Gulf Coast Outdoor Works
(281) 734-6322 gulfcoastoutdoorworks@gmail.com Outdoor Work, Wood Privacy Fence, Chain Link Fence, Barb Wire Fencing, Livestock Fencing, Decks, Pond Piers, Dirt Work, Land Clearing, Mowing/Brush Hogging, Driveways, Moving Materials and Spreading Them. #galvestoncounty #smallbusiness #tacos #shoplocal #eatlocal #community #supportlocal #friends #mycuprunnethover #blessed #getoutandvote #fences #dirtwork #security #youryard
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Duane's Junk Removal
*****We've added a 3rd dump trailer***** ***JUNK REMOVAL*** **Shed or deck demo and haul off? **Furniture need hauled off? **Construction/remodeling debris cleanup? **Hot tub/above ground pool removal **Garage/shed/attic/storage unit needs to be cleaned out? **just added a small tractor with a bucket/backhoe for smaller jobs/need mulch/material moved around your property? Need bushes/hedges pulled/dugout? Stubborn sago palm dug out? Doing a fence demo and can't get the concreted fence posts out? **Full service junk/debris removal** ***I have added an enclosed trailer for equipment/furniture that needs to be moved/relocated out of the weather*** call Duane @ 832.340.4440, if I Don't answer, please text me. https://www.facebook.com/Duanes-junk-removal-107698460606996/ #teamwork #duanesjunkremoval #blessedandgrateful #junkremoval #houston #HarrisCounty #GalvestonCounty #BRAZORIACOUNTY #smallbusiness #declutter Hurricanes have terrifying power, and because of their sheer scope and unpredictability, each one presents variables that are totally out of your control. How destructive will it be? Will it shift direction and come right at you? Will you have to evacuate? As unsettling as these questions are, there’s a lot you can do to get ready for one of these megastorms, from staying informed to making sure you have the right gear and completing a few relatively simple home improvements. The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season for the seventh year in a row, with 14 to 21 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to six major hurricanes. During NOAA’s first public outlook for the year, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, “The time to get ready is now.” If you’re riding out a hurricane at home, the most important items to have on hand are the things that will help you communicate with the outside world, find your way in the dark, and protect your belongings. “Be prepared for some primitive living without power for a while,” said Claudette Reichel, a building science specialist at Louisiana State University who trains housing professionals on disaster resilience as well as on hurricane and flood recovery.
Why you should trust usIn addition to the advice Deanne Criswell and Claudette Reichel gave us, we got advice from Michael Orfanedes, commercial horticultural agent for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Broward County. Among other duties and achievements (PDF), Orfanedes consults extensively on how to best handle trees both before (PDF) and after (PDF) a hurricane. We also took guidance from national emergency services such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Hurricane Center, and the American Red Cross. Hurricane survival stories and the perspective of amateur preppers also helped to inform our practical take on hurricane preparedness, as did the firsthand experiences of a number of Wirecutter colleagues who have lived through hurricanes. Senior staff writer Doug Mahoney has personally developed some expertise in this topic while researching Wirecutter guides to general emergency preparedness and bug-out bags. He also worked as a general contractor on high-end residential construction in the Boston area, which helped him understand and relay experts’ advice on ways to brace your home against hurricane damage. Portable generatorWe tested four 2,200-watt generators for our guide to portable generators, and it was clear that the Honda EU2200i is the best. The EU2200i is not big enough to power an entire house, but with some smart power management, you can use it to keep the essentials going during an emergency. The Honda was the quietest, lightest, and most powerful generator we looked at--it even exceeded its listed capabilities and powered household items that caused the other tested generators to overload. Starting a gas engine can be frustrating, and that alone could keep someone from buying a generator, but only the EU2200i started on the first pull of the cord every single time we used it. In addition, you can easily monitor the Honda’s power output through a Bluetooth-connected app, so during an outage you can manage (and maximize) the generator’s operation from indoors. This is a relatively new feature that not many generators have. The EU2200i also has an onboard carbon monoxide detector that shuts the generator down if a concentration of the deadly gas gets too high, which can happen if the generator is running in an enclosed area. (And that’s why you should never run one of these indoors or even in your garage with the doors open.) Honda generators have an excellent reputation and recognition in the industry as the gold standard, but the hitch is that this quality comes at a cost. The EU2200i is typically priced over $1,000, about $400 more than other gas options, but its ease of use and dependability are worth the extra cost. Water containerIn an emergency, experts recommend having at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days (more, if possible). At 7 gallons, the portable Reliance Aqua-Tainer offers a week of water for one person, whether you’re sheltering in place or on an evacuation route. We tested five water containers, and the Aqua-Tainer distinguished itself with its durable build, smart features, and larger size (most are in the 5-gallon range). We like that the spigot is stored inside the cap when not in use and that it has a tethered screw-on air vent valve for faster pouring. A full Aqua-Tainer weighs nearly 60 pounds, so if you’re not comfortable with lugging that weight around in an evacuation scenario, we also like the smaller Reliance Aqua-Pak 5-gallon container. For a much larger at-home setup, we like the Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel. Regardless of which storage option you go with, the CDC recommends replacing your water supply every six months. FlashlightSince there’s no way to know how long you could be without power, you need a long-lasting LED flashlight—one of the most essential pieces of gear you can have during and after a hurricane. We tested 23 of them in the New Hampshire woods for our guide to the best flashlights and found that the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 was the best one. When the flashlight was on the highest of its four brightness settings, we were able to see trees 500 feet away, and when it was on its lowest setting, we could read a map while preserving our night vision. It also has a strobe setting for emergency signaling, but that function isn’t part of the standard brightness toggle (as it is with less expensive flashlights), so you don’t have to constantly cycle through it. Reichel stressed that in the aftermath of a hurricane, you’ll need a flashlight that has a long battery life. The ThruNite truly delivers in this regard. According to the manufacturer, when the flashlight is on its highest setting, it will run for 96 minutes, but on its lowest setting, it can run for roughly 28 days (on the medium setting it runs for 11 hours, and on the low setting it lasts for four days). It runs on two AA batteries. “Make sure to have extra batteries,” Reichel said. Emergencies are one of the few instances for which we recommend disposable batteries over rechargeable ones. HeadlampDuring an extended power outage, there’s no such thing as having too many light sources, and a headlamp allows you to keep your hands free to navigate and carry things at the same time. We like the Black Diamond Spot 350—the most capable headlamp we could find after our exhaustive research and testing. A version of the Spot has been at the top of our list since 2012, and the updated 350 model gives us the same features we’ve always liked, but with 25 more lumens than the previous Spot, giving you a slight bump in brightness. (Since we stand by their older models, the Spot 300 is also still available and costs a bit less.) A recent update to the Spot’s top buttons makes them more intuitive to use; you’ll need to experiment with clicking through various configurations, but we think the learning curve is fairly short. This model offers both a red-light option (which is good for when you’re switching it on and off at night) and a strobe option, for emergency signaling. Its PowerTap technology lets you instantly transition the headlamp from full power to dimmed with one touch, and it weighs a decently lightweight 3 ounces with batteries installed. The Spot 350 uses three AAA batteries, so be sure to have extras on hand. First aid kitWe’re currently researching a complete guide to first aid kits, but we like the First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442) for its wide selection of gear for treating minor cuts, burns, and scrapes (bandages, gauze, wipes, ointments, and painkillers), as well as some items for handling more-serious injuries (a trauma pad, gauze, and some dressing pads). The case opens like a book, and items are stowed in 10 clear plastic compartments, so you can easily find what you need in moments of high stress. One of the kit’s highlights is its selection of 187 adhesive bandages in all shapes and sizes. After sticking it under a shower, we found that water can leak inside the case through its zipper, so we recommend keeping it inside a gallon zip-lock bag. Although this adds a layer of inconvenience, other kits we looked at were less organized or didn’t have enough of the essentials. Weather radioWhether you’re evacuating from a hurricane or sheltering in place, it’s crucial to keep tabs on the status of the