March 2025

Q: What should I do if my home smells like smoke, but there’s no fire?, Q: How do I know if my siding or roof is fire-resistant?, Q: Can I use fans during a power outage?, Q: What should be in my emergency “go bag”?, Q: Can ERX help with fire prevention tips or home inspections?,

Heatwaves and Fires: Protecting Your Home During the Summer

Summer’s great and all—sunshine, pool days, BBQs with family and friends. But you know what’s not so great? The way extreme summer heat can seriously put your home at risk. We’re talking heatwaves, wildfires, power outages, and the kind of dry weather that can turn a little spark into a big disaster. At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve seen firsthand what summer damage can do to homes and families. So let’s break down how you can keep your house (and everyone in it) safe when temps start soaring. Why Summer Brings More Risk When it gets hot—really hot—your house takes a beating. Here’s why: When a heatwave rolls in, your home can go from safe to vulnerable pretty fast if you’re not prepared. Tip 1: Create a “Defensible Space” Around Your Home This just means clearing out flammable stuff near your house. Here’s how: Think of it like giving your

Q: Can I test for asbestos myself?, Q: Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?, Q: Can I remove asbestos myself?, Q: Will insurance cover asbestos removal?, Q: How do I know if I need asbestos testing?,

The Dangers of Ignoring Asbestos in Older Homes

Alright, let’s talk about something serious but super important—asbestos. If you live in or are thinking about buying an older home, this is one of those things you really don’t want to ignore. It’s not just “some old material from back in the day.” Asbestos can be dangerous. Like, really dangerous. And the scariest part? You might not even know it’s there. Whether you’re renovating, repairing, or just doing some spring cleaning—this stuff matters. At ERX – Emergency Restoration Xperts, we’ve seen firsthand how big of a problem hidden asbestos can be. So here’s everything you need to know about the risks and what to do about it. So, What Is Asbestos Anyway? Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were used in construction because they’re strong, don’t burn, and resist heat. Sounds great, right? Well, not anymore. Before the 1980s, asbestos was put in all kinds of

Q: How soon should I check my roof after a storm?, Q: Can I fix minor roof damage myself?, Q: Will my insurance cover roof damage from a storm?, Q: What if I don’t see any damage? Should I still get it checked?, Q: How fast can ERX respond after a storm?,

Top Signs of Roof Damage After a Storm

When a big storm rolls through—whether it’s pounding rain, high winds, or even hail—your roof takes the brunt of it. And while everything might look fine from the ground, the real damage can be hiding just out of sight. That’s why it’s so important to know the top signs of roof damage after a storm… and what you need to do if you spot any of them. If you ignore roof damage, it can lead to water leaks, mold, insulation problems, and even structural issues. The sooner you catch it, the better your chances are at keeping your home (and your wallet) protected. So let’s walk through what to look for, how to check safely, and when it’s time to call in the pros—like our team here at ERX. Why Storms Are So Tough on Roofs Storms don’t mess around. Wind can rip off shingles, hail can crack them, and

Q: How long can I leave a tarp on my roof?, Q: Will my insurance cover emergency tarping?, Q: Can I tarp during the storm?, Q: Is it better to use a pro for emergency tarping?, Q: How fast can you respond after a storm?,

The Role of Emergency Tarps in Post-Storm Damage Control

Storms are wild. One minute everything’s calm, the next your roof’s leaking, shingles are missing, and the rain’s coming down like it’s got something to prove. If you’ve been through one, you know the aftermath can be just as overwhelming as the storm itself. That’s where emergency tarps come in. They might not seem like a big deal, but emergency tarps are one of the most important tools in post-storm damage control. Whether it’s a busted roof, a shattered window, or a gaping hole in your siding, a tarp can buy you the time you need to figure out your next move—without letting more damage creep in. So let’s talk about it. Why they matter, when to use them, and how ERX can help you cover things up—literally and figuratively. What Is an Emergency Tarp, Anyway? Simple answer? It’s a big, tough, waterproof sheet made to cover damaged areas of

Q: Is mildew dangerous?, Q: Can mildew turn into mold?, Q: What’s the best way to clean mildew?, Q: What if I see mold in more than one spot?, Q: Does insurance cover mold removal?,

Mold vs. Mildew: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Let’s be honest… nobody wants to talk about mold or mildew. It’s gross, it smells weird, and if you’ve ever found some growing in your bathroom or basement, you know how annoying it is. But here’s the thing—mold and mildew are different, and treating them the same way can actually make things worse. So if you’re wondering what that fuzzy patch on your wall is, or why your laundry room smells kind of funky, let’s break it all down. We’ll keep it simple, real, and helpful. What Is Mold, Really? Mold is a type of fungus that loves dark, wet spaces. You’ve probably seen it before—it can be black, green, even blue or orange. It usually feels fuzzy or slimy and grows deeper into whatever it’s on. You’ll find mold in places like: Mold is a big deal because it doesn’t just stay on the surface. It spreads fast and

Q: What’s the best way to protect windows during a hurricane?, Q: Can I use tape on windows to prevent them from breaking?, Q: How can I tell if my doors are strong enough to handle a storm?, Q: Are impact-resistant windows worth the investment?, Q: Should I reinforce sliding glass doors?,

