Short Courses:Discovering the fun of baking cupcakes & cookies!

Who wants a fancy dessert with a foreign name nobody can pronounce, when you can have a delicious cupcake? Plain, with original vanilla flavour, or chocolate, topped with a fancy icing swirl, sprinkles and birthday candles; cupcakes are so much more than just another sweet treat ... they are a lifestyle.



What many fans may not know is that cupcakes were invented in the 19th Century, in America, and were not necessarily small cakes. The name "cup cake" was used because the ingredients for these dishes were measured in cups instead of being weighed, as had been the tradition so far.



Another explanation for the name is that some women would bake their goods in small containers, including convenient tea cups. Because the cups were much smaller then traditional baking pans, they would take less time in the hearth ovens and decreased the chance of burning, a common occurrence with bigger cakes.



Today, baking cupcakes is a breeze. Muffin and cupcake molds are plentiful and with temperature controlled ovens, equipped with timers, and paper mold liners, the chances of burning your baked goodies are rather slim. There are various kinds of cupcake molds. They vary in size and shape, and putting your teeth in a heart-shaped cupcake is no longer unusual. Cupcake molds can be metal or made from heat resistant, silicone based materials.



Cupcakes come in countless tasty flavors and can be decorated in every possible way - even with ganache icing. Imagination has no limits and they can be dressed up for every occasion. They can be made to look like pretty flowers, have clown faces, wear a party hat, or be the resting place for a sugar skeleton. Some artistic bakers have even placed cupcakes on a stick and transformed them into yummy lollipops.



Homemade cookies are another wonderful baking product. They are fun to make and you can enjoy their divine aroma even before they are out of the oven. It draws the children to the kitchen, brings a smile to grandpa's wrinkled face and creates a lip-smacking birthday treat nobody will refuse.



Cookies are traditionally fairly simple to make and generally consist of a combination of sugar, flour, butter/margarine and eggs. The amounts used will depend on the recipe and additional ingredients. Added flavouring can be fruit, juices, chocolate, jams and anything that combines well with cookie dough.



Oatmeal, gingerbread, butterscotch pecan and peanut butter cookies are traditional favourites and let's not forget the much-loved chocolate chip. They too can be whipped up in a jiffy, if you know what you are doing. If not, you could sign up for a hands-on short courses where, in a few hours, you will learn how to prepare dough, feel comfortable around a baking oven and put your decorating creativity to good use. You will be surprised at the hidden talents you posses!



Participating in a cupcake and cookie baking class is not only exciting, it will also give you satisfaction and, as an added bonus, at the end of the day, you will be able to take your freshly baked goodies home to share with family and friends. Can it get any better?



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Carrick Education is a private learning institution based in Melbourne that provides personalised education to people from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe. Carrick Education we pride ourselves the quality of our industry based training. Our students our graduate from all of our courses, including our short courses, graduate as confident professionals. Many students that complete our range of business courses go on to be industry leaders. Written and distributed by Shout search engine optimisation.

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Storing and Cleaning Emergency Water Containers

Copyright © 2009 GetReadyGear.com



How Not to Store Water



In an emergency survival situation, you may be tempted to store water in any available container. However, when you can plan for emergency water storage, your water storage options can be better defined. Let's start with what not to store water in:



• Containers that can't be sealed tightly

• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles

• Containers that have ever held any toxic substance

• Plastic milk cartons or bottles

• Hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol

• Used pre-packaged water bottles



Any containers that can not be sealed tightly are not a good choice for water storage as contaminants may easily enter the container. While glass bottles are easily cleaned and may seal well, their breakability and weight make them to be less desirable for emergency water storage use. Obviously, you would not intentionally store water in any container that previously held a toxic substance. Such substances can not be adequately cleaned from the walls of the container. If you don't know what was in a particular container - it should not be used. The biggest problem with plastic milk cartons is their inability to be resealed, plus they are difficult to clean and break down over time.



We now know that hard plastic bottles made with polycarbonate plastics and identified by the #7 recycling symbol, may leach BPA (Bisphenol A) and should not be used for water storage. The type of plastic bottle in which water is usually sold is generally a #1, and is recommended for one time use only. Do not refill these pre-packaged water bottles.



How to Store Water



Refill your emergency water storage container with tap water. You should dump and refill each container every 6 months to keep it fresh.



TIP: Using a garden hose to fill containers from an exterior hose bib can result in water that has a distinct plastic or rubbery taste. Instead, try using a potable water hose found at most RV service centers.





All public water supplies are already treated and should be free of harmful bacteria. However, as an additional precaution, it is recommended that you add 5-7 drops, about 1/8 teaspoon, of chlorine bleach per gallon of water stored. This precaution protects you against any lingering organisms in storage containers that may have been inadvertently missed during the cleaning process.