storm. You’ll need “some kind of way to listen to a radio station because TV stations may be out,” Reichel told us. We think your best option is a dedicated emergency weather radio, specifically the Midland ER310. The Midland offers better reception, a brighter flashlight, and more-effective charging options than other models we tested, including the ability to charge from dead through solar power or hand-cranking. It can also receive NOAA extreme-weather alerts, providing notifications that are both loud and readily visible so you won’t miss any warnings. The ER310’s convenient size makes it comfortable to carry, so it’s easier to grab on the go in the case of an imminent storm. It was also one of the few radios we tested that lived up to its crank-generating claims: We found that just one minute of cranking produced 10 minutes of radio time or a few minutes of flashlight use. Plus, the ER310’s durable body can stand up to heavy rain or a drop onto a hard surface. Storage binsDuring the high winds and flooding of a hurricane, water-resistant bins can keep emergency supplies, important documents, valuables, and other personal effects clean and dry. After testing 32 different bins—by tossing them down a set of stairs and leaving them out in the rain—we found that the Iris Weathertight Totes had the best combination of weather resistance and durability. The lid’s foam gasket creates a watertight seal, and four clasps hold the top on tight (most lids have only two clasps). In most instances, the Iris bins will keep their contents dry, but note that they are “weather-resistant,” not waterproof, so they are not designed to be submerged; in extreme circumstances, such as a fully flooded basement, moisture could get in. For added security, USI insurance recommends (PDF) running duct tape around the rim of a bin’s lid and wrapping the upper half of the bin with stretch plastic. You should seal important items, such as official documents and family photos, in zip-top bags for additional protection. The straight sides of the Weathertight Totes maximize storage space, and the design of the lid makes these bins very stackable. Because these bins are clear, you can easily identify contents at a glance. They are available in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from 6½ quarts to 103 quarts. LighterMost experts, including those at the American Red Cross (PDF), don’t recommend using candles for emergency lighting, but a source of fire can be helpful for cooking in the aftermath of a hurricane. Reichel pointed out that without power, most gas stoves are rendered useless because of their electronic igniters. To get the stove going, you need to provide your own starter flame. A lighter can also get an outdoor cooking fire going, such as in a fire pit or chiminea. Bic lighters are easy to use and inexpensive, and they can hold a flame in light wind or a little rain. Solar panelsIf there’s no power coming into your home, you need a way to charge your electronics. If you have access to a car, you can use your car phone charger, but that may not be a viable long-term solution. Reichel recommends a solar battery charger. “People want those phones after a storm,” she said, noting that communication was a huge issue after Hurricane Katrina in part because phone batteries died and people had no way to recharge them. We tested 12 portable solar chargers and determined the best to be the BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger. It produced the most power of any model we tested, and it has waterproof port covers and a slim, compact design. It can also charge three devices at once. If you’re evacuating, don’t forget charging cables. For more power, a larger machine such as a gas generator is also an option. Bug repellentMosquito populations can explode after a severe storm, and with them come harmful diseases such as Zika, dengue, and West Nile, as this information sheet (PDF) from Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension Service explains. Adding to the risk is the fact that after a storm, people are naturally going to be outside a lot more, whether they’re cleaning up or cooking at the grill because the power is out. We tested 17 spray repellents for our guide to bug repellents and found the best to be Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent. Sawyer’s repellent is EPA approved, meaning it has undergone extensive safety and efficacy testing. Instead of DEET, Sawyer uses a 20% concentration of picaridin, which provides up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes. Studies show that picaridin and DEET offer similar levels of bug protection, but picaridin doesn’t melt or mar plastic like DEET can, and it has hardly any odor. Other companies make 20% picaridin repellents—and they’re just as effective against mosquitoes and ticks—but in our tests Sawyer’s repellent bottle distinguished itself with its nice, even spray and its double-cap design (which makes the nozzle very unlikely to activate when you stuff the