting into or out of a cab–parking your car or going through security. You are distracted by the process and it’s the perfect time for a thief to act, so instead, make it a practice to become more aware.

Walk down the street like you’re late and someone’s meeting you.
Don’t act lost even if you are.
Carry mace or pepper spray and a cell phone.
Act like you’re talking to someone if you’re uncomfortable. Even yell at someone up ahead–as if they’re the person you’re going to meet–anything to make a perpetrator believe you are not alone.

Let people know where you are. Leave an itinerary and update with someone any changes. \
You may enjoy your freedom and privacy, but leave a trail.

If someone is harassing you, try ignoring them. If that doesn’t work, yell in a strong voice–”No! Get away!” It’s better to be rude than hurt.

It’s wise to keep a small flashlight in your purse.

If you’re alone, don’t wander off the major thoroughfares after dark. Stay with a crowd. Blend in as if you’re one of them when you’re on the street.

Keep your purse close to your body. Disperse your money–some in your bra or shoe as well as money belt, if you’re traveling internationally.
Pick pockets are big in other countries, so be aware.

Thieves like crowds, so be aware on a busy street corner, and if you are really packed in or get knocked or jostled, assume someone was trying to pickpocket you and make a quick body check.

Join this blog tomorrow for Part II.
“Stay safe but don’t stay home!.”
~Zahara Heckscher,

Hotel Safety is something everyone should consider.
We’re all vulnerable when we travel. We’re distracted, thrown off our routines–and oftentimes, tired, sleepy, and can easily forget that we’re easy prey for those who want to do harm.

The most important point is to be aware.

Don’t think that just because you’re staying at a major chain in a nice looking part of town that you’re automatically safe.
Ask yourself a few questions before you make your reservations.
Have you checked online for hotel reviews?
Do you know much about the area?
Do you know anyone who has stayed there before?
Is it in an unsafe part of town known for high crime rates?
If you’re traveling out of the country, be sure to check the travel advisory site. Many times, we don’t have a choice about where we’re staying if we’re traveling for business.
It’s wise to talk to another co-worker who has stayed at that hotel. Ask them about their experience and if there’s anything you should watch out for. You can also check with the CDC for other travel warnings.

Parking Lot Safety:
If you’re a woman traveling alone, or if you have small children with you, spring for the extra bucks and use valet service. Park in lighted area and don’t let unloading your luggage distract you from noticing your surroundings.

Hotel Check In Safety:
If you’re traveling alone, go ahead and ask for both keys. That way, there isn’t an extra key floating around the front desk.

As mentioned in Part I, never open the door without checking through the peephole, and if you haven’t requested room service, or other hotel services, don’t open the door. Call the front desk to confirm. It’s better to appear rude and be safe.

Check All Entry Points:
When you enter your room, do a quick check–inspect the closets, under the bed, go into the bathroom and pull back the shower curtain before the bellman leaves. If you’re traveling alone and don’t have a bellman with you, call someone and chat while you do this.

Check windows and doors when you enter your room. Make sure the locks work. There should also be a safety bar on sliding glass doors. Don’t think that just because you’re on a higher floor that you’re safe–balconies can allow someone access to your room from another room. Is your room adjacent to another room via a door? Check to make sure the deadbolt lock works. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, ask for another room.

Don’t let your kids run around the hotel unsupervised. There are too many strangers and rooms that your child could disappear into. Use the buddy system for children who are old enough and mature enough to use safety precautions. Let them take your cell phone, and check on them often If you wouldn’t let your eight year old roam around alone in your neighborhood, then don’t consider it at a hotel.

Other Ways to Stay Safe:
Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob even when you’re not there–or after your room has been cleaned.

Turn on the TV or radio on while you’re not there as well. Leave a light on and if someone is in the hall, act like someone’s inside the room–talk out loud to them as you open the door, or call someone and tell them you’re going into your room.

Always go in and out of the same hotel door. If you use the room service card to order your breakfast, be aware that your name and room number is listed on the card. This could allow an attacker to call you by name and pretend to be from room service.

Always let people know where you are. If you travel a lot, it’s easy to let your guard down. Send someone an email and tell them where you’re staying. If you find a hotel you like and feel that their safety standards are acceptable, stay there often and recommend them to others. If you’re not happy and don’t feel safe–speak to management. It’s important not only for you, but for other guests as well.

Hotel Bar and Restaurant Safety:
Many guests who stay in hotels frequently are bored and can drink too much. Be aware of your drinks. Don’t leave your table to go to the restroom and leave your food and drinks or purse unguarded. Be aware as you walk to the bathroom–that you’re not followed. If you can lock the door to the bathroom, do so. If you feel you’re being watched, wait to use the bathroom in your room.

If you feel you’re being followed, don’t get in the elevator alone–go and talk to the person at the front desk–ask a question, get some local information. Just kill some time until they lose interest and they catch on that you’re not an easy prey.

If you’re being haggled by drunks, speak to your server or bartender. Ignore them, but don’t look scared. If you’re approached and you don’t feel comfortable, state in a loud, firm voice to leave you alone. Then be very aware before you go to your room or to your car. Wait it out and hopefully, they’ll leave. You can ask the bellman to walk you to your room. Tipping them is a small price to pay for your safety.

There are numerous travel safety products available, including door locks and alarms, but be aware that tasers or mace will be confiscated at the airport.

You don’t have to paranoid, but being aware is the smartest way to stay safe.