Your Next Home - January 2021

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SEE OUR DIRECTORY ON PAGE 2 FOR A FULL LIST OF REALTORS AND BUSINESSES. A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE & BENZIE COUNTY RECORD PATRIOT

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties LOTS AND PRIVATE SLIPS AVAILABLE ON BEAUTIFUL ARCADIA LAKE WITH ACCESS TO LAKE MICHIGAN!

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Dye Real Estate • Beulah, MI Beulah, MI• Randy Dye 231-920-6208 • Carol Dye 231-392-4005

Buying, Selling, Leasing & Management

231-299-1180

www.EssentialRealEstate.org

your

DIRECTORY

Next Home W E S T

M I C H I G A N

Benzie, Manistee & Mason Counties

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES & REALTORS...........PAGE

Valleywood Cove & Marina...............................................1 (Cover) Lighthouse Realty................................................................1 (Cover) Dye Real Estate....................................................................1 (Cover) Essential Real Estate...........................................................1 (Cover) REALTOR Contact & Website Information.....................................4 Lighthouse Realty..............................................................................9 Essential Real Estate...................................................................... 11 MOM Board Of Realtors............................................................... 13 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 15 REO-Kathy Neveu.......................................................................... 17 Lighthouse Realty........................................................................... 24

FURNITURE COMPANIES

Holden’s Home Emporium..............................................................3 Redeemed....................................................................................... 21

LUMBER COMPANY

Somsel Lumber Company................................................................5

INSURANCE AGENCY

State Farm - Mary Sturdevant....................................................... 19

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Shelby State Bank.............................................................................7 Treadstone...................................................................................... 23

ADVICE FOR THE HOME

Did You Know? — Celebrating New Years......................................5 6 Steps To Organize Your Home Office.........................................6 Did You Know? — Martin Luther King Day.....................................7 The Many Benefits Of Houseplants................................................8 How Much Should You Stockpile For An Emergency............... 10 How To Prevent Slips And Falls In The Bathroom...................... 12 Tools That Can Keep People Safe At Home................................ 14 Don’t Miss A Beat During A Power Outage................................ 16 Did You Know? — Electricity.......................................................... 17 Common Home Accidents And How To Avoid Them............... 18 How To Address Mold After A Flood........................................... 20 What To Do After Your Home Is Damaged By Fire.................... 22

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Your Next Home • January 2021

Enjoy the New Year with a whole new look!

Stop in & Visit our 3 Showrooms, all on Main Street in Downtown Scottville!

119 S. Main St., Scottville, MI • 231-757-8733 Tues-Fri 9am-5:30pm • Sat 9am-4:30pm

www.holdenshomeemporium.com January 2021 • Your Next Home

*For your safety, masks are worn if requested. Sanitizer station provided.

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INFORMATION

Dye Real Estate.................................231-383-4446 Randy Dye....................................231-920-6208 Carol Dye......................................231-392-4005 www.randydye.com Essential Real Estate................................................

Therran Ferguson..........................231-299-1180 . www.miessentialrealestate.com Holden’s Home Emporium...............231-757-8733 . www.holdenshomeemporium.com Lighthouse Realty Manistee..............231-398-3800 www.goLighthouseRealty.com Cheryl Staszczak...........................248-805-3802 Heather Barker.............................231-510-5505 Leah Gannon................................517-607-5347 Shirley Barker...............................903-681-6102 Kerri Mackey.................................231-510-8380 Casey Tennant...............................231-233-7613 Mason Oceana Manistee Board of Realtors.............. www.momboard.com Real Estate One - Kathy Neveu..........231-342-0921 www.KathyNeveu.com Redeemed........................................231-887-4222 www.redeemedmanistee.com Shelby State Bank.............................231-398-7905 www.shelbybank.com Somsel Lumber.................................231-362-3103 State Farm - Mary Sturdevant............231-723-9905 www.marysturdevant.com Treadstone - Stuart Wilson................616-326-2201 www.treadstonemortgage.com Valleywood Cove & Marina...............833-278-3745 4

Your Next Home • January 2021

Did You Know?