The Best Ways to Reinforce Your Windows & Doors Before a Storm

Storms can be brutal. High winds, flying debris, and heavy rain put your home at serious risk—especially your windows and doors. If they fail during a storm, the damage can escalate fast, leading to flooding, broken glass everywhere, and even structural collapse from the sudden change in air pressure. So, how do you keep your home safe? Reinforcing your windows and doors before a storm hits is one of the smartest things you can do. In this guide, we’ll go over the best ways to strengthen these weak points and protect your home from severe weather damage. Why Windows and Doors Are Vulnerable During Storms Your home’s exterior is designed to withstand the elements, but windows and doors are weak spots. Here’s why: ✔ High winds can break glass or blow doors off their hinges.✔ Flying debris can smash through windows and shatter glass everywhere.✔ Weak seals and frames allow

Q: Can I live in my home while my fire-damaged roof is being repaired?, Q: How long does it take to replace a fire-damaged roof?, Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement after a fire?, Q: What if only part of my roof is damaged—can I just replace that section?, Q: How can I prevent future roof fires?,

Can Your Roof Be Saved After a Fire? Signs It Needs Replacing

A house fire is one of the most devastating things a homeowner can experience. Even if the fire doesn’t completely destroy your home, the structural damage can be extensive—especially when it comes to your roof. Your roof takes the brunt of the heat, smoke, and water used to extinguish the flames, and the damage isn’t always obvious. So, how do you know if your roof can be repaired or if it needs to be completely replaced? Let’s break down the key signs of fire damage, how to assess whether your roof can be saved, and when it’s time to call in the professionals. How Fire Affects Your Roof Your roof isn’t just a layer of shingles—it’s a complex system designed to protect your home from the elements. A fire can weaken or destroy multiple components, including: ✔ Shingles – Extreme heat can cause shingles to warp, curl, or completely disintegrate.✔

Q: Is hoarding a mental illness?, Q: Can hoarding cause serious health problems?, Q: How do I help a loved one with hoarding disorder?, Q: Can I clean a hoarder’s home on my own?, Q: Will insurance cover hoarding cleanup?,

The Health Risks of Hoarding & How to Safely Clean a Hoarder’s Home

Hoarding isn’t just about clutter. It’s a serious condition that affects both mental and physical health—and the dangers go far beyond just a messy home. From mold growth and pest infestations to fire hazards and air quality issues, a hoarded home can quickly become a health crisis for the person living there and anyone who tries to clean it. If you or a loved one is dealing with hoarding disorder, knowing the risks and how to clean safely is key. This guide will break down the health risks associated with hoarding, the safest ways to tackle the cleanup, and when to call in professionals for help. The Health Risks of Hoarding A home filled with excessive clutter is more than just overwhelming—it’s dangerous. Here are the biggest health risks that come with hoarding: 1. Poor Air Quality & Respiratory Issues 📌 Why it’s dangerous:✔ Dust, mold spores, and even animal

Q: Can I turn my power back on after a fire?, Q: Can smoke damage wiring and outlets?, Q: What should I do if my breaker panel got wet during the fire?, Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover electrical repairs after a fire?, Q: Can I clean soot off my electrical system myself?,

What Happens to Your Electrical System After a Fire?

A fire in your home or business is devastating enough, but what about the unseen damage? Even if the flames didn’t completely destroy your property, your electrical system could be severely compromised. Wires, outlets, breaker panels, and even major appliances can all be affected by heat, smoke, and water damage. Ignoring electrical issues after a fire can be dangerous, leading to short circuits, power failures, or even another fire. Whether you’ve experienced a small kitchen fire or a major structural fire, knowing what to do next can help protect your home and prevent further damage. Let’s walk through what happens to electrical systems after a fire, how to assess the damage, and what steps to take before restoring power. How Fire Affects Electrical Systems Fire doesn’t just burn—it melts, weakens, and contaminates everything in its path, including your electrical system. Here’s how: 1. Heat Damage to Wiring 🔥 High temperatures

Q: How do I know if my electrical system has been damaged after a storm?, Q: Should I turn off my power before a storm?, Q: Can I install a whole-home surge protector myself?, Q: Is it safe to use extension cords during a storm?, Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover electrical damage from storms?, Q: What should I do if a power line falls near my home?

How to Safeguard Your Electrical System Against Storm Damage

Storms can be unpredictable, but the damage they cause doesn’t have to be. One of the most overlooked dangers during severe weather is electrical system damage. Power surges, flooding, and downed power lines can create serious hazards, from electrical fires to expensive appliance damage. If you don’t take precautions, you could find yourself dealing with costly repairs or even a total power outage. Protecting your home’s electrical system before a storm hits is one of the smartest things you can do. Let’s go over how to safeguard your home, what to do during a storm, and how to recover afterward. How Storms Can Damage Your Electrical System Storms don’t just bring rain and wind—they can cause electrical destruction in multiple ways: ✔ Power Surges – Lightning strikes or grid overloads can send massive voltage spikes through your electrical system, frying appliances and electronics.✔ Flooding – Water can seep into electrical

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