Quite often I am asked where "Cable-Tite" is made. The answer: Gallatin, Tennessee. You may wonder why a foundry in Gallatin TN manufactures a hurricane tie-down system that's used in high wind regions outside of Gallatin TN.
We are first of all, a foundry, started in the 1950's making steel parts for a number of industries, including military, automotive, aircraft, and nuclear plants. A new home builder came to us to solve the problem of hurricane tie-down systems that were either difficult to install or lacked hold-down capabilities.
As a result, our engineers patented this cable tie-down system for uplift protection to meet a demand for better protection than current systems that use stamped aluminum hurricane clips or threaded rods. At Cable-Tite we love to say that we exceed codes, that we are better than we have to be, and "that it's not tight, until it's Cable Tite"
The three steel parts, the anchor nut, the anchor cap, and the top plate are made from poured steel in our foundry, the same basic steel materials used for tanks and machine guns. Steel, poured at 2800 degrees, not stamped out aluminum clips. The cable vises are made for us in Chicago.
So, when we say "Made in America" it is!!! Buy America!!!!
Showing posts with label hurricane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hurricane. Show all posts
Monday, October 10, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Retro-fit???
I receive many phone calls about using Cable-Tite to"retro-fit" for wind storm protection. It seems that homeowners are keenly aware that their homes were not adequately constructed 10, 15, 20, 30 yrs ago. They currently have no high wind uplift protection from hurricanes or other straight-line winds. So, they call me....
First of all, I am thrilled that they have watched the Cable-Tite video, read the Cable-Tite information, and want the best, most robust tie-down system available. The question is about the possibility of retro-fitting their current home. Cable-Tite is designed for new home construction. However, if the home owner is willing to make the effort, then, yes, Cable-Tite can be used for retro-fit.
But, it's a lot of work. You need to have access to the foundation with the anchor bolts and to the top plate, and the area between the studs needs to be open. Cable-Tite is only installed in the outside walls, so there's no need to open the interior walls. Retro-fitting with Cable-Tite is easiest during a remodeling project. Usually the walls are open which gives you easy access to the foundation and top plate and allows you to tighten the cable tightly and properly.
Sometimes the home owners are frustrated with the amount of effort and cost there is to retro-fit for high wind protection. Of the 8 high wind protection systems on the market, all require you to open the walls for proper installation. When you think about what you are trying to do...that is, secure the top plate to the foundation, you realize that you have to have access to both them.
I applaud those home owners who see the need and spend the time and effort to install a secure high-wind protection system, and who realize Cable-Tite is the best and the easiest to install. Remember that your home is only as secure as the system you install.
For any reading this that are contemplating new home construction.....please.....insist on installing Cable-Tite soon after the roof is installed, and while the walls are still open.
If you are considering a retro-fit, call me for advice and tips.
First of all, I am thrilled that they have watched the Cable-Tite video, read the Cable-Tite information, and want the best, most robust tie-down system available. The question is about the possibility of retro-fitting their current home. Cable-Tite is designed for new home construction. However, if the home owner is willing to make the effort, then, yes, Cable-Tite can be used for retro-fit.
But, it's a lot of work. You need to have access to the foundation with the anchor bolts and to the top plate, and the area between the studs needs to be open. Cable-Tite is only installed in the outside walls, so there's no need to open the interior walls. Retro-fitting with Cable-Tite is easiest during a remodeling project. Usually the walls are open which gives you easy access to the foundation and top plate and allows you to tighten the cable tightly and properly.
Sometimes the home owners are frustrated with the amount of effort and cost there is to retro-fit for high wind protection. Of the 8 high wind protection systems on the market, all require you to open the walls for proper installation. When you think about what you are trying to do...that is, secure the top plate to the foundation, you realize that you have to have access to both them.
I applaud those home owners who see the need and spend the time and effort to install a secure high-wind protection system, and who realize Cable-Tite is the best and the easiest to install. Remember that your home is only as secure as the system you install.
For any reading this that are contemplating new home construction.....please.....insist on installing Cable-Tite soon after the roof is installed, and while the walls are still open.