bottle in a backpack or other container). Work glovesIn a hurricane situation, your hands can be exposed to a lot of hazards, whether you’re cleaning up broken glass or clearing branches from your driveway. For protection, we recommend getting a pair of Custom Leathercraft 124L Flex Grip WorkRight Gloves. They’re comfortable and inexpensive, and compared with the regular, floppy leather work gloves we tested, they offer great dexterity. There’s no need to take them off for more delicate tasks such as reaching into a pocket, tying a shoelace, or starting a car. They’re not especially high-quality, so if you use them on a daily basis, they’ll likely wear out in a month or two. But as a pair of gloves to keep in your hurricane evacuation kit, they are a great value. Although these gloves are available only in medium, large, and extra large, buyer comments on retail sites indicate the medium size works fine for smaller hands. HandsawA good handsaw, such as the Vaughan BS333C Bear Saw, is a valuable tool for pruning dead branches before a hurricane and cleaning up debris after. In our test of handsaws, the Vaughn Bear Saw was one of the fastest cutters. Although it wasn’t our top pick for carpentry, it is our choice for this particular task because its thicker blade is more durable than those of the speedier carpentry options we looked at. Its curvature helps with cutting, and the 13-inch blade should be able to handle branches or trees up to about 8 inches. TarpLike saws, tarps (or tarpaulins, if you’re fancy) have uses both before and after a hurricane. You can tie them down onto objects to keep those things dry, use them to patch a damaged home, or keep them nearby to help with yard cleanup—just pile branches and debris on the tarp and then slide it around like a makeshift wheelbarrow. We like Everbilt’s 6-by-8-foot tarp for general use. It’s 10 mils thick, waterproof, and designed with thick grommets. In our experience, we’ve found that 10 mils represents the sweet spot between durability and usability: Thinner tarps fray more easily and develop holes, while thicker tarps are heavier and more difficult to maneuver, carry, and fold. We’ve had a few Everbilt brown tarps set up outside for years, and they show no discoloration or wear at all. They’re usually available on the shelves at Home Depot. If you are looking for something larger or smaller, other sizes are available, too. Heavy-duty garbage bagsHeavy-duty garbage bags are always good for hurricane cleanup, but in an emergency they can have other uses as well. For one thing, they can keep your supplies dry, especially items like clothing and blankets. They can also serve as makeshift ponchos. The thick plastic resists puncturing from broken glass and nail-embedded wood. After spending a decade in the building trades and shoving sharp objects into all kinds of trash bags, co-author Doug Mahoney can personally attest to the durability of Husky 42-gallon bags over that of the competition. Wet dry vacWhether it’s for a flooded basement or general cleanup, a wet dry vac is the tool for handling the worst kinds of messes most floors ever see. The 12-gallon Ridgid HD1200 is the vac that Doug saw on job sites and personally used the most often throughout a 10-year construction career, and it’s the one he has owned at home for years. We bought the company’s relatively new HD1200 model for testing in spring 2020. So far it has exhibited the same excellent Ridgid quality we’ve seen for years from similar models, and it remains our pick for the best shop or wet dry vac. And with its four casters, its well-positioned handle, and its manageable weight, it’s not too difficult to drag through a basement or to carry up a flight of stairs. Adding the Ridgid Quick Connect Pump accessory makes removing large amounts of water even easier. By Doug Mahoney and Joshua Lyon SHARED FROM https://www.nytimes.com/Make a Plan.
Hurricane season starts on May 15 in the north Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. It ends on November 30. Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead.
That’s why it’s best to be prepared—stock up on everything you might need now. Be sure to prepare the following:
Know the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning.” Listen for National Weather Service alerts on TV or radio or check for them online. There are two kinds of alerts:
Get your car ready. Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.
Get your family and pets ready. Go over your emergency plan with your family.
Get your home ready. Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
Be ready to evacuate or stay at home. Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order from authorities to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety. You may hear an order to stay at home. If driving conditions are dangerous, staying at home might be safer than leaving. If you need to evacuate:
To minimize damage to your home, it is important to stay informed on possible collateral damage from storms.