You may also extend the storage life of your water by using a product called Water Preserver™ Concentrate. This is a liquid additive that disinfects, preserves and extends the safe storage life of emergency drinking water. Water Preserver™ provides 5-year storage guaranteed for regular tap water or commercial bottled water. Water Preserver™ kills and prevents the re-growth of Coliform bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms for 5 years, when used as directed. Water Preserver™ kills the pathogenic organisms responsible for typhoid, dysentery and other serious diseases, and also kills and prevents growth of yeast, mold, fungi and algae which also make water undrinkable.



Do not store your emergency water supply in the attic due to the potential for excessive floor loading (water weighs 8.3 lb/gallon) and leakage. Don't stack containers over 2 high and secure them from falling over, especially in earthquake zones.



If possible, store emergency water in a cool dark place. To increase the shelf-life of water stored in translucent containers, group the containers together in dark plastic bags to keep out the light.



Store your water supply away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, or similar substances that give off vapors.



Recommended Water Storage Containers



Plastic water bottles are very convenient for carrying water around when we are on the go, as they don't break if we drop them. However, it is worth paying attention to the type of plastic your water bottle is made of, to ensure that the chemicals in the plastic do not leach into the water. To be certain that you are choosing a bottle that does not leach chemicals, check the recycling symbol on the bottle. If it has a #1, #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), a #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), or a #5 PP (polypropylene), your bottle is fine.



Survival quantities of water can be purchased in small single-use packages including juice boxes and pouches. Such water is packaged with a 5 year shelf-life as approved by the U. S. Coast Guard. Larger quantities of water may be stored safely in approved containers such as 2 gallon plastic bags, 5 gallon containers or 55 gallon barrels. A key consideration with larger containers is the inability to move them or carry them very far once they are full.





Cleaning Water Storage Containers



Assuming you are using an approved storage container as noted above, follow the steps below to clean your container.



Step 1: Drain all water from your emergency storage container. Keep in mind, you do not have to throw this water away, it can be used to water plants, the lawn, or even give the dog a bath.



Step 2: Mix dish washing soap and clean water and pour into your storage container. Agitate the container so that the soap and water mixture hits all of the cracks and crevices and internal surfaces including the cap or pour spout.



Step 3: Thoroughly rinse your water storage container several times with clean tap water to remove any soap residue.



Step 4: Mix a solution of 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach (with 5.25% - 6% sodium hypochlorite as an active ingredient) for every gallon of water your storage container holds.



WARNING: Do not use scented or "color safe" bleach products. Liquid bleach loses strength over time. If the bleach is a year old, double the amount to 2 tablespoons. Two year old bleach should not be used. Bleach should be stored out of direct sunlight and away from heat to avoid deterioration.



Step 5: Pour the bleach solution into the container and close the top of the container and shake it, roll it and swish the solution around in the container until it has been well rinsed Allow the solution to sit in the bottom of the container for at least thirty minutes. This solution will clean several containers.



Step 6: Open the container and pour the solution into the next container, assuming it is the same size. Repeat the rinsing action described in Step 5. When done, dispose of the bleach solution in a load of white laundry in your washing machine.



Step 7: Thoroughly rinse the container(s) several times with clean tap water. If any algae or discoloration is visible, do not reuse the container.





Dangers of Water Storage



If water is stored improperly (in heat, lid not tight, outside air comes in contact with the water, etc.), or if the freshness/expiration date is exceeded, the water may become contaminated.



Vapors from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides, paint or similar substances can permeate Polyethylene plastic containers (water, milk, and bleach bottles) and affect the water quality. Thick-walled polyethylene containers are significantly less permeable to such vapors.



Stored water may eventually develop a disagreeable appearance, taste, or odor. A lot of times people will refer to stored water "tasting flat." This condition can generally be resolved by pouring the water from one container to another, back and forth about three or four times to aerate the water.



Public water agencies don't chemically treat drinking water with the intent of keeping it preserved forever. While Chloramine is a good preservative, public drinking water is not designed to have a long shelf-life. When you pour water into a container, don't assume it will last forever.



Jim Serre has over 30 years of engineering safety, management consulting and corporate training experience. Additionally, Mr. Serre has over 7 years of experience actively providing the following volunteer emergency services:



• A certified trainer for FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) curricula

• A certified Disaster Instructor for the American Red Cross

• An American Safety & Health Institute authorized First Responder Instructor



He holds a BSME and an MBA and is currently the President of GetReadyGear, Inc., an emergency preparedness supply and consulting company. He regularly provides consultation to schools, businesses and families related to disaster preparedness planning.

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Wet Insulation Cannot be Saved, Walls that Come Out will Need Replaced

Have you recently had flooding in your home? Have you recently found black mold on your walls? Do you know what is happening behind the drywall? Are you hoping that some of the wet walls can be saved?

