Wait for an All-Clear Notification

You’ll want to make sure that it’s safe to return to your neighborhood after a flood. Even if you think conditions are safe, there may still be some hazards that could put you in harm’s way if you try to return before you receive official authorization from relief workers.

Get Appliances Checked

Flooding can cause shortages in your appliances that might make them dangerous to use. Before turning on any of your appliances again, have them checked by a professional.

Handle Items That Have Absorbed Water Cautiously

Furnishings and debris that have absorbed water will be heavier and require more effort to move. Throw away items that can’t be cleaned or disinfected.

Look for Floor Sagging

If you notice any sagging in your floors caused by the floodwater, walking on them may be unsafe. You should also look for sagging in our ceiling.

Return Home During the Day

You should return home when there’s enough daylight so that you can see clearly enough to identify any dangers in your home. Turning on your lights might still be dangerous after a flood, and returning home during the day should give you enough natural lighting.

Filed under: Blog by Julie Woodward
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With dozens of horrible storms in the rear-view and more on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to invest in a home generator. With the right preparation and planning, you can avoid power outages and their aftermath.
But where do you even begin your generator-shopping journey?

How to Buy a Generator for Your Home

There are two types of generators you can purchase for home use: small, portable options and large, standby generators.

Small, Portable Generators

Typically, small, portable generators cost between $500 and $1,500. However, that affordability comes at a price.
Small, portable generators for home use can power your home’s essential appliances, and their simple to set up. However, these types of generators require manual operation. You’ll also have to monitor these generators closely.
In order to get your portable generator running, you must be at home when the power goes out. These types of generators run on fuel—and their tanks hold between three and six gallons, on average—so you’ll need to be on standby for a fill-up.
Because there’s a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from the engine exhaust, your portable generator must be at least 10 feet away from your home (that’s something to think about during inclement weather). As an extra precaution, you may want to hook up a carbon monoxide detector when you’re running your portable generator.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are equipped to automatically start when the power goes out.
However, these generators typically cost about $10,000. Maintenance is necessary every two years, and it does need to be performed by licensed technician. Large, standby generators have about a 15-year lifespan, provided that they are properly maintained.

Should You Invest in a Generator?

There’s no question that power outages are inconvenient—but for some people, they can be deadly, such as those who rely on home medical equipment.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas orNorth Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, Buying, Consumer Tips by Julie Woodward
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