Sure everyone wants their holiday times to be perfect.  It just has to be! It’s when relatives come out of the woodwork and see how you live.  Must have the whole family at their best behavior and of course — your house must be spotless!

Unfortunately, there is something called Murphy’s Law stating –  “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong!”.

Here’s a list of a few holiday hazzards that can end up to be quite devastating!

1.     Christmas tree fire – Pray this one never happens it can be fatal.
2.     Spiked Egg Nog – Another possible fatality can occur when drinking and driving.
3.     Pets become ill – They get sick just like adults.  When it happens on a holiday, it can really stress you out — especially if you need to go to a Vet on Christmas Day!
4.     Burglary happens – Use precautions such as possibly doing things to appear you are home and not out shopping.
5.     Internet scams – You need to be on the lookout for this everyday of the year.
6.     Travel disasters – These can happen in an instant.  Sometimes of course, it can be a natural disaster such as a storm, hurricane or flood.
7.     Medical emergency – Sometimes we feel we can’t get sick since it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Unfortunately, we can’t predict this — but can be as prepared as possible should it occur.
8.     Fireplace fire – Soot and dirt can definitely put a damper on your stressful enough day.  It can also bring a possible danger to your home.
9.     Extension cord fires – Be responsible and watch out for frayed wires regularly.
10.   Forgot to thaw the turkey! – I know this one seems almost impossible to do, but it does happen more than you think.  Keep your To Do List handy!
11.   Burnt turkey – There is such a thing as a timer.  Use it.
12.   Unexpected company arrives and there’s not enough places to sit and eat at the dinner table.
13.   Accidents  in the kitchen – A good rule is to keep small children out of the kitchen while preparing the holiday meal when possible.  Sure adults can have accidents too, but it may be more likely for a child to have one.
14.   Host gets sick – Hopefully you have another family member who can pitch in.
15.   Plumbing backs up – This is definitely one of the worst things in my opinion along with #16.  Keep that plunger handy near the toilet.
16.   Basement leak – If you happen to be entertaining in your basement gameroom, well this could spoil your day (depending on how much water is getting through)!
17.   TV doesn’t work – If it’s Thanksgiving and there is no football viewing, well it may just cause a riot!  If you have one of those televisions that requires a new bulb , I’d definitely purchase an extra one, just in case.
18.   Computer doesn’t work – Kids may have a difficult time with this one.  Imagine having their friends and cousins over all at the same time – WITHOUT A COMPUTER!!

Well, as  you can see, the list could go on and on.  One of the worst ones to happen in my opinion, is #16.  When there’s water leaking around the area where you are entertaining, it can not only be dangerous — but  embarrassing as well!

Do your best to be prepared should you experience the consequences of “Murphy’s Law” whereby as I mentioned, “what can go wrong — will go wrong!”

The unexpected does happen and if you happen to experience #16 — we here at Keystone Basement System can help.
Remember to google pittsburgh basement system, pittsburgh waterproofing, pittsburgh basement leak or type in West Virginia or Ohio to find us online.

If you ever experienced any type of water damage in your home, you know how devastating it can be.  I compiled a list below of what you should do and what you should not do, in case you ever have this problem.

Should you happen to have a water damage emergency, it’s important to act quickly to help minimize any damage to your home.

13 Things To Do:

1. Shut off your water throughout your home
2. Try to get rid of any extra water by blotting it or mopping it up
3. Make sure you wipe any water that may be lingering on any lamps which can be a fire hazard. Also wipe off furniture made out of wood.
4. Set out any cushions you may have to dry
5. Wrap aluminum foil around furniture legs to protect them from your wet carpet.
6. If it’s summer and you happen to have an air conditioner, use it. It will help dry everything somewhat faster.
7. Open all closet and cupboard drawers and doors throughout your home.
8. Store all your valuables in a safe place
9. Keep everyone who lives in your home, including any pets, away from the water damage

Insurance Claims

10. Start taking pictures or better a video of your damage
11. List each of your personal items that were damaged
12. Document an exact itemized list of all your repairs along with a receipt for each.

13. Hire a Professional to help you with all of the above and more

3 Things Not To Do:

1. Vacuum to remove all water
2. Use a hair dryer or any other type of electrical appliance to help dry while walking through your water damage
3. Set paper items such as magazines or books on your wet carpet or wet floor.

If you find yourself googling pittsburgh basement leak, water damage repair pittsburgh,  flood damage repair pittsburgh or West Virginia or Ohio, you’ll find Keystone Basement Systems.  We are the only waterproofing company in Western Pennsylvania that is owned by a (real) experienced basement waterproofing professional.  You don’t want just any company, but one who you can trust with knowledge and experience.