Atlanta Area Events for August 2015

August 7, 21, 22, 28th: Concerts in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden

August 15th: Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival at Harmony Park in Oakhurst

August 16th: HOToberfest Barrel Aged Ball at Georgia Freight Depot

August 18th - 23rd: Motown the Musical at the Fox Theatre

August 29th: National Beer Mile at Atlantic Station

August 30th: Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin' in Roswell

FAQ: How long does it take mold to start growing in wet carpet?

There is no defined time frame to predict when mold will grow in carpet. For any material to support common indoor mold growth, it must: 

1. be organic,
2. be damp or wet,
3. have a moderate temperature (68-86ºF),
4. be in a stagnant air environment, and
5. have these conditions present for several days.

Most tufted carpet is made of plastic face yarns and backings, and synthetic latex. There is nothing organic to support mold in the carpet itself. Therefore, mold cannot technically grow on carpet. However, average household soil is about 40% organic (12% cellulose, 12% protein, 10% oils, 6% food stuffs); therefore, mold can grow on the soil in carpet given the right conditions listed above.

However, if carpet is kept clean and dry, there is little or no possibility for mold growth. Even with soiling and normal household conditions found in most homes, it takes considerable time for mold to grow on carpet soil, and then only if dampness is present. 

How to Prevent Mold In Your Home

Summertime in Georgia means humidity. Humidity leads to moisture problems and MOLD. How can you prevent moisture problems in your home? Here are some tips from EPA.gov.

• When water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY.  If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low.  If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.  Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, a small, inexpensive ($10-$50) instrument available at many hardware stores.
• If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes ACT QUICKLY to dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source.  Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.

Actions that will help to reduce humidity

• Vent appliances that produce moisture, such as clothes dryers, stoves, and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible.  (Combustion appliances such as stoves and kerosene heaters produce water vapor and will increase the humidity unless vented to the outside.)
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering.  Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.

July Events for the Metro Atlanta Area

July 4th: The Peachtree Road Race from Buckhead to Piedmont Park

July 10th - August 2nd: The Secret Garden at Serenbe

July 11th: Reptile Day at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

July 11th: Atlanta Street Food Festival at Piedmont Park

July 17th - 25th: Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee

July 18th-26th: Downtown Restaurant Week

July 25th: Ice Cream Festival at Piedmont Park

July 25th: Chattahoochee River Summer Splash

July 28th - August 2nd: Atlanta International Fashion Week

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Carpet?

1. Check the Warranty. Copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase may be available from your carpet retailer. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years.

ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum! It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet often. Once or twice a week at least. Vacuuming removes the sharp soil that can cut and slice the fiber causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as loose food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc. as these items can cause a spot on the carpet.

3. Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned. Professional cleaning by a professional, certified firm should be done at least every 12 months according to 3M and major carpet manufacturers. Heavy traffic areas may need it more often. Manufacturer's warranties require professional cleaning at least every 11-18 months to retain texture retention warranties.

Rule of thumb: Clean your carpet before it looks visibly soiled.

4. Remove Spots Immediately! Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner! Many "over the counter" spotters leave too much soap residue that leaves a sticky residue behind that will make your spots return!

5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied. The soil resistor that is built into stain resistant nylon carpet is removed with regular foot traffic and harsh cleaners. To keep your carpet cleaner longer, have your protector reapplied each time you have your carpet professionally cleaned.

Summertime Grilling Safety

It's Summertime and that means grilling time for most families! However, according to one study gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2005, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $137 million.  So before you fire up that grill, take a few minutes to check out these safety tips so your cookout doesn't turn into a fire damage claim or a trip to the emergency room.

1. Make sure the grill is stable and can't be tipped over.
2. Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and fuel line to be sure it is not leaking.
3. Place the grill away from flammable materials, and at least 10 feet away from any structure, shrubs, trees or vehicles.
4. Never use a barbeque grill in an unventilated space.
5. Open all vents before and during cooking.
6. Never leave a grill unattended once it has been lit.
7. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. If this is not possible, have a garden hose handy.
8. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for those grills. Never use gasoline.
9. Be sure to soak the coals with water before you put them in the trash.
10. Avoid exceptionally loose clothing, especially sleeves that can catch fire.
11. Long handled grilling tools make grilling easier & safer.
12. Keep children and pets away from the grill until it is completely cool.

Atlanta Area Events for June 2015

June 11th: Performance On The Promenade Featuring The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Piedmont Park

June 12th: Summer Wined Up Wine Stroll in Newnan

June 13th: Kenny Chesney - The Big Revival Tour Feat. Eric Church

June 13th - 14th: Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games

June 13th - 20th: Atlanta Cycling Festival

June 20th: Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Masquerade

June 20th: Weird Al: The Mandatory World Tour at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

June 20th: Summer Fun Festival at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

June 28th: Def Leppard at Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood

FAQ: What Causes a Sewage Backup?

• Solid Flushes
  The most common cause of sewage backup is a blockage of the lateral service pipe between the home and the city main. This is usually caused by solid objects, accidentally flushed down a household drain.
• Structural Defects
  Different structural defects can develop overtime and eventually cause a major damage to the system, leading to a serious overflow that will require a complete reconstruction of sewer lines.
• Root infiltration
  Tree roots are a major cause of backups. Tree roots can enter the service pipe at joints and travel a long way, causing blockages along the way.

Lightning Awareness Week: June 21st - 27th, 2015

June 21st - 27th is Lightning Awareness Week in Georgia. Check out this informative article from Ready GA on how to prepare for lightning.

Lightning is a common occurrence in Georgia, and it's easy to forget just how dangerous it can be. Each year, lightning strikes the U.S. an estimated 25 million times and causes an average of 60 fatalities and 300 injuries each year. In Georgia alone, 11 people have died due to lightning strikes since 2006.

"Thunderstorms are such a regular part of life in Georgia, especially in the warmer months, that it's easy to let your guard down and forget the danger of lightning," said GEMA/HS Director Jim Butterworth. "Following the 30/30 rule is a good way to make sure you are taking the proper precautions and avoiding unnecessary risk."

Lightning has the potential to travel more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, and it can strike the same location twice. When you are outdoors, be aware of current local weather forecasts. Always stay alert for signs of approaching thunderstorms. In addition to the 30/30 rule, here are more lightning safety tips:

Before Lightning Strikes

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.
• Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for the latest weather forecasts, or download the Ready Georgia mobile app.

When a Storm Approaches

• Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed and avoid convertibles.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. (Leaving electric lights on, however, does not increase the chances of your home being struck by lightning.)
• Avoid taking a bath or shower, or running water for any purpose.
• Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.

If Caught Outside

• If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
• If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.

Protect Yourself Outside

• Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
• Be a very small target! Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.
• Do not lie flat on the ground. This will make you a larger target.

May Events in the Atlanta Area

May 2nd - 31st: The Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn

May 7th: Taste of the Nation at the Georgia Aquarium

May 8th & 9th: Pick'n in Grant Park

May 8th - 10th: Shaky Knees Music Festival at Central Park

May 13th - 17th: Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy at Gwinnett Center in Duluth

May 16th: East Atlanta Beer Festival in Brownwood Park

May 22nd -24th: Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park

May 28th - 31st: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival at Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown