Soil moisture conditions are used to determine the amount of rainfall necessary to cause flash flooding in a particular area.  In most of inland Massachusetts, for example, 2 inches of rainfall in three hours is enough to produce flash flooding; however, coastal Massachusetts must experience 4 inches of rainfall in three hours before flash floods strike.

Reference this map for information regarding flooding in Massachusetts.  If you select “Massachusetts” then click “View Text Product”, a window will open containing the number of inches of rainfall necessary to produce flash flooding over specific durations of time in towns and counties.

Standard home and business owners’ insurance can limit or exclude coverage for flooding.  If you are concerned that your property is particularly at risk for floods, ask your agent, broker or risk advisor about the National Flood Insurance Program.  Because you may not be covered, here are some tips to prepare your property for a flash flood situation:

• Clear contents from basements in buildings prone to flooding.  This will prevent water and mold damage to any items stored in the basement.
• Consider re-grading soil around the building or installing perimeter drainage systems to keep the water outside.
• Elevate cardboard boxes, paper material or filing cabinets as far from the ground floor as possible.  These items are especially prone to developing mold in moist conditions and, if found to be moldy, should be discarded.
• Install check valves in your property’s sewer traps to prevent flooding water from backing up into the drains of your building.  If you don’t have time for this before a flood hits, use corks and rubber stoppers to plug drains in sinks, showers and tubs.
• Seal basement and first-floor walls with waterproofing compounds to prevent water from seeping through any cracks.
• Construct barriers using sandbags, ditches or small moats to keep flood water from entering your property.

As always, if water from flash flooding damages your building, call the professionals at ServiceMaster by Gilmore to restore your property and your peace of mind.

State officials in Massachusetts have gone so far as to ban the burning of brush due to the high risk.  Check your local news for updates about Red Flag Warning days during which there is a significantly elevated chance of wildfires.

If your property is located near a wooded area, take an afternoon to clear as much dry and dead plant matter from the ground and branches as possible.  No matter the wind conditions or humidity, dry vegetation is extremely flammable.  Removing it from wooded areas will decrease the amount of burnable matter that could fuel an out-of-control fire.

If you experience a fire on or near your property, call your local fire department immediately.  Take the upmost care if you make an attempt to extinguish the fire while authorities are on their way as one can easily become trapped in a rapidly-moving blaze.  After the fire is extinguished, watch to make sure none of the smoldering ashes catch a breeze and start another fire.

If any part of your building is damaged by fire or the water used to extinguish a fire, call ServiceMaster by Gilmore to ensure it is quickly and thoroughly restored!

• Check that your gutters are not loose and your downspouts are clear of debris and aimed away from your foundation.  Basements can easily flood due to improper drainage.
• Fill any areas of low or loose soil near your foundation with compacted dirt.  This will help ward off foundation flooding and keep insects from breeding in pooled water.
• Examine your roof for missing or damaged shingles.  Harsh Winter wind and strong Summer sunlight can severely damage a roof, so replace any shingles that are buckled, loose or  cracked to prevent water damage from rain.
• Inspect concrete slabs for cracks and movement.  Fill any cracks with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk to prevent further damage.
• Schedule a visit from a heating a cooling expert to clean and inspect the outside unit of your cooling system.  Have him or her change the interior filter, if necessary.  A clean system will run more efficiently, saving you money in the long run.

As always, if you find that exterior damage has caused flooding or mold in your building, you can count on ServiceMaster by Gilmore to restore it to like-new condition.

How to protect yourself and your property when you encounter strong winds…

OUTSIDE

• Take cover next to a building a safe distance away from roads and train tracks to decrease your chances of a gust pushing you into the path of an oncoming vehicle
• When seeking shelter, use a handrail when possible and remain aware of any flying debris
• Avoid walking directly beneath trees that could have cracked or broken limbs
• Contact police and your local utility company to inform them of the location of any downed power lines
• Avoid any object that may be in physical contact with downed power lines

IN YOUR VEHICLE

• If a downed power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside the vehicle and avoid touching the metal frame
• Do not attempt to get out of your vehicle until help arrives unless your vehicle catches fire
• If your vehicle catches fire, open your door and jump to safety, avoiding any metal on the vehicle

IN YOUR BUILDING OR HOME

• Keep doors and windows closed and locked
• Keep away from windows as they could be shattered by airborne debris or blown from their frames in cases of extreme winds
• Keep away from any lightweight doors or screens
• Remain indoors

Beth Tramtontozzi of CAI had this to say about Maria Benway:

“With the chapter volunteer award, those whose efforts have helped further the goals and image of CAI New England and the industry are applauded.  This recipient is recognized for her long standing and ongoing volunteer service, continued support of CAI and tireless efforts in spearheading new chapter programs.  A familiar face on chapter committees including the CAI Golf Tournament and Membership Committees, our award recipient has been instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for the chapters Emerging Leaders Network, also known by the acronym E-L-N, and created to support and help members build a strong link with career-minded industry professionals and CAI. From social networking events, to educational programs, in the 6 short months since its inception, ELN has hosted more than one hundred industry professionals at their events.  For her commitment to CAI and its programs, and her devoted volunteer service, we present the Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award to Maria Benway with ServiceMaster by Gilmore.”

Biography

Maria Benway has been with ServiceMaster by Gilmore for 9 years as the Business Development Manager.  She is responsible for sales and marketing to property managers and insurance agents.  She is certified in RRP and water damage restoration.  Ms. Benway attends many networking events and is involved in several different trade groups.  She is an education committee member of RHA.  She is also on the
membership committee, education committee and co-chair of the ELN committee for CAI.  Maria is a graduate of Bridgewater State College and is a mother of 2 children.

February 23^rd – HVAC – Norwood

March 22^nd – Disaster Planning – Woburn

April 26th – Psychrometry – Norwood

May 24th – Social Media – Woburn

June 27th – Hoarding – Norwood

July 26th – Equipment – Norwood

August 23rd – Life Cycle of a Claim – Woburn

September 27th – Psychrometry – Norwood

October 25th – Disaster Planning – Norwood

November 22nd – HVAC – Norwood