If you are considering a retro-fit, call me for advice and tips.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Housing starts up in January 2011
"Housing starts up 14% in January to 596,000 units. The U.S. home building industry beat market forecasts in January, as starts rose 14.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 596,000 units — the highest level since September 2010, according to the U.S. Commerce Department."
More good news for the new home construction industry....housing starts up again. We continue to see a recovery, which everyone loves to hear. We are not back to 2007 housing start rates, but at least better than 2009 and 2010.
At Cable-tite, we are proud to be part of the hurricane and high-wind uplift protection used in new homes in the wind zone regions. Thanks for using our cable tie-down system in your engineered designs. Remember...."it's not tight, until it's Cable-tite"
Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Home Owners: Please call us for advise or help with your wind protection questions.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Multi-generational Housing
In early 2007, housing took a downturn, and still today isn't near the 2006 levels for new home construction. However, the demand for housing did not decrease. That is, new households continue to be established at the same rate. The problem felt nationwide was that the new household didn't have the funds to purchase either an existing home, or a new home. The trend for two households to share the same dwelling is increasing.
But, this is nothing new. In 1900, 57% of homes had two or more households of multi-generational families living together. Quite often there were persons over 65 living with their extended family. With the post-war boom through the end of the century, the percentage decreased to approximately 16%. However, since 2000, there has been a 30% growth in multi-generational family dwellings.
What does all this mean? It means that architects and new home builders are reconsidering the master plan to include space for either returning children called "boomerang" kids or older parents. This often includes two master bedrooms, one level housing, finished space in either the attic or the basement, or even a "suite". Some small families are including a separate living space for rental income. Builders are referring to the added or finished space as "Residence Two".
At Cable-Tite we realize that whatever the housing trends are, there is still a need for high-wind uplift protection. Maybe even more so with more lives to protect. Don't overlook the need for a continuous tie-down from the anchor bolts to the top plate. The Cable-Tite system is the only hurricane tie-down system to offer "continuous" tie-downs, and it exceeds new home construction code requirements.
But, this is nothing new. In 1900, 57% of homes had two or more households of multi-generational families living together. Quite often there were persons over 65 living with their extended family. With the post-war boom through the end of the century, the percentage decreased to approximately 16%. However, since 2000, there has been a 30% growth in multi-generational family dwellings.
What does all this mean? It means that architects and new home builders are reconsidering the master plan to include space for either returning children called "boomerang" kids or older parents. This often includes two master bedrooms, one level housing, finished space in either the attic or the basement, or even a "suite". Some small families are including a separate living space for rental income. Builders are referring to the added or finished space as "Residence Two".
At Cable-Tite we realize that whatever the housing trends are, there is still a need for high-wind uplift protection. Maybe even more so with more lives to protect. Don't overlook the need for a continuous tie-down from the anchor bolts to the top plate. The Cable-Tite system is the only hurricane tie-down system to offer "continuous" tie-downs, and it exceeds new home construction code requirements.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Housing starts are UP
Let's not overlook any positive news in housing starts. A report just out shows that new home construction starts are on the increase.
"Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 555,000 — 3.9 percent above the revised October estimate, according to the Commerce Dept.
Single-family housing starts in November were at an annual rate of 465,000, up 6.9 percent from the revised October figure of 435,000. The November rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 72,000. "
The details of the report show that increases were substantial in the high wind regions. Jacksonville, NC had the best increase of all US cities. More housing means more demand for high wind uplift protection from hurricane winds. And, more demand for Cable-Tite brand cable tie down systems. For those of you following this Blog, make sure you are engineering Cable-Tite into your new home construction.
"Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 555,000 — 3.9 percent above the revised October estimate, according to the Commerce Dept.
Single-family housing starts in November were at an annual rate of 465,000, up 6.9 percent from the revised October figure of 435,000. The November rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 72,000. "
The details of the report show that increases were substantial in the high wind regions. Jacksonville, NC had the best increase of all US cities. More housing means more demand for high wind uplift protection from hurricane winds. And, more demand for Cable-Tite brand cable tie down systems. For those of you following this Blog, make sure you are engineering Cable-Tite into your new home construction.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Brian Harris Homes - block foundations
From time to time we have questions about using Cable-tite as hurricane and high wind tie-down protection with block foundations. There is a little more work to anchor the top plate to the foundation anchor bolts, but it can be done.
