M6 GLOBAL REVOLUTIONIZES HOLISTIC SAFETY AND SECURITY PLANNING
​Elite Team of Security Operations Specialists Provide Comprehensive Planning Services

Former Secret Service Agent Michael Matranga announces the launch of M6 Global, a team of the nation’s top security and emotional intelligence experts, to provide holistic plans for safe communities and workplaces.
With more than 100 years of combined experience in school safety, law enforcement, national and global security, M6 Global serves K-12 school communities, university systems, corporate environments, law enforcement communities, special events and national security events, and industry-specific communities including petrochemical, energy, offshore, and maritime.
“M6 Global believes that safe spaces start with community assessment and development of a complete safety and security plan,”
explains CEO Michael Matranga.
“Safe spaces are sustainable through response and education.
M6 Global has assembled a team of the most elite, knowledgeable leaders in emotional intelligence, security, and response to advise any group or organization".
 M6 Global provides community assessment services, site surveys and threat assessment, emergency management planning and operations, tactics and operations, technical consulting, and medical emergency action planning and training. The team includes dedicated and innovative professionals with depth in emotional intelligence program development and medical training.
Core team members include
Michael Matranga (CEO)
Abraham Medina Jr., PA-C (Director of Medical Operations and Training)
Dr. Adam Saenz (Director of Emotional Intelligence )
Brent Cooley (Director of Security Operations Planning and Training)
Elizabeth Rogers Alvarado (Director of Marketing, Owner of Five & Two Marketing) Fidencio Leija (Director of Strategic Business Operations and Community Outreach) Dr. Rodney Cavness (Director of Educational Consulting)
Tom Munoz (Director of Emergency Operations Planning and Training).
Matranga has been featured in national publications for setting the gold standard in school security.
He is known for collaborative efforts with leadership at local, state, and federal levels, earning his last school program “safest school” in the state of Texas. For complete information about M6 Global, visit
M6 Global
Planning for Safer Spaces
P.O. Box 1042 - Texas City, Texas 77590
info@m6globaldefense.com | (713) 664-5625

PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM THE ELEMENTS
If you have a heated garage that you’re using to protect those boxes you never unpacked from the last move instead of your car, it’s time to organize that garage and make some room for your vehicle. The absolute best way to avoid frozen door locks is to keep your car from getting wet and cold. Even a carport provides some protection, so if there’s one available, take advantage of it.
Another good idea is a car cover. It offers year-round protection for your car’s finish, brightwork and glass. There are some that will get the job done for not much money, and several that are sized to fit your vehicle specifically.
PREVENTION HACKS
If none of the above works for you, we can move on to weird tricks from the internet. The best way on how to keep door locks from freezing is to put something in there that won’t freeze, but also won’t gunk up your lock, like greaseless lock lubricants. And rust inhibitors like WD-40 work by pushing water out and preventing more from coming in. Spraying either of those into your door locks before it gets down to 32 degrees should solve the problem. We’ve even heard of people dipping their key in petroleum jelly and then turning the lock back and forth a few times. That coats the insides of the lock, repels moisture and lubricates the inner workings. Don’t forget your trunk lock, too.
IF IT’S TOO LATE
Car door lock already frozen? Don’t worry, there’s a fix for that, too. A small tube of de-icer and lubricant is probably the best choice. Look for one that won’t hurt your car’s paint.
Don’t wait for the first freeze — a little preparation now will prevent delays in the future, helping you get on your way in a nice, warm car.

