A hard rain can tell you a lot about your house. So, is your Georgia home ready for heavy rain?

Gutters overflow. Water collects around the foundation. A roof leak suddenly shows up. A crawlspace gets wet. Water finds its way through a window or door… before now it’s never been an issue.

Most of the time, the rain is not the entire problem, but it exposes something that was already there.

When it rains, the water needs somewhere to go.

If your gutters are clogged, they can send water over the edge of the roof instead of through the downspouts. Downspouts that empty right beside the house can dump gallons of water against the foundation. Low areas in the yard can hold water instead of carrying it away.

Inspect your property thoroughly during or right after a good rain. Is water flowing away from the house or is it collecting beside it and pooling up?

Other things to check include your roof. Roofs do not always have to be visibly damaged to leak. Loose flashing, worn seals, damaged shingles and small openings around roof penetrations can let water in during periods of heavy rain in Georgia.

The first sign may not be water dripping from the ceiling. It may be a stain in the attic, damp insulation, bubbling paint or a musty smell that shows up a few days later.

Heavy rain can also create problems around crawlspaces, basement walls, windows, doors and exterior drains.

If you see standing water where you normally do not, damp building materials, staining or moisture coming through a wall, don’t assume it will just dry on its own. Moisture left behind can also create conditions for mold growth.

You can’t control the weather, but you can pay attention to how your property handles it. These small warning signs are much easier to deal with before they turn into a full water loss.

If heavy rain leaves water inside your home or business, First In Restoration can help locate the affected areas, remove the water and properly dry the structure.

When disaster strikes, call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284.

Fall preparedness usually means cleaning gutters, checking smoke detectors, knowing where your water shutoff is and getting your home ready for cooler weather.

But we think being prepared for fall should include the good stuff too.

Cooler evenings, football games, movie nights and weekends at home call for a good snack, and homemade kettle corn is about as easy as it gets.

This recipe only takes a few ingredients and a few minutes to make. It’s sweet, salty and way better warm right off the stove.

Easy Homemade Kettle Corn

What You’ll Need

• 6-quart stock pot with a lid
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Kosher salt, to taste

How to Make It

Add the coconut oil to a 6-quart stock pot over medium-high heat.

Drop three popcorn kernels into the oil and leave the lid off. When those kernels pop, you know the oil is hot enough.

Remove the three popped kernels, then immediately add the remaining popcorn kernels and the sugar. Stir everything together really well so the kernels are fully coated in the oil and sugar (work quickly because it won’t take long for them to start popping!).

Put the lid on, but keep it slightly cocked open so the steam can escape. This helps the kettle corn stay light and airy instead of getting hard and chewy.

As the popcorn starts popping, carefully lift the pot off the burner and shake it back and forth for a few seconds. Set it back on the burner for about 5–10 seconds, then lift it again and shake. Continue alternating between the heat and shaking the pot until the popping slows to a couple of seconds between pops.

Remove the pot from the heat and immediately pour the kettle corn onto a large baking sheet or into a big bowl.

Sprinkle with kosher salt while it’s still warm.

Enjoy!

September is National Preparedness Month, and is a good reminder that the best time to prepare for property damage is before it even happens.

Storms, burst pipes, fires and other emergencies do not give much warning. Having a plan in place can help you act quickly and potentially limit the damage to your home or business.

Start with the basics. Know where your main water shutoff is (check out our YouTube video on this) and make sure your family or roommates also know (just in case you’re not home). A broken pipe or supply line can release a lot of water VERY quickly, and shutting off the source can make a big difference because water is extremely destructive.

It is also a good time to walk around your property and look for problems before they turn into emergencies. Check for leaks under sinks, around and behind appliances and near your water heater. Clean out gutters, make sure water drains away from the building and pay attention to water stains, bubbling paint or musty odors.

You should also take photos or video of your home, business and major belongings before a loss occurs. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, having a record of what was there before the damage can be helpful.

“Preparedness does not have to be complicated,” said David King, owner of First In Restoration. “Knowing where your shutoff is, keeping an eye out for problems and having a plan can save you a lot of trouble when something goes wrong.”

Of course, not every emergency can be prevented. When water, fire, mold, storm or other property damage does happen, acting quickly is important.

First In Restoration provides emergency restoration services for homeowners, businesses and property managers throughout Northeast Georgia and the Atlanta area.

When disaster strikes, call First In Restoration at 678-483-7284.