Celebrating the new year on January 1 is a relatively recent phenomenon.

The calendar as we know it today has evolved several times and months have gone by different names. On the early Roman calendar, March was the first month of the 10-month calendar.

That is why the last four months of the year have prefixes that coordinate with the seventh (September), eighth (October), ninth (November), and tenth (December) numerals.

King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January and February

to the original 10 months. But the calendar still required some additional tweaking to be more aligned with the seasons. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced a solar-based calendar that was an improvement on the ancient Roman one, which was lunarbased. During this time, the month of Quintilis was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar and Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus.

Shortly after the introduction of the solar calendar, the beginning of the year was moved from March 1 to January 1.

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Somsel Lumber Company Kaleva January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME

6 Steps To Organize Your Home Office

Remote working has become popular in recent years, but the “working-from-home” economy bloomed exponentially as the world was forced to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, as of summer 2020, 42 percent of the United States labor force was working from home full-time.

The need for home office spaces has increased as more people work from home. Many people have retrofitted various spaces around their homes into areas to get work done. More organized home work spaces can increase productivity. Individuals can follow these guidelines to create effective, organized home offices.

BEGIN WITH THE DESK The desk is the primary spot where work will take place. The right desk accessories can provide visual appeal and also serve practical purposes. Have cups for holding pens and pencils, baskets and bins for larger items, and store whatever you can elsewhere so it does not lead to clutter on the desk. Store wireless printers in a cabinet or even on a bookshelf so it doesn’t take up real estate on the desk.

CREATE A PRINTING STATION While you’re moving that wireless printer elsewhere, designate a space to serve as the central printing hub.

This way children who need to print assignments for school will know where to go as well. Printer supplies like extra ink cartridges and printer paper can be kept in decorative storage boxes nearby.

INCREASE YOUR SHELVING Shelving can help keep items organized and off the desk in home offices without closets or drawers. Look for shelves that blend in with decor but are sturdy enough to be functional.

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ORGANIZE PAPERWORK Figure out a system that works for you to help tidy up papers you choose to save. While some papers can be scanned and stored as digital files, color-coded file folders can organize statements and other important documents. This makes it easy to find the folder you need when looking for certain documents.

ESTABLISH A CHARGING STATION Repurpose certain items, such as a desk organizer, into an easily accessible electronics charging station where phones and tablets can charge at one time.

MAKE ESSENTIAL BINDERS HGTV suggests making binders that can store the most important papers for easy access — even in an emergency. Set up a binder for automotive paperwork, including repair receipts, a medical binder where key medical records are kept, a binder for manuals for devices in the home, and one to store financial planning documents.

These organizational tips can help remedy common problems around a home office.

Your Next Home • January 2021

Did You Know?

According to AmeriCorps, Martin Luther King Day is the only federal holiday in the United States that is designated as a national day of service. Martin Luther King Day takes place each year on the third Monday in January. In 2021, Martin Luther King Day will be celebrated on January 18. The day honors Martin Luther King, Jr., an influential leader in the civil rights movement who embraced nonviolent activism.

January 2021 • Your Next Home

Despite his status as an advocate for nonviolence, Martin Luther King, Jr. was violently gunned down in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968. A campaign to declare his birthday a national holiday was started shortly after King’s assassination. However, the holiday was not officially observed until 1986, and that observation was not nationwide. It was not until 2000 that all 50 states observed Martin Luther King Day.

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HOME

The Many Benefits Of Houseplants

The lines between the outdoors and indoors are being blurred. Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture and even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor three-season rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between outside and inside.

For those working with limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enjoy the majesty of natural landscapes indoors. Houseplants can be used to improve indoor spaces, and they also provide various health benefits.

HELP WITH ALLERGIES According to WebMD, rooms with houseplants tend to have less dust and mold in them than those without any foliage.

Leaves and other parts of the plants serve as natural filters, catching airborne particles and allergens. Plants with textured leaves might be especially effective at trapping particles.