​

1. Clean Or Replace The Filter
In almost any unit that blows air – from a tumble dryer to air conditioning – the filter is a vital part of the machinery, and is underestimated by many people in terms of its importance. A clogged filter will restrict the flow of hot air, meaning that the unit will need to work twice as hard to deliver the heat and may also cause the heater to stop working all together. It is vital to replace an old filter with a brand new one before the weather gets really cold.
2. Vacuum The Furnace Interior
The dust and debris that builds up, especially at the base of the heater and the burners, must be removed. There is no need for any special equipment; an ordinary vacuum cleaner will do the job. If you have an oil heater it will require a special soot vacuum cleaner. Do not use a shop vacuum on oil.
3. Check The Blower Belt And Oil The Blower Motor
One of the most common causes of ineffective furnaces is a loose blower belt, which can increase the necessary operating time for the unit. It’s important that you always take the time to replace any frayed or cracked belts, using two or three drops of oil to keep everything running smoothly. (It’s worth noting that some motors don’t require lubrication or belts, so check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure).
4. Make Sure Blower Doors Are Replaced Properly 
This is an essential part of safety in the home and professionals should carry out any necessary maintenance. The blower doors need to be kept in excellent working order to ensure that carbon monoxide or other combustion by-products are not circulating in the warm air throughout your house.
5. Check To See If Vents Are Unobstructed
Clogged up vents around the house is another common cause of a malfunctioning furnace, with air being pumped through the pipes but not actually reaching all the rooms. Ensure that none of your vents are obstructed by furniture or clogged up with dirt.
6. Check The Exhaust Flue
Almost all furnace units will have an exhaust flue directed from the house to allow byproducts of combustion to escape, and it’s essential that this process isn’t prevented from taking place. If this isn’t done, then a buildup within the unit can occur, leading to wasted energy and possible damage to the heating unit. This is something that any homeowner that has invested in expensive equipment would want to avoid.
Contact Affordable Air & Heat LLC.If you are ready to install or replace a heating and air conditioning system our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists can help.
​They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.

Winterizing plumbing pipes is a process that prepares household plumbing for freezing temperatures that can cause leaks and breaks in the home. When water freezes, it expands as it becomes ice. This expansion produces pressure within pipes, which causes damage. 
Winterizing plumbing is recommended when a house will be vacant for a long period of time and no water will be running through the pipes. The winterizing process involves emptying the water heater, draining all water from the pipes, and filling all fixtures with an antifreeze solution.
Preparing for Winterization
Begin with a plan for winterizing your plumbing. It is easy to miss a step, so make yourself a checklist of all your home's plumbing parts, including all taps and valves, and then follow the steps detailed below. Mark the steps off as you complete them, so you'll know you did everything needed, and then you won't have any nasty surprises come cold weather. 
Steps for Winterizing Your Plumbing Follow these steps to winterize plumbing pipes in a house:

1. Shut off the main water valve, and then turn off the water pump and the water heater. It will protect heating elements in the water heater when there is no water inside the tank.
2. Open all drain valves and all taps. Check off each on your list, so you are sure all taps are open. A closed tap could create a vacuum that will hold water inside of pipes. All valves and taps should remain open throughout the winter.
3. Using air compressors, blow excess water out of the pipes.
4. Open the drain valve in your hot water tank and let it discharge until it is empty. Be careful, because sometimes these hot water tanks don’t have floor drains and you will need to connect a garden hose to it.
5. Drain all the water that is left in the holding tank, especially the one located in the rubber diaphragm, the one that is used along with the water tank to build pressure. As an additional protective measure, add antifreeze to the jet pump case.
6. Flush toilets to remove as much water as you can from the tanks and the toilet bowls. If all water cannot be removed, add antifreeze to prevent any water from freezing and cracking the toilet.
7. Check all sink and tub drains that could have drain traps. Add some antifreeze to each one of them to prevent water from freezing and cracking in the traps.
8. How to Prevent Freezing Pipes If you have enough time to check the conditions of the building's plumbing, identify the pipes most vulnerable to freezing. Look for pipes located outside walls and windows, uninsulated pipes, and pipes installed near unheated spaces.
   It is also important to check for any cracks or openings in walls, floors, and ceilings. If you find holes during your inspection, caulk them to keep cold air from entering those gaps.
   Be sure to follow these tips:
9. Insulate pipes with insulation sleeves, wrapping or using slip-on foam pipe insulation. Do not leave any gaps without insulation as cold air can affect the pipe in these spaces. Plastic piping is more tolerant of freezing than old copper or steel water pipes.
10. Inspect the exterior of the property, making sure that all visible cracks are sealed. Cold air can enter through the cracks and, once inside, it will cause your pipe to freeze. If visible cracks are noticed, seal them using caulking or spray foam to fill the voids.
11. Maintain a heating source inside the building to protect pipes against cold.
12. It is a good idea to maintain a faucet dripping, allowing the water to move freely and continuously, preventing it from freezing.
13. Make sure the crawl space is properly insulated. Block all vents that lead to the outside using cardboard or wood. 
14. Don't forget the hose bibs. Hose bibs are normally left unattended, causing them to burst in the middle of the night. Drain hose bibs and insulate with covers. Once this has been completed, deactivate bibs at the shutoff valve. 
15. Use heat tape to protect pipes from freezing. Heat tape is one of the preferred methods for winterizing plumbing, but be aware that these might bring additional hazards. The U.S. CPSC has provided safety recommendations for homeowners using heat tapes to help prevent fires.