You need to have your home inspected for water damage by a water damage and mold specialist, and you will find that wet insulation will need to be replaced to completely remove the mold and dampness. Damaged walls will need to be replaced, and nothing in the walls can be saved after being damaged from water.

After the drywall and insulation are removed, the studs and wall boards will need to be assessed. Your mold and water damage specialist will tell you if entire walls will need to be replaced, or if the studs and structural work just needs to dry out. When the structural work is dried, new insulation is replaced, and then new drywall installed.

When a consumer is looking for a reputable water damage assessment company, look for a company that will do an estimation of the water damage, and one that understands the importance of removing all of the damaged wall so that the black mold and other water damage doesn't return.

Water that can flood your home comes in three main categories: clean water, grey water, and black water. Clean water can come from rain, water pipe damage, or overflowing sinks. Grey water has some minor contaminations, such as dishwashers or washing machines overflowing, or sump pump failures. Black water has a high level of contamination, such as sewage, flood water from rivers, rising seawater, or an overflowing toilet.

Even if your home has had just two to three inches of flooding from clean water, the drywall and insulation will wick the water up, and you will have to replace far more than three inches of wall. Often, four feet of wall will need to be removed, with wet and damaged drywall and insulation removed and replaced. All wet or moldy insulation, drywall, or structural wood needs to be removed and replaced - none of it can be saved.

Water damage from grey and black water might need an even more intensive removal process, so a professional mold and water damage company can determine what parts of the wall can be saved, and what parts need to be removed and replaced.

Right Way Contracting and Restoration Services is a leading nationwide water damage company atlanta specializing in 24/7 emergency water damage repair, water damage mitigation, mold remediation, flood damage restoration, document drying, fire and smoke damage restoration and crime scene clean up.

How to Test Your Dog for Food Allergies

Does your dog suffer from skin problems and/or scratch constantly? Does he have hot spots or recurring skin infections? He may suffer from dog food allergies. Food allergies can appear in dogs any time in their lifespan, from puppyhood to senior. There are certain food ingredients that tend to be problematic. Among them are dairy products, chicken and chicken eggs, soy, corn, wheat, and even beef.

Conduct a Food Trial

To diagnose your dog’s potential food allergies you can conduct a food trial, which means feeding your dog a unique diet for up to 3 months. You will need to feed your dog new foods it has never eaten before, such as venison and oats. Lamb and rice diets used to be prescribed for dogs with potential allergies, but they are no longer considered unique foods. Many commercial lamb and rice dog foods also contain soy, eggs and other allergens.

Special foods are available through your vet or you can make your dog’s special diet at home using your vet’s recommendations. The special diet must be followed consistently, no other foods allowed including treats or rawhides. Continue with the diet until you see marked improvement in your dog’s symptoms. Then go back to his regular diet. If symptoms return, then you know your dog is allergic to one or more ingredients in his regular food.

Food Allergy Treatment

Once you have confirmed your dog has a food allergy, you will need to continue with the special diet. If you are not sure which ingredient of the old food is causing the allergy, you could try a home made diet and add back in one of the potential allergens, such as soy. Until you narrow down the exact foods your dog is a allergic to. Then you can either keep your dog on the special diet or try a commercial dog food that does not contain the problem ingredients.

Because symptoms can be similar with airborne allergies such as dust and mold as well as flea-bite allergies, it is important to test and eliminate them as suspects first.

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Can Black Mold affect my health

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Can Black Mold affect my health

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Make Your Own Efficient Black Mold Treatment

black mold is one of the major threats faced by many householders these days. These flourish during hot summers due to increased humidity and in cold winters due to the moisture contained within. Therefore the need for a black mold treatment is of great importance. The first process involved in black mold treatment is to identify it and also to inspect the entire house for the presence. Spotting is not the only process as the more important one is to start with the treatment immediately before it spreads out.

You can make an effective black mold treatment right at your own house. Nothing could be as cheap, simple and at the same time effective as this one. Spray bottle is the basic requirement as you can easily get a good one from the nearby store. Ammonia is the major ingredient present in most of the window and black mold treatments you get from outside. But here, we make use of bleach and never ever try to mix it with any other cleaning solutions available outside as the chlorine gas released with the combination of ammonia and bleach can prove to be deadly! Therefore, never try to reuse old mold cleanser bottles as the presence of ammonia will be still present. So never take chances!

Into the new spray bottle add half cup of beach along with half a gallon water to dilute it. Stir gently to mix both the ingredients well. Here you have your black mold treatment made by you in your new spray bottle which can be stored for several months. All that has to be done is to swirl the bottle slightly each time you take it so as to ensure that the bleach gets diluted properly.