PUT MORE OXYGEN INTO THE AIR The human respiratory system works by bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide and then release oxygen. Plants can put much more oxygen into the air, improving indoor conditions.

INCREASE INDOOR HUMIDITY AND REDUCE ILLNESS Studies from the Agricultural University of Norway found that indoor plants can increase humidity in indoor spaces, which decreases the incidences of sore throats, dry coughs, dry skin, and the common cold. Higher absolute humidity can decrease the chances of survival and transmission of the flu virus.

FILTER THE AIR Researchers who presented their work at the 252nd 8

National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society found certain houseplants can combat the potentially harmful effects of volatile organic compounds.

Plants may help filter out VOCs like benzene, acetone and formaldehyde, which can enter indoor air via cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, furniture, printers, and paints.

IMPROVE INTERIOR ATMOSPHERE Prevention magazine says plants can be used to screen unattractive areas, moderate room temperature by shading spots from the sun and even reduce noise. Plants also can improve ambiance and create a pleasing atmosphere in a room.

CAN IMPROVE MOOD Growing and caring for plants can alleviate everyday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine Gardeners World found 80 percent of gardeners declared themselves satisfied with life compared to 67 percent among nongardeners. Gardeners were more positive mentally.

Greenery can help people feel more at home and improve mental health. A rehab center in Norway found patients reported a greater increase in well-being four weeks after having greenery added to their surroundings.

Houseplants can improve indoor areas and positively affect personal health.

Your Next Home • January 2021

Cheers to a season filled with warmth and comfort.

Should the New Year bring you a change of address, please contact me so I can assist you.

Kerri Mackey Realtor

(231) 510-8380 Mobile

kerri@golighthouserealty.com

January 2021 • Your Next Home

Extraordinary Service In Every Price Range

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HOME

How Much Should You Stockpile For An Emergency

When the novel coronavirus COVID-19 was officially proclaimed a pandemic in March 2020, people were urged to stay home and limit their exposure to those outside their households. Understandably, some measure of panic ensued after that proclamation.

Fears of lockdowns and an inability to shop for necessities created worldwide shortages of cleaning supplies, meat, canned goods, grains, and paper products like toilet tissue.

Shoppers were grabbing what they could when they could, and empty store shelves were left in the wake of the pandemonium.

Although it’s wise to keep an ample stockpile of foods and other supplies in advance of a weather emergency, it’s important to draw the line between planning proactively and hoarding goods. But what is the right amount to have on hand?

• peanut butter (two jars)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, each person should have a cache of supplies that can last up to two weeks. Included in the recommendations are 11⁄2 gallons of water each day per person. One half-gallon is for drinking purposes and the remaining gallon is for hygiene should water supplies be interrupted by the emergency. That equates to 84 gallons of water for a family of four, which may not be feasible for many families. One workaround is to fill a bathtub in one bathroom with water to use for hygiene and reserve bottled water for drinking.

• oatmeal (five pounds)

In regard to food, City Prepping, a popular social media channel for preppers, has created a list of what might be included in a two-week emergency supply. Most of the supplies are nonperishable items. Some options include: • canned soup (20 cans) • powdered milk • cereal (two boxes) • canned vegetables (20 cans) 10

• pasta (20 bags/boxes) • coffee or tea • canned fruit (20 cans) • rice (20 pound bag) • olive oil Individuals who have a chest freezer also may think about purchasing meats/poultry and frozen foods when they are on sale and creating a two-week menu. Invest in foods that are nutritionally dense and easy to prepare.

In addition, set aside an area to store other supplies.

Sanitation and hygiene items, matches in a waterproof container, extra clothing and blankets, cash, and special needs items like prescription medications, contact lens solution and batteries also are good to have on hand. Some items like disinfecting wipes may still be in short supply, so buy them as they become available.

Preparing for an emergency requires having at least a twoweek supply of necessary items on hand. Using resources wisely and avoiding hoarding behaviors can help prevent shortages.

Your Next Home • January 2021

1798 Olson Road • Manistee, MI 49660

$675,000 MLS#20032044

Panoramic Wilderness View!! One of a kind opportunity to own a custom Outdoorsman Ranch Style home perched upon a hillside overlooking breathtaking views of the adjoining Bayou connecting to the Big Manistee River. This custom finished home sits nestled on a 4.45 acre golf course like landscaped parcel adjoining over 37 acres of heavily wooded State Forest along with hundreds of acres of protected wetlands that can be navigated from this property. Property connects to the Bayou which makes it the perfect retreat for any outdoor enthusiast. World class hunting, fishing, trapping and everything the Northern Michigan Great outdoors has to offer!

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Close to Manistee and Lake Michigan. Schedule your showing today!

Therran Ferguson 231-299-1180

www.MIEssentialRealEstate.com 428 1st St, Manistee MI 49660

Buying, Selling, Leasing & Management Covering all your Essential Real Estate Needs.

January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME

How To Prevent Slips And Falls In The Bathroom

Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet.

Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as various groups warn that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom.

The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions.

Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down.

The risk of falling in a bathroom increases with age.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seniors over age 65 have a 25 percent chance of falling in the bathroom. Seniors generally have less flexibility and balance than younger people, meaning falls can be life-threatening. Bones easily can become fractured and internal bleeding may occur in serious cases. Bathrooms can be made more safe in a few simple ways.

• Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub. Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction.

• Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures.

• Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom illuminates all areas.

• Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slipping on wet floors.

• Install a walk-in shower or bathtub. These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area.

• Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards.

• Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls.

• Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those who cannot live without them, choose a mat with slip-resistant backings and add double-faced tape for added security.

Any individual with a health condition that causes vision disturbances or difficulties with balance should work with a doctor to find a resolution. These conditions may contribute to falls.

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Your Next Home • January 2021

January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Tools That Can Keep People Safe At Home

Homes should be sanctuaries for their inhabitants. Keeping homes safe and sound requires both maintenance and some caution designed to make homes less vulnerable to potentially costly issues.

Promptly addressing maintenance issues around the house can reduce the risk of accident or injury. In addition, various items can alert homeowners to problems they may not otherwise recognize before issues jeopardize residents’ health or take a turn for the costly.

AUTO SHUT-OFF FEATURES Who hasn’t left the house only to worry an hour or so later about whether the coffee pot was turned off or the straightening iron was unplugged? When shopping for personal care items or appliances, seek out models that have automatic shut-off features. This safety feature will power down the unit after a certain amount of time, which can reduce the risk of overheated products and house fires.

FLOOD AND LEAK DETECTOR The financial information and wellness resource Canstar says leakages, burst pipes and other water-related issues in a home are one of the more common home emergencies. Water damage can cost between hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on how invasive the water problem is. Catching a leak or flood in a home early on is essential.

Water leak detectors are designed to detect a potential flood or leak at an early stage so homeowners can take action. Sensors may sound an alarm or be connected to a WiFi system to send an alert to a mobile device.

CARBON MONOXIDE AND GAS DETECTION It is vital that homeowners install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, and can cause poisoning that slowly suffocates a person. It also is combustible.

Carbon monoxide devices cannot detect a gas leak, but gas detectors can. They are a wise addition for people who have a

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significant number of natural gas appliances, or those who have older, gas-powered appliances.

SUMP PUMP ALARM A sump pump can mean the difference between a flooded basement and a dry floor. Homeowners may not recognize a sump pump malfunction during a power outage, and clogs also may not be detectable until the basement floods. Sump pump alarms incorporated into the system alert homeowners that something is amiss.

Homeowners can rely on devices and other tools to prevent their homes from being damaged and themselves and their families safe.

Your Next Home • January 2021

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2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home 2 Car Attached Garage on 2.5 Acres!

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26 ACRE HUNTING PARCEL! 11 ACRE BUILD SITE OR HUNTING PROPERTY! Casey Tennant (231) 233-7613

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Offered at $79,900

January 2021 • Your Next Home

17549 Bigge Rd, Kaleva

Driveway and clearings for easy building Mostly dry with 2 damp thickets Lots of Deer!

Offered at $49,000

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HOME

Don’t Miss A Beat During A Power Outage

Short-term power outages can be a minor inconvenience.

A long-term power outage can cause a major disruption to daily life.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Electric Power Industry Report says interruptions in electric service vary by frequency and duration across the many electric distribution systems that serve the country. In 2016, the most recent year for data, customers experienced an average of 1.3 interruptions and went without power for around four hours.

When a storm strikes or an accident knocks out electric power lines or other infrastructure, it may take much longer for power to be restored. During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, more than eight million people lost power and outages lasted for days in some major cities. Outlying areas were without power for weeks, according to National Geographic. It’s important to know how to handle a power outage to keep everyone safe and comfortable until power can be restored.

Keep a cache of nonperishable food available and plan to use any perishable items that are in the refrigerator first.

A refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours after power has ceased, states Ready.gov, while a freezer can keep the temperature for about 48 hours if full. Packing these appliances with ice or frozen bottles of water can help.

Purchase books, board games and puzzles to have activities to pass the time until power resumes.

INVEST IN A GENERATOR

DURING A POWER OUTAGE

If you live in an area that is affected by frequent power outages, a power generator may prove a worthwhile investment. Generators come in two basic types. A portable generator can be rolled into place and uses gasoline as fuel. Plug in a set number of household items, depending on the amount of power the appliance can accommodate.

A whole-house generator can be hard-wired to a home’s electrical system and automatically engage should a power outage occur.

Report the power outage to the power company if it seems localized; otherwise, wait for updates to see who is affected.

PREPARE IN ADVANCE In anticipation of a power outage, stock up on batterypowered devices like flashlights, lanterns and radios.

Charge mobile phones and other devices so they’re at 100 percent power.

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Try to remain cool or warm if the HVAC system is not functioning. Pool resources by having everyone in the family gather in one room of the house. Older adults and children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration, including two gallons of bottled water per individual.

People who take refrigerated medications should only ingest drugs that have been at room temperature until a new supply is available, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Power outages routinely occur and require planning and safety precautions until power is restored.

Your Next Home • January 2021

Did You Know?

Homeowners rely heavily on electricity to power their homes and their lives.

Coal, nuclear power and water energy help to generate this electricity. Without electricity, lights wouldn’t work, digital devices wouldn’t charge and cities would come grinding to a halt. This is experienced on a local level when power outages occur. Homeowners may need to diversify some of the resources they have at home to be able to make it through an electrical power outage successfully.

Investing in solar power panels can be one way to generate electricity even when

power has been disrupted. In addition, pellet stoves or woodburning stoves can serve as alternative heat sources as well as cooking surfaces if traditional forced air systems are rendered useless during an electrical outage. Homes equipped with a coal-fired smoker can complement gaspowered grills for outdoor cooking as well for those who have electric ranges and ovens. Solar-powered device chargers can provide power to phones or tablets during electrical outages. Having a few different options on hand can help people make it through power outages unscathed.

SEE YOUR HOME HERE!!

The market is a feeding frenzy right now - too many buyers and not enough homes. Let’s also throw in low interest rates plus the desire to be in northern Michigan and you’ve got yourself a perfect storm! If you’ve been thinking of making a change and you’re ready to sell, it’s the perfect opportunity. Please contact me; I truly look forward to helping you navigate your next move.

Kathy@Kathy Neveu.com

231.342.0921

57 N. Michigan Ave. • Beulah/Frankfort January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME

Common Home Accidents And How To Avoid Them

Some of the most common and dangerous emergency situations occur at home.

Precautionary measures can make homes as safe as possible, but accidents can still happen.

The National Safety Council says that 25 million in-home injuries occurred in homes in 2018. Accidental death is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the NSC says the home injury death rate increased by 150 percent between 1999 and 2018.

The top five most fatal household injuries in the United States are poisoning, falls, choking or suffocation, drowning, and fires/ burns. Recognizing the threat these accidents pose can compel people to make every effort possible to prevent them from happening.

