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They don’t make them like they used to.
Moving into brand-new construction is always a bit of a gamble, but I never expected to deal with two floods in the first year of living in my Brooklyn condo. That is, until this week’s Polar Vortex swept through, exposing some serious structural flaws. Lesson learned.
When temperatures drop, water can freeze and expand inside pipes, creating enough pressure to burst. When our sink stopped working, the building management sent a plumber who said the exterior of the building appeared unfinished without proper installation. Shocker.
He advised us to leave the faucets on and wait, but the pipes burst the very next day, flooding the entire lower level of the apartment. Now, our downstairs is gutted, furniture is drenched and the bathroom is unusable. That’s when I realized I should have thought twice about ‘churn-and-burn’ construction… and kept an emergency kit on hand.
Landlords and developers might leave you out to dry, so it’s up to you to be prepared when extreme weather strikes. Below, I’ve rounded up a couple of simple items that I’m glad I had during the crisis, plus some smart monitors that could help prevent future weather-related home disasters.
With NYC temperatures expected to stay below freezing for the next few weeks, now is the time to prepare your home for emergencies. Below, find three essentials to add to that list.
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Between juggling calls with restoration specialists and insurance agents, I’ve been taking moisture readings like there’s no tomorrow. Mold can germinate within 48 hours of water exposure, making it very important to act fast in the event of a flood or a leak.
Luckily, our neighbors had this handy moisture meter — a leftover from the last time the building flooded— which detects relative moisture levels in walls and floors after leaks or flooding using electromagnetic field (EMF) technology. It’s simple to use, easy to read and if you have to deal with your insurance adjuster down the line, the readings can back up your claims.
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Someone was downstairs when the pipe burst in my home, and water began pouring out from the ceilings and walls — it was pretty impossible to miss. Still, I can’t help but imagine what could have happened if nobody had been home.
A smart security system like SimpliSafe is a wonderful investment for any homeowner, especially in the unpredictable winter months. This system has motion sensors detecting motion within 35 feet and a 90-degree field of view, so it can blanket a whole room when placed in the corner.
If an emergency does strike, users can tap the Panic Button, which instantly triggers a siren and dispatches emergency services. For added security, SimpliSafe offers a Core Monitoring plan that provides professional, 24/7 oversight — so their agents can watch over even when you can’t.
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Most of us know it’s standard practice to keep the heat on to prevent frozen, burst pipes during a cold streak. However, smart thermostats like the Google Nest go a step beyond that.
The Google Nest has built-in HVAC monitoring, which tracks your heating and cooling system in real-time and sends an immediate alert if something seems wrong. They’re also programmable, which could help you save on your heating and cooling bills.
Through the Google Home app, users can manage the temperature inside their homes from anywhere. Whether you’re out of town or overseeing another property, this is a solid investment for the extra peace of mind — and it’s currently on sale for 20% off.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.