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After the Storm- Safety Tips for Navigating the Interior Damage

Anita Ryan — Sun, 29 May 2011 03:04:53 +0000

2011 Year-to-Date (and record annual) Statistics

The National Weather Service’s preliminary estimate is that there have been approximately 1,314 tornadoes so far this year.
The previous yearly record number of tornadoes was set in 2004 with 1,817.

The overall yearly average number of tornadoes for the past decade is 1,274.

The preliminary estimated number of tornado fatalities so far this year is 512. NWS records indicate that there were 365 tornado fatalities before the Joplin event. There were 132 fatalities from the Joplin tornado. An additional 18 fatalities were reported in KS, OK, and AR from a tornado outbreak on May 24, 2011.

2011 is preliminarily ranked 7th among the deadliest tornado years in U.S. history

In light of all the horrific storms in our midst this is some great insight from my friend Earlene with Life Essentials. Visit her website at www.survivetheunexpected.com .

For even more tips check out more notes on my FaceBook InteriorGal page.

So what do you do “After the Storm” has passed?

After the storm.

Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being.

Your ﬁrst concern after a disaster is your family’s safety and health.The first thing to do when the initial chaos is over, is to check each person in your house hold for injury. Unless the injured person is in danger of additional injury, do not move them.

If your home has been damaged by the storm, be cautious getting outside. If you smell gas, open a window and get out of the building as soon as possible. Watch for broken glass, downed power lines, slippery floors, holes in floors, etc. Once outside, turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence or outside if you have a cell phone.

Do not use your cell phone inside a damaged building.

If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other ﬂammable materials present. Before reentering a damaged home or building, inspect the outside. Use a battery-powered ﬂash light to inspect a damaged home.

Turn the flashlight ON OUTSIDE BEFORE entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

Use a stick to poke through debris. Watch for snakes. Before you enter your home walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage such as chimney, roof and foundation.If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a

qualiﬁed building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety.

If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help .You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring. Do NOT turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. If you’ve had water damage and appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out.

Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again since they may have shorted out. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.

You may also find my Flood Renovation Tips helpful. After personally being affected by the Nashville Flood of 2010, I wrote about my design renovation experience.

Disaster Preparation- Surviving the Unexpected Potassium Iodide- Radiation Pill

Anita Ryan — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:51:22 +0000

Are you prepared to survive the unexpected?

What preparations have you made as a business or a family that would help you sustain a natural or man made disaster?

A few weeks ago I met Earlene with Life Essentials. She helps individuals and business survive the unexpected.

“We show a business how to create an effective emergency/disaster preparedness and recovery plan for their business. A plan tailored specifically for their company.Whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster, anything that disrupts operations can put your business in jeopardy. Every business needs a plan, not only to succeed, but to …”Survive the Unexpected”.

Earlene’s company helps you to prepare for the unexpected so that business and life survive. I asked her to share a few of her tips.She sent me some great information on Hotel Safety which you can read more about here. In light of the recent tragedy in Japan she also shared some useful information about the Potassium Iodide Radiation Pill.

Potassium Iodide, aka, Radiation Pill

Earlene Young

With the disaster in Japan on everyone’s mind, you have by now probably heard that there is a radiation pill to protect a person from radiation. What does this pill do? Potassium iodide has just one use. It shields the thyroid from radioactive iodine. It doesn’t protect any other organ or block any other type of radiation.

Potassium is a salt also known as KI. It comes in pill or liquid form and you can buy it over-the-counter. People who are allergic to shell fish or iodine could have a reaction to the Potassium Iodide.

Children are the most at risk for thyroid cancer from radiation exposure. It is most important for children and pregnant women, and should be given within a few hours of radiation exposure. The pill can help prevent radioactive iodine from causing thyroid cancer in children, but is not considered to be that effective for adults over 40.

Is that to say that you’re wasting your time taking it if you’re over 40? I’m not going to tell you that. With no other alternative, I’d take them. You’ll need to have enough on hand for your whole family; everyone will need to take the Potassium Iodide for a minimum of two weeks. Every family that lives near a nuclear facility should have a supply on hand in case of a local radiation emergency. Don’t depend on the government to provide for you and your family.

Now with all that said, do I believe that we’re at risk here in the U.S. from the disaster in Japan right now? No. Homeland Security Director Napolitano says there is no threat to the California Coast. The situation is getting worse daily. If the weather conditions are such that the winds are blowing toward the coast, it could carry radiation ashore in the U.S. To what level, I have no idea.

We have over 100 operating nuclear power plants here in the U.S. We also have a large number of nuclear fuel and weapons facilities. There are two Fixed Nuclear Facilities here in Tennessee and the National Laboratory at Oak Ridge. The best way to avoid radiation exposure is to get as far away from the leak as possible, as fast as possible.