The only drawback with this homemade black mold treatment is that it cannot be used on all surfaces like paint, paper, fabric, wallpaper etc as it is bleach based. In such cases, you can make use of vinegar stored in spray bottles as these can help you ensure better black mold treatment on other areas. You can find this particular black mold treatment working in the perfect way on certain plastics, unfinished woods and even on concrete.

It is not necessary that you must depend on costly black mold treatment or always call mold removal experts to do the job as you can start making use of your own home made techniques to get rid of these toxic substances. blackmoldsecrets has a lot of information to share on various issues related to black molds and their treatments.

Holistic Health: Understanding Holistic Health

Every thought and emotion affects your health. A holistic health approach encompasses treating the whole person… the body, mind, emotions and spirit. Traditional cultures have known for thousands of years that these aspects are intimately connected. Every food we eat, every thought entertain, every emotion we feel and every interaction we experience impacts overall health.

Many blame their health problems on genetics, a virus, toxins in the air, and stress. While these factors can contribute to illness, very often problems result from a lack of fundamental health-enhancing qualities such as responsibility, a strong will, family support, passion, a balanced lifestyle and knowledge of good health. Without these, whatever modality is chosen becomes just another pill to be taken and discarded when symptoms disappear.

When disease is artificially removed without changing the underlying cause, long-term health will NOT be achieved. The quick fix approach brings little or no permanent success. I''m not suggesting that we abandon medical treatment. I am recommending that we look for the deeper causes of the problem from a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and lifestyle perspective. We need to take the holistic health perspective. Lasting solutions can be found to multiple illnesses of society by getting at the root of the problem holistically.

I have observed patterns among those who have successfully reversed health problems. These traits are not rigid models…we all have them to some degree. They are holistic health approaches that each of us can maximize in our own unique way to return to our natural state of health.

Here are some very important steps you must take to achieve optimal holistic health. I can assure you that by putting these into practice, your overall health will be much improved! Sometimes you have to reevaluate what it is that you are doing with your life. By doing this, you''ll start to see the big picture.

Lets start with the first step, RESPONSIBILITY. This means not blindly accepting the opinion of some outside authority as the only way. Take a look at your previous choices for they may have led you to the problem. Then recognize that you can make new choices to remedy the situation. I am not telling you to stop seeing your health practitioner. I am suggesting that you gather as much information as possible and make your own decisions. Taking responsibility is meant to empower us to make new choices for a healthier result.

Next is AWARENESS, which is simply deeply knowing yourself by observing your thoughts and beliefs, your choices and outcomes, and your response to the world around you. As you observe, ask questions. Do you believe you can recover your health? What does the illness have to teach you? Why do you make the choices you make? What do you need to know? Through questioning you''ll discover the things which seemed unchangeable are actually flexible and can be manipulated.

Proper nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. Health and longevity depend on our daily nourishment. In 1988, the Surgeon General stated that two-thirds of the deaths in this country are related to diet. Our eating habits play a major role in many common diseases and emotional disorders. Most Americans have a limited awareness of the power of food in maintaining health and reversing disease. The most effective diet includes whole grains, vegetables, low fat, no cholesterol, proteins and fruits.

LETTING GO OF THE PAST. Resolving conflicts and discovering their positive impact in our lives is paramount in healing. Resentment, anger, guilt and all negative emotional states are self-poisoning. They weaken cells and immunity and can also be the reason for illness. Let it go and move on.

FAITH and the developing sound judgments are important qualities in healing. Faith is knowing there''s an order and unity to life, a sense of wholeness and connectedness with something larger than oneself. With faith, unlimited opportunities unfold, and we gain a sense of confidence in our choices.

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE is prevalent among those who are healthy. Everyone has talents and skills through which they express themselves and you do too! If you don''t find your unique creative expression, you''ll be restless and frustrated, regardless of the success in the conventional world. Purpose stimulates a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. With purpose, your life will take on much more meaning…trust me!

I didn''t have a purpose for many years. The second I knew where I was going my life took a turn for the best. If you don''t have purpose yet, don''t worry! Focus on what makes you the happiest and visualize where and what you want to be. By working toward a goal and a purpose, you will feel alive and ready for anything.

Each of the above factors has a profoundly positive influence on your health and are more effective when bring them together. When utilized, you can go beyond sickness to health and happiness. Start with small steps and build upon them for a holistic approach to your health. Action is the only thing preventing you from achieving optimal health.

Yours in healthy living success,

Colleen Palati
colleen@healthyrevelations.com
9217 Douglas Fir Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15239

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How To Make Your Room Look Larger

Although many new houses today are large, unfortunately they may contain small rooms, a little smaller than we'd like. Small rooms can feel confining and uncomfortable. Luckily we can utilize certain design concepts that fool the eye and make our rooms seem larger. Try these inexpensive decorating tricks to make your rooms live bigger.

1. Use Light Colors

Light and brightly colored walls are more reflective, which will help to maximise the effect created by natural light. This does not mean you have to live with white walls. There are a wide range of light colors paints available, such as light green or cream beige.

Once you've chosen your wall color, choose your trim and moldings colors. Paint your trims and moldings in either the same hue as the walls, or a lighter color. Lighter objects appear closer while darker or shadowed objects appear further away. When you paint your moldings a lighter color, the wall appears further back - thus making your room appear bigger.

Now, don't be worried that your room is going to be bland and uninviting, bolder and darker colors can be be used in furniture, artwork and accessories.

If your colors are already dark, try to move the darker colors to a 'background' role while maximizing your neutral white or ivory.Be careful when using wallpaper. Solid colours are the safest, with tiny patterns taking a close second. Whatever the wall color or finish, we recommend the ceiling in a small room be painted stark white to maximize brightness.

2. Mirrors

Mirrors can have a favorable impact on a room's appearance. A large mirror in the room will reflect light around the room. The mirrors also reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day and night. They bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. This is especially effective with near a window so the outdoors can be reflected.

Use glass-front or mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered. Large, expansive mirrors over vanities, mirrored wardrobe doors or a floor-to-ceiling wall of mirrors (combined with our decorating suggestions) can make even the smallest of spaces seem larger.

3. Arrange Furniture At Angles

Arrange some of your larger pieces of furniture at a angle. You don't have to place the furniture at an exact 45 degree angle, often a lesser angle looks best if you can balance the look with another furniture piece.

Setting your furniture at an angle works because the longest straight line in any given room is it's diagonal. When you place your furniture at an angle, it leads the eye along the longer distance, rather than the shorter wall. As an added bonus, you often get some additional storage space behind the piece in the corner, too!

4. Scale Furniture

Keep furnishings in scale with the rooms. In small rooms, use slim rockers, open-back chairs or a simple sofa or love seat rather than overstuffed furnishings to avoid overpowering the space.

There are stores that deal exclusively in furniture for apartments and mobile homes. Despite its slightly smaller size, scaled-down furniture can be beautiful. An open headboard is best for a small room. When furnishing, keep the view at eye level unobstructed. Taller furnishings should be placed at the end of the room opposite its main entry.

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Water Damage Restoration - QCI Online

Water damage restoration is the process of bringing back assets and material goods back to its original state right before it was damaged or ruin by water. As of now, the US government does not have standards and policies as to how water damage restoration should be carried out. However, there are two certifying agencies that advocate criteria as to how restoration is to be implemented, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and RIA. Most companies like the QCI (Quality Check Inspection) use the IIRCA and adheres to the standard operating procedure of the said certifying body. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration uses a procedural standard known as the S500 which is based on consistent and dependable reinstating concepts, study and work-able practice with wide-ranging discussions and data accumulated from various origins.



OCI offers water damage restoration assistance in a 24 hour basis. The company is able to handle any water and flood damage, wet carpet or even water extraction at times of emergency in order to help curtail the spoilage and destructions at an individual's house, business establishments or even belongings brought about by flood water. The company abides with the IICRC guidelines in reliably drying and sanitizing damages caused by flood or other water damaged areas using state of the art extraction and drying tools and techniques.





IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUIRED

Time is of the essence with water damage mitigation. Most insurers cover the cost, but require policyholders to act quickly to prevent secondary damage. Mold is more likely to grow if expert water removal and water extraction is not performed, also if water damaged materials are not dried within 48 hours.

QCI WATER DAMAGE SERVICES:

• Emergency Water Extraction • Emergency Board-ups • mold remediation



• Structural Drying • Roof Tarping • Storm/Wind Damage

• Dehumidification • Debris Removal • Mold/Water Restoration

• Sanitization / Disinfecting • Hurricane / Flood Damage • Infrared Thermal Imaging



QCI water damage professionals have the proper equipment and expertise necessary to handle any water damage losses. No water extraction or drying job is too big or too small - we are always ready to help. We can respond to emergency water removal calls 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. Prompt action by experienced water damage and flood damage restorers makes a true difference you can notice in mitigating structural property water damage.

QCI's technicians concentrate on IICRC and MICRO industry guidelines for your safety by drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged using only time tested procedures. Dedicated response teams are available around-the-clock to help minimize water damage to your belongings, walls, floors and ceilings. The QCI advantage combines our team's professional know-how with state-of-the-art equipment and water restoration products.

Equipment:

• Hi-power portable extraction units perform optimal wet carpet water removal.

• Submersible pumps are used for continuous pumping of deep water flood damage situations.

• Moisture detection equipment such as hygrometers, moisture meters, and infrared thermal imaging cameras measure the extent of moisture saturation. Necessary structural repairs may then begin when the water damage area is cleared of excess moisture and humidity.

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, Fungicides & Anti-Microbial Treatments:

• Deodorization products control foul odors emanating from microorganisms and bacteria which flourish in excessive moisture from wet carpet, water damage, flood damage areas.

• Disinfection products deter the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

Cutting Edge Drying Equipment:

• Industrial-grade dehumidification units reduce humidity levels, producing dry air and minimizing secondary water damage to your contents and structural materials.

• High-speed Turbo Dryers create airflow across walls, wet carpet, pads, and furniture, evaporating moisture.

Our state of the art drying equipment controls temperature and humidity, helping water restoration efforts by preventing swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

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Mold Exposure

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Effects of Vacuum Cleaners to Your Indoor Air Quality

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Water Removal

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Water Removal

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Checklist For Buying A Home

I had a client who called saying that his bath tub just fallen through the floor in his new home (new to him). Mold had eaten away the floor from the crawlspace up. The seller had placed a few 4x4s under the floor to hold everything up long enough to sell the house and get out of town.

I asked if he had the house inspected before he bought it. He said, “no, was that important?”

Even if you do get a home inspector, look for these things yourself. Some home inspectors don't look for these items. Some never go into the house.

Mold test

The number one problem faced by new homeowners is mold. You read about it in the news. Every week I get a call from an attorney gathering info for a lawsuit against a home seller and their real estate agent. The topic is always mold.

You can get inexpensive mold test kits at http://www.tennesseemold.com

Gutters

The number one cause of mold in a home is improperly installed or damaged gutters. They allow water to pour into the walls. And water causes damaging mold to develop inside the walls. Make sure the gutters are level and aren't bent.

Mud on walls

This goes back to gutters. If the gutters are undersized, excess water pours over the edges of the gutters and onto the ground. This splashes mud against the outside walls. BUT the excess water also seeps into the foundation of the house.

Plants too close

The new owner, of course, can correct this, but did the previous owner allow the plants to trap moisture in the walls? The damage from this moisture may already be there waiting with costly repairs. There should be at least 18 inches between the plants and the outside walls.

Foundation vents

These vents are designed to let air flow through crawlspaces. This house may not have a crawlspace. But if it does, check the vents. Do they open and close? Some builders slop concrete on them and they are permanently open or closed. Potential mold and wood rot problems can result.

Sump pump?

A sump pump is there to remove water from your basement. If there is a sump pump, then there has been excess water in the past. To work, a sump pump needs some water in it anyway. This standing water can lead to mold and termites. Avoid houses with sump pumps.

Yard drainage

Does the yard allow water to flow into the house?

Blown in insulation

Most blown in insulation is cellulose or ground up mold food (wood). Yes that deadly chemical they put in it will stop mold for a few years but not forever. And even the cellulose free insulation sends particles into the air that we can breathe. This is a major problem according to lung surgeons.

Do attic vents work?

Is the attic hot? Just because the attic has vents doesn't mean they work. Motors rust or burn a fuse.

Crusty stuff on basement walls

If you see crusty white stuff on the block in the basement, it means long-term water problems. That white stuff is minerals deposited over time by drying moisture. RUN away FAST!

Water spots on ceiling.

These always hold mold. You only have 48 hours after a leak before mold begins to grow. After that drying won't help.

By all means, hire a home inspector. Don't use a home inspector recommended by the seller or their agent. If an inspector says something bad about a house, they don't get future referrals from the agent. And make sure the inspector goes INSIDE the house.

Sounds stupid but I have been in lawsuits where the inspector did all his work from the yard or even worse, from his car.

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Do Not Buy Flood Damaged Cars

There are many flood damaged cars being sold on the market. Usually, flood damaged cars, SUVs and trucks are placed in salvage yards. Some though, are made spick and span and put into the car market and they will be up for sale. But the problem is, there really are no tell tale signs of flood damage that would give them away. This is because the cars will be restored so they would look almost like new. The damages caused by the flood would be erased or covered. After the changes, the cars will then be sold to unsuspecting buyers who thinks they are getting a good bargain.

Fact is flood damaged cars are being moved by unscrupulous merchants. Consumers can and should protect themselves against being taken advantage of in the auto market. Luckily, there are several things consumers can do to protect themselves from buying flood damaged cars.

The best things a consumer can do to be sure if a car is flood damaged or not is to get the history of the vehicle. You can do this by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a car to a website which provides vehicle history information. What these websites do is search a nationwide database of car information then gathers research on the car's title, maintenance record, registration, and odometer. You will instantaneously know if the vehicle has been stolen, has had a troubled past, or has had its odometer rolled back through the report that the website will return. Just a little research on a car's history will reveal if it has been salvaged, flooded, rebuilt, or is basically a "lemon."