Hurricane-related plumbing problems can be expected, but what exactly should you be prepared for? If you’re reading this after a hurricane, make sure to check for these common problems so you can get them remedied as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing one of these issues, quickly call a professional for help before the common plumbing problem turns into expensive damages. Common problems turn into damaging problems under extreme conditions like a hurricane. Pools of water turn into flooding, which causes appliance malfunctions, water leaks, and backups. Water Heater Malfunction In Louisiana, we’re no stranger to floods. One of the common plumbing problems you may experience as a result of a hurricane is water heater malfunction due to flooding. If stormwater leaks into your water heater, your water heater will malfunction, and it will stop heating your water. If your water heater is submerged in water, you will need to replace the unit before using it again. Using a damaged water heater can lead to fires or cause the heater to explode. Inspecting and repairing damaged water heaters can carry risks, especially if the water heater is in standing water. The best thing to do if you’re experiencing a plumbing problem such as this one is to call a professional. Water Leaks Perhaps the most common side-effect of hurricanes is leakage from pipes due to prolonged heavy rain and strong winds, both of which can cause stress on your pipes. You should check to see if your pipes are leaking after a hurricane. You can do this easily by checking your water meter while no water is running in your home. If no water is running, the number on the meter should not be increasing. If the number on your meter is going up, you probably have a leak, and you should call a professional to inspect it as soon as possible. Slow Toilet Drain The combination of prolonged heavy rain and storm surges will likely back up your underground sewer lines. In addition, flooding can cause the lines to shift. These events do not allow the sewer lines to drain properly. To prevent this, make sure your sewage lines are not backed up before a hurricane. If your system does back up after a hurricane, call a professional. Hurricane season is an uncertain time, but as a business started in Louisiana, Central Plumbing has seen its fair share of plumbing problems after hurricanes. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to mediate your post-hurricane plumbing problems quickly and efficiently. At Del Bosque Plumbing, LLC, we started servicing sewer lines many years ago, and today we have the latest expertise and technology to get your lines operating after a hurricane hits. We video inspect your lines with a camera, then use high-pressure water jetting to remove any blockages. If your sewer line needs repair before or after a storm, we’ve got you covered. Every resident in Galveston County, Texas knows the real risk hurricanes pose every year. While you may think about preparing your hurricane kit and boarding up your windows, don’t forget about your HVAC system. Follow these five tips to ensure your HVAC system is ready before the storms hit this summer.
1. Elevate and Cover Your Condensing Unit When you install an air conditioning system, consider elevating your outside condensing unit. This prevents damage from the flooding that commonly accompanies major storms. Hire an HVAC professional if you need to raise an existing unit to avoid damaging your refrigerant lines. Before the storm arrives, consider covering your condensing unit with a tarp or an air conditioner cover. This helps protect it from driving, damaging rain and wind. Just be sure to uncover the unit before you attempt to turn the system back on. 2. Go Cold Right Before the Storm Every storm carries a high risk of power outages. Consider running your air conditioner colder than normal just before the storm arrives. This will help keep your home a little more comfortable if you lose power. 3. Turn Off the Power Hurricanes and tropical storms bring with them a lot of lightning and the risk of damaging power surges. Once your home is sufficiently cooled, kill the power to your AC system at the breaker. This helps minimize the risk of system damage due to power surges, including those that occur when crews restore your power. 4. Clean Up Debris Remove any loose debris from around your yard, including branches, lawn furniture, or anything else the wind could pick up and hurl. This will protect your home and vehicles from flying debris and reduce the risk to your condensing unit. 5. Schedule a Post-Storm Tune-UpOnce the storm has passed, consider scheduling a post-storm tune-up, even if your system doesn’t appear damaged. This allows a technician to evaluate your system and check for unseen damage like a refrigerant leak. Do what you can to prevent damage to your system before the hurricane hits. Then call our experts at Affordable Air & Heat LLC. for post-storm HVAC maintenance to keep you cool the rest of the season. Image provided by iStock With hurricane season upon us (hello: Harvey and Irma), it’s more important than ever for coastal homeowners to prepare their abodes for hurricane-force winds, tropical storms and possible flooding. While we hope you never have to deal with any of these horrible disasters, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Fortunately for those who live in a hurricane zone, there are ways (very good ways, in fact!) to protect your home from hurricane damage. Some improvements are as simple as pruning trees and cleaning gutters. Other changes may cost an extra thousand dollars but are well worth every penny. Not only is hurricane proofing a home good for resale value, but it also ensures that you’ll still have that home to sell later on. If you’re currently house-hunting for a beach house, I recommend adding these 5 hurricane-proof improvements to your home buying checklist as well. Trust me when I say that they can make a big difference when it comes to how well your home weathers the next monster storm. Follow these steps to learn how to build a hurricane proof house. How to Hurricane Proof Your Home
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