My concern for the person reading this post is not how you should prepare for a nuclear disaster, but how you should prepare for an emergency or disaster PERIOD. You need a well thought out plan for emergencies in general. Scenario planning is the best method for planning what you will do “IF” happens. Consider the most likely scenario first. (Thinking about what you would do in the event of an emergency or disaster is your first step to surviving it.) This doesn’t have to scare you. Being prepared will give you peace of mind and help your family to have peace of mind. You should plan with your family, so that when something happens, everybody knows what to do.

Whether it’s a natural or a man-made disaster you prepare in the same way. We have to have certain things to survive. Shelter, water, food, sanitation and first-aid/survivor-aid. Go to www.redcross.org for the information you need to get ready. Get a plan, get a kit, and get ready to survive the unexpected.

Earlene Young

Life Essentials …Preparing Business to Survive the Unexpected

www.survivetheunexpected.com

Hotel Safety Tips. Be Prepared and Aware of Your Environment.

Anita Ryan — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:06:37 +0000

So often we go through life with a carefree attitude and no plan. When disaster strikes, and an emergency hits and there is no plan, we then have to face the consequences of financial strain, bankruptcy and sometimes even lives lost.

A few weeks ago I met Earlene with Life Essentials. She helps individuals and business survive the unexpected.

“We show a business how to create an effective emergency/disaster preparedness and recovery plan for their business. A plan tailored specifically for their company.Whether it’s a natural or man-made disaster, anything that disrupts operations can put your business in jeopardy. Every business needs a plan, not only to succeed, but to …”Survive the Unexpected”.

Earlene’s company helps you to prepare for the unexpected so that business and life survive. I asked her to share a few of her tips. She sent me this information on Hotel Safety. The information is very enlightening and I wanted to pass it on to my readers. With spring break and summer plans already in the making, I know you will find this information as useful as I did.

Hotel Safety

What makes a safe hotel?
Never compromise your safety for a dollar. A great deal on hotel room can certainly cushion you budget, but it’s worthless if the hotel is in a bad neighborhood or isn’t up to code on things like door locks and surveillance cameras. Once you find the right location, narrow down your hotel choices by taking into consideration the following:

Is each room equipped with a dead bolt lock and a peephole?
Does the hotel room have an electronic guest room lock? Key locks are cute and add a bit of charm, but electronic doors track the comings-and-goings of all who enter.
Do the hotel rooms have a telephone enabled with emergency call button or the ability dial outside of the hotel?
Do photos of the hotel show well-lit hallways, parking garages and lobby areas? (Side note: never book a hotel without viewing pictures first).
Hotels with limited entry/exit options usually have less foot-traffic, which keeps stragglers off the premises.
Does the hotel provide 24-hour concierge/security? Knowing someone is on duty at all times allows for peace of mind if you’re feeling unsafe.
Before booking a hotel room in an international destination, make sure it’s in a safe area by checking with the US Embassy in that country.

When arriving at your hotel:

Stay with your luggage at all times. If a bellman offers to take your bags, make sure to keep the bag with your laptop, wallet and jewelry in it, and get the Bellman’s name.

Once you check in, grab a few hotel cards or matchbooks with the hotel’s address on it and place them in your pocket or purse. If you get lost, you have the address and phone number ready to give to a cab driver.

Selecting the safest hotel room:

While the higher floors have the best views, the lower floors have quicker access to the ground. In the event of an emergency, you want to get out fast. Keep in mind that some fire departments, including those in the United States, can only reach as high as floor 8 in an emergency.

Whenever possible, do not take a hotel room on the ground floor if it has doors and windows that open to the outside. This is particularly important for motels with rooms off parking lots. If you can’t get a room on a higher floor, forgo your view and choose a room facing the interior or courtyard.

Guestrooms near the elevators are generally the safest, but can also be the noisiest. If you’re staying alone, request that your room is in the middle of the hallway or near an elevator – while the alcoves and corner rooms are very intimate and offer great views, they are also somewhat hidden making it easier for thieves to access.
After arriving in your room, check for the following:

If the hotel room you’re staying in has older door locks (metal keys instead of the electronic key cards) make sure to check the deadbolt and safety chain when you arrive in your room. If they seem jittery or loose, ask to change rooms.
Check the closets and bathrooms for anything left from the last guests and ensure all windows and adjoining doors shut and lock properly.
Check the phone to make sure an outside line is accessible.
Locate the nearest fire exit and count how many doors along the way until you reach the exit. In the event of a fire and heavy smoke, counting the doors will ensure you get to safety if you can’t see.