• Poisoning: Poisoning can be attributed to exposure to household chemicals, but illicit drugs and alcohol use, as well as prescription drug overdoses, have become major contributors to accidental poisonings.

Keeping medicine and liquor cabinets locked can prevent children and teens from accessing items that are off limits. Disposing of unused or expired prescription medication can help 18

remove drugs from the home. Educating children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol also may help.

• Falls: Falls can happen at any age but they’re most common among the very young or very old. Installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving indoor lighting and removing tripping hazards like area rugs or toys from high traffic areas can reduce the likelihood of falls. Young children should be carefully supervised and deterred from climbing.

• Choking/suffocation: U.S. News & Your Next Home • January 2021

World Report says airway obstruction — which includes choking, suffocation and strangulation — claims about 1,000 lives a year. Children often put objects in their mouths and swallow them, resulting in choking. Eating too quickly and failing to chew adequately at any age can cause food to become lodged in the throat. Older adults may lose the ability to chew or swallow adequately due to cognitive disorders or other conditions.

Suffocation can occur when children are put in unsafe sleeping environments. Too many blankets or toys can impede youngsters’ ability to breathe. Keeping a home clean, monitoring children and seniors while eating and learning the Heimlich maneuver can help prevent injuries.

• Drowning: A young child can drown in just inches of water, but pools, bathtubs and other standing water can be of greatest concern.

Install fencing with self-latching gates and supervise children at all times when they are around water.

• Burns/fires: Install plenty of working smoke alarms and hold fire drills to reduce the risk of fire-related deaths and injuries. Turning down the temperature of a home water heater to avoid scalding and exercising caution in the kitchen, where many fires originate, also is key. Never leave food unattended on the stove.

Home accidents can happen, but awareness of common incidents may compel people to place a greater emphasis on prevention.

Give your home the protection it deserves.

Your home is where you make some of your best memories, and that’s worth protecting.

Mary Sturdevant Ins Agcy Inc Mary Sturdevant, Agent

I’m here to help.

LETS TALK TODAY.

306 Parkdale Ave Manistee, MI 49660 Bus: 231-723-9905 January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME Floods can quickly turn lives upside down.

According to the World Health Organization, more than two billion people were affected by floods between 1998 and 2017, and those people no doubt recognize just how unsettling floods can be.

The damage caused by flooding can linger long after water levels have subsided. Mold left in the wake of a flood poses a significant threat, and WebMD notes that mold can be especially dangerous for people with respiratory issues like allergies or asthma.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the organization’s chief concerns was to let those affected by the storm learn how to safely clean up mold.

Mold cleanup must be done with a sense of urgency, as WebMD indicates that mold can grow very quickly in damp environments.

That said, it’s vital that homeowners only reenter flooded properties when it’s safe to do so. Reentering too quickly and before government officials say it’s safe to do so can put residents in serious jeopardy.

Once it’s safe to reenter a home, the CDC recommends the following approach to address mold after a flood.

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How To Address Mold After A Flood

• Wear personal protective equipment.

Gloves, masks and goggles should be worn to protect the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.

While personal protective equipment can be highly effective, anyone with mold allergies or preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma should leave mold cleanup to the professionals.

• Discard certain items. Items that are wet with flood water but cannot be cleaned and completely dried within 24 to 48 hours should be discarded. People with flood insurance policies may need to take photos of items prior to discarding them if they hope to be reimbursed.

• Open doors and windows. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes that airing the home out by opening the doors and windows can inhibit mold growth when humidity levels are lower outside than inside.

Your Next Home • January 2021

• Circulate air around the house. If it’s safe to turn the electricity back on, circulate air inside the home with fans. In addition, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from inside the home.

• Do not mix cleaning products. The CDC notes the dangers associated with mixing cleaning products. For example, mixing bleach with ammonia can produce toxic vapors.

• Scrub surfaces. Use clean water and detergent to remove all visible mold from surfaces around the house. Dry the surfaces immediately after cleaning them.

• Avoid refurbishing until all mold has been removed. Mold can grow even if it’s been

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• Dry the home as quickly as possible.

Drying the home as quickly as possible, and ideally within 24 to 48 hours of the occurrence of flooding, can inhibit further mold growth. However, it’s imperative that residents only reenter a home after getting the go-ahead from local authorities.

A safe and quick response to flood-related mold growth can prevent illness and further damage to a home.

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painted or caulked over. The CDC urges anyone tasked with addressing flood-related mold to make sure surfaces are completely cleaned and dried prior to refurbishing rooms.

R E D E E M E D Furniture, Decor and More!

Over 50 Vendors! Stop In Today!

231-887-4222

172 Memorial Dr. • Manistee (Next to Family Dollar) January 2021 • Your Next Home

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HOME

What To Do After Your Home Is Damaged By Fire

The notion that their homes could be damaged if not destroyed by fire is something many homeowners find unimaginable. But fires damage homes every day across the globe, which only underscores the importance of knowing how to respond should your home be engulfed in flames.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.3 million fires in the United States in 2019. Fires also pose a threat in Canada, where the insurance provider SGI Canada reports that there are roughly 24,000 house fires each year.

Installing and maintaining fire alarms can help prevent house fires from producing tragic consequences. A well-practiced evacuation plan also can protect homeowners and their families in case of a fire, increasing the likelihood that anyone inside the home can promptly exit before suffering injury or even death. It’s also important that homeowners recognize what they need to do after their homes have been damaged by fire.

• Recognize that it’s still risky even after the fire is out. The U.S. Fire Administration notes that homes damaged by fire pose a threat even after flames have been extinguished. Soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that can make people sick. Only enter a home after the local fire department has deemed it safe to do so. Before entering the home, don personal protective equipment like masks, goggles and gloves to avoid getting sick from any contaminants lingering in the home.

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• Contact your insurance company. The USFA notes that some companies specialize in cleaning and restoring personal items damaged by fires, and your insurance company can be a great resource when looking for such firms. Insurance companies also will advise homeowners on what they need to do in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including how to begin the claims process.

• Contact a disaster relief service. Disaster relief services like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army can help homeowners find food, clothing, medicine, and even lodging.

• Find shelter for pets. The USFA advises pet owners affected by house fires to leave their pets with family members, friends or veterinarians until the house has been completely cleaned. Doing so ensures pets won’t be exposed to potentially harmful contaminants or residue that can put their lives in jeopardy.

House fires happen every day, and knowing what to do in the aftermath of such fires can help homeowners get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Your Next Home • January 2021

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214 Fulton Street E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Treadstone Funding propelled by Neighborhood Loans NMLS 222982

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Loan Officer | NMLS 1778344 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 @ treadstonemortgage.com StuartW Subject to credit qualification, not all borrowers may qualify. Not an agency of the federal government.

Treadstone Funding propelled by Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. www.treadstonemortgage.com Neighborhood Loans NMLS 222982 214 Fulton Street E

616.326.2201

January 2021 • Your Next Home

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

@ treadstonemortgage.com StuartW Subject to credit qualification, not all borrowers may qualify. Not an agency of the federal government.

Treadstone Funding propelled by Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. www.treadstonemortgage.com Neighborhood Loans NMLS 222982 Subject to credit qualification, not all borrowers may qualify. Not an agency of the federal government.

Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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Let the Lighthouse Team work for you in 2021!

202 Maple St, Manistee

1473 Ivy Lane, Manistee

The Noud House 1894 Brick Victorian Mansion 8 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths.

Original Woodwork & Hardwood Floors

Residential or Commercial 1,400 sqft with Full Basement 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

Offered at $389,400 Shirley Barker • 903-681-6102

Casey Tennant • 231-233-7613

7522 Pine Creek Rd, Manistee

5065 Fox Farm, Manistee

Ranch Home with Outbuildings 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Attached Garage 1.6 Acres

11 Acres on Lake Michigan!

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Log Cabin 249ft of Private Frontage

Offered at $149,000 Leah Gannon • 517-607-5347

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Offered at $174,900

Offered at $475,000 Heather Barker • 231-510-5505

Your Next Home • January 2021