I recently worked with Matt Harris at Brian Harris Homes, a new home builder in middle Tennessee. One thing I liked that Harris did was core fill the block to the footer. This offers much better hold down value than blocks with only the top block filled.
After the house was framed and roofed, I went to the crawl space and installed the anchor nut and cap. I drilled a 3/8 hole for the cable, then attached it to the top plate as standard installation. I crawled back under the house and locked the Cable-tite firmly in place.
NOTE: See the small blue electrical wire sticking through the floor above the drill in the photo above? I drilled a small 1/8" hole in the subfloor and used the blue wire to mark my place. Upstairs, I drilled the 3/8" hole for the cable. This is much easier when working in a small crawl space.
In this photo of the finished installation, note that the anchor nut, cap and cable vise are not seen. They are in the crawl space below.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Texas ranch house update
A In January, I had the privilege of working with an Austin TX builder and a home owner. We installed Cable-Tite in a ranch house. It was a magnificent home site, and a well-designed house.
Here are some photos of the house in May, and it's coming along quite nicely.
The first photo shows columns on the back of the house with lights installed in them. There are two Cable-Tite hurricane tie-down systems in each column. I installed them after the columns were framed. The beauty of Cable-Tite is that everything is hidden inside the walls. No one sees the uplift protection Cable-Tite offers, but the home owner feels safe knowing they are there.
The second photo shows small columns on the front porch. There is a 4x4 post holding the roof, and Cable-Tite in installed beside it to an anchor bolt. The post hold the roof up, and the cable holds the roof down. The tension of approximately 600 lbs. holds the cable, so the system is in constant compression, on a sunny day like this day, or in high-winds and stormy weather.
In addition to Cable-Tite throughout the perimeter walls for the house, there are metal hurricane clips securing every rafter to the top plate.
Thanks to the home owner, the builder, the engineer, and the architect for using Cable-Tite to exceed the construction codes for hurricane tie-down systems.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
A better foundation!
Building a better foundation is the philosophy of Matt Harris with Harris Homes, new home builders. Cable-tite is working with him to install our hurricane and high wind tie-down systems in a new home for Tonya and Chaz Jetton.
My big complaint has been that most of the time the anchor bolt is only secured in the top block of the foundation. This makes the weakest part of the tie-downs the mortar joint between the top block and the one below it. As you can see in the right photo above, the mason is filling the entire cell with mortar, all the way to the footer. He also uses an 18" anchor bolt which secures it to the second block. This creates a much better foundation with which to attach the Cable-tite anchor nut. For Cable-tite to work correctly, the elements surrounding installation need to be strong. Harris believes the same, and proves it by filling the block. Thanks! Cable-tite will attach to the anchor bolt then connect to the top plate for the ultimate in uplift protection.
In the left photo you will notice that some of the anchor bolts are not perfectly straight. That is not a problem for Cable-tite because of the flexibility of the cable. It would not work with threaded rods.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Floods in Tennessee - May 1-2
For those reading this blog living in Tennessee, you know all about "The Flood" of 2010. Very difficult to absorb and comprehend. Our hearts go out to those who had losses, and wish them Godspeed in their recovery.
On Saturday afternoon the non-stop broadcast showed a spot on the weather map and told those residents living near there to expect "shear winds" as strong as 100 MPH. The weatherman followed that warning for an hour or so as these high winds traveled across middle Tennessee.
So many new home builders, architects, and engineers say that Cable-Tite is not needed in the "non" wind zones, and so often I say "what if". This weekend that "what if" came true. Winds at 100 MPH are the same as a Category 2 hurricane. Codes in non wind regions do not require tie-downs. Even though this is somewhat rare, what if it were your house in the path shown on that weather map? Wouldn't you be thankful your builder installed Cable-Tite.
Middle Tennessee locals will recall the video of the school portable floating down Interstate 24 near Bell Road. WOW!!!! If they had used Cable-Tite to anchor it to it's foundation, it would not have floated away.
If you are reading this and building outside the high-wind regions of the US, please.....consider Cable-Tite for your safety.
On Saturday afternoon the non-stop broadcast showed a spot on the weather map and told those residents living near there to expect "shear winds" as strong as 100 MPH. The weatherman followed that warning for an hour or so as these high winds traveled across middle Tennessee.
So many new home builders, architects, and engineers say that Cable-Tite is not needed in the "non" wind zones, and so often I say "what if". This weekend that "what if" came true. Winds at 100 MPH are the same as a Category 2 hurricane. Codes in non wind regions do not require tie-downs. Even though this is somewhat rare, what if it were your house in the path shown on that weather map? Wouldn't you be thankful your builder installed Cable-Tite.
Middle Tennessee locals will recall the video of the school portable floating down Interstate 24 near Bell Road. WOW!!!! If they had used Cable-Tite to anchor it to it's foundation, it would not have floated away.
If you are reading this and building outside the high-wind regions of the US, please.....consider Cable-Tite for your safety.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Got the Blues????
Today's blog is a little different, but informative. As you know, Gallatin, TN is the home of Cable-Tite. But did you know Clarksdale, Mississippi is the home of the Blues. Check it out! http://www.shackupinn.com/And if you love the blues, you will love Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale. Each room is a refurbished cabin, rugged on the outside as in by gone days, but clean, comfortable, and cozy inside. It's a great weekend getaway to listen to some authentic blues music played all over town. And spend the night in a cabin.
Now, we can add "safe" to the description. Recently they added Cable-Tite to the newly constructed cabins. You will notice in the photo that the cabins are sitting on piers. The owners were concerned about uplift protection from high winds and hurricanes. They contacted us and we worked out a plan for Cable-Tite usage to tie-down the cabins. Anchor bolts were installed into concrete beside the piers, and cable extended to the top plate. The flexibility of Cable-Tite makes it the only hurricane tie-down system that would meet construction codes for uplift protection.
Visit Clarksdale and the Shack Up Inn. Stick your head under the cabins and see the Cable-Tite system. Hopefully, you won't need it, but just in case, you know it's there. At the Shack Up Inn or at your house.......Cable-Tite offers peace of mind. (sorry, we don't offer "Blues")
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
IAPMO Evaluation Report - News Release
IAPMO ISSUES FAVORABLE CABLE-TITE REPORT
Gallatin, TN – On March 1, 2010 the IAPMO Certification Board issued an Evaluation Report which certifies that Cable-Tite meets the International Building Code for residential wood-frame construction in high-wind regions. IAPMO reviewed the certified Smith-Emery Laboratories test results with their engineering staff and determined that Cable-Tite’s claim as a hurricane hold-down system was true. The report, number 0170, is available to read online at www.cabletite.com.
New home builders continue to search for the most robust system for protection from uplift caused by high winds. There is a good, better, and best approach for what they choose. The metal hurricane clips are a good system that allows for minimum protection. The threaded rods offer better protection but are difficult to install. The best system is the “Cable-Tite” system that uses cables to create a continuous path from the roof to the foundation.
“Other current methods are time consuming and expensive. Cable-Tite is an easy system to install, in about half the time, and offers better protection”, says Dale Richardson, Business Development Director at Cable-Tite. “The high-strength steel cable is attached to the top plate and held securely in place with our patented cam locking cap and nut screwed to the concrete embedded anchor bolt.”
With the recent certification, engineers, builders, codes inspectors, and ultimately, home owners can request and use Cable-Tite Tie-Down Systems with confidence.
Gallatin, TN – On March 1, 2010 the IAPMO Certification Board issued an Evaluation Report which certifies that Cable-Tite meets the International Building Code for residential wood-frame construction in high-wind regions. IAPMO reviewed the certified Smith-Emery Laboratories test results with their engineering staff and determined that Cable-Tite’s claim as a hurricane hold-down system was true. The report, number 0170, is available to read online at www.cabletite.com.
New home builders continue to search for the most robust system for protection from uplift caused by high winds. There is a good, better, and best approach for what they choose. The metal hurricane clips are a good system that allows for minimum protection. The threaded rods offer better protection but are difficult to install. The best system is the “Cable-Tite” system that uses cables to create a continuous path from the roof to the foundation.
“Other current methods are time consuming and expensive. Cable-Tite is an easy system to install, in about half the time, and offers better protection”, says Dale Richardson, Business Development Director at Cable-Tite. “The high-strength steel cable is attached to the top plate and held securely in place with our patented cam locking cap and nut screwed to the concrete embedded anchor bolt.”
With the recent certification, engineers, builders, codes inspectors, and ultimately, home owners can request and use Cable-Tite Tie-Down Systems with confidence.
Monday, March 1, 2010
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Today our "official" Evaluation Report came, Report #0170, and is posted on our website. It is amazing that it has taken our own in-house testing during 2008, Smith-Emery Laboratory testing in April 2009, and further review and scrutiny until today.....March 1, 2010 to receive an "official" response from IAPMO, an Evaluation Service. Nevertheless, the claim that we made in the beginning has now verified. Cable-tite has been dissected many ways to get the same conclusion.....Cable-Tite is the best, most robust system for anchor tie downs of your new home to offer high wind protection typical of a hurricane over 150 MPH. It meets and exceeds all construction codes for hurricane tie-down systems in the high wind regions for uplift protection.
Designed, tested, proven, and today.....stamped OFFICIAL!
Designed, tested, proven, and today.....stamped OFFICIAL!
Monday, February 15, 2010
More Cable-tite 101 Tips
This is a Cable-tite tip for installing Cable-tite on a porch or deck or in any area that doesn't have a traditional top plate.In this house being built by Ronald Deutch shown at the left, there were 2 - 2x12's used to support the roof rafters. They are sitting on top of a site-built column. We drilled a 1/2" hole in the crack between the two 2x12's for the cable to install between the anchor bolts and the top plate. The problem in this case was the inability to drill a one inch hole for the cable vise to sit. The roof was already constructed and there wasn't room for a drill.
We found two scraps of 2x4 and nailed them together. Then, drilled a one inch hole in them. They fit perfectly on top of the 2x12's and allowed the vise and steel top plate to sit properly. Once the cable was locked it was installed correctly.
This is yet another reason Cable-tite is the preferred cable tie-down system for builders who need uplift protection from straight-line and hurricane winds in high wind zone areas. The system is flexible on site, and didn't add more than 5 minutes to the installation.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Dale is on Cajun Contractor's Show ....again!
Thanks to Michael King for the excellent show and interview on Home Talk USA, Saturday Dec 12th. The show archive link is above. I was on the last half of the show, the second hour, if you'd like to listen. He and I talked about the need for hurricane and high wind uplift protection using Cable-tite to meet construction codes. He asked me about the anchor bolts and about using the tie-down system instead of cumbersome hurricane clips. This was my third appearance on the show.....thanks Michael for your belief in Cable-tite.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Cajun Contractor
On December 12, 2009, Mike King, "The Cajun Contractor" will interview me on his show from 10:30-11:00 AM. This show is heard nationwide on over 350 stations and the shows are archived on the Internet at http://www.hometalkusa.com/ Michael King loves to introduce new and useful construction ideas to the marketplace. He researches the products for their claims and only invites people on his shows whose product he believes will perform.
I met Mike several months ago when he was reviewing hurricane tie down systems and high wind storm protection. He and I talked about the benefits of Cable-tite at the New Orleans Home Show. He was impressed with the continuous tie down of the cable from the top plate to the anchor bolts.
Saturday, Dec 12, he and I will discuss the need to use a pretension cable system rather than cumbersome threaded rods and labor intensive metal hurricane clips. Cable-tite is excellent as uplift protection in other high wind zones outside the hurricane regions. It exceeds the construction codes in all areas of the country.
Listen in!
I met Mike several months ago when he was reviewing hurricane tie down systems and high wind storm protection. He and I talked about the benefits of Cable-tite at the New Orleans Home Show. He was impressed with the continuous tie down of the cable from the top plate to the anchor bolts.
Saturday, Dec 12, he and I will discuss the need to use a pretension cable system rather than cumbersome threaded rods and labor intensive metal hurricane clips. Cable-tite is excellent as uplift protection in other high wind zones outside the hurricane regions. It exceeds the construction codes in all areas of the country.
Listen in!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Product EXPO - October 22
Houston - The Product EXPO at the Sam Houston Racetrack on October 22 was an excellent success. Thanks so much to all the GHBA builders who came by and talked to me about hurricane tie downs and the Cabletite system for uplift protection. Mr. Jay Conner with MLAW Engineering in Austin helped me man the booth and was also thankful for those who came by the discuss windstorm engineering.
We had some displays available for demonstration of the cable attachment to the anchor bolts and the top plate and the vise that holds the cable. There were several who asked how the cable meets construction codes for high-wind areas. With it's 3200 lb hold-down strength, it far exceeds codes requirements, and is much more robust than hurricane clips. We look forward to working with several new home builders in the Houston area in the weeks and months ahead.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Fred Yate's home
A few days ago I re-visited Fred Yates home on Lake Park Drive. You might remember that we installed over 60 Cable-Tite in his new home in April. For whatever reason, he was just now closing the walls, which worked to our advantage. The Cable-Tite product had been installed approx 4 1/2 months. And every cable was still "cable-tight".
There's a lot of talk in the industry about accumulated compression. Cable-Tite does not have an issue with this problem. First of all, the cables were installed in his house about a month after framing, which we suggest for best results. But even so, accumulated compression will continue for 3-6 months after framing. There was no noticeable change in the pretensioned cables.
It confirmed our claim that there is no need for adjustment after installation. As you know, metal hurricane clips bend, bow, or loosen during accumulated compression. This issue is exaggerated by installing the clips the next day after framing, when there is no accumulated compression. Typical compression is between 1/4 and 3/8 per story. In a two-story house the metal clips at the sil plate could be bent as much as 1/2 inch. If so, the clips have lost much of their hold-down value. Threaded rods can be a better alternative, but they require an adjustment in the attic 4-6 months later, and maybe again a year later.
After my visit to Fred Yate's house I'm even more "sold" that Cable-Tite is the best high-wind and hurricane tie-down system available for uplift protection. And did I mention.....easy to install.
There's a lot of talk in the industry about accumulated compression. Cable-Tite does not have an issue with this problem. First of all, the cables were installed in his house about a month after framing, which we suggest for best results. But even so, accumulated compression will continue for 3-6 months after framing. There was no noticeable change in the pretensioned cables.
It confirmed our claim that there is no need for adjustment after installation. As you know, metal hurricane clips bend, bow, or loosen during accumulated compression. This issue is exaggerated by installing the clips the next day after framing, when there is no accumulated compression. Typical compression is between 1/4 and 3/8 per story. In a two-story house the metal clips at the sil plate could be bent as much as 1/2 inch. If so, the clips have lost much of their hold-down value. Threaded rods can be a better alternative, but they require an adjustment in the attic 4-6 months later, and maybe again a year later.
After my visit to Fred Yate's house I'm even more "sold" that Cable-Tite is the best high-wind and hurricane tie-down system available for uplift protection. And did I mention.....easy to install.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Be prepared
No one wants to face a hurricane, but we are in the midst of hurricane season, and we ought to "be prepared". Here are some tips I thought were helpful. Remember the best preparation is building a solid, sound home when it's sunny so it will withstand the hurricane. This includes Cable-Tite, the BEST in hurricane tie-down systems for high-wind uplift protection!!!
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds residents in hurricane-prone areas to monitor weather reports and to take time to prepare as storm activity increases in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Now is the moment to take stock in determining what the needs are for your family and loved ones should conditions of these storms increase in intensity. Families should always have a disaster plan that includes kits with necessary supplies to last for at least three days. Weather systems such as the ones we are currently tracking can change their status quickly. It is just as important to stay informed about local weather conditions and pay attention to emergency information from state, local and tribal officials.
FEMA recommends taking these steps to prepare for hurricanes:
1. Develop a family disaster plan and know how to stay safe in a hurricane. Discuss what your family should do when a hurricane comes ashore and where you might go in an evacuation - to a shelter, hotel or to stay with family or friends. Don't forget about pets. Many shelters will not permit them, so plan in advance what to do with them.
2. Know and review your evacuation routes and never drive through high water.
3. Develop a family communication plan. Identify a friend or relative in another state or city to serve as a point of contact in case family members are separated.
4. Put together a disaster kit and store it in a portable container in case of evacuation. The kit should include:
At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water for each family member;
Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries;
First aid kit with family members' medications;
A manual can opener;
Emergency contact list and phone numbers;
Hygiene and personal care items;
Pet supplies;
Copies of important papers and
Emergency cash or credit card in the case of an evacuation with little notice.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds residents in hurricane-prone areas to monitor weather reports and to take time to prepare as storm activity increases in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Now is the moment to take stock in determining what the needs are for your family and loved ones should conditions of these storms increase in intensity. Families should always have a disaster plan that includes kits with necessary supplies to last for at least three days. Weather systems such as the ones we are currently tracking can change their status quickly. It is just as important to stay informed about local weather conditions and pay attention to emergency information from state, local and tribal officials.
FEMA recommends taking these steps to prepare for hurricanes:
1. Develop a family disaster plan and know how to stay safe in a hurricane. Discuss what your family should do when a hurricane comes ashore and where you might go in an evacuation - to a shelter, hotel or to stay with family or friends. Don't forget about pets. Many shelters will not permit them, so plan in advance what to do with them.
2. Know and review your evacuation routes and never drive through high water.
3. Develop a family communication plan. Identify a friend or relative in another state or city to serve as a point of contact in case family members are separated.
4. Put together a disaster kit and store it in a portable container in case of evacuation. The kit should include:
At least a three-day supply of food and bottled water for each family member;
Battery-powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries;
First aid kit with family members' medications;
A manual can opener;
Emergency contact list and phone numbers;
Hygiene and personal care items;
Pet supplies;
Copies of important papers and
Emergency cash or credit card in the case of an evacuation with little notice.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Clipped to death!
Notice anything here????? Clips, straps, clips, straps, more clips, more straps. It's clipped to death. This house has so much metal it'll be destroyed in a magnet storm.
Notice the straps are bowed or buckled. Do you know why??? They were attached just after framing and prior to any accumulated compression, and either the nails become loose or the metal buckles when the weight of the house compresses and wood shrinks. You can imagine how "wonderful" the sheetrock looks!
There's a better way to have hurricane uplift protection. Cable-Tite. It's twice as robust, hidden in the walls, easy to install, sheetrock hangers love it, and holds up well in a heavy magnet storm.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
What is an upgrade worth?
What's an upgrade worth???
I see builders advertising features about their homes, and I ask why they have added features that cost them money? For example, they offer a super-duper dishwasher, when they could buy the cheaper contractor dishwasher. Why?
Obviously, there is value to an "upgrade". There is a real value and a perceived value. The extra $50 spent on the dishwasher will add $200 to the asking price of the house. But who knows the perceived value. The home buyer sees this upgrade along with others and perceives that the builder is concerned about building a better house. When there's a decision between homes, the one with the better perception wins! And the builder knows that.
What's the difference in upgrading the hurricane and high-wind uplift protection with cable tie-downs. Is the thought that this is unseen so it's un-important. This is an added feature that the builder can use as an asset to the home. He could have installed a "good" system, but he installed the best system, Cable-tite. Chances are there are other "hidden" features to the construction that can also be mentioned.
Don't be afraid of costs. Features cost money. But they also reap rewards. Features add a ROI much greater than the cost, both in real dollars and in perceived value. Realtors tell me all the time that a home that is built better is easier to sell. Builders.....don't be afraid to build better than you need to.
I see builders advertising features about their homes, and I ask why they have added features that cost them money? For example, they offer a super-duper dishwasher, when they could buy the cheaper contractor dishwasher. Why?
Obviously, there is value to an "upgrade". There is a real value and a perceived value. The extra $50 spent on the dishwasher will add $200 to the asking price of the house. But who knows the perceived value. The home buyer sees this upgrade along with others and perceives that the builder is concerned about building a better house. When there's a decision between homes, the one with the better perception wins! And the builder knows that.
What's the difference in upgrading the hurricane and high-wind uplift protection with cable tie-downs. Is the thought that this is unseen so it's un-important. This is an added feature that the builder can use as an asset to the home. He could have installed a "good" system, but he installed the best system, Cable-tite. Chances are there are other "hidden" features to the construction that can also be mentioned.
Don't be afraid of costs. Features cost money. But they also reap rewards. Features add a ROI much greater than the cost, both in real dollars and in perceived value. Realtors tell me all the time that a home that is built better is easier to sell. Builders.....don't be afraid to build better than you need to.
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