When you leave your hotel room:

Leave the television on – it gives the impression someone is in the room. Ask the maid service to keep the TV on or turn on the radio during turn-down service.

The ‘please make up my room’ sign is also code for ‘I’m not here’. Don’t worry about making your bed or needing clean towels – maid service keeps track of the rooms and what’s been cleaned, so they’ll get to you regardless of whether you have the sign on your door. If you don’t need your room serviced, place the “Do not disturb” sign on your door when you leave. This gives the impression you’re inside.

If you have valuables and don’t have an in-room safe, ask to use the security vault in the hotel. If you have an in-room safe, use it!

Thanks again Earlene for this great information. To learn more about Life Essentials contact me or Earlene.

Life Essentials….Preparing Business to Survive the Unexpected

902 Tuckahoe Drive

Madison, TN 37115

615-310-4674

earlene@survivetheunexpected.com

Useful Tips for Renovation After a Flood

Anita Ryan — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:41:02 +0000

After personally being affected by the recent Nashville Flooding I have decided to write about information that I found useful in my renovation process. I hope this can help others as well. I may add to this post so check back!

Useful Tips for Renovation After a Flood

1. Save your hardware on doors and cabinets. Also vent covers ect.

These can be cleaned and will save you a great deal of money. Door hardware can run you per door $20.00 plus. If you are matching any part of your kitchen or bath saving the door knobs can save you the hassle of trying to match as well as the money to buy new.

2. If you are matching cabinets to existing upper cabinets pay attention to the following details.

Profile of the door- I suggest saving a door so you can match color and style. You may not be able to match exactly if your cabinets are more than 2-3 years old so find the one with the closest outside edge detail that matches. The inside detail is less noticeable.

Color and finish of the cabinets.-Remember the finish may have faded with age and sun exposure. Just try to match the best you can.

Flush doors or recess doors- This is a big one. When possible take a picture of your cabinets. Look and see if the door goes all the way to the edge or is inset a bit. This can make a difference in the layout of your cabinets as well as the profile look. You want to make sure you choose a look that blends.

3. Choosing insulation-

When your house is flooded you need to replace the insulation. There are a couple of basic types of insulation- faced or unfaced. The thickness of insulation usually are R13 R19 R30.
Generally speaking you should have the insulation in the inside walls of the house( bathroom areas) unfaced so air can circulate. You would also use unfaced in a crawlspace under the floor. On all outside walls you would want to use faced insulation.
The type and thickness of insulation you use depends on the depth of the studs. For instance, with an inside wall 2 x 4 stud you would use R13. Outside walls or garages may be 2 x 6 which you can use R19 and crawl space beams are much deeper so you would use R30 or R19. R19 is used more for cooling and in colder areas and R30 is used more for heat retention in ceilings.The main things is to not use a thickness of insulation that you must cram in the space. This defeats the purpose and cuts off airflow.

4. Tile-

There are many different types of tile. A couple of things to keep in mind when choosing tile for your home or office. Ceramic tile is less expensive and can save you money but you want to use that only in areas that are not high traffic. Walls, small bathrooms are perfect for this type of tile. For high traffic areas you will want to use Porcelain, Slate or a solid stone or tile that can handle abrasion and traffic. Pay attention to the cleaning and maintenance of the tile or stone. Some material take more care than others.

5. Nuetralizing and testing your soil after a flood.
A flood can ravage a yard–floods can cover your yard in harmful bacteria and often times will damage a yard to the point that it must be reseeded. But lime can help you revive your yard. Lime can help to neutralize harmful bacteria in your yard, add needed calcium to the soil, and lower the acidity of the soil to optimal levels. The beneficial effects of lime can encourage your flood damaged grass to regrow or prepare your soil for reseeding.
If you want to have your soil tested for environmental safety call your local health department and they can guide you on how to have that done.

Things You’ll Need:
30- to 40-lb. bag of dolomitic lime per 5000sqft
Soil pH tester
drop spreader
rake
water and hose
Step 1

Use a water hose to rinse away the sediment, left behind from the flood waters, from your flood-damaged yard. Lightly rake the yard to remove any metal, plastic or other foreign items left from the flood.

Step 2
Take an assessment of your grass to determine if it is healthy enough to be saved. If the lawn has sustained minimal damage–the grass retains much of its green color and the root structure is intact–purchase some dolomitic lime from a local hardware store to disinfect the lawn.The calcium in the lime will also nourish the damaged grass. It is advisable to till and reseed a lawn that has been waterlogged or sediment covered for longer than four days.

Step 3
Use a soil pH tester to check the acidity of the soil in your yard before reseeding. Set the switch on the tester to the “pH” position, and then stick the probes on the bottom of the tester into your soil. Read the tester’s pH meter to find out the level of acid present in your soil. Test several other spots in your yard to get an idea of how acidic your soil is. This will indicate how much lime you need.

Step 4
Place the lime into a drop spreader and then distribute the lime evenly across your lawn. Use one 30- to 40-lb. bag of lime for every 2,500-3,5000 square feet of yard space. If your yard’s pH is just barely outside of the optimal level of acidity for the type of grass you will grow, use less lime–try using one bag for every 3,500 to 4,500 square feet of yard space.

Step 5
Work the lime into the soil with a garden rake. For lawns that are too damaged to revive, use a shovel and garden rake to mix the lime about half a foot down into your yard. Reseed and or fertilize the lawn two weeks after you’ve mixed the lime into your soil.

6. Water Restoration Versus Mold Certification- Do you need to do either or both?

Water Restoration Companies offer a number of services. You can have them totally strip your walls, floors, wipe down and spray areas with antimicrobial solution to prevent mold, kill existing mold ect.
They can also test moisture in the floor and walls to determine when you are dry enough to rebuild and if certain items are safe to keep.They are the experts.

Most companies will allow you to use as much of their services as you want. Although you can do alot of the services yourself, keep in mind that most licensed bonded companies keep up with the latest codes and effective solutions. It is their business to make sure you are safe. Water restoration companies can NOT provide you with a certificate, however, keeping your records of what was treated with your home documents can make a world of difference in resale. Also water restoration prepares you to be able to pass Indoor Air quality tests to receive a letter of acceptable air quality after a disaster.

If you choose to have someone restore your home, make sure they are Licensed and Bonded.

There really isn’t anything that is a “mold certificate”. What you CAN receive and want to obtain is essentially a letter stating that at a certain date after the disaster that the indoor air quality was tested and was at acceptable levels. Companies such as B4 out of Lavernge TN specialize in that field.They can come out and test the levels of mold as well as look for visible mold. After testing if results are not acceptable they will offer solutions to fix the problem. If levels are acceptable you will receive a letter showing the test results, date and acceptable levels of indoor air quality approval. Keep this with your house documents for resale.

Make sure that whatever “Testing” company you use is certified and licensed for the specific area you are testing for. Check to make sure they are using government certified and approved technology and are certified to use the equipment.It is also advisable to use a different company for restoration than you are using for testing. This gives credibility and provides more reliable results.

After a flood another important element to check for is RADON. Most people focus on mold, but often overlook Radon testing. Radon is a radioactive gaseous element produced in the disintegration of radium, a radioactive metallic element. It cannot be detected by the senses and can be confirmed only by sophisticated instruments and laboratory tests. The gas enters a house through pores and cracks in the concrete or through floorboards of poorly ventilated crawlspaces, especially when wet ground allows the gas to escape easily through the soil and disperse in the atmosphere. Radon is a lung carcinogen: the National Academy of Sciences estimates radon causes some 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths annually.A certified indoor air quality testing and approval letter runs about $300.00. Radon testing runs about $150.00.

There are 2 times you can test for mold; before you rebuild and after complete renovation. If you wait until after renovation the test will be an “indoor air quality” test.You will run your Fan on your AC for 3 straight days to bring out any lingering mold spores, other carcinogens and toxins. After you run for 3 days change your filter as the air during that 3 days is not an accurate read of the quality and can be very toxic . Once you have done the above you are ready for testing.The test will give you detailed information about what is in your air and if it meets Government Health acceptable levels.

I would strongly suggest the water restoration as well as the testing, especially if you have any intention of selling your home, or have someone with a low immune system or allergies.

7.Information about Central Air Units after a flood

First thing you need to consider related to your Central air unit after a flood is how far under was the unit sumerged. Were any parts of the electrical or motor under water? If so you may want to consider replacing your unit. Sometimes the unit can be fixed saving money. However, proceed with caution. After a flood manufacturers will void any warranty of the unit and parts. So you may fix it temporarily only to find out later that something else breaks and not only are the parts not covered but any work done on the unit after the flood is not warrantied as well, including labor.

If your duct work was underwater it is imperative that you replace it. Otherwise, you will be blowing in mold spores and other toxins in to your breathing air, causing extreme sickness.
Even if your unit works, if it was sumerge and your duct work was underwater, DO NOT turn on your HVAC. You are inviting all the toxic elements into a sealed space( your home).

If you have a crawl space that was flooded, make sure that all duct work is removed, all plastic, and insulation are removed and replaced. Clean the area completely including all beams and treat with an antimicrobial solution.Dry out with fans. You do not want to have any standing water.

Special Design note. A special note for Split HVAC units or upstairs units. When a house is orginally built all the piping is run on the inside of the house behind any brick or siding. However, when you purchase a new unit you can not get to those pipes to replace them. Therefore, new pipes must run on the outside of the house. This is not attractive. You can however request a cover that blends in with your vinyl, wood of brick to minimize the appearance. Talk to your HVAC contractor and they can explain your options.

Choosing an Central Air Unit.
Some of this information provided by http://www.furnacecompare.com/buying_central_ac.html

Buying a Central Air Conditioner
Factors to consider:

1.Are you paying a reasonable price for your central a/c?
2.What capacity of central air conditioner should you buy?
3.Should you buy a high, middle, or low-efficiency air conditioner?

Are you paying a reasonable price for your Central Air Conditioner?
There are essentially two costs when purchasing and installing a new central air conditioner: equipment costs and labor costs. Don’t be surprised to pay $3,500 plus( 2000sqft home) in cost to install new ductwork and a new HVAC unit. The installation can take several days and requires a great deal of detail.Beware of prices too low as well as prices too high.

As with installing a furnace or boiler, you will need to work with a good HVAC contractor when you install a new central air conditioning system. Make sure that you get quotes from at least three contractors. This will ensure you a low, medium and high bid, and give you a good sense of what it is reasonable to pay. Also, make sure to screen your potential contractors to ensure that they have happy customers and no complaints. Always choose a licensed bonded contractor!

Choosing the right size Central Air Conditioner
As with sizing furnaces or boilers, it is important to have an HVAC Contractor perform a load calculation before you decide which size air conditioning system to buy. If you install an air conditioner which is too large, it will cycle on and off too often, substantially reducing the efficiency of the system. Too small, and your air conditioner may not be able to meet the demands of a hot, humid day.

Dont’ assume that previous owners or the builder did this calculation. Builders will use the least expensive unit that meets specifications. So it may not be the best size or the most energy effiecient for the space.

The industry standard load calculation is called the Manual J calculation. It takes into account the size of your house, the amount of insulation installed, the square footage, and a host of other factors.

Central Air Conditioner Efficiency
The most common measure of the efficiency of a consumer central air conditioning system is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Beginning in 2006, an air conditioner must have a SEER of at least 13 to be sold in the United States. Higher efficiency models have a SEER between 14 and 22.

A more common rating method for commercial air conditioners is the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). EER is a measure of the ratio of the amount of cooling (measured in BTUs) to the amount of electricity it consumes (measured in watt-hours). The EER is a steady state measure — that is, the efficiency is only measured once the unit has started up and is running at a steady capacity. SEER takes into account the startup and shutdown time as well, making it a more accurate measurement for determining the actual energy costs for the end user.

Currently until Dec. 31st 2010 There is a tax credit up to $1,500.00 if you purchase a high energy efficient HVAC unit. This is definetly worth considering if you plan to stay in your home for more than 3 years.

8. Recyling and GREEN Tips for Rebuilding

It is a little hard personally to think about recyling and environmental issues in a time of crisis, however, if you have noticed the temporary landfills you can’t help but think about it.

Here are a few things you can do to help.
1. Keep a separate bag for all the cans and water bottles that workers and your family use so you can take to a recyling station near you.
2. Tear down and keep any cardboard from new appliances, or anything new that you purchase. You would be amazed at the amount of cardboard that can be recyled.
3. Make sure that any appliances that you are getting rid of are disposed of properly. Contact your local metro works department if you have questions about hazardous materials or what needs to be disposed of in a special way.
4. When purchasing new furniture look for items that have eco friendly foam and fabric. These will biodegrade over time in a landfill leaving no trace.Some manufacturers of furniture also use UV technology to cure their wood. Whenever, it can make sense in your budget, choosing GREEN products can make a huge difference.Ask about their Sustainability statements if they are not already posted.
5. Check out different flooring options. Upgrade to GREEN carpet padding. It is a little more expensive but is a better padding and is biodegradeable. So if you can afford just a little more, this is a wise choice. Check the manufacturing practices of flooring manufacturing and make GREEN choices whenever you can. Ask about low emmissions during manufacturing. Also when looking at wood flooring products consider bamboo or recyled wood products.

Just doing any of the above will help our environment. So when rebuilding try to think GREEN.

9. Paint tips
When remodeling one of the givens is new paint. This is an area where you can do it yourself and save a great deal of money. Here are just a few tips to help insure you are satisfied with your paint job.

1.With new drywall make sure you choose new dywall primer and prime and prepare the area properly for your new paint. You may want to lightly wipe off any drywall dust before you prime.
2.If you are trying out a new color or paint I suggest getting a sample can and doing a test area first. Most stores have these for about $3.00 each and it covers about 4′ x 4′ of wall. You can then see how the color is afffected by natural and artificial light and how it really looks in a larger space and in your space. This can save you a lot of time and money. Better safe than sorry.
3. Choose good quality paint. You may think you are saving money by going with a less expensive paint, but in essence the less expensive brands may take 2-3 coats where the good quality paints will only need 1-2. This saves not only time but money because you need less paint. This also makes a huge difference in appearance and how even the paint spreads.
4. Some paints will have built in tinted primer or you can get primer that is tinted the color of your paint.This means it will take less coats to get the color you want. This is strongly recommended for darker colors as they are difficult to get an even appearance.
5. Don’t take shortcuts in preparation. Use painters tape to protect areas you do not want painted. I prefer a blue tape so I can see just where things are taped and how much paint I get on it.Make sure you have the correct tools on hand before you start. Invest in a good roller, edging brush and any other triming and edging items you think you might need. Make sure you choose the right roller sponge depth for your task. Ask a professional on what is the best nap for your roller for what you are painting. Generally, a 3/8″ is a good depth for most general painting.
6. Paints can be done in several different sheens: Flat, Eggshell/Sateen, Semi gloss, High Gloss.
Most builders use Flat paint because it is less expensive because it covers more area. It is also harder to see imperfections in the drywall.However, flat paint is hard to wipe off and clean making it look dirty really fast. I do not recommend Flat paint.

Eggshell or Sateen is great for most areas. It is easier to clean and still covers very well. It also is almost as affective at hiding imperfections as the flat paint.

Semi Gloss is great in high traffic areas or kitchens. It is VERY easy to clean. It will however, have a shine about it and shows imperfections in the walls.

High Gloss is usually reserved for trim and doors. It is very easy to clean with a little water and a rag. It may also be used on cabinets in a kitchen or bath room.
7. Oil or Latex paint. When possible choose a water based Latex paint. This is easier to clean off and better for the environment. Alot of older buildings however have oil paint.Make sure you know what type of paint is on the walls before you paint. You do not want to waste your time putting Latex over oil. It will peal right off. If you want to move from an oil paint to a Latex paint, sand the surface and prime before painting. Failure to do this will yield undesirable results.
8.It is almost certian that you will have to do some minor or major touch up later. When that time comes you want to be able to match the paint. After you are done painting you want to make sure you have a record of what paint you used and where. It is a good idea to either copy down the mixture information off the paint can label and note what room it is for, or you can always take a picture with your cell phone of the top of the paint can with the information and send to your email with the name of the room in the subject line. Having a picture also gives you the color on the paint can top making it easier to recognize.
9.Paint is usually only good for about 1 year after opening so you don’t want to keep it much longer past a year. It will not coat evenly.To dispose of used paint you can take the top off and let it dry out. When it is dry most trash collectors will pick up. However, check with Metro Works on how your area disposes of hazardous products. NEVER throw away cans filled with wet paint in to the trash. Protect our environment and make sure things are disposed of correctly.
Happy Painting!

Furniture Solutions that Meet ADA Requirements for Office Workspaces

Anita Ryan — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:00:25 +0000

ADA( American Disability Act) Requirements for the workplace and hospitality environments are at an all time high. The number of disabled Americans in the workforce will continue to increase in the next few years as soldiers return from war. We owe our Veterans and all disabled Americans our respect.

So how can that be shown in the office work environment?

When planning your office space it is important to understand the ADA guidelines for the disabled. For more information and training on these guidelines you can contact the Government Access Board or other experienced professionals in the field of ADA Compliant Training.

As it relates to furniture for ADA interiors, I have listed some important tips and sample furniture products to help in the furniture selection process.

ADA Furniture Tips and Solutions

It is important to recognize the height and width restrictions of a disabled person. This is primarily related to those in a wheelchair.

Work surfaces must be able to adjust to a height in which a wheel chair can get under.Almost all manufacturers of systems furniture have some sort of adjustable table or adjustable support to meet this requirement. Since it needs to be adjustable you must be aware of allowing some spaces that have mobile pedestal filing units or freestanding filing units. Support Pedestals WILL NOT work in this environment as they are not at the required height to support the ADA height work surface. Standard work surface full or partial, full to the floor end panels WILL NOT work either.

In cafe, training and conference areas you need to consider either setting aside tables for ADA compliance or choosing adjustable height tables that can adjust for any individual. C Brands Cobalt Base Series has an ADA compliant table that works great in healthcare and hospitality dining and office environments. Most manufacturers can accommodate ADA compliant height tables but you need to ask for it.

Always plan with the idea that someone with a disability will be using your facility at some time.

Drawers, overhead and filing issues need to be addressed.