Prospective car buyers should be aware of flood damaged vehicles being sold on the car market. Why shouldn't you buy flood damaged cars? Well simply because water leaves a lasting damage. Even if the devices and machines requiring electricity will restore it, it will probably fail sooner or later because mold and mildew aren't' easy to remove. And when a car is flood damaged any warranty warrant is voided.

Below are several things you can do to check if a car is flood damaged:

Check for moisture and dirt.

Flood damaged cars usually have moisture trapped and dirt inside the lights. Dampness can also be seen inside the compartment with glovesF, console and trunk so you better inspect these spots. Dirt, which can also be a sign of flood damage, can also accumulate under the hood. Moisture can also accumulate under the seat. Of course, rust is another telltale sign of flood damage.

Smell the car

Mildew can be easily detected by smelling. Mildew often forms on soaked fabrics so sharpen your sense of smell when you're on the lookout for a new vehicle. Also try to detect other smells that could be caused by flood damage like spilled oil or fuel.

Check if components match

Mismatched component could mean that the component are changed hurriedly after the car has been salvaged from a flood. So try to see if the carpet, seats and stereo components looks too new for the car.

Also try to check if the car has been titled several times from different states, which is usually a hint that its owners are trying to erase the questionable and negative history of the car by looking for spots where disclosing defects is not required or is easily evaded. Cars that are titled several times are usually salvaged or totaled.

Test drive

Of course the best way to check the performance of a car is to take it for a test drive. Check the electrical system including all the lights and the sound system.

Ask an expert

Have an expert mechanic or technician check the car. Have a second opinion if you may. Expert mechanics and car technician can detect flood damaged cars easily than ordinary people.

Remember that in buying a vehicle, never ever take a chance. Buying a damaged vehicle can cost you more than your money. It could also bring serious accident even death. If you suspect that someone is selling you a car that has been flood damaged immediately say no then walk away. The dough you will save in buying a flood damaged car will quickly go away by the headache it will bring.

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Tips for Easy Bathroom Mold Removal

Do you ever wonder how to remove mold in your bathroom? Do you know that you may not even need to hire professional mold removal contractor to do this job for you? All you need is these easy cleaning tips to help you get the job done. Follow these three simple steps to make bathroom mold removal a success.



1. Control humidity level of your bathroom

Humidity level is a scale to measure the amount of moisture presents in the air. If your bathroom has a high humidity level, it means that your bathroom holds a high dampness. The higher the humidity level, the better chance of it becoming the breeding ground for mold. Thus regulating the moisture level within your bathroom is crucial in bathroom mold removal to prevent mold growth. Using a good dehumidifier can help to control and regulate the moisture level of your bathroom.



2. Allow good ventilation in your bathroom

Bathrooms that do not have proper air circulation will promote mold growth. Therefore, the next important step in bathroom mold removal is to initiate good ventilation within your bathroom. Open the bathroom window to allow circulation of fresh air and to prevent hot shower steam from being trapped inside the bathroom. You may consider using exhaust fan to help getting air circulated for bathrooms that do not have windows.



3. Keep your bathroom clean and dry

Wash your bathroom regularly and quickly dry the area using blow fan or dehumidifier. Keeping the bathroom clean can prevent mold from spreading. Scrub off the very first sign of mold whenever you clean your bathroom and this stops mold from growing further. Remember that keeping your bathroom as dry as possible is the key of effective bathroom mold removal.





Find more information about indoor mold problem and effective solutions for bathroom mold removal. Tips for finding mold, cleaning and preventing home mold problem. Learn the symptoms of mold and the effective ways to kill mold and stop mold growth.

GOT MOLD WHAT SHOULD I DO

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toxic mold test

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The Health Hazards Of A Wet Carpet

Water damage due to flooding and other natural calamities does not only affect one’s home and belongings, but also posts danger to the health of the people in the home. There are several ways to make sure that the home is free from any microorganisms that are considered dangerous to the health.



The danger is also not limited to the kind of water that flooded the house; it is also evident in the amount of water that accumulated in hard-to-reach areas like corners, underneath carpets, and immovable appliances. For places like Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi where floods are evident, it is important to take into consideration the possible consequences of accumulated floodwater.



Carpets in particular can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Aside from that, it can also be the home for mold and mildew that can cause allergies, skin rashes, and asthma. Ingestion of mold can also cause an upset stomach and some allergic reactions. Although there are no recorded long-term effects, exposure to molds and other forms of waterborne bacteria like amoeba is still dangerous.



It is therefore important to make sure that the home is protected from these kinds of threats. It is best to attend to wet carpets immediately since it only takes a few hours before molds start to grow. Carpet cleaning Marysville, Oh style ensures that no water gets trapped and accumulated inside areas that may promote the growth of mold.



The most common thing to do with a wet carpet is to replace the pad underneath. A Marysville carpet cleaning services are only among the many cleaning teams that make sure the carpet is completely cleaned and dried. This may cost the family some money but the cost of carpet cleaning is definitely lower than the cost of dealing with a potential danger to the family’s health.



If the family cannot afford carpet cleaning or replacement, there are other options like drying off the carpet through fans or air conditioning. If the carpet is easy to dry and is not attached to the floor, it is best to take it out and dry it under the sun. There are also other remedies provided by experts for people who live in places that suffer from Marysville water damage. Natural calamities may be inevitable, but there are solutions that can help families deal with them easier.

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Control Snakes in the Garden

To have a snake or two in the garden is good. Non-poisonous snakes, such as the common garter snakes, are beneficial creatures because they eat pest insects, mosquito larvae, slugs, snails, crickets, rats, mice, voles and even other snakes which may be poisonous.

But if you really don't want snakes in your yard and garden here are a few tips to eliminate them without hurting or killing them.

Keep the lawn neatly cut and clean. Be careful using weed eaters because the sting from the fast moving string can kill them.

Snakes need cover for protection. Don’t leave wood or brush piles sit in one spot for more than a month.

Keep leaves and other debris picked up.

Don't keep piles of rocks.

Stack firewood on a rack 12" off the ground.

Remove old lumber or junk piles.

Remove their source of food. Keep the insect and rodent population under control.

Place garbage bags in sealed trash cans away from the house.

Repair cracks along the foundation and fill holes around pipes. Snakes only need about a ¼ inch crack to get inside.

Sprinkle moth balls around the perimeter of your yard or garden. But beware that these can be dangerous to pets and children.

Sulfur from a garden center is said to keep snakes away.

Don't plant bushes and other plants too close to the foundation of the house.

Use mulch in the garden beds but not too thickly.

Trim the lowest limbs on shrubs and bushes so they are at least 12 inches from the ground.

Construct a fence around your garden with heavy galvanized screening. Make it three feet wide with quarter-inch mesh. Be sure to bury the bottom of it six inches below the soil surface.

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Copyright: 2005 Marilyn Pokorney

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Roofing FAQ: Basic Roof Problems

* What are some of the typical causes of roof problems?

There are different types of roof problems, and it is best to be aware of them so you can avoid shortening the life span of the roof. Some typical roof problems are:

Not enough maintenance done. Failing to fix minor roof problems can lead to a bigger problems later on. Structural damage caused by any physical contact can also lead to more problems later on.

Climate and Weather. Extreme weather (hail, ice, snow, scorching heat) can expedite the deterioration of a roof. Strong winds can, of course, damage the roof as well.

Industrially polluted or salty air (as near the sea) and other atmospheric contaminants are also contributing factors.

Wrong design. A faulty design can lead to early problems. A weak or improperly attached roof can also collapse from weight.

Flashing problems. Flashings are used to make the roof watertight. Improper installation and weak flashing can make the roof leak and by the time it is discovered, water damage maybe extensive.

* How do I know if I need a new roof if I don't see any leaks?

Leaks are not the only reason for replacing a roof. Furthermore, if you wait until you begin seeing leaks, you may end up with more damage and a bigger problem than you had hoped. So, check your roof regularly for the following:

- Age of roof - Depending on the kind of roofing, a roof can last up to 20 years. If your roof is 15 years old, you should be watching for signs of needing repair.

- Missing or torn shingles - Damaged shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot. They also make it so that other shingles may be blown away in the wind. Old shingles may curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts.

- Rusted or missing flashing - Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. It is also often found in the valleys of the roof where the roof sections meet. If it is rusted, damaged or missing, it could cause leaks.

- Gutters - Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for damage or decay. Look for broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing. This may be a sign that your roof needs some attention.

- Inside Walls - Watch for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper indoors. This could be a sign of a leaky roof.

* What kind of preventive maintenance should I do for my roof?

Since roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, most roof damage results from weather and pollutants in the atmosphere. To save yourself big repair costs or even having to replace your roof before its time, you should perform a general inspection on your roof at least twice a year, checking for mildew, mold, rust, trapped water, and possible damage, and make minor repairs if necessary. That is the best preventive maintenance you can do.

Also, be sure to keep your roof clean. Remove any debris that may accumulate on it and clean out the roof gutters regularly. Also, repair any weather damage as soon as it occurs.

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Mildew Mold Removal

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Mildew Mold Removal

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Oceanside Mold Removal Encinitas Mold Remediation 760 434 4555

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