​

When people think about their roofs, they often don’t realize how many surrounding structures are involved.
The word roof comes to mind and you imagine the black shingles, which protect you and your family from the elements.
 In reality, there are a lot of moving parts that make up the entire infrastructure of your roof and for it to stay stable you need to pay attention to it as a whole.
This is especially important during times of harsh weather, such as what we experience in the heart of winter.
Winter brings snow, sub-zero temperatures, sleet, harsh winds, and sometimes hail. It can damage your roof when it’s in good condition, and destroy one that’s in bad condition.
To make sure you’re prepared for the worst weather of the year, properly winterizing your roof critical for you and your home.
 That’s why we’ve put together this checklist of roofing tips for winter. 
Here are our top 8 tips for winterizing your roof this season.
1. Get a Professional Inspection
Professional inspections are unbeatable.
They allow you to skip out on the danger of climbing on top of your roof and increase the chances of small, unseen problems being noticed and fixed before it’s too late. Our most beneficial roofing tip for winter in this entire article is to hire a professional to do an inspection and winterize your roof for you. 
A professional knows how to prepare your roof for winter. 
Otherwise, you’ll need to get onto your roof, walk around, and keep an eye out for any damage.
Things like loose or missing shingles are a sign of needed repair along with any leaks, warping, mold, cracks, stains, rot, etc.
If it doesn’t look like it’s in good shape, it probably isn’t.
If you see any pests, nests, or debris that has gathered on your roof, get rid of it. Doing so is essential for the safety of you and your family during winter and for the protection of your wallet over time.
Pests can cause costly damage, yet are an easily preventative situation. 
2. Don’t Forget Your Gutters
Your gutters can cause a lot of problems during winter months if they’re not cleaned out properly.
Gutters should be regularly cleaned at least twice a year, one of them being before the first snowfall or shortly after.
If they are clogged and the snow starts to come down, you’ll experience a tremendous amount of overflow when everything starts to melt.
 Skipping this step could lead to ice dams when temperatures start to freeze, which essentially prevent water from efficiently draining off your roof.
This causes backups that can damage shingles, your roof’s infrastructure, and the interior of your home. Plus, when things continue to freeze, thaw, and freeze again without a place to go, your gutters will increase in weight and may break or fall off of your home, both of which are very dangerous. 
This brings us to our net roofing tip for winter. 
3. Trim Branches/Trees
When winterizing your roof, make sure your roof and gutters remain clean and free from debris during the winter months.
Take the time to trim the branches of surrounding trees and/or shrubbery. After the leaves fall in autumn is the perfect time for doing this, since you’ll likely be knee-deep in yard work anyway.
Anything that extends over your roof or your gutters is fair game and don’t be afraid to trim them a bit shorter to last through the longer winter months.
By the time spring comes, they will be the perfect length for the new bloom. 
4. Get a Chimney Inspection
The next step is to inspect your chimney.
There are a number of reasons why you should do this, but first and foremost is you and your family’s safety.
Since you’ll likely be using your chimney more frequently during colder months, it’s important that you ensure it’s free from any debris, pest, and creosote building. Creosote buildup is extremely flammable and can lead to dangerous home fires.
If you find any buildup, pests, debris, or failing mortar between the bricks, call a professional to get a cleaning.
Cleaning your chimney is an investment worth making and will ensure that the fires you light to keep your family warm are safe and confined.
While inspecting your chimney, take the time to test out your carbon monoxide detectors as well. It’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. 
This is another one of our most important roofing tips for winter. 
When winterizing your roof, it may be a good idea to consider your options regarding installing a chimney cap or screen for the winter.
Both a cap and a screen work to help keep any objects or pests out of your chimney. 
5. Check Inside Your Attic
Next, it’s time to move indoors and check the inside of your attic.
Take a look at your insulation and make sure that you have the right amount for the months to come.
If you’re unsure of what to look for in an attic inspection, call a professional.
Hiring one will help save you tons of money on energy bills when the temperatures start to decrease.
Most homes aim for about 12 inches of insulation to be on the safe side, but getting a professional opinion will help you determine the right amount for your home specifically.
Trust us, this step makes all of the difference in keeping your home a comfortable temperature in the winter. 
You also want to check to make sure there are no leaks, stains, or holes in your attic. If you can see light coming from any point, then you need to get it addressed before the cold comes.
If you see any warping or stains, you may have a water leak and should contact a professional as soon as possible.
6. Check Your Ceilings
After checking your attic, take one more level of added precaution and check your ceilings.
Keep an eye out for any visible stains from water damage, leaks, mold, mildew, or other marks.
Depending on where the stain or damage is can help you identify what the underlying problem is, but again, it’s best to call in a professional.
Getting these fixed before winter starts will help you avoid a costly bill come spring, as the weather will only make it worse. 
7. Invest in Snow Guards
Snow guards help remove the snow and ice off of your roof in incremental amounts rather than in large avalanches.
It’s worth looking into if you are prone to heavy snowfall and have a roof that accumulates large amounts of snow.
Snow guards are primarily helpful in improving the safety of people walking around your home but will also help lessen the pressure buildup on your roof. 
8. Consider Heat Cables
Heat cables are an added accessory that you can use to line your roof and prevent massive buildups of snow and ice.
You can purchase them and use them over your entire roof or only in areas that collect more snow and receive less sunlight.
Installing these prior to the winter months will help give your roof a break from the added weight of long-term buildup.
These are especially useful if you live in an area prone to extreme temperatures and high levels of snowfall. 
The completes our list of roofing tips for winter. 
More often then not, you can take care of winterizing your roof on your own.
As long as you’re prepared, knowledgeable on what needs to be done, and thorough, you’ll avoid major problems.
However, the untrained eye has been known to miss things and sometimes, it’s more economical to have a professional come in to be sure.
Hiring a professional roofing company, like Reliable Roofing, gives you the peace of mind you need to get the job done right the first time around. 
All of our professionals have extensive levels of experience to provide you with a comprehensive inspection both from the interior and exterior of your roof.
During the inspection, our professionals can help you with all of your winterization needs so you’re prepared for the harsh months to come.
If you’d prefer to do the job on your own, make sure you feel confident you know how to prepare your roof for winter. 
Call a professional if you find any problems.
Additionally, don’t forgo your yearly inspections to ensure your roof is in the best shape it can be. 



When you’re ready to hire a dependable and experienced roofing contractor from  Reliable Roofing, we’ll be ready.
We guarantee all of our jobs are done with utmost professionalism and transparency.
One thing we pride ourselves on is our integrity and high levels of customer service, so you know you’re getting exactly what you paid for without the hidden costs. 
To contact an experienced roofing contractor for your home,
please call Richie Allen at (832) 535-7325

We want to send a big shout out to Philip and Elliott Tools December marked their first year in Texas City.

OverviewIn September 1892, an inventor and manufacturer named Gustav Wiedeke began a small manufacturing business in a modest building at the rear of his Dayton, Ohio home. Over 100 years later, Wiedeke Dayton become Elliott Tool Technologies Ltd. due to Mr. Wiedeke’s efforts. Today we are a private company known as Elliott Tool Technologies, boasting self directed work teams, exceptional customer service and a continued commitment to produce tube tools of which Gustav Wiedeke and William Swan Elliott would be proud.
Website
http://www.elliott-tool.com
Phone & email
Ohio
+1 800-332-0447 
 Texas City
(409) 995-0803 
 gulfcoastsales@elliott-tool.com
Company size
51-200 employees

Headquarters
Dayton, OH
1760 Tuttle Ave, Dayton, OH 45403, US

Texas City Location
2814 25th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590

Founded
1892

Specialties
Tube Tools, Manufacturing, Pipe Tools, Tube Expanders, Tube Cleaners, Tube Installation, Tube Removal, Tube Plugs, Tube Testers, Heat Exchanger Maintenance, Heat Exchanger Fabrication, Boiler Maintenance, and Boiler Fabrication




 #asme, #fabshop, #turnarounds, #heattransfer, and #heatexchangers

​Costco carries this jam and I felt that this story needed to be shared.
*The incident took place in a supermarket in New Jersey.
The tweet is by Michael Perino @ProfessorPerino*
“At the supermarket today, I found a small, elderly woman standing in front of a high shelf holding @BonneMamanUS preserves.
She was having trouble finding the flavor she wanted because the jars were set back on the shelf.
She couldn’t read the labels. She could barely reach them.
I offered to help.
After I handed her the raspberry preserves, she thanked me, paused, and then asked, “Do you know why I buy this brand?”
I laughed and replied, “Because it tastes good?”
“Yes, it tastes good.” She paused again. “I am a Holocaust survivor.”
This was not the conversation I expected on a Sunday grocery run.
“During the war, the family that owns the company hid my family in Paris.
So now I always buy it.
And whenever I go to the store, my grandkids remind me, ‘Bubbe, don’t forget to buy the jelly.’”
I told her that that was the best reason I ever heard to buy any company’s product. And then we both smiled behind our masks and went our separate ways.”
*****************************
Someone else on Twitter looked into the story and indeed, the town that Andros Company, the makers of Bonne Maman, comes from, hid and saved Jewish families in WW2.
It was called Biars sur Cere, which then had about 800 villagers.
From an article, “You have to understand what it was like then.
There were posters on the walls, from the Nazis and from the collaborators, and they said that if you are found to help a Jew, a freemason, a communist, a socialist, or a pervert, you will be shot on sight.
” Despite the great danger in which helping them put the villagers in, still they kept the children safe.”
A good reason to buy Bonne Maman products.
​ And a poignant reminder that when we look out for each other it can change lives, and that there are good and selfless people in the world.
Bonne Maman!

​After a successful business career at Dell in Austin, Doreen moved to Galveston County in 2008.
She lived in Jamaica Beach then moved to League City to be near her family.
Doreen enjoys all things Galveston, the vibe and warmth of the friendly people, the beaches, restaurants, and hanging out with friends. She is knowledgeable about the island and loves showing the beautiful, unique homes.
Doreen is a connector at heart and believes in building relationships based on kindness, integrity, and trust. A perfect day is connecting with her circle of friends, both on and off the island.
She earned her license in 2019 and practices “service above self” by putting others first.
Her motto, “there is no such thing as too much communication,” when delivering best-in-class customer service to her clients.
She holds membership in the Houston Association and National Association of REALTORS®.
She is active in her community, with membership in several chambers and non-profit organizations.
She served on the Texas City Rotary Club, Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce, and College of the Mainland Education Foundation boards.
Doreen is a social columnist with the Galveston Daily News; she uses this platform to write about ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their community.
Email Doreen
409-795-7826
See More
About Tom’s Team
Buy • Sell • Lease Talk to Tom’s Team at 409-795-7826