Choose ADA compliant hardware and handles such as the Rail and Arc pulls by Kimball Office. This allows individuals to easily grasp the handle and open the filing units.

Choose overheads that are easy to open such as hinged doors with arced pulls or hydraulic self assist over-cabinet doors that open and close on their own with a gentle nudge. It is still important to note the individuals needs. Some individuals can stand and reach a standard overhead height and others can not. You must keep that in mind in your planning.

The height of a lock in a 5 High lateral can also be an issue. It is important to maximize your floor space and using tall files accommodates this. However, look for a manufacturer that has ADA compliant options that allows for a lock at a lower height. For example, Kimball Office Fundamental files have a lock option on their 5H lateral that is at 38 5/8″H .

Panel Systems and Demountable partition system door requirements need to be considered.

Systems furniture manufacturers offer a levered handle specifically for ADA compliance. In most cases as it relates to management and private office areas it makes sense to specify this option.

When specifying a door for systems furniture and demountable partitions a 42″w hinged or gate door that has a clearance of at least 36″ is recommended to meet ADA Compliance. Most 36″ doors only have a clearance of a little over 31″. Kimball Office furniture offers a hinged 42″w door that has a clearance of 37 1/4″.

Electrical for desking and systems furniture is an important consideration.

Look for a panel systems product that has the ability to place electrical anywhere along the height of the panel . You need to be able to place phone, data, and electrical at a reasonable height of approximately 36″ H for easy access.

As it relates to training areas, conference and desking or work surface situations you can also use an on the desk top mount electrical and phone, data solution.

The important thing is to ask you designer and furniture representative for ADA compliant solutions. They should be familiar with the requirements and solutions for your environment. The above list is only some of the items you need to consider when planning your space.You do not have to be the expert, only aware of the challenges as well as the need for a comfortable environment for all individuals.

You may also be interested in my post regarding ADA compliant reception desks.

Key System Vs. PBX:Choosing the Right Phone System Before you Choose your Phone Signaling Technology is Crucial to Your Business Communication.

Anita Ryan — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:31:44 +0000

Despite the “buzz” about VOIP(Voice over IP)versus Digital or Analog, choosing the phone signaling technology should not be your primary concern. Although the signaling technology plays an important role one needs to go back to the basics and choose the phone system first.

For small business owners this can be a daunting task.

What are my options?

How do I know what will work for my business?

The two main systems to choose from for a small to mid sized business are a Key phone System or a PBX Phone System(Private Branch eXchange). Below I have listed the main advantages and disadvantages to each system and a list of guidelines to help you in the process of determining what phone system might work well for your business.

Key Phone System

In a Key Phone System each telephone set has buttons or keys that represent an outside line. When a line is in use the button is illuminated representing it is unavailable. To Make a call you must press a button or “key” that is not in use. The primary advantage to this type of system is the personal “live” voice on the other end of the line. However, because the number of lines are limited there is limited room for expansion.

Consider a Key Phone System if your Business:

Has fewer than eight outside lines and 24 extensions

Consists of employees frequently away from their desk

Shares phone answering responsibilities among multiple staff members

Has an overhead paging system

Wants every call to be handled by a “live”voice or person.

PBX Phone System

A PBX phone system can route a large volume of incoming and outgoing calls making it extremely efficient. A distinct advantage of the PBX system is its ability to have a Direct Inward Dial(DID). The DID allows callers to route directly to an extension using an outside phone number. A PBX phones system doesn’t have buttons or “keys” but rather a “line pool”. The system gives the user the first available outside line from the pool. The biggest down fall of a PBX phone system is the lack of personal attention from a “live” attendant. This can be frustrating and impersonal to many customers that call into a business.

Consider a PBX Phone System if your Business:

Has more than 8 outside lines and 24 extensions

Values the quick and efficient processing of calls over “high touch”

Employs administrator and professional staff members who are typically at their workstation or office

Designates an operator or automated attendant to field incoming calls

Desires direct dial access to some or all employees

So make your first priority your phone system and then concentrate on your signaling technology. Once you have selected the phone system that will work for your business, it is imperative that you communicate the change to your employees, customers, and vendors well in advance of the implementation of the new system. This will help the transition to run smoothly and make the phone system work better for all involved.

To read more about choosing a phone system click on the PDF link below.

Key System Vs. PBX

I owe a special thanks to Tom Harris at CCSG for providing this useful information.

Tom Harris

Tom has over 30 years in the Telecom business working with companies like Western Union, MFS (which became MCI ), Black & Decker and Exxon. Tom graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where he played football and he was the Captain of the Rugby Team. Up until 2010 he was the assistant Rugby Coach for MTSU and was the Head Football Coach for St. Rose Catholic School in Murfreesboro TN. He worked at MBM for many years and is currently working for a voice and data technology company in Nashville CCSG.

