Potential Flood Risk Increasing in Many Parts of US
April 25, 2011
A very unsettled and potentially dangerous weather pattern has developed over the mid portion of the US that could produce serious flooding during the next few days. Weather experts are becoming more and more concerned that the threat of flash floods and more slow river flooding is imminent.
There is a storm front that is basically at a stand-still which stretches from the Southern plains eastward over the Ozark Mountains and up into the Ohio Valley. Humidity and warmer air coming out of the Gulf will provide a good deal of moisture as well as an unstable atmosphere that could spurn heavy rains and threatening storms. Residents living on the Mississippi River and in the Ohio River valley should keep one eye on the skies and the other on the local forecasts in the coming days as the weather could turn bad quickly.
The National Weather Service has said that the lower Ohio River will crest above the catastrophic 1997 levels. Communities along the Ohio River are being warned to prepare now for what can very possibly become very severe flooding. Rivers and creeks in the Ohio Valley are already flooding and the Mississippi River is at or is approaching major flood stage in several communities.
The last week of April will be much like the first three weeks of the month, with dangerous thunderstorms rolling over a large portion of the United States. Five to ten inches of rain could fall in many areas between today and Thursday morning. This heavy rain could result in rapidly rising rivers and streams which will pose a real risk to both property and lives. As a result, the National Weather Service has issued numerous flood and flash flood watches and warnings along the expected path of the storms.
Strong thunderstorms will be triggered by upper level disturbances which will move along a slowly approaching cold front where summer-like warm air and humidity from the south will collide with cool, dry air to the north. This is the same type of weather that occurred during the beginning of April which generated over 550 reports of tornadoes and more than 5,500 severe weather reports.
It is advisable for residents in these areas to devise evacuation plans with loved ones. It is also a good idea to have a emergency kit on hand which includes a radio, batteries, dry clothing, medicines and canned food. Many communities in flood zones have free sand and bags available to residents and business owners. It is highly recommended that anyone with concerns for their home or business get in touch with local authorities before severe weather moves in so that adequate precautionary methods can be taken.
How to Remove Mold Or Mildew From Carpets
April 14, 2011
Removing mold or mildew from carpets can be quite a difficult thing, because they readily attach themselves to the absorbent material. Mold can digest whatever it grows on, so if it thrives on carpet, it will not only destroy it but also pose a risk to our health as touching it can lead to skin allergies and respiratory diseases like asthma.
There are several ways in which you can clear mold or mildew from the carpet. One also should know that the thicker the carpet, the more strenuous the cleaning process. Let us look at some of the cleaning processes that are required for removing mold and mildew from carpets:
1. Steam Cleaning: Steam Cleaning is one of the best recommended methods for cleaning carpet that are strewn with mold or mildew. It works very well on thinner carpets. If you have a thicker carpet, then you may have to take additional measures too. So if steam cleaning does not work, you can try some of the methods that follow.
2. Deodorizer; Deodorizers can be very good as disinfectants to not only clean the carpet off mildew; they also take care of the repulsive smell. In this respect, one deodorizer that is known to work wonders is OdoBan. This spray is tailor-made to remove mildew from carpets.. You should dry the carpet area properly before applying the spray. Then make use of a high powered fan for drying and to ensure that there is no more chance of the mold or mildew to grow. As we know, these organisms grow only under the influence of moisture.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is also one of the most recommended ways to conceal the mildew odor and also clean it effectively. You just have to spread the baking soda on the carpet and padding. You may have to lift the carpet. In case of thicker carpets, there is an apprehension of mildew on the subfloor as well, so you can use the baking soda there, as well. Though, it may not does an effective job of cleaning as much as effectively as it can take care of the smell.
Here is one more way to take care of mold and mildew growth from the carpet. You can beat the area and dispose the rugs out of the house, with the help of a broom or use a vacuum cleaner. Take half teaspoon liquid hand washing detergent and 1 cup of lukewarm water and make a sudsy solution. Use a sponge to soak up the detergent solution and use it on the mildew stain. Let it remain for ten mutes. Then use water; rinse the area and blot dry with white, clean towel.
You can also mix 2 tbsp ammonia and one cup of lukewarm water. Blot this ammonia solution into the mold or mildew strained area with white, clean towel. Then use a white absorbent towel to blot dry. Let the rug dry outside the sun or let it dry under a high powered fan.