For more information on Tom Harris and his products contact Tom at tdjh@comcast.net or visit the CCSG website.

Smooth Move- Five Steps for a Successful Phone Transition During Your Office Move

Anita Ryan — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:28:03 +0000

“Moving your office to a new location is a considerable endeavor affecting every aspect of your business operation. While there are many important projects to consider, ensuring that the primary means of communication- the phone for most businesses-transitions seamlessly should be one of the top priorities.” MBM

Check out the 5 tips given by Tom Harris at MBM on how to have a smooth office move in regards to phone systems.

Start Early… at least 90 days prior to the office move.
Establish local and Long Distance phone services.
Determine if you should move your existing phone system or purchase a new one.
Determine voice and data cabling requirements with the help of a professional.
Hire or designate a project manager to deal with your phone and office move related issues.

The attached PDF will walk you through the 5 basics and how you can make your office move as seemless as possible.

Smooth Move

” Moving a phone system to a new office is a long process that requires organizational skills,diligence, and, not to be overlooked, the ability to work well with others. The process doesn’t have to be a harrowing experience, though. If you use these five steps to guide your course of action, select only the highest quality vendors and service providers, and remember to keep your sense of humor, you will enjoy a Smooth Move without missing a call.”

I owe a special thanks to Tom Harris at CCSG for providing this useful information.

Tom Harris

For more information on Tom Harris and his products contact Tom at tdjh@comcast.net or visit the CCSG website

How to Set Goals that Deliver the Results you Desire

Anita Ryan — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:42:04 +0000

It is that time of year again when we pause and reflect on last years accomplishments and unfortunate failures.

If you find yourself having more of the later than the former you might want to rethink your planning strategy.

That is of-course, assuming you have a strategy in the first place.

“A goal can not be met that is not put in place. There is no direction in which to face.

You can only succeed if you have a plan. So carefully consider and put it to hand.” Anita Ryan

As the above quote states, you must first have a plan that is carefully considered and then put it in writing.

But what do you write? What does a well thought out goal look like?

First thing you need to do is to choose a goal area. Once you have chosen an area you want to work on, write it down. Follow these next seven steps to identify the goal and make it measureable and personal.

Identify you Goal- Make it specific and measurable. It must be something that you can identify when you meet the goal. It is also important to make it attainable and realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting a goal that you know you can’t meet. That is counter-productive.
Benefits and Loses- What are the benefits of achieving the goal? What are the loses if you don’t meet it? Make it personal.
Possible Obstacles and Solutions- Is there something or someone that might stand in the way of you meeting your goal? If so what are some solutions that you can set in place to avoid or deal with those obstacles. Be creative and open with yourself about obstacles that might hinder you from meeting your target.
Skills and Knowledge- Are there skills that you don’t currently possess that will ultimately determine success or failure? What knowledge would be helpful in reaching your goal? Look into computer classes, coaching, training and continuing education courses that will help you reach your goals.
People, Groups and Organizations- Is there someone that has already achieved the goal you are attempting? Is it possible for them or someone else to mentor you in the area you want to grow in? What groups or organizations teach the skills or knowledge that you would find useful? Maybe you would benefit from being in a networking group, or a professional group to accomplish your goal. Be specific about the names of people, groups and organizations and write them down.
Specific Action Steps and Time Table- Be specific and break it down. How do you plan on meeting your objective? What is a specific target date for accomplishing an important step to your goal? When you accomplish a part of a goal, write down the completion date so you stay on track. The dates will help you evaluate in real time where you are. They make it measurable. They are a way of helping you steer and get back on course when needed.
Completion Date- When do you plan on accomplishing the total Goal? Why that time frame? Make sure it is realistic.

It is also important to write down any thoughts, dreams or other notes that you might want to refer back to. This helps you to understand what you were thinking when you were in the process of considering your goals.

BIG goals or small goals, it is important to think about where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Make a Plan of Action Today!

Set Goals that Deliver the Results you Desire.

GOAL PLANNING WORKSHEET

How to Information

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:48:14 +0000

How to Attract Clients

This is a great short video on how to attact clients and what they need and want from you. Great insight!

Richard Woodward How to Attract Clients | Richard Woodward

How to Design your Own Logo

If you are looking for a simple logo, Greg Clow shows you how to make your own for FREE quickly and easily in 5 simple steps. If you need something more elaborate he can help you with that as well.

Great information and very helpful. Click on the link below to get access to the steps for you FREE logo.

Design your own logo in 5 simple steps.
Greg Clow
MBAlogo.com
greg@mbalogo.com

How to Plan Electrical